Life is full of challenges and obstacles, and developing the ability to keep pushing forward despite setbacks is a crucial component of success. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 10 movies that will inspire and motivate kids to keep persevering towards their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
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Akeelah and the Bee (2006) PG
In the 2006 film Akeelah and the Bee, we follow the story of Akeelah Anderson, a young girl from South Los Angeles with a passion for words and a dream of competing in the National Spelling Bee. The movie captures Akeelah’s journey as she faces various obstacles that test her abilities and her resilience.
Despite facing resistance from her community and her family, Akeelah remains undeterred in her pursuit of her goals. She receives help from unexpected sources, including Dr. Joshua Larabee, played by Laurence Fishburne, who becomes her mentor and coach. Under his guidance, Akeelah learns valuable life lessons such as discipline, hard work, and determination.
The story of Akeelah and the Bee is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-belief and perseverance in the face of adversity. The movie inspires viewers to pursue their passions and dreams, no matter the obstacles that may stand in their way.
Rudy (1993) PG
Rudy is a biographical sports film that tells the incredible story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a young man with a big dream of playing football for Notre Dame. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including his small size and lack of experience, Rudy never loses sight of his goal.
Throughout the film, we witness Rudy’s struggles as he faces rejection from Notre Dame’s admissions office and ridicule from his teammates. However, Rudy’s unwavering determination and perseverance ultimately earn him a spot on the team and the chance to fulfill his dream.
The movie is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Rudy’s story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, and it inspires viewers to never give up on their own dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
The Karate Kid (1984) PG
The Karate Kid is a timeless classic that has inspired generations of children to overcome obstacles and never give up. The story follows a young boy named Daniel who moves to a new city and faces bullying from his peers. With the guidance of his wise mentor Mr. Miyagi, Daniel learns the importance of discipline, hard work, and determination.
One of the movie’s most memorable scenes is when Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel how to wax cars as a form of martial arts training. This seemingly mundane task teaches Daniel the importance of attention to detail and the value of hard work. This lesson serves as a powerful reminder that success often requires perseverance, even in the face of seemingly tedious or difficult tasks.
Overall, The Karate Kid is a heartwarming and inspiring film that encourages children to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face. The movie’s message of perseverance and hard work is timeless and applicable to anyone, regardless of age or circumstance.
Finding Nemo (2003) G
Finding Nemo is a beloved children’s movie that explores the theme of perseverance through the eyes of a little clownfish named Nemo. The movie takes viewers on an epic adventure as Nemo’s father, Marlin, crosses the ocean to find his son who has been taken to an aquarium in a dentist’s office.
As Marlin encounters various obstacles along the way, he learns the importance of never giving up and the value of determination. He also meets new friends who help him on his journey, including Dory, a forgetful fish with a heart of gold.
Finding Nemo teaches children that even when faced with difficult challenges, they should never give up hope. The movie emphasizes the power of perseverance and the importance of having a positive attitude, which are essential skills for success in all aspects of life.
Soul Surfer (2011) PG
Soul Surfer is an awe-inspiring movie that portrays the incredible true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer who lost her arm in a vicious shark attack. Despite the overwhelming physical and emotional trauma, Bethany refused to let her dreams of surfing competitively fade away. The movie showcases her tenacity and perseverance in the face of immense adversity, as she worked tirelessly to regain her strength and return to the ocean.
Soul Surfer teaches kids about the importance of resilience and the power of positive thinking. Bethany’s unwavering determination and courage inspire viewers to never give up on their passions, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Additionally, the film highlights the importance of having a supportive network of family and friends who can offer encouragement and guidance during tough times.
Watching Soul Surfer is a great way for kids to learn about overcoming adversity and developing a growth mindset. It sends a powerful message that with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter what life throws their way.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) PG-13
The Pursuit of Happyness is a powerful movie that showcases the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The film follows the story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who faces homelessness and financial difficulties while caring for his young son. Despite these challenges, he remains determined to provide a better life for his family and sets out to become a successful stockbroker.
The movie teaches children about the importance of perseverance, as Chris never loses sight of his goals despite facing numerous obstacles. It also emphasizes the importance of having a positive attitude towards life, even during the most difficult of times. Additionally, it highlights the significance of family support and the role it plays in helping individuals overcome adversity.
The Pursuit of Happyness serves as a source of inspiration for children, teaching them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. The film encourages them to have a growth mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Ultimately, it is a movie that reminds us all that success is possible if we are willing to persevere and never give up on our dreams.
Rocky (1976) PG
Rocky is an iconic film that teaches a powerful lesson about perseverance. The story centers around Rocky Balboa, an amateur boxer who is given the opportunity to fight the reigning heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. Despite being seen as an underdog and facing numerous obstacles along the way, Rocky never gives up and trains tirelessly with the help of his trainer, Mickey Goldmill. His determination and hard work ultimately pay off as he goes the distance with Creed and earns the respect of the boxing world.
The movie also emphasizes the importance of having a support system during difficult times. Rocky’s girlfriend, Adrian, stands by him throughout his training and the fight, providing him with the emotional support he needs to keep going. This highlights the significance of having people who believe in us and encourage us to persevere when things get tough.
Rocky is an inspiring film that teaches kids about the power of perseverance and hard work. It shows them that with dedication and a positive attitude, they can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. Moreover, it encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities, even when others doubt them.
Mulan (1998) G
Mulan is an empowering movie that shows kids the value of perseverance. The film tells the story of a young woman who must pretend to be a man to serve in the Chinese army during a time of war. Mulan faces immense challenges along the way, from enduring rigorous training to battling enemies on the front lines, but she never gives up on her mission to protect her family and country.
One of the most important lessons Mulan teaches kids is that strength comes from within. Despite being told that she’s not good enough or strong enough, Mulan refuses to back down and proves her worth through hard work and determination. This message encourages children to believe in themselves and to never let others define their limitations.
Additionally, Mulan emphasizes the importance of making sacrifices to achieve one’s goals. Mulan puts her own safety at risk to serve in the army, and her bravery inspires others to follow in her footsteps. Through this, kids learn that sometimes achieving great things means making tough choices and putting in the extra effort.
Overall, Mulan is a powerful movie that inspires kids to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles with perseverance and bravery. It teaches them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible, and that
Up (2009) PG
Up is a touching film that follows the adventures of Carl, an old man who decides to chase his lifelong dream of seeing South America. The movie shows children how to persevere in pursuing their goals and dreams, even when they face many challenges and difficulties. Carl has to overcome various obstacles on his journey, such as a young boy named Russell, who tags along with him, and a group of talking dogs who work for a villain. Carl never loses sight of his mission and never stops trying.
One scene that illustrates perseverance very well is when Carl and Russell have to carry their house, which is attached to thousands of helium balloons, across the wild landscape of South America. They encounter many dangers and hardships on their way, but they never quit. Even when they reach a point where it seems hopeless to continue, they find a way to keep moving forward.
Up is a motivational movie that teaches children about resilience and perseverance. It shows them that life can be tough sometimes, but they should never give up on their dreams and never lose hope – just like Carl did in his own journey.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) PG
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a movie that shows kids how to persevere in a creative way. The main character, Walter Mitty, is a regular guy who has a remarkable imagination. He escapes into his fantasy world where he experiences thrilling adventures while he lives his boring life. However, when his job and personal life are in danger, Walter goes on a real-life adventure to save the day.
As Walter overcomes various obstacles during his adventure, he discovers the value of perseverance and determination. He doesn’t quit even when things get hard and keeps moving forward towards his goal. This message inspires kids who may have their own difficulties in life and need encouragement to keep going.
Overall, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a uplifting movie that motivates kids to use their imaginations and never give up on their dreams. It tells them that anything is achievable if they have the bravery to chase it with determination and perseverance.
By watching movies that showcase the power of perseverance, children can learn valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the rewards that come with hard work. These 10 inspiring films not only entertain, but also teach important life lessons that can help shape our children’s future.
As parents, watching these movies with our kids can spark meaningful conversations about goal-setting, facing challenges, and never losing sight of our dreams. Let’s dive in and discover the power of perseverance through the lens of these captivating films.
