Movies

Feeling Stuck? 15 Movies That Can Change Your Life

Feeling Stuck? 15 Movies That Can Change Your Life
Image credit: Legion-Media, globallookpress, Madman Films, Film District, Dreamlab Films, Studio Canal, Newmarket Films, Sony Pictures, National Geographic Entertainment

Yes, they might be lesser-known, but trust me, these movies? Just as powerful a message as your average Oscar-winning, awe-inspiring epic.

1. Waking Ned Devine (1998)

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Alright, ever dreamt of winning the lottery and living a lavish life? The folks in a small Irish village sure have. When they learn someone local won the jackpot, they're eager to know who. Only hiccup? The winner dies of shock! Hilarity ensues as the villagers hatch a plan to claim the prize. This film's core? It's not about the money but the camaraderie. You'll laugh, you might cry, but you'll definitely appreciate the value of community.

2. The Station Agent (2003)

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Loneliness in a world bustling with folks – sounds paradoxical, right? That's where Finbar McBride, a man born with dwarfism, finds himself. He seeks solitude by moving to rural New Jersey but ends up forming unique bonds with two other loners. Without overly sentimental tones, this film captures the magic of unexpected friendships. Remember that time you felt alone in a crowd? This one's for you.

3. Whale Rider (2002)

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Okay, hands up if you've ever felt sidelined 'cause of tradition? This beautiful New Zealand film tells the story of Paikea, a girl from the Maori tribe who wants to be the chief – a role reserved for males. She's fierce, determined, and breaks the mold in the best way. Need a bit of girl power inspo? Look no further.

4. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

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If you found an ad about someone seeking a partner for time travel, would you respond? Aubrey Plaza's character does just that. It's quirky, it's weird, but boy is it moving! It underscores the lengths we go to for connection and, more importantly, believing in the unbelievable. It had a modest box office haul, but sometimes gems aren't blockbusters.

5. About Elly (2009)

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Drama and suspense anyone? Dive into the Iranian cinematic landscape. A group of friends head to a seaside villa for a weekend getaway. Elly, a kindergarten teacher, is introduced to a recently divorced man. Things seem cheerful until Elly disappears. The search and subsequent revelations reveal cracks in relationships and moral dilemmas. Makes you wonder, how well do you know your pals?

6. The Intouchables (2011)

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Ever found an unlikely friend in the most unexpected place? Meet Driss, an ex-con, hired to care for a quadriplegic aristocrat, Philippe. Cultures clash, barriers are broken, and a deep bond forms. Set against the backdrop of Paris, the film tells us how sometimes our biggest support comes from where we least expect it. Plus, who can resist some infectious French humor?

7. A Man Called Ove (2015)

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You know that grumpy old neighbor everyone avoids? What if there's a reason for his bitterness? Ove is that man. Recent widower, strict rule-enforcer, and overall a cranky old guy. But when a young family moves next door, we start peeling back the layers. Sometimes, it's about giving people a second chance to tell their story.

8. Begin Again (2013)

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Ever felt music could heal your soul? For Gretta (Keira Knightley) and Dan (Mark Ruffalo), it does. After her breakup and his job loss, they find solace in creating music together. It's not just about love but rediscovering oneself. Catchy tunes, New York's skyline, and raw emotions? Count me in!

9. Captain Fantastic (2016)

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Imagine growing up off the grid, in the wilderness, with your siblings, away from society's norms. Sounds idyllic? For Ben's six kids, it's reality. But when they're forced into the "real world", the culture shock is real. Is his parenting method madness or genius? You decide.

10. Lunchbox (2013)

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In the bustling city of Mumbai, lunchbox delivery is a precise art. But what happens when one gets delivered to the wrong person? An epistolary romance blossoms between a young wife and a nearing-retirement office worker. It's a delightful, heartwarming story that makes you believe in the power of second chances.

11. My Afternoons with Margueritte (2010)

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Ever found wisdom in the unlikeliest places? This French gem showcases the bond between a semi-literate man and an old woman passionate about reading. Their afternoon reading sessions are enlightening and their bond, heartwarming. Makes you want to pick up a book, doesn't it?

12. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

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Adventures in the New Zealand bush with a rebellious kid and a grumpy old man? Sign me up! Ricky, a defiant city kid, and his foster uncle become subjects of a manhunt after fleeing into the wild. It's laugh-out-loud funny and chock-full of heart.

13. The Way (2010)

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Ever felt the urge to just...walk and find yourself? Tom (Martin Sheen) feels that after his son dies while trekking the Camino de Santiago. Tom decides to complete the pilgrimage in his son's honor. Along the way, he finds companionship, closure, and a renewed sense of purpose.

14. Populaire (2012)

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Set in the '50s, Rose is a terrible secretary but a phenomenal typist. Her boss spots this and decides to train her for speed typing competitions. It's vibrant, colorful, and full of retro charm. And who knew typing could be so...thrilling?

15. The First Grader (2010)

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Imagine being an 84-year-old Kenyan farmer and deciding, "Hey, I want to go to school!" Sounds wild, but Maruge did just that. Despite opposition, Maruge's determination is awe-inspiring. It drives home the point – it's never too late to learn.