As AP exams and grading deadlines approach quickly, the pressure to find motivation for studying intensifies for many. If you’re in the same boat, don’t feel overwhelmed. Instead, take a much-needed break and inject inspiration into your study routine using this handpicked selection of inspirational shows and movies to get you back to academic success.
This 2001 film follows sorority queen Elle Woods as she attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, by getting a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School. Elle unleashes her self-worth, confidence, and intelligence as she navigates the challenges of law school. This movie is a powerful reminder that success is achievable, no matter the obstacles.
In this nine-season legal drama, college dropout Mike Ross uses his photographic memory to get himself a job working for successful “closer” attorney Harvey Specter in a fictional New York City corporate law firm. Throughout the show, Mike becomes an invaluable secret asset to Harvey despite never actually attending law school. Since this iconic show is set in such an intense industry, it is hard not to feel empowered by the character’s relentless pursuit of victory and commitment to excellence.
This inspirational story follows three African-American women at NASA (Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson) who have played a key role in one of the greatest missions in American history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into space. The movie, set in 1961, tackles themes of racial discrimination and systemic injustice these women experienced throughout their lifetimes and how they managed to overcome prejudice regarding race, feminism, and intelligence. This inspiring tale encourages us to use our voices and take action to thrive and succeed.
This film follows 2003 Harvard undergrad and computer genius Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) as he begins work on a new social networking site: Facebook. Just six years later, the college dropout becomes one of the youngest billionaires ever. However, his rise to success comes with an intense legal battle over ownership of his creation. As the story progresses, Zuckerberg’s ambition and ego lead to a power struggle between him and his closest friends. In the end, Zuckerberg must decide between his ambitions and sacrificing his relationships. While Zuckerberg’s prideful and jealous character should not be romanticized, the movie still serves as an important success story that shares the countless sacrifices, struggles, and moral dilemmas that shape his journey.
Although I am still fairly new to this show, the seven-season comedy-drama television series centers around single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory. The show follows their daily life as Lorelai advances in her career as a hotel manager and Rory deals with the pressures of high school. This show is such a study motivation because of Rory’s focused and passionate nature as she navigates the challenges of academics and her dreams of attending an Ivy League university.
I hope the movies and shows on this list will provide you with the right mindset and a little encouragement for the hectic last couple of weeks. Happy studying!
