Best 14 Movies that change your perspective on life

Get ready to pierce into a beckoning realm of cinema. This provoking silver screen has immense power to outshine basic entertainment and become your sage companion. This list will liberate your heart and mind and give it a space to breathe freely.

From tales of resilience in the face of adversity to explorations of love, loss, and the search for meaning, each film on our list offers a unique perspective that has the potential to shift your worldview.

Movies that change your perspective on life

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Director: Peter Weir

Dead Poets Society is Robin Williams’s masterclass. The film is set in 1959 at the Welton Academy. It narrates the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through poetry. The teacher uses unorthodox methods to evoke a positive impact on his students. Lost because of pressure from school and parents. It led to the formation of a group called the Dead Poets Society.

The film plot is simple but the story isn’t, neither is the journey of its characters. Each character faces challenges to find a purpose to break free of the social shell that captivates them.

This movie is sad sometimes, but through this sadness comes realization. You will look at your life and wonder, what have you been doing? What are you living? What’s your dream? These questions will bring you closer to life. This movie will give you insight and empower your emotions. Miss your lunch but do not miss this film. It is one of those movies that change your perspective on life.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Director: Frank Darabont

“Prison can hold you prisoner
Hope can set you free”

The film depicts the importance of hope and redemption. Its two main characters are Andy (Tim Robbins) and Ellis Redding (Morgan Freeman). Andy is sent to Shawshank State Penitentiary. He is accused of the murder of his wife and her lover. In prison, he meets Ellis. Their bond becomes stronger. Andy hopes to break out of prison while Ellis awaits.

Shawshank Redemption is one of the most favorite films. This is Frank Darabont’s debut directorial film. It will always be short of words to define its greatness. The story radiates with sadness, hope, and desperation. There are certain plotholes. But that didn’t stop it from being one of the all-time greats. The film conveys a message far superior to what many films struggle with. My only regret is that I did not watch this film sooner.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Director: Michel Gondry

Did you recently have a break-up? Then stop everything and watch this movie now! This perfect blend of romance and science fiction will change everything about your perspective of life. This film will transcend your heartbreak into glory.

Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) fall in love with each other. As time passes, their relationship becomes unhealthy. They get into the procedure to erase each other from their memory. As their memory starts vanishing, Joel realizes his ineffable love for Clementine.

Joel and Clementine’s decision to erase each other from their respective memories is intriguing. The mind-blowing concept of the film raises significant implications for us. It is one of those heart-breaking films that will resonate in every people’s heart for a lifetime. Its emotional theme puts it among movies that change your perspective on life.

While watching this film. I was a little worried regarding Jim Carrey’s facial expression. But thank god! It was all good! Don’t be delusional by the fact that it is a romantic film. It’s philosophical, it’s romantic, it’s sci-fi and it’s mixed very well!

Forest Gump (1994)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get”
Based on a novel by Winston Groom, the film explores the life of Forest Gump (Tom Hanks), whose IQ level is only 75. Bullied for his curved spine, Forest runs away from a group of children. But his leg braces break off. This accident blesses him with an ability to outrun everyone with his speed.
The movie starts with Forest Gump narrating his story to train passengers. He resounds inspirational moments throughout the journey of his life. From becoming a star in college football to taking part in the Vietnam War, the film offers an alluring love story of Gump and his childhood friend, Jenny.

The film relates to the theme of love and how joy can be attained with a pure heart and simplicity. Its delicate storylines unfold a secret to inner happiness. Forest’s insights show us different perspectives of our lives which are inimitable.

Winston Groom’s novel “Forest Gump” wasn’t popular when it first came out. But after the adaptation, the book became popular, selling millions of copies.

The Truman Show (1998)

Director: Peter Weir

Truman Burbank is a simple and ordinary man. He is in a reality show set since his birth, and people and people have been watching it from the outside world. Truman is unknown about this show.
Him ever since. Truman lives inside a huge studio and very few people living inside this dome are actors except him.

The film transcends from a normal story of a man to Burbank after he starts sensing something odd with his environment. He finally realizes he has been living a life of lies and delusions. All this is an act and people close to him aren’t real. Finally, he decides to sail with the boat he always wanted to. In the film’s final stage, Truman finally finds the shell that has stood as a wall between him and the real world.

Its compelling and unique idea about freedom is praiseworthy. Truman’s escape from the studio brings out thought-provoking questions about our existence and reality. This is us living inside a shell that congests our freedom in life. The movie provides a tool for us to have the courage to question our world—one of the best Jim Carrey movies.

In our list of movies that change your perspective on life, this is a different. It raises questions of existence and our boundaries.

Life of Pi (2012)

Director: Ang Lee

Somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 16 years old, Pi Patel is stranded in a boat for 227 days. Richard Parker is a Bengal Tiger who shares his company. Pi’s full name is Piscine Molitor Patel. He later changed his name to ‘Pi’ to avoid bullying. During a tragic incident, his parents are killed and he is thrown into a lifeboat.

Pi narrates his entire story to a writer in Canada. He replaces human characters with animals. But the insurance agents take their interests off his story. In response, the writer navigates the story. He writes, that Pi survived this journey “In the company of an adult Bengal Tiger”

This Riveting story explores how psychological beliefs can have a big impact on one’s life. Pi, despite having a troubled time always had faith in god. He believed god was always watching over him. The film shows how individuals can tackle barriers that try to dismantle their personal beliefs.

Our protagonist changes as a person when he is in the situation to kill a flying fish for his survival. What will he do next? One of the best movies that change your perspective on life. Go watch it and discover a new pattern of human psychology.

The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)

Director: Gabriele Muccino

The film’s title comes from the United States Declaration of Independence. A phrase implying that happiness is everyone’s right and opportunities are important. Through its memoir narrative, the film delves into the story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith). Gardner has walked the street homeless for more than a year along with his son, Christopher Jr.

Gardner walks with the hope of selling his self-owned scanners. Luckily, he meets Jay Twistle in a taxi. A famous scene takes place where Gardner solves the Rubik’s cube puzzle. He impresses Jay Twistle, a lead manager for Dean Witter Reynolds. His life changes after Twistle offers Chris a chance to become an intern stockbroker.

The film shows the importance of hard work and perseverance. It is our never giving up attitude that will reward us with gifts and make dreams come true. Everyone deserves a better life but everyone must work for it.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Director: Gus Van Sant

Goodwill Hunting stands out in the zone, which many people are insecure and refuse to talk about. This film’s insight into love, hopes, regrets, and heartbreaks opens new pathways to our conscience. Matt Daemon and Robin Williams’s brilliant chemistry gives a delicate experience overall. Goodwill Hunting is one of the best among the movies that change your perspective on life.

Will (Matt Daemon) is a genius mathematician. Despite his gift of math, he seems lost and withdrawn from his life purpose. To give his life direction, meets a psychologist. The two characters’ meeting does not go well at first. Will gets into a fight with a gang who used to bully him during his childhood. He is then taken to therapy but ends up making a mockery of the therapist (Robin Williams).

Even after 20 years of release, this movie enchants as a modern classic. It owns two Academy Awards, Matt Daemon and Robin Williams for the Best Original Screenplay. The film had an impressive box office collection of $225,933,435 worldwide. This film in our list of Movies that change your perspective on life will help everyone change for the better. It is a calm and soothing movie. Watch it before it’s too late.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Director: Ron Howard

A Beautiful Mind is a mesmerizing and heart-wrenching bio-drama film that delves into the life of John Nash (Russel Crowe). The film takes us on an exhilarating journey through the inimitable mind of John Nash. His achievement in game theory is groundbreaking despite suffering from mental illness.

The movie demonstrates the rise of John Nash. It also artistically ponders his complexities. It takes a huge turn when John starts a war with schizophrenia. A mental illness that threatens not only his career but his loved ones as well. It adds an emotional tone to the story that grips into the character of John Nash.

Russel Crowe’s embodiment of Nash’s character is flawless. Ron Howard’s meticulous direction creates a visually astonishing experience. The film resonates with generations with its inspiring message, heartrending emotion, and positivity. Many viewers questioned the film for concealing Nash’s dark background. But it is well-praised and remembered for stunning visuals. The film also tells the epic tale of endurance and has made it to the honorable list of Movies that change your perspective on life.

Fight Club (1999)

Director: David Fincher

An unnamed narrator (Edward Norton) creates a strong alter ego of himself. Suffering from insomnia, the narrator attends a group to cope with his illness. After meeting his alter ego Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), they plan to form an underground fight club. It evolves into a much darker movement.

Fight Club is a Psychological thriller. It is based on a novel by Chuck Palahniuk. The film is known for its stunning visuals and atmospheric tone.

Even after decades of its release, the film has been able to make a ground impact on its audience. It has superb visuals and a mind-bending plot. The ability to facilitate questions on social standards has made this a cult classic.

This movie is one of the greatest in our lists of Movies that change your perspective on life. The film changes life’s perspectives on social conformity. It also advocates for individual freedom. To live a fulfilling and liberated life, one needs to break away from the expectations and constraints of society. It induces the audience to seek authenticity and revise their pursuit of external validation.

3 Idiots (2009)

Director: Rajkumar Hirani

3 Idiots is one of the greatest movies in Bollywood’s history. This coming-of-age comedy delves into the story of three engineering students. They develop a strong bond that helps them tackle challenges. All three of the main characters come from different economic backgrounds. Their conditioning obstructs them from achieving their dream.

Farhan wants to be a photographer but his stubborn dad wants him to be an engineer. Raju on the other hand faces economic backlash. The principal (Virus) wants to break the company of these three idiots for the betterment of Raju. This is where Raju’s role comes in. He shows the other two the way to live a happy life and follow their passion despite social constraints.

In our list of Movies that change your perspective on life, 3 Idiots is must must-watch if you are a student.
This movie is so intriguing that even if we watch it for the 100th time, it never gets boring. It depicts the ordinary life of a college student and turns it into an extraordinary story. The movie is rich in comedy and drama. Every student in every corner of this world must watch this thought-provoking movie.

Into The Wild (2007)

Director: Sean Penn

“Happiness is only real when shared”
It is a biographical adventure movie based on a novel by Jon Krakauer. The story follows the journey of a man, Christopher Johnson McCandless. He is a university graduate giving all his $24000 savings to charity. Chris also abandons all material possessions to go out and live in the wilderness.

Christopher meets various characters and undergoes challenges that help shape his life. The bone-chilling fact about this film had me biting my nails when I found it is based on a true story.

The movie’s emphasis is on freedom and the minimalistic nature of mankind. It metaphorically intertwines with his love of nature. It explores themes of self-discovery, courage, happiness, and materialism. It will change your perspective on life by showing you your worth, values, and aspirations. The film shows the difference between freedom and societal attachments.

This movie is sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience. The tale of every movie that changes your perspective on life shows you the importance of dreams and this movie adds solitude. Go and watch this movie and watch it until its memory, soreness, and its poignant story inspire you.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Director: Clint Eastwood

The movie stars Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman. It delves into the journey of an amateur female boxer, Maggie, and her relationship with her trainer, Frankie Dunn. Maggie’s trainer helps her achieve success in the world of boxing.

Maggie is knocked by an illegal punch from her opponent, Billie Osterman during a $1M match. She breaks her neck also severely damaging her spinal cord.

The film’s ending will leave an ever-lasting impact of melancholy when Frankie fulfills the very last wish of his student. This sets a pathway for an audience to see through the heart of Frankie. This forces him to make the toughest decision of his life.

Million Dollars Baby digs deeper into human relationships and determination. It gives different perspectives on life’s uncertainties encouraging us to appreciate the present moments. In this list of movies that change your perspective on life, Million Dollars Baby will fuel your motivation.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Sam: “Why do I and everyone I love pick people who treat us like we’re nothing?”
Charlie: “We accept the love we think we deserve”

Charlie ( Logan Lerman) is the focus character in the movie. This conversation had an immense psychological impact on my personal life. My favorite conversation on this list.

The film explores the story of Charlie, an introverted high school freshman. He writes a letter to his “Anonymous” friend to cope with past trauma. Charlie feels left alone and uncomfortable with his new college life. He meets two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). He experiences the challenges of adolescence, heartbreak, and first love.

This movie is known for its poignant storytelling. The characters are well-drawn. Their performance comes in tune with the emotional dynamics of the film. It can bring big changes in perception towards life. Especially if you are going through a hard adolescence period. The film will impact your self-esteem and help you positively embrace life’s precious moments. A very thought-provoking Movies that change your perspective on life.