10 Self Improvement Movies That Can Change Your Life

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Isabelle Dias

Looking for the most inspirational self-improvement movies to shake things up and get inspired to go out there and change your life?

In this top 10 self-improvement movies list, we are going to walk through some of the best personal development films out there! Most of them are very unusual for the genre, and that’s what makes this list so fun!

Get your Netflix and popcorn ready, and make sure to pin this for later!

Inspirational personal development movies to watch online

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Best personal development movies

#1 Click

Adam Sandler is the king of family comedies with a big life lesson at the end of the story. To be honest, I see most of his movies as self-improvement movies

This movie is about understanding the real priorities in life and how much it can cost when you lose sight of them. Under the old-school humor and dad jokes lies a beautiful lesson about the importance of being present in life and living it all—even when it gets messy—especially when it gets messy.

#2 Isn’t It Romantic

Are you looking for the perfect, self-confident movies on Netflix and absolutely love rom-coms? “Isn’t Romantic” might be what you are looking for! This is a fun, feel-good movie with a big punch at the end. Yep, full-on personal development movie vibes around here.

This one will be the perfect choice for you if you need a new perspective on romantic relationships and what means to “find love” and be loved. Also, Rebel Wilson is fantastic, so just go!

#3 I Feel Pretty

This is one of my favorite self-improvement movies! As soon as it was released, I went to the movie theater by myself. I am glad I did because there were lots of tears at the end.

If you struggle with believing in yourself, your potential, and how you are a true walking real-life goddess, this movie is the ideal match! “I Feel Pretty” is about the power of believing in yourself and how this small (but mighty) change can turn your whole life around.

What should I watch to improve myself?

#4 Rocket Man

This is not your typical personal development movie. I went to the movie theater two times to watch Rocketman. I was hooked by every line, song, and scene.

Besides transforming me into a devoted Elton John fan, this movie shares a lot about how our family can influence our life choices (the good and bad ones).

Moreover, we don’t need to let the past define us, no matter how dark it gets. You always have the choice and the power deep inside yourself to turn things around and become the person you were born to be. And yes… Taron Egerton, like Elton John, is perfection incarnate.

#5 Dumplin’

Usually, when you start watching this personal development movie, you assume body positivity is going to be the central theme. But as the story evolves, you realize it’s about so much more!

It’s about healing generational differences inside families, finding out who you are and not what people say you are supposed to be, and discovering what makes you unique. Also, there is lots of Dolly Parton! But, hey, I see nothing wrong with that!

#6 Hidden Figures

The first time I watched this personal development movie, I was on a plane, doing an overnight flight over two different continents. The only problem was that when I finished, I couldn’t sleep! My mind was racing, and I was absolutely astonished by the story I had just discovered.

“Hidden Figures” is about owning your place and your calling when everyone else around doesn’t believe in you. It’s about burning the rule book of what doesn’t make sense in the world anymore to create space for what needs to flourish. Ultimately, it’s about three badass women.

Inspirational self-improvement movies on Netflix

#7 The Shack

This personal development movie holds a special place in my heart. Way beyond any religion, “The Shack” talks about forgiveness, healing in our emotions and perspectives, and letting go of the best to create something new.

I understand that many of the references in this movie are from a Christian background. Still, the message is universal: there is no pain-free life. However, there is a choice to grow through the hard times and become who we were always meant to be (you can also check out the book version of it, which inspired the movie!).

#8 Inside Out

As with absolutely all Pixar movies, don’t let the animation fool you into thinking this is kid-only content. The way I see it, there is so much more for the adults here! That’s a low-key one of the best best movies for self-improvement.

Most of us go through life thinking that we should embrace our moments of joy and repress other negative feelings. I’ve been there, and I’ve done that. But the truth is: all feelings are meant to be felt!

Although this concept can seem a little complicated in the beginning, you will fully understand how it works as you watch “Inside Out.” Prepare to laugh, cry, and rethink many things in your life.

#9 Ordinary Angels

Ordinary Angels is one of those movies that will leave you sobbing at the end—but in a good way! It made this list of the best movies for self-improvement because it follows the redeeming journey of a struggling hairdresser trying to find her purpose in life, showing all the ups and downs of the path to becoming the best version of yourself.

I love how the movie does not shy away from giving us characters who are far from perfect but always committed to doing better—even after failing. If that sounds like what you are looking for, grab your popcorn and a few tissues and press play on “Ordinary Angels.”

Self-improvement movies about self-esteem and beauty

#10 Brittany Runs a Marathon

This movie is a full-on real-life self-development journey. As it happens in the real world, you will see wrong motivations, self-sabotage, pitfalls, and perspective adjustments.

If you ever felt like the only way to fit in was to become a different person, you are going to see yourself in the main character, Brittany. I love how real this movie is and how beautifully it translates the struggle of being a millennial human.

It is also an indie movie, so its structure is a little different from traditional mainstream movies. This just makes “Brittany Runs a Marathon” even more impressive. I see this as a hidden gem!

Last thoughts on self-improvement movies ♥

Now it is time to pick your favorites! Make this a personal development movie date night or just a special time with yourself to unwind and think about life. I hope you have fun with my list of the TOP 10 personal development movies!

Now, I have a serious question, let me know in the comments: are you a salty popcorn or caramel popcorn person?

Let me know in the comments!

I gotta admit… I am a #teamcaramel.