From Good Will Hunting to Forrest Gump: 10 Hollywood movies to lift your spirits

Dead Poet’s Society

The movie follows the lives of students of Welton Academy, an elite private boy’s school. The new but unconventional English teacher encourages them to seize the day, embrace freedom, follow their passion and value kinship.

Gifted

The film revolves around Mary Adler, a child prodigy being raised by her uncle Frank Adler, who tries to give her a normal childhood despite her extraordinary mathematical abilities. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when Frank’s mother discovers Mary’s genius and attempts to separate them in order to nurture her talent. The story highlights the importance of love, family, emotional well-being, and allowing children to grow at their own pace

A Beautiful Mind

A Beautiful Mind chronicles the life of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash, who struggles to cope with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to game theory, a concept that revolutionised modern economics. The film also beautifully portrays the unwavering support of his wife Alicia, to whom Nash ultimately dedicates his Nobel Prize.

An Imitation Game

An Imitation Game stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician who helped decrypt encrypted German intelligence messages for Britain during World War II. The film celebrates perseverance, and the courage to stay true to oneself.

The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything is a moving biographical drama based on Jane Hawking’s memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen. The film portrays the relationship between renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, played by Eddie Redmayne, and his wife Jane Hawking, played by Felicity Jones.

Whiplash

Whiplash follows Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer who relentlessly strives for perfection under the ruthless mentorship of conductor Terence Fletcher. The film shows the sacrifices, discipline, and obsession needed to achieve greatness.

Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks plays Forrest Gump, a kind-hearted man who stays honest and true to himself despite life’s many challenges. The film is a powerful reminder that sincerity, perseverance, and goodness can sometimes lead to extraordinary things in life.

The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness is an emotional and inspiring drama about Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who raises his young son as a single parent. Despite facing poverty, homelessness and constant hardships, he refuses to give up on his dream of building a better life for his child.