by admin
How’s 2026 going so far? Made any resolutions? Kept any? Statistically speaking, by the second Friday of January — often called “Quit Day” — most people have already abandoned their New Year’s resolutions.
Maybe you’re like me and prefer the “new year, new goals” approach. It gives me something to aim for without feeling like a failure. For example, one of my 2026 goals is to hand-make something new every day. I’ve missed a few days already, but I can always catch up without the pressure of a broken resolution.
No matter your approach, I believe we’re all trying to make the most of this brand-new year. So, go for it! In that spirit, here’s a list of movies packed with motivational messages, life lessons and incredible soundtracks. Just as varied as our goals, these films feature everything from pop hits and Oscar-nominated scores to R&B classics and show tunes.
Joy (2015)
Written and directed by David O. Russell, Joy is a dramedy that hits the perfect “can-do” chord. Starring Jennifer Lawrence in her Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning role as inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano, the film tells a mostly fictionalized rags-to-riches story.
The soundtrack, curated by music supervisor Susan Jacobs, weaves seamlessly into the narrative. One standout moment? When Joy takes control of her destiny to the tune of Elvis Presley’s 1968 classic A Little Less Conversation.
Russell said the film is “about the soul of a person — what moves them to stay stuck or break out and create something new.” Joy is streaming now on Disney+.
Last Holiday (2006)
What if you were told you had only three weeks to live? That’s the premise of this charming rom-com starring Queen Latifah as Georgia Bird. Faced with a terminal diagnosis, Georgia quits her job, empties her savings and sets out on the trip of a lifetime.
The soundtrack features classics by Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, pop hits from Gwen Stefani and a standout track by Madeleine Peyroux: Don’t Wait Too Long. The film’s message? Life is short — live it to the fullest. Last Holiday is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Into the Wild (2007)
Directed by Sean Penn, this film chronicles the real-life story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons his privileged life to seek meaning in the Alaskan wilderness. Emile Hirsch delivers a riveting performance, and Eddie Vedder’s original soundtrack adds emotional depth.
McCandless’s words sum up the film’s message: “The core of man’s spirit comes from new experiences.” Into the Wild is available on Apple TV.
The Intern (2015)
Robert De Niro stars as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who becomes a “senior intern” at a trendy fashion start-up run by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). Written and directed by Nancy Meyers, this buddy film proves it’s never too late for a fresh start.
The soundtrack blends hits from Meghan Trainor and Kendrick Lamar with classics by Ray Charles. The Intern is streaming on Netflix.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Reese Witherspoon’s iconic role as Elle Woods reminds us that with focus and hard work, you can achieve anything — and look fabulous doing it. The soundtrack includes Hoku’s Perfect Day.
Fun fact: Legally Blonde began as a self-published book by Amanda Brown. The franchise now includes sequels, a Broadway musical and an upcoming Prime Video prequel series. Legally Blonde is streaming on Crave.
Forrest Gump (1994)
This six-time Oscar winner starring Tom Hanks is packed with life lessons and an unforgettable soundtrack featuring Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin and Fleetwood Mac. Alan Silvestri’s score ties it all together.
As Forrest says: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Forrest Gump is streaming on Paramount+.
Julie & Julia (2009)
Written and directed by Nora Ephron, this film parallels the lives of Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and blogger Julie Powell (Amy Adams). Both women rise to challenges with grit and determination — a perfect mantra for the new year.
The soundtrack includes Doris Day’s A Bushel and a Peck. Julie & Julia is streaming on CBC Gem.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith stars as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman who turns an unpaid internship into a successful career. The film’s message? “You got a dream — you gotta protect it.”
The soundtrack features Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground. The Pursuit of Happyness is streaming on Netflix.
CODA (2021)
This Best Picture winner tells the story of Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), the only hearing child in a deaf family, who dreams of becoming a singer. Her audition performance of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now — sung and signed in ASL — is unforgettable.
CODA is streaming on Apple TV+.
Rocky (1976)
The ultimate underdog story, Rocky proves that perseverance pays off. With a shoestring budget and one take to nail the pivotal monologue, Sylvester Stallone created a franchise worth billions.
The Oscar-winning score by Bill Conti (Gonna Fly Now) still inspires. Rocky is streaming on Crave.
Final Thoughts
Whether your goals are big or small, these films remind us to believe in ourselves, embrace new experiences and make the most of every moment. You got this — now go get ’em!
