12 Motivational Songs from Movies

We all love movies.

Movies captivate us, drawing us into stories that resonate with our own lives or transport us to entirely different worlds. We connect with characters who overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams. Such characters and stories can entertain us and hopefully also inspire us. Film, a powerful art form, often features unforgettable soundtracks and songs that enhance the storytelling.

This list highlights some of the most motivational and inspiring songs from classic movies.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know.

Enjoy, and get inspired!

1. "Lose Yourself" - Eminem - 8 Mile (2002)

   We all have something to prove. We've all felt like underdogs who don't get many chances to prove ourselves. This song perfectly captures those moments in life when we get our chance to shine. It may be an exam, an audition, an opportunity that could change our life. Eminem delivers this sense of focus and commitment we should have in such moments. This iconic Oscar-winning song is the perfect one to play when you want to fuel your desire to succeed.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. "Over The Rainbow" - July Garland - The Wizard of Oz (1939)

   Hope. Dreams. A better place. A better future. That's what Dorothy (Judy Garland) sings about in this 85-year-old gentle song. Play this when you're going through a tough time and you'd like some comfort by dreaming of a better situation. The tough times will end. Keep up hope.

   
   
   
   

3. "My Heart Will Go On" - Céline Dion - Titanic (1997)

   Back in 1997 and 1998, this ballad by Celine Dion dominated the Billboard charts and all the radio stations. This was from the soundtrack to Titanic, which won 11 Academy Awards. The song is about the power of an everlasting connection between two human beings. Love and life can endure even in the face of immense and tragic loss. This song is about the resilience of the human spirit.

   
   
   
   

4. "Circle of Life" - Carmen Twillie, Lebo M. - The Lion King (1994)

   Possibly one of the most loved and well-known animated movies of all time, The Lion King had one of the most amazing soundtracks ever. "...there's more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done". Life is amazing. There is so much we can do, and yet we create boundaries in our minds and feel powerless. Life is full of wonder, and we have to find our role in it. The song's chorus mentions the circle of life. Everything flows, good or bad. We need to embrace the cyclical nature of it all.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. "Eye of The Tiger" - Survivor - Rocky 3 (1982)

   Every song in the Rocky soundtrack is practically a motivational song. We chose this one as it is the most iconic rock anthem that is synonymous with perseverance and overcoming adversity. We all get knocked down in our lives. What we do afterward matters. We can back out or rise, like a tiger, to fight again.

   
   
   
   
   
   

6. "I Believe I Can Fly" - R. Kelly - Space Jam (1996)

   "I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky, I think about it every night and day, spread my wings and fly away". There are few songs that can match this song's uplifting melody and passionate vocals. Many people will doubt your possibilities and how far you can go. But there is one person that should believe more than anyone else in your capabilities. And that is you. So soar and believe you can achieve your targets and dreams.

   
   
   
   
   
   

7. "This Is Me" - Keala Settle - The Greatest Showman (2017)

   "I am not a victim, I won't be ashamed, I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be". We love this movie. It's practically an inspirational masterpiece of a movie that encompasses everything we believe in here at MeanderMan. This empowering anthem celebrates self-acceptance and embracing your flaws and your identity. This is a celebration of us being unique.

   
   
   
   
   
   

8. "When You Believe" - Sally Dworsky & Michelle Pfeiffer - The Prince of Egypt (1998)

   This inspirational ballad emphasizes the power of believing in the impossible. It creates a sense of wonder and hope. The lyrics remind us that even when things seem like they will never happen - like the impossible - belief can make the impossible seem possible. Hope is a very powerful emotion and a huge motivator.

   
   
   
   
   
   

9. "Chariots of Fire" - Vangelis - Chariots of Fire (1981)

   From all of this list, this one is the only one that is fully instrumental without any vocals. In our opinion, this is the best motivational melody ever. It evokes a sense of triumph, perseverance, and victory. It's often used in slow-motion sequences to emphasize moments of athletes in their struggles to win. RIP Vangelis, who left the world in 2022.

   
   
   
   
   
   

10. "I Can Go The Distance" - Michael Bolton - Hercules (1997)

    "I will find my way, I can go the distance, I'll be there someday, I can go the distance". Michael Bolton's vocals are perfect in this song about determination and hope. It's about one person's desire to prove themselves and, with enough effort, reach the end goal.

    
    
    
    
    
    

11. "Singin' In The Rain" - Gene Kelly - Singin' In The Rain (1952)

    This is one song that always makes us happy. Gene Kelly's energy and the catchy melody create a sense of pure happiness. It celebrates joy and optimism in the face of adversity. The lyrics express the idea that even when life throws challenges our way, we can still choose to find joy and embrace the moment.

    
    
    
    
    
    

12. "See You Again" - Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth - Furious 7 (2015)

    "It's been a long day without you, my friend, and I'll tell you all about it when I see you again" - This tribute to the late Paul Walker is about love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. While it is a very sad song, it's also a celebration of friendship and the hope of reuniting with loved ones someday.