Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere.

The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere.

By Chris Snellgrove

and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

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January 2, 2026 10:00 a.m. ET

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Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'; Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'; Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'. Credit:

Glen Wilson/Netflix; Netflix (2)

Several inspiring movies on Netflix feature humans battling intense conditions, with some surviving against all odds. The characters on this list go to war — whether real or imaginary — with their circumstances and find a way to turn their adversities into their advantage.

You may never find yourself called upon to lead your country or pioneer a new path, but if you're in need of some gumption, these 17 movies will help light that spark within you. Here are the most inspiring movies streaming on Netflix right now.**

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

Nirmal Purja in '14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible'.

This documentary has the inspirational movie recipe memorized. Just take one ambitious climber (Nirmal Purja), a huge dream (trekking the world’s 14 highest mountains in only seven months), and let those simmer for around two hours.

Beyond the pulse-quickening story, this film largely succeeds thanks to the riveting footage shot by the expedition team. The other production efforts are still impressive, but nothing beats the raw experience of walking alongside those trying to make the impossible possible. *—Chris Snellgrove*

Where to watch *14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible*: Netflix

**Director:** Torquil Jones

**Cast:** Nirmal Purja

Becoming (2020)

Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'.

After Michelle Obama’s 2018 memoir became a best-seller, it was only a matter of time before it was adapted into a film. Director Nadia Hallgren had immense access to Obama, following her across a 34-city book tour and turning the introspective writing into a dynamic reflection of the author as the archetypal modern woman.

As EW's critic writes in the review, “[G]enerally, Obama comes across as she always has — commanding but approachable, thoughtful but funny, sincere but guarded. But after spending eight years in the White House glare, that guard is understandable.” *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Becoming*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Nadia Hallgren

**Cast:** Michelle Obama

The Black Godfather (2019)

Clarence Avant in 'The Black Godfather'.

Clarence Avant, a music producer affectionately dubbed the “Godfather of Black music,” mostly flew under the mainstream radar with his brilliant artistic contributions. This documentary aims to change that by chronicling an unbelievable life that reshaped the music industry and made waves in politics, discussions of race, and business. With appearances from big names like Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and even former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, this inspirational movie is the perfect send-off for Avant, who died in 2023. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Black Godfather*: Netflix

**Director: **Reginald Hudlin

**Cast: **Hank Aaron, Dina R. Andrews, Clarence Avant

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

Maxwell Simba as William Kamkwamba in 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind'.

*The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind* may be a film about wind power, but the story runs on pure optimism. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie follows the titular boy (Maxwell Simba) who is kicked out of school because his parents can’t afford tuition. This doesn’t keep him from secretly studying science, however, as he builds a windmill that can provide power for his humble village’s broken water pump. Inspirational and innovative, this film instantly harnesses your attention and affection. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind*: Netflix

**Director: **Chiwetel Ejiofor

**Cast:** Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lily Banda

Cast Away (2000)

Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'.

A meditation on grief, loss, and the passage of time, *Cast Away** *is the story of Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a FedEx systems analyst who survives a plane crash, and has to teach himself to live in isolation. Hanks was at the height of his acting career in the ‘90s, coming off back-to-back wins at the Oscars for *Philadelphia* (1993) and *Forrest Gump* (1994). In *Cast Away* he gives what is arguably an even better performance, performing opposite a volleyball for much of the script to incredible effect. A must-watch for Hanks fans, EW’s critic describes the film as being “about nothing so mesmerizing or so daring as its sustained attentiveness to the silent activity of a man engrossed in teaching himself how to survive.” *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Cast Away*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **Robert Zemeckis

**Cast: **Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy

The Greatest Night in Pop Music (2024)

Artists featured in 'The Greatest Night in Pop Music'.

Courtesy of Netflix

The ‘80s were a different time, man. Back then, you could convince 45 of the world’s biggest musical artists to spend one night recording a song, with all sales intended to help fight famine in Africa. The song — “We Are the World,” co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson — facilitated one of the biggest and most successful charitable collaborations in musical history, and the story of how that one night came to pass makes for a pretty great documentary.

Narrated by the living artists who participated in the recording, the film is a shining example of what can happen when celebrities combine their platforms for good, and its relevance is particularly strong today. Littered with pop culture anecdotes and musical history, *The Greatest Night in Pop *is a lovely reminder of the healing powers of music, and a moving tribute to the artists involved who have since died. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Greatest Night in Pop*: Netflix

**Director: **Bao Nguyen

**Cast:** Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis

Hustle (2022)

Juancho Hernangómez as Bo Cruz and Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman in 'Hustle'. Scott Yamano/Netflix

"Guys in their 50s don't have dreams," says Adam Sandler's character, Stanley Sugerman, in the sports film *Hustle*. "They have nightmares and eczema." Stanley is unwilling to admit it, but he hasn't given up on his fantasy of becoming an NBA coach, even though he's spent his life on the road working as an international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers.

But when Stanley's mentor dies, precipitating a changeup in the 76ers' front office, Stanley finds himself demoted back to talent scout. During a trip to Spain, he discovers Bo Cruz (former Toronto Raptors player Juancho Hernangómez), an unknown baller with an undeniable gift. But if Stanley is going to convince the league to take Bo seriously, both he and the budding athlete will need to put in some serious work. —*I.G.*

Where to watch *Hustle*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Director: **Jeremiah Zagar

**Cast: **Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Juancho Hernangómez, Ben Foster, Kenny Smith

Is That Black Enough For You?!? (2022)

Whoopi Goldberg in 'Is That Black Enough for You?!?'.

In the age of erroneous YouTube video essays, documentaries like *Is That Black Enough For You?!?* are more important than ever before. This Elvis Mitchell feature examines Black cinema (with an emphasis on 1970s Blaxploitation) and interviews stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, and Laurence Fishburne to help bridge generations of Black performers and media. The result is a carefully crafted, inspiring record of Black excellence at the movies. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Is That Black Enough For You?!?*: Netflix

**Director:** Elvis Mitchell

**Cast: **Margaret Avery, Harry Belafonte, Charles Burnett

Lionheart (2018)

Genevieve Nnaji as Adaeze Obiagu in 'Lionheart'.

Netflix/Everett Collection

Though it was sadly snubbed at the Academy Awards, Genevieve Nnaji’s *Lionheart* is still a breathtaking directorial debut. The film focuses on Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie), who must step down from running a company, and his daughter, Adaeze (Nnaji), who wants to take his place.

But after he chooses her brother instead, the pair must reconcile their resentment and cope with the practical fallout. Like some of the best inspirational movies, *Lionheart* weaves a captivating portrait with threads of loyalty, loss, and heartbreak. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Lionheart*: Netflix

**Director:** Genevieve Nnaji

**Cast:** Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh, Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo O. Kanayo

Little Miss Sumo (2018)

Hiyori Kon in 'Little Miss Sumo'.

This documentary short packs a lot into its 20-minute run time. *Little Miss Sumo* is the story of 20-year-old Hiyori Kon, one of the few female amateur sumo wrestlers competing in Japan. Tradition dictates that women are not allowed to enter the dohyō (wrestling ring). But Kon was a dominant sumo wrestler as a child, and refused to give up on the sport she loved as an adult.

*Little Miss Sumo* follows Kon as she competes in the 2018 Sumo World Championship, and does a great job of explaining the sport’s history and gendered limitations. Kon is a charming and determined subject, and *Little Miss Sumo* will leave you wanting to learn more about her and sumo wrestling. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Little Miss Sumo*: Netflix

**Director: **Matt Kay

**Cast:** Hiyori Kon

My Octopus Teacher (2021)

Craig Foster in 'My Octopus Teacher'.

*My Octopus Teacher *is a story of relationships, as told by a filmmaker who bonds with an octopus. Craig Foster spent a year free-diving and following the animal living in a South African kelp forest, and the more he understands her underwater way of life, the better he becomes at connecting with his son. This movie may be about a sea creature, but it's also an important story of humanity that is affecting, educational, and inspiring. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *My Octopus Teacher*: Netflix

**Directors:** Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed

**Cast:** Craig Foster, Tom Foster

The Only Girl in the Orchestra (2023)

Orin O'Brien in 'The Only Girl in the Orchestra'.

Courtesy of Netflix

In 1966, there were 104 members of the New York Philharmonic: 103 men and one woman. The woman’s name is Orin O’Brien, and she was hired by Leonard Bernstein to play double bass. As the first woman invited to perform in the orchestra, O’Brien’s incredible story as a pioneer within classical music was captured by her niece, filmmaker Molly O’Brien, and won the Best Documentary Short at the 2025 Oscars. The film is only 35 minutes long, but it packs a punch, allowing O’Brien to reflect on her love of craft and 55-year career with the Philharmonic, which ended when she retired in 2021. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Only Girl in the Orchestra*: Netflix

**Director: **Molly O'Brien

**Cast:** Orin O'Brien

The Other Shore (2013)

Diana Nyad in 'The Other Shore'. D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Marathon swimmer Diana Nyad had a dream: to perform an unassisted swim from Florida to Cuba, a never before accomplished feat. Starting in the 1970s and ending in the 2010s, Nyad's pursuit of this beyond-human endeavor offers more than a portrait of a standout athlete.

Nyad's journey from shore to shore — also immortalized in the 2023 sports drama *Nyad* starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster — tells the story of a person striving to overcome trauma and achieve greatness at great personal cost. A tale of determination, friendship, aging on one's own terms, and the resilience of the human spirit, *The Other Shore *is a story that will float to top of mind when you're least expecting it.* —I.G.*

Where to watch *The Other Shore*: Netflix

**Director: **Timothy Wheeler

**Cast: **Diana Nyad, Bonnie Stoll

Pelé (2021)

Pelé in 'Pelé'.

In certain corners of the world, the name of soccer (or should we say football?) star Pelé is spoken with the reverence reserved for saints. Because of this star power, it’s easy for even the biggest fans to lose sight of the real man, whose legend still grows by the day. Fortunately, this documentary blends interviews, games, and other archival footage into a heartfelt, honest portrait of the man behind the myth. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Pelé*: Netflix

**Directors: **Ben Nichols, David Tryhorn

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Race (2016)

Stephan James as Jesse Owens in 'Race'.

Thibault Grabherr/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

The story of Jesse Owens, played in this biographical sports drama by Stephan James, is a fascinating one. A college athlete out of Depression-era Cleveland, Owens makes enough of an impression on his Ohio State coach, Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), for Snyder to push him toward the Olympics. But the 1936 games — held in Berlin during the early years of the Third Reich — make for an uncomfortable setting for Owens as he attempts to fulfill his athletic dreams. The story of a young man attempting to outrun the racial and cultural forces seeking to limit his excellence, *Race *is an important addition to the sports movie canon. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Race*: Netflix

**Director: **Stephen Hopkins

**Cast: **Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, Carice van Houten, William Hurt

Rustin (2023)

Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin in 'Rustin'. David Lee/Netflix

*Rustin* is a biographical drama with an impeccable pedigree: It’s directed by George C. Wolfe, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground, and features great supporting actors like Chris Rock and Jeffrey Wright. Colman Domingo particularly shines as Bayard Rustin, a legendary LGBTQ+ activist who helped organize the March on Washington in 1963. He’s an often-overlooked figure, partially due to his sexuality, but this film helps further cement his place in American history. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Rustin*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **George C. Wolfe

**Cast:** Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald

Shirley (2024)

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'.

Glen Wilson/Netflix

According to Regina King, there are many elements of the biopic *Shirley *— the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to compete for a presidential nomination from a major political party — that were a long time coming. King stars as Chisholm opposite her own real-life sister, Reina King, with whom she co-produced the project. As Regina tells EW, the sisters chose *Shirley* “because we realized there were far too many people who didn’t even know her name.”

The film more than corrects this, detailing Chisholm’s inspiring attempt to secure the Democratic nomination in 1972, and drilling into the sexism and racism she had to overcome in order to win the respect of her peers. And now all that history is available for you to watch on Netflix. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Shirley*: Netflix

**Director: **John Ridley

**Cast: **Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson

Simone Biles Rising (2024)

Simone Biles in 'Simone Biles Rising'.

Courtesy Netflix

Simone Biles took back her power in 2024 at the Summer Olympics, but before she ever set foot on a mat in Paris, fans got a chance to revisit her story in the first half of her four-part docuseries, *Simone Biles Rising*. Episodes 1 and 2 focus on Biles’ mental health issues during the 2020 Olympics, and her struggle to prepare for 2024, while 3 and 4 concentrate on aging and injury within gymnastics, and Biles' performance in Paris. If you’re too impatient to wait until the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, *Simone Biles Rising* is here to help you recapture some of that gymnastics magic. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Simone Biles Rising*: Netflix

**Cast: **Simone Biles

Skater Girl (2021)

Amrit Maghera as Jessica and Waheeda Rehman as Maharani in 'Skater Girl'.

Kerry Monteen/Netflix/Courtesy Everett

A Netflix film based on India’s growing skateboarding culture, *Skater Girl *tells the story of Prerna (Rachel Saanchita Gupta), a teenager who becomes enamored with the sport after an outsider brings boards to her village. A coming-of-age movie that also explores gender roles and social norms within traditional Indian culture, *Skater Girl *is Prerna’s story, but it’s also that of other young Indian girls who have been empowered by the spirit and freedom skateboarding provides. Written by sisters Manjari and Vinati Makijany, *Skater Girl *is an uplifting sports drama that lands every trick it attempts. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Skater Girl*: Netflix

**Director: **Manjari Makijany

**Cast: **Rachel Sanchita Gupta, Shafin Patel, Amrit Maghera, Jonathan Readwin, Waheeda Rehman

Society of the Snow (2023)

Enzo Vogrincic as Numa Turcatti in 'Society of the Snow'.

*Society of the Snow* may be adapted from a non-fiction book, but this cinematic tale of a doomed rugby team’s plane crash in the Andes mountains brings several new elements to light. For one, the cast — most of them first-time actors from Uruguay — feels refreshingly authentic, while the crisp direction and artful cinematography make for a beautiful contrast with the characters’ cannibalistic fate. It’s not for the weak of heart, but this showcase of humanity’s resilience is inspirational on its own bleakly noble terms. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Society of the Snow*: Netflix

**Director:** J. A. Bayona

**Cast:** Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, Felipe González Otaño

Unbroken (2014)

Miyavi as the Bird (center) in 'Unbroken'.

Universal Pictures

*Unbroken*’s true story is so bizarre that it sounds made up. This inspirational odyssey centers on an American athlete (Jack O'Connell) whose Olympic dreams are dashed first by World War II and then by a plane crash, culminating in him becoming a Japanese POW. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Angelina Jolie’s film is an old-fashioned gem that is as visually lush as it is emotionally raw. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Unbroken*: Netflix

**Director:** Angelina Jolie

**Cast: **Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock

Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team (2023)

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team in 'Under Pressure'.

When the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team won the FIFA World Cup in 1999, the sport changed. Women’s soccer became a phenomenon, and players like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain became household names. But after years of dominating in international competitions, the U.S. began feeling the heat of other countries’ developing soccer programs.

The story of how the United States women’s soccer team became the team to beat — before getting beat themselves — is best expressed in their own words. The series unfolds in four episodes, all of which follow the players as they attempt to make it onto the squad, and win the 2023 World Cup. A sports fan’s dream, *Under Pressure* gives exceptional insight into the process, training, and mental strength required to make it in women's soccer. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team*: Netflix

**Cast: **Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Savannah DeMelo, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams

Will & Harper (2024)

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele in 'Will & Harper'.

*Saturday Night Live* launched Will Ferrell’s comedy career and turned castmates and co-writers into lifelong pals. Ferrell’s nearly 30-year friendship with one of the show’s former head writers changed one day when he received an email stating that said writer was transitioning to live as a woman.

*Will & Harper* follows Ferrell and comedy writer Harper Steele as the two embark on a roadtrip across America to better understand their new dynamic and explore this next phase in their friendship. A road trip comedy unlike any you’ve seen before, *Will & Harper* is a conversation about show business, platonic relationships, and living one's authentic life in modern America. Since leaving *SNL*, Ferrell dabbled with dramatic roles, but never has he been more human and honest than in this prescient and funny documentary. *—I.G*

Where to watch *Will & Harper*: Netflix

**Director: **Josh Greenbaum

**Cast: **Will Ferrell, Harper Steele

Zero to Hero (2021)

Chung-Hang Leung as So Wa Wai in 'Zero to Hero'.

Despite its jaunty title, *Zero to Hero* is a profound and serious story of human triumph in the face of adversity. This Hong Kong film’s guiding force is So Wa Wai (Chung-Hang Leung), a real athlete whose aspirations were nearly thwarted by cerebral spasms that made even walking difficult. Throughout the film, we see him remarkably regain his ability to run against all odds, paving the way for a major victory. If you need a truly inspirational movie, this is a solid place to start. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Zero to Hero*: Netflix

**Director:** Chi-Man Wan

**Cast:** Chung-Hang Leung, Louis Cheung, Siu-ho Chin, Hoi-pang Lo

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