8 Motivational Speeches from Movies that Teach an Important Message – Week-long motivation series part 1

Sometimes we all need a little motivation.  Whether it is because of a tough week, where things just don’t seem to go our way, or because we feel overwhelmed with all that we need to accomplish.  I had that sort of week where the mountain seemed a little higher than usual.

When I need a pick me up, I look to several sources of motivation, or ways to just relax.  In honor of those types of weeks, I decided to make this week a week-long motivational week.  I will share videos and quotes posts that are either inspirational or send a great message.

My family and I enjoy watching a good movie.  Movies can be a great source of entertainment when you could use the distraction.  Sometimes, a movie can also be very inspirational and teach you an important message.

Here are 8 Motivational Speeches from Movies that Teach an Important Message:

1.  Pursuit of Happyness

If you haven’t seen Pursuit of Happyness, I highly recommend it.  It is a true story and a great example of what you can achieve when you are determined and never give up on your goals.  Will Smith does an excellent job portraying Chris Gardner who the story is about.  In this scene, Will’s character gives his son some excellent advice about the pursuit of your goals.

“You have a dream, you have to protect it.  You want something, go get it.  Period”

2.  Coach Carter – “Our Deepest Fear”

This is the story about a man who takes on a job coaching a basketball team in the trouble filled area of Richmond.  Not only does he inspire his team, but ends up growing as a person as well.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate but that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?”

“Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”

Powerful words!

3.  Any Given Sunday – Al Pacino’s speech

This scene is all about team spirit and the power of never giving up despite the obstacles around you.  Whenever you feel like the wall in front of you is too high to climb, when you don’t see the efforts that your small actions are making, listen to this video.  When you have a large goal and get frustrated at the little steps towards achieving it, listen to this video. It will help keep you going.

“Life is a game of inches, the inches we need are all around us.  When we add up all the inches, it makes the difference between winning or losing.  FIGHT FOR THAT INCH”.

[bctt tweet=”The wall can be climbed, one inch at a time. – Elita Torres”]

4.  Rocky Balboa (2006) – Inspirational speech

This is actually a very popular scene.  If you google motivational speeches from movies, this will almost surely show up.  It is about taking accountability and being responsible for your own achievements.

When asked by his son, “don’t you care what people think of you”, Rocky gives his son some valuable advice.

“When things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow.”

“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows.  It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.  You, me, or nobody is going to hit as hard as life.  But it ain’t about how hard you get hit.  It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.  Or how much you can take and keep moving forward.  That’s how winning is done.  Now if you know what you are worth, go and get what you are worth.  But you have got to be willing to take the hits and not pointing fingers saying, you’re not where you want to be because of him, or her, or anybody.  Cowards do that and that ain’t you.  You are better than that.”

Wow!!  Sometimes, we all need to hear this.

5.  The Replacements – Pain Heals

This clip shows that sometimes you don’t need to say much in order to get your point across.  Shane Falco played by Keanu Reeves, gives his team a much-needed pep talk during a grueling game.

6.  Miracle On Ice – You were Born for this

Yes, another scene from a sports movie. There are just way too many good ones.  This movie is based on another true story of America’s first victory over the Russians in ice hockey in the Olympics.

Sometimes, we are up against huge odds.  The road against us is filled with road bumps and potholes.  When you are faced with these obstacles, when the odds are against you, it is time to say what this coach says in this scene.

“Screw em’.  This is your time now.  Go out there and take it”.

7.  BraveHeart – Freedom

This is another scene that needs no introduction.  William Wallace begins a revolt and leads Scottish warriors against the cruel English tyrant who rules Scotland without mercy.

This is a movie about facing insurmountable odds and standing up for what you believe in.  At first, William Wallace played by Mel Gibson, faces a group of men who do not want to go up against the English.  They know the battle ahead will not be easy.  In fact, chances are that most of them won’t survive.

William then gives them a speech that drives them to stand up for what they believe in.  He reminds them that when they look back on this day, they will either regret not taking action or remember how hard they fought.

That, and “they may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.”

8.  The Great Dictator (1940) – Charlie Chaplin

It is not the quantity but the quality that counts.  Charlie Chaplin proves this saying in his role as, “The Great Dictator”.  He is known for his films of little words.  However, in this movie, what he does say speaks volumes.

He makes a call for peace and argues for freedom.  He speaks against the brutes of the world and promises that their days won’t last.

“Greed has poisoned men’s souls.  Has barricaded the world with brutes.”

“Let us unite”.

Is there a movie scene that you find inspirational?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.