20 Most Inspiring Movies Of All-Time
14. Friday Night Lights
It's all too easy now to look on the brilliant US TV series as the be all and end all of the moniker of Friday Night Lights but that would be to ignore this original film that follows the Panthers collegiate football team in their pursuit of the title and triumph.
Based on the 1988 book by Buzz Bissinger the film, directed by series creator Peter Berg, is a tightly condensed version of the later series with some of the actors later returning in slightly amended roles. The film follows the Panthers as they try to make the state finals but, through the eyes of Coach Gary Gaines, have to deal with bullying, racism and parental pressures.
The film also examines the hopes and dreams of these young men as they realise their college careers are coming to an end, a time when they have been considered heroes by the town. Gaines himself struggles to keep the team together but also has to deal with the Booster committee who make his job as difficult as possible. It's all too easy to think of Kyle Chandlers brilliant Coach Taylor, but Billy Bob Thornton is outstanding in the role of Gaines as he drags his young team to the finals.
As with many films on this list, there is an iconic speech which inspires the players, but it is the development of the young men from divisive individuals into an inclusive team which is the real story here.