We often forget what we read in manuals or presentations. But a scene from a movie? That can stay with us for years.
I have seen how a powerful story, especially when told through film, can spark ideas, shift perspectives, and build connections. In fact, we often use movies at FocusU as part of learning journeys. They help participants reflect, engage emotionally, and absorb lessons in ways that feel natural and human.
Movies let us learn through others’ experiences. They are mirrors of our hopes, challenges, and resilience. And sometimes, all it takes is one scene to remind us of our own strength.
If you are searching for inspiration, especially in moments of uncertainty or change, here are five movies that have helped me and many others reconnect with the courage to dream big.
1. 12th Fail (2023)
Table of Contents
Language: Hindi
Themes: Perseverance, second chances, growth mindset
This powerful biographical drama tells the story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who rose from extreme poverty and academic failure to become an IPS officer. The narrative is raw and real. It does not shy away from showing setbacks, rejection, and inner doubt. But it also shines with resolve and the quiet power of beginning again.
What struck me most was how failure was not portrayed as something to avoid, but something to grow through. That is a lesson every professional, no matter how senior, can relate to.
Workplace takeaway: Use this movie to open conversations on building resilience, embracing a learning mindset, or bouncing back from burnout. It is especially relevant for leadership offsites or mid-career reflection workshops.
2. King Richard (2021)
Language: English
Themes: Vision, discipline, unconventional leadership
This is not just a sports biopic. It is a masterclass in belief. Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena, had a vision for his daughters that no one else understood at the time. Through his guidance and perseverance, he helped them navigate a system that was not made for them.
Watching this movie made me reflect on what it means to mentor others. It is not always about giving answers. Sometimes, it is about holding the space for someone’s potential before they see it themselves.
Workplace takeaway: Great for leaders and mentors looking to strengthen their coaching approach. Also useful in conversations around long-term vision and managing ambition with values.
3. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Language: English / Chichewa
Themes: Innovation, courage, impact through knowledge
Set in Malawi, this true story of a 13-year-old who built a windmill to save his village is a quiet but powerful film. There is no glamour here. Just grit, curiosity, and a willingness to try.
What stayed with me was how innovation was not tied to resources. It was tied to imagination. The boy’s environment lacked everything except belief and effort.
Workplace takeaway: An excellent film to introduce during innovation labs or design thinking sessions. It encourages participants to move beyond constraints and see possibility in the ordinary.
4. Hidden Figures (2016)
Language: English
Themes: Inclusion, breaking barriers, invisible leadership
This is one of those movies I keep going back to. Based on the true story of three Black women mathematicians at NASA during the 1960s, it offers powerful lessons on equity, visibility, and contribution.
These women did not just do their jobs. They excelled in silence, in resistance, and often without acknowledgment. Their story reminds me that excellence sometimes grows in quiet corners, far from the spotlight.
Workplace takeaway: Perfect for DEI programs, women’s leadership circles, or team discussions on fairness, recognition, and courage.
5. Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)
Language: Hindi
Themes: Empathy, simplicity, belief in self
A remake of Forrest Gump, this film offers a deeply Indian lens to the story of a man who moves through life with sincerity, curiosity, and kindness. It might not be a perfect film technically, but emotionally, it lands.
What I loved about it is how gently it reminds us that success need not always be about outsmarting or outperforming. Sometimes, it is about outlasting with grace.
Workplace takeaway: Useful for sessions on emotional intelligence, resilience, and the power of staying grounded in values.
Also Read: 9 Must Watch Movies That Celebrate Diversity
Bonus Recommendations for Movie-Loving Professionals
These movies may not have made the top five, but they are well worth watching if you are curating a list for your own growth or planning a session:
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): Still unmatched in teaching grit and hope.
- Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022): A strong story on standing tall through betrayal.
- Chhichhore (2019): Mental health, friendships, and learning through failure.
- The Social Network (2010): Ambition, ethics, and startup culture.
- Dangal (2016): A layered story on belief, discipline, and gender roles.
Why Movies Work in Corporate Learning
Over the years, I have seen movies do what a slide deck sometimes cannot. They open up emotion. They create safe spaces for people to reflect on their own choices. They simplify complex concepts by humanising them.
Whether we are running a leadership workshop, a culture-building session, or even a quarterly review meeting, movies help teams pause and reflect. They give us permission to feel. That alone makes them powerful tools.
We’ve used films to:
- Kick off conversations about purpose
- Revisit core values
- Explore workplace dynamics
- Build empathy across generations
Even a short scene, if framed with the right question, can become a breakthrough moment.
Final Thoughts: Let Stories Lead the Way
Movies are not just entertainment. They are a mirror to our struggles, dreams, and decisions. And they often say what we hesitate to.
So if you are feeling stuck or unsure, press play. Watch not just with your eyes but with your heart. And when you see something that moves you, ask yourself why.
At the end of the day, learning does not always need a classroom. Sometimes, a good story is enough.
