When I think about the most inspirational movies I have seen, I realize that they cut across genres and styles.

Some of them are heavy with drama, while others are more fast-paced and action-filled. However, one thing that they have in common is their ability to evoke strong emotion in me.

If you’re looking for some of the most inspirational movies ever created, check my list out.

Most Inspirational Movie # 1: "I Am Sam"

"I Am Sam" is a story of a mentally-challenged father who fights for the custody of his seven-year-old daughter. A lot of people remember this movie because of the gripping portrayal of Sean Penn, Dakota Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer.

In the movie, Pfeiffer’s character (a cold-hearted lawyer) is taught a very valuable lesson about family and love. One very intense scene from the movie shows everyone in the courtroom affected by Penn’s honesty. Even the lawyer from the opposition obviously sympathizes with Penn.

To be quite honest, we often take these two concepts for granted. We rebel against our parents and sometimes get into fights with our brothers and sisters; but in the movie, we are also reminded of how love - familial love - can be enough.

Most Inspirational Movie # 2: "Gladiator"

If heavy drama is not your thing, then perhaps you’d appreciate Russel Crowe and his portrayal of a Roman general named Maximus more.

In the film, Maximus lost everything he ever held dear - his wife and his son. He had been favored to become the next in line to the emperor’s seat - a fact that the emperor’s son, Commodus, could not accept.

Jealous of Maximus, Commodus tried to destroy the beloved general. Maximus was turned into a slave, but even slavery couldn’t stop him from following through with his revenge.

"Gladiator" is exactly the kind of movie you’d want to watch if you want to feel empowered. Aside from the wealth of strategy lessons you can pick up from the movie, Gladiator also teaches you that a man can overcome all odds when he is focused and fueled. Keep your eye on the prize.

Most Inspirational Movie # 3: "The Bucket List"

In The Bucket List, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play two men who decide to make the most of every day that they are blessed with.

Both cancer patients, they break out of the hospital to do all the things that they’ve always wanted to do, but never did. They created a bucket list and went about fulfilling every item on it.

While the movie teaches us not to take life for granted, it also shows us that it’s important to let old wounds heal - to make amends, to forgive and ask for forgiveness. More than racing expensive cars and eating at five-star restaurants, we should focus our energies on these simple things.

These are just some of the most inspirational movies I’ve seen in my lifetime. There are still a lot more to add to the list, but they will have to wait for another time.