Image: Public Domain, Morguefile

Over the years I’ve watched a fair number of self-help, spiritual and inspirational movies. Some of them were really good, some fair, and some I wish I hadn’t watched. I keep looking for new films because there are days when I just need a pick-me-up, or something to get me thinking in new and more productive ways. Since it can be hard to find movies that aren’t just a load of nonsense or thinly-veiled pitches for you to buy something, I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you. I’ll also share a few I’m considering, and if you’ve seen them, you can offer your opinions.

The Secret

This is the one that got a lot of people started on the self-improvement path, including me. In the beginning it seemed pretty revolutionary, and I learned a lot from it. Looking back on it I think it’s a little lacking on detail and actionable steps, but it’s still worth watching.

I Am

Eric and I both enjoyed this one a lot. Tom Shadyac tells his story of going from a successful career and a life of excess to living happily in a trailer park and living a life of real meaning. He goes over a lot of things regarding how people are connected, and how each of us is not only what’s wrong with the world, but what could be right with it.

The Shift

This is another good one, with some celebrity faces you’ll recognize. It tells a story of letting go of our ego, need to be right, and need to acquire, so that we can focus on becoming more loving and living a life of real meaning. The intertwining stories make for a movie that’s enjoyable, uplifting and educational.

Peaceful Warrior

I never thought a person could use the terms “inspirational” and “Nick Nolte” in the same sentence, but there you have it. This is the story of a talented gymnast who suffers a serious injury and must learn to overcome while learning some valuable life lessons about what truly matters. The author of the book says this: “There are apparently millions of people today who find comfort in metaphysical and so-called “quantum” ideas that promise to help them attract all manner of good things by intending, focusing or thinking positively. The Peaceful Warrior’s way is a call to move from wishful thinking to constructive action. In other words, it’s fine to have big dreams, but our lives are shaped by what we actually do, moment to moment.”

What The Bleep Do We Know?

This one is a look at quantum mechanics, put in a way that the average Joe can understand. It’s educational, but it’s actually touching and even really funny in parts, so it’s not just boring science. Some people trashed this film for not being scientific enough, but I think the point was to get people interested in quantum physics and to get them thinking about how things work in the world. Eric and I enjoyed it enough that we watched in more than once so we could catch parts we missed and have more interesting and thought-provoking conversations.

Kumare

I haven’t seen this one yet. The reviews are surprisingly good for a movie of this type, but something in the trailer really made me wonder if it was something good or just nonsense. Has anyone seen it?

“A provocative social experiment-turned-documentary, KUMARE follows American filmmaker Vikram Gandhi as he transforms himself into a wise Indian guru, hoping to prove the absurdity of blind faith. Instead, he finds himself forging profound connections with people from all walks of life — and wondering if and when to reveal his true self. Will his followers accept his final teaching? Can this illusion reveal a greater spiritual truth? Winner of South by Southwest’s Audience Award, KUMARE is an insightful look at faith and belief.”

The Thought Exchange

I’m not sure if this one would be good, or just another rehashing of the “what you think is what you get” idea that I’ve heard a million times.

“The Thought Exchange is a simple yet profound way of looking at the world, that allows us to understand and experience the truth about who we really are, where we really live, what we really want, and how to have that all the time.”

Are there any movies (especially actual films rather that a bunch of interviews) that you think are particularly uplifting or good for those wanting to improve their lives? Please share.

Briana Blair

Briana Blair is an author and artisan. She has published more then 30 books and thousands of articles across multiple sites. After practicing Paganism and witchcraft for 25 years, she's now on a journey as an atheist and skeptic. She's eclectic, unpredictable, and always evolving. Facebook - Twitter