10 Motivational Movies for the New Year!

Happy New Year! Every year, most people come up with goals or resolutions they hope to accomplish throughout the year. Whatever your plans for 2017, I wanted to share some movies I find inspirational, heart-warming, or just plain enjoyable to watch. If you’re having trouble getting started with your goals, maybe these will help! Or they can just be an excuse to break one of your resolutions (you can’t watch a movie without buttery popcorn and a soda, right?)…

Without further ado, I present 10 motivational movies for 2017!

 

If you want to be more adventurous this year…

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 

It is impossible to watch this movie and not be struck with a desire to travel more, explore the world, or at least step out of your comfort zone. From cheering on Ben Stiller’s lovable Walter Mitty character to admiring the beautiful scenery, this movie will push you to jump off the couch and book a flight somewhere new.

 

If you want to be more thankful for each day this year…

About Time

I literally cannot watch this movie without crying. The premise sounds a bit silly, but this movie is anything but. Amazing acting, a phenomenal soundtrack, and moments that tug at your heart strings, means everyone will love this one. Warning: it will make you want to hug your parents ASAP.

 

If you’re hoping to find love this year…

When Harry Met Sally

This movie is a classic for a reason! Full of funny moments, it will remind you that almost every love story has a few twists and turns before happily ever after.

 

If you want to improve your culinary skills this year…

Chef

“Healthier lifestyle” resolutions mean many people will find themselves spending more time in the kitchen this year. While Chef may not showcase the healthiest foods, it’s still an enchanting movie that will leave you wanting to pull out your skillet and knives.

 

If you’re hoping to overcome something this year…

The King’s Speech

Unexpectedly hilarious, perfectly portrayed, and based in fact, this movie shows that even royals in the public eye have struggles they must overcome. Only an amazing film could make you feel sorry for a king.

 

If you want to read more this year…

Pride & Prejudice

Considering this is one of the most beautiful, romantic movies of all time, it may just nudge you to pick up the book version after you finish it. The soundtrack alone makes this one worth watching.

 

If you want to embrace being yourself this year…

Little Miss Sunshine

Quirky, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny are all perfect to describe this one-of-a-kind movie. It’s the perfect movie to watch when you’re doubting the importance of your individuality.

 

If you want to be more courageous this year…

The Help

Unlikely alliances, a desire for change, and courage are the themes of this book-turned-movie. They’re themes anyone can relate to, which leaves everyone rooting for Skeeter and the maids she’s trying to give a voice to. (Full disclosure: the book, as usual, is even better than the movie!)

 

If you need encouragement to Keep Moving Forward this year…

Meet the Robinsons

The Disney film got lost in the shuffle somehow, and I so wish it hadn’t. We follow orphan Louis on his journey as an inventor with the dream of finding his birth mother. The eccentric characters he meets along the way teach him it’s okay to fail as long as he keeps moving forward with his goals. The ending will undoubtedly leave you crying happy tears.

 

If you’re hoping to start fresh this year…

Good Will Hunting

Emotional, gripping, and hopeful, the journey Matt Damon and Robin Williams take the audience on proves it’s not your past that defines you and that it’s never too late to start fresh. It may be just the push you need to start a new chapter in your life.

 

There you have it, ten very different movies that all offer a different source of motivation. If you have a favorite inspirational film I left out, let me know!

 

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5 Shows to Watch if You Miss Downton Abbey

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Remember the good old days of sitting down with your tea and biscuits to watch Downton Abbey every week? Sadly, those days are long gone.

Fortunately for you, I’ve rounded up a few shows you can watch to try and fill the void left by our favorite British household.

Home Fires

Home Fires

Home Fires follows the lives of women in a rural community in Cheshire at the start of World War II. It is dramatic, emotional, and cheeky. With many of the town’s men leaving for war, the viewers get to see how the women deal with supporting the town, themselves, and their soldiers. Unfortunately, after two seasons, the show is rumored to have been dropped, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed it will return! Important side note: It has one of the most amazing intro songs I’ve never heard!

Mr. Selfridge

Mr. Selfridge

Mr. Selfridge tells the story of Mr. Selfridge. Shocking, right? This real-life story follows Mr. Selfridge as he opens Selfridge’s in London, which is still open today. It is set in the 1910s, and has a very similar feel to Downton Abbey with much of the drama taking place both within the Selfridge home and within Selfridge’s store. It also has the same witty character types that make you laugh one minute and bring you to tears the next minute when they suffer misfortune. With four fabulous seasons, this is a MUST watch.

Pride & Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

This six-part Pride & Prejudice series recreates Jane Austen’s classic love story wonderfully. While it is set roughly a century before Downton Abbey, Downton-lovers will appreciate the refined romance, multi-layered characters, and Elizabeth Bennet’s quick wit.

Upstairs Downstairs

Upstairs Downstairs

Upstairs Downstairs is possibly the series that most resembles Downton Abbey on my list. It follows the lives of the Hollands and their servants in the heart of London in 1936. With forbidden romances, servants dreaming of raising their ranks, and drama every episode, it will easily draw in Downton fans. It unfortunately only has two seasons, but it is a remake of a 1970s version. Perhaps you can try the original if you enjoy it!

Doctor Thorne 

Doctor Thorne

Doctor Thorne is a 3-part love story that follows the book of the same name, and was written and produced by Julian Fellowes (who also wrote and produced Downton Abbey!). He bookends each episode with a fireside chat discussing the characters, original author, and plot points, which I really enjoyed! Set in the 1800s, this story is short and (mostly) sweet, and will therefore be enjoyed by almost anyone.

BONUS: DOWNTON ABBEY

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Okay, I’m not cheating by including this on the list, because it’s the sixth on a list of “five.” I re-watched the first five seasons before season six, and I had forgotten so many wonderful little moments and interesting storylines. Just because we won’t be getting any new episodes of Downton Abbey (tear.), doesn’t mean you should write it off forever! Start the journey over again with our dear Granthams, because can we ever really part with them? No.

Another bonus is that all of these shows are on Amazon Prime, which means they’re super easy to access! We watch Amazon Prime eligible shows on our TV with a Fire TV Stick, and we love it!

I hope these shows fill a small part of the giant void Downton Abbey left in all of our hearts. If I missed any of your favorite 1900s British dramas (surely that isn’t too narrow of a category, right??), let me know in the comments!

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

 

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