All great movies have a hidden message. Here are my top 10 famous films that convey a valuable life lesson:
1. "Cast Away"
On board a FedEx plane for business, Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) soon finds himself stranded and all alone on a deserted island. This film teaches that no matter how bad situations get, you cannot give up on yourself. Chuck Noland had to find his inner strength to carry on even though his situation looked impossible. Do he and Wilson (his friend volleyball) make it off the island alive? If you haven't seen this movie you need to sit down and watch it immediately. It might just be your new favorite.
2. "The Guardian"
Becoming a United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is no easy task. Just ask Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) who is being trained by Ben Randall (Kevin Costner) to do one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Fischer's cockiness may rub some people the wrong way, but he pursued his dream. This movie teaches that even though the road ahead may look rocky, you are able to do whatever you set your mind to. Hard work pays off!
3. "The Shawshank Redemption"
Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is wrongly accused of murder and is sentenced to Shawshank State Penitentiary. While there he becomes friends with Red (Morgan Freeman) and makes a very positive impact on the rather dreary place. Dufresne's intelligence and capabilities are vastly underestimated, which make it possible for him to plan his escape. This movie teaches to always focus on what we know is right. Don't let others pin you as something that you're not. Do Andy and Red ever get to be friends outside of those walls? Check it out!
4. "Sweet Home Alabama"
Melanie Smooter (Reese Witherspoon) is an Alabama native who became a big time fashion designer in New York City. Somehow she forgot to divorce her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart Jake Perry (Josh Lucas) before she got engaged to a man from New York. After coming home to Alabama to finalize her divorce that should've been completed a long time ago, she runs into her old lover, Jake. Melanie pretends to be something that she's not but she quickly learns that you can never forget where you come from. This movie teaches you to be proud of your roots and stay true to who you are. You'll definitely love this film if you've never seen it!
5. "Miracles From Heaven"
A seemingly normal Texas family has their world flipped upside down when one of their daughters becomes deathly ill. With no local doctors able to tell her parents what her condition is, they fly to Boston to get a second opinion. After months of hospital visits, the young girl's incurable condition takes a turn. This movie teaches you to keep your faith with God. No matter what life throws at you, you have to keep fighting and know that God is in control. If you are in the mood for an emotional movie that will have you counting your blessings, this is the one for you.
6. "Forest Gump"
Born with leg problems that caused him to be bullied as a child, Forest Gump goes on to become a successful human being in all aspects of life. He played college football, served in the army, started his own business, and married the love of his life. All his life people told him that he couldn't do the things he wanted. Seeming almost accidental at times, he proved the pessimists wrong. This movie teaches you to never listen to the negativity in the world. Everyone has an opinion and most people express them even if they are hurtful to others. Brush it off your shoulder and keep on going.
7. "Evan Almighty"
New Congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) seems to have the perfect life that he has always dreamed of until he starts getting strange deliveries to his doorstep and keeps seeing the numbers 6:14 on different objects. It eventually dawns on him to look up Genesis 6:14 in the Bible and what he finds in that verse is the plot for the rest of the film. After fighting it for awhile, Evan Baxter finally gave in and followed what God was leading him to do... no matter how strange it seemed. This movie teaches you to always listen to what God is telling you. Even if He is leading you to do something that seems out of this world or something that is different from what you had planned, follow Him because He knows best.
8. "The Pursuit of Happyness"
Chris Gardner (Will Smith) and his son are on their own with very little money. Scrounging for a few bucks while staying in a different place every night did not falter Chris Garnder's determination. His situation only made him work harder so that he could provide a better life for his son. This movie teaches that hard work does indeed pay off. You cannot give up just because your situation is tough and there seems to be no way out of it. When you hit rock bottom you can only go up.
9. "The Bucket List"
Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman), who was diagnosed with cancer, decided to make a bucket list while in the hospital. He knew that he only had limited time to live and decided to make the best of it. His hospital roommate and him set off on the adventure of a lifetime to do things that they have always dreamed of doing. This movie teaches to do what you want to do no matter what. Even if a deadly disease such as cancer is playing a role on your life expectancy, do not let it hold you back. Follow your dreams!
10. "The Blindside"
The true story of Michael Oher is an inspiring one. Living in poverty for the majority of his childhood made him develop a sheltered personality and fall behind in his education. Upon meeting the Tuohy family, Michael's life completely changes. This movie teaches you that no matter where you come from or what your past was like, you can become something great. Although Michael's situation was not ideal in the beginning, he was blessed tremendously and was able to become a successful adult.
If you have not seen all of these movies you are missing out on something special. Each one is unique but somehow relays a meaningful message to the audience. I wish I could pick a favorite but that would be too hard. These films are wonderfully made.
