Inspirational Movies to Keep Your Spirits High

In 2001, Erik Weihenmayer reached the summit of Mount Everest. He was not the first to reach the top, but he was the first-ever blind person to accomplish the feat. He later founded the "No Barriers" movement, whose mission inspires people to face adversity with an innovative mindset, and live life to the fullest. In 2014, Erik kayaked all 277 miles through the Grand Canyon, a journey that is beautifully documented in the film The Weight of Water. This incredibly inspiring, truthful and poignant film perfectly embodies the “No Barriers" motto: “What's within you is stronger than what's in your way."

In the spirit of taking life by storm, we've created a list of inspirational movies about beating the odds. You can access The Weight of Water and all of the films below by simply saying “weight of water" or “beating the odds" into your Contour voice remote. 

The Theory of Everything

This inspiring film tells the true story of Stephen Hawking, who at the age of 21 is diagnosed with motor neuron disease and is told by top doctors he has only two years to live. With his first wife Jane by his side, Hawking defies all expectations, breaking new ground in the fields of physics and cosmology, all the while battling the paralyzing affects of his disease.

Rating: PG-13 

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Jean-Dominique Bauby is a successful journalist and editor for the French fashion magazine, Elle. He seems to have it all…until he suffers a horrific stroke at age 43, leaving him physically paralyzed from head to toe, but mentally intact. Despite his bleak condition, Bauby learns to communicate through his one functional eye and writes the book The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, on which the film is based. 

Rating: PG-13

Ray

This powerful biopic examines the life of legendary soul musician Ray Charles. Young Ray loses his vision at the age of seven. Inspired by his strong-willed mother, Ray breaks barriers by combining R&B and gospel music genres, ultimately becoming one of the most iconic singer-songwriters of all time. 

Rating: PG-13

My Left Foot

Based on the autobiography of the same name, My Left Foot tells the story of Christy Brown, an Irish boy from a working class family with severe cerebral palsy. While Brown is virtually paralyzed, he discovers he can control his left foot. Through sheer determination, Brown uses his foot to become a successful artist, poet and author. 

Rating: R

I Am Sam

Sam Dawson, a man with an intellectual disability, is raising his seven-year old daughter Lucy with the help of his friends. When their unconventional living situation comes to the attention of a social worker, Sam must hire a lawyer to retain custody of Lucy. With its compassionate sense of humor and rollercoaster of emotions, I Am Sam is a touching story of human resilience and the power of love.

Rating: PG-13

Other available films include Soul Surfer, Best and Most Beautiful Things, and Don't Worry He Won't Get Far on Foot.