4 Movies That Show Perseverance

by Kevin Gardner

Have you been feeling a little lost in life lately? Are you faltering on your goals or simply feeling overwhelmed by all that you have on your plate? What you need is a movie marathon, but not just any movie marathon. Grab your pillows, blankets, and snacks, and hop onto the couch to watch these five movies that are all about perseverance. When you're done, you'll likely feel more inclined to continue working toward your own life goals, whatever they may be.

1. Rocky (1976)

If the goals that are overwhelming you happen to be about your fitness regimens or playing sports of some sort, you can't go wrong by starting your marathon with "Rocky." The 1976 film starring Sylvester Stallone shows viewers that persistence is key when it comes to overcoming challenges. The movie isn't just about a man's love of boxing but about how his daily life makes it difficult for him to reach his goals. The overall view of his life shows how working toward his goal of becoming a renowned boxer also helps him to reach other goals in his life and gain the confidence he needs to be happy. This is truly a story of a man who felt like a nobody and became somebody that everybody believed in. 

2. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith, and Thandie Newton, "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006) is a movie about what it's like to struggle in poverty while you're trying to take care of your family. Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a single father who has just been evicted from his apartment. With no place to go, he and his son (Jaden Smith) live in shelters and do what they can to get through the hardships that poverty brings with it. Eventually, Gardner gets a job at a prestigious brokerage firm, but since it's an internship, there's no pay. This movie shows how the pair stick together to overcome their problems when Chris refuses to give up on giving his child a better life.

3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

A classic Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" was released in 1946 and explores how a person impacts the world even when he or she doesn't realize it. The story follows George Bailey (James Stewart) who says a prayer wishing that he'd never been born. When an angel answers his prayer by showing him how life is without him around, Bailey begins to see that he has a truly positive impact on the people that he loves in his life. If you've ever felt that nobody noticed your presence in this world, "It's a Wonderful Life" will help you to remember that your loved ones see value in you and would leave sadder lives if you weren't around. 

4. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Starring Julia Roberts as the title character, "Erin Brockovich" was released in 2000 and is based on a true story. When Erin is in a car accident that was through no fault of her own, she asks her attorney, Ed Masry (played by Albert Finney) to let her work at his law firm to earn the money she needs for expenses. While she's working, she comes across some unscrupulous files. Upon finding them, she convinces her boss to help her investigate the situation, which leads to the discovery of a major cover-up. Together, the two work to take down the offender, a company that was contaminating a local community's water and causing its residents to suffer serious and often deadly illnesses. This movie shows what it's like to truly persevere when you know what is morally right and need to get other people on your side. 

From overcoming health obstacles to learning how you impact the world, there is no doubt that a movie marathon of some of these true inspirations will leave you feeling happier and more ready to take on your own life when the credits start rolling.