Live Your Best Life Movies

So many movies are based on characters trying to live their best life, with varying degrees of success. Here’s our compilation of some of the best.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Evelyn (Judi Dench) is coming to terms with the recent loss of her husband in this charming comedy-drama. She abandons Britain for the balmier climes of Jaipur, India and a retirement home called The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. En route, Evelyn meets other retirees all bound for this ‘luxury development for residents in their golden years’: cantankerous wheelchair user Muriel (Maggie Smith), waspish snob Jean (Penelope Wilton) and Jean’s long-suffering husband Douglas (Bill Nighy); retired judge Graham (Tom Wilkinson); ladies’ man Norman (Ronald Pickup); and spinster Madge (Celia Imrie). When the travellers arrive at their destination, they discover a building in disrepair and an inexperienced manager, Sonny (Dev Patel), struggling to keep the creditors off his back. This is a warm, humorous and exciting movie about people living their lives to the fullest and developing meaningful relationships, even in the later years of their lives.

Everything, Everything (2017)

Eighteen-year-old Maddy Whittier (Amandla Stenberg) was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in infancy. SCID seriously threatens Maddy's health if she ventures outside the sliding glass doors of her decontaminated and hermetically sealed Los Angeles home. Maddy also has to deal with her fiercely protective mother, Pauline (Anika Noni Rose), who oversees treatment with daily visits from a caring nurse (Ana de la Reguera). But young romance blossoms when Maddy fantasises about exchanging germ-riddled saliva with Olly (Nick Robinson), the boy next door. Based on Nicola Yoon's young adult novel, Everything, Everything is a relentlessly cute teen romance between two neighbours determined to pursue the path to true love and experience the best lives possible. 

Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is condemned to two life sentences in prison for the deaths of his wife and her lover. Andy is the only one who knows he didn't commit the atrocities but has no choice in his relocation to Shawshank Prison. While serving his undeserving sentence, Amdy forms a bond with Red (Morgan Freeman), a clever and carefree character who is popular among the inmates and runs a small contraband business. Andy very soon witnesses the severity of prison life to which he must adapt to survive, and to keep busy and stay out of trouble he assists the warden and correctional officers with their taxes. Andy attempts to make the most of his sad time in Shawshank Prison, developing a prison library and teaching inmates to read, finding deep connections and meaningful friendships with those in the prison, while always maintaining his innocence. Shawshank Redemption is the perfect film about adapting to your surroundings and making the most of your draw in life, finding the best in every situation and living your life to the best of your ability, while relentlessly pursuing your dreams.

Soul Surfer (2011)

Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), a natural talent in surfing, is brutally attacked by a bull shark while on the water with friends. Bethany is initially devastated as her surfing dreams seem to have shattered, but she becomes determined to return to competition, bolstered by her parents' love (Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid). Bethany's refusal to accept defeat, despite her concerns about her future and her disability, spur her on and give her the focus to regain her dream life. After seeing the destruction wrought by the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, Bethany discovers another purpose in life: to make a difference in other people's lives. Bethany remains determined to excel in the sport she loves and spreads a heartfelt message about never giving up on your ambitions and always working towards living your dream life, while simultaneously serving others.

Big Fish (2003)

When Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) is diagnosed with cancer, his son, William (Billy Crudup), travels to be with him. Because his father has always spun exaggerated stories about his past, William believes he's never spoken the truth. William and Edward have developed a problematic relationship over the last few years. In one of Edward's boyhood legends, he tells of how he saw his death in the glass eye of a witch, which inspired him to embrace life and seek out his dreams since he would no longer have to dread death, knowing when and how it would arrive. Edward tells fanciful stories even on his deathbed, and when William,who is a journalist, begins to explore his father's stories, he comes to understand Edward and the tales he has told. The film follows the fabulous stories of Edward’s life and explores how he landed the woman and life of his dreams. This film is heartfelt and full of love and is a prime example of how you are the master of your own life and the path you choose to follow.

Wild (2014)

When Cheryl's mother Bobbi (Laura Dern) died of cancer in 1991, she was 22 years old. Cheryl and her brother saw their mother suffer significantly at the hands of their psychologically and physically abusive father, and Bobbi was putting her life together when she became severely ill. Cheryl's grief was too much for her to bear, and she soon turned to heroin use to numb the pain. Cheryl became so engrossed in her addiction that she lost her marriage and finally reached rock bottom four years later. She realizes that the future she once envisioned will be forever out of reach unless she makes a change. Cheryl's memories come flooding back later when she embarks on her long trip into the woods, where she faces several hazards and dismal disappointments. Cheryl also develops some friendships through the kindness of others on the trail, which helps her gather the bravery and endurance she'll need to continue on the course of pursuing her best life. This is a story about finding the courage and strength to change your life for the better, no matter what setbacks you may face.