With final exams fast approaching, it can sometimes be hard to stay motivated. Whether you're pressed for time, manning the procrastination station, or worried about what you're going to do after graduation, here is a list of the top ten songs, and speeches in films to help you get your head back in the game!
10. "Make A Man Out Of You" - Mulan
Leave it to Disney to write one of the catchiest motivational tunes of our time. This Disney ballad is sung by Shang, as he preps Mulan and the rest of the troops to fight the invading Huns. The song is more or less a sort of tough love take on motivation. While many might consider this non-applicable and misogynistic when you replace the word "man" with whatever it is you want to achieve, that army of Huns that is your final exam might shrink after a quick listen.
9. "Valley of the Shadow of Death" - Deep Blue Sea
"Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Because I carry a big stick and I'm the meanest motherf***er in the valley! Two sharks down, Lord! One demon fish to go! Can I get an Amen? "
Renny Harlin's Shark Film, "Deep Blue Sea" hit theaters in 1999. LL Cool Jay plays a highly religious Chef at an aquatic facility where scientists are working on a cure for Alzheimer's. While there are many comedic scenes involving Cool J In the film, his speech is hands down, one of the most bad ass quotes in the film. The quote itself is a longer version of a quote by General Patton and later adapted for the 1989 film "Casualties of War". While Exams aren't exactly Sharks, they do have a tendency to creep up on you and when you get one out of the way, it often gives you the confidence to knock out any others as well.
8. "Duel Of The Fates" - John Williams.
Many experts recommend listening to classical music during study sessions to improve performance. Duel of the fates was the song composed by John Williams to be used during the Lightsaber Duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. This "Star Wars" masterpiece is bound to make you feel empowered and keep your brain active. While I can promise that this might help you slice through those exams like Obi-wan sliced through Darth Maul, I can't promise you won't feel as dead as Quigon after a week of all-nighters.
7. "Kings Men" - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
In this particular scene from the "Pirates" franchise, Barbarossa is informing the men that they will be sailing through mermaid waters. Naturally, one of the sailors can't deal and he hurls himself overboard. Captain Barbossa quickly takes charge of the situation stating while he can't ask the men for any more than each man can deliver, he only asks that they acknowledge that they are kings men on the king's mission. In other words, "Remember who you are, know what your job is and do it. "
This is a powerful message in times when we are over thinking things and over analyzing test or assignments. All that matters is what is asked of you and how much time you have to accomplish that task.
6. "We've Already Won" - Walking Dead
This Rick Grimes speech is the embodiment of having a positive attitude no matter what. Rick delivers his speech to survivors of Alexandria, Hilltop, and The Kingdom knowing full well that they could all die during the conflict. But Rick knows in his heart of hearts that he would rather die than live another day under Negan's thumb. In his speech, he states that "We start tomorrow now," meaning the future you want, everything you are hoping for is right there in front of you. All you need to do is work up the courage to reach out and take it. Even if you fail, you're more of a winner than people that refuse to try.
5. "Theon's Speech" - Game of Thrones.
Say What you want about the Greyjoys, but their motto is one that speaks to everyone who has ever wanted to accomplish anything. "What is dead may never die, but rises again harder and stronger." Prior to giving his speech, Theon knows that the Northmen outside the walls of Winterfell outnumber his force of 20 men. Still, he refuses to yield and delivers what I feel to be one of the most powerful speeches in the history of Game of Thrones. Of course, he does get knocked out at the end, which is probably what you'll do immediately after completing your exam.
4. "Tyrions" - Speech Battle of The Blackwater
Another "Game of Thrones" speech, Tyrion takes command of the defending forces after Joffrey retreats like the insufferable child he is. Tyrion tells the men not to fight for honor or glory or riches because they won't get any. They fight for something far greater, their right to live. School can be the same way not in the literal sense but in the sense that you study hard for exams so that you can graduate and move on to the next chapter. The message isn't that fighting for something isn't worth it, but you alone determine your worth and what it is you're fighting for.
3. "Ennio Morricone" - The Ecstacy of Gold
There is a reason that this song is featured in sports montages and multiple television commercials. This popular music composition from 'The Good The Bad And the Ugly' holds true to its name in that hearing it will make you feel glorious.
2. Aragon's Speech: The Black Gate 'Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King'.
Any true fan of the Lord of the Rings is familiar with this iconic moment towards the end of this Iconic trilogy. Aragorn and the men of of Gondor and Rohan make a final stand against the forces of Sauron to bide Frodo and Sam enough time to drop the ring of power into the fires of mount doom. Before leading the charge, he delivers tells his men that though they are afraid this is not the end and that you must endure in the name of all you hold dear.
Honorable Mentions
1. The President's Speech- Independence Day.
This speech from the 1990s film has it all. Power, Patriotism, and above all else a sense of optimism that things will play out in your favor. While we aren't exactly fighting aliens, the sense that we are fighting for our right to live holds true for college students. College students are perhaps the greatest example of the American Dream. We embark on the journey for different reasons and in different circumstances but in the end, we all want the same thing, a slice of the pie. Whether you are a kid pursuing an education to create the next great masterpiece or corporate empire or a man going to grad school to create a better life for his growing family, all that matters is getting a slice of that pie. Fighting for your right to pursue what matters most. So study hard and remind anyone who doubts you that you will not go quietly into the night. You will do all you can to keep your dream alive. So go out there and crush those goals! Seize the day, and when you overcome, celebrate your triumphs as your own independence day!
