Three inspirational films to come out of Hollywood in the past 50 years

All heart -- Joe Cianciotto

Image source: hollywoodreporter.com

Image source: nbc.com

Hollywood has come out with a number of inspirational movies in the past half-century, films that have made audiences tear-up at their most triumphant or emotional moments.

As the first part of a tribute to all the inspiring films in the past 50 years, here are three movies that have tugged at audiences’ hearts.

Rudy (1993): Americans love football, and they love football movies. And while there have been a dozen or so quality films on the sport, none of these films was as inspiring as “Rudy.” The film, based on the life of Daniel Ruettiger, wasn’t a box-office hit, but it created a cult following that endures until today, with many people saying that watching the “Rudy” saved their lives. Joe Cianciotto.

Rocky (1976): Probably the most inspirational film on combat sports ever made, “Rocky” is the original and definitive underdog Hollywood hero. In it, Sylvester Stallone plays the down-on-his-luck prizefighter who is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance and makes the most of it, finding redemption, love, and destiny all at once. Joe Cianciotto.

Braveheart (1995): “Braveheart” is a historical epic loosely based on Scottish medieval history. Mel Gibson both directs and stars in the Oscar-winning movie that’s both brutal and beautiful. At its heart, the film tackles one of man’s basic needs – freedom, and his determination to get it at all costs. Joe Cianciotto.