What is one movie that has had a lasting impact on you? How did it affect you and why is it memorable?

Question

Movies have a unique power to shape our thoughts and inspire life-changing decisions. In this article, insights from a Co-founder & CEO and a CMO, Head of Growth showcase how films can transform perspectives. The first expert emphasizes the importance of trusting data and reshaping paradigms, while the final insight highlights the creation of positive change through kindness. Discover seventeen illuminating perspectives that reveal the profound impact of cinema on personal and professional lives.

Abid Salahi · Answer

One film that resonates with me is 'Moneyball.' It taught me that innovation often requires a drastic break from traditional practices, even in the face of criticism. Being a tech CEO, it's commonplace for me to question the norm, just like Billy Beane did with his sabermetrics approach in baseball. The movie was a stark reminder to trust data and statistics while making difficult decisions. It stressed the importance of engaging differently, reshaping paradigms, and not being afraid to stand alone. It's like a playbook I consult when I need to break new ground.

Kate Dzhevaga · Answer

"Dead Poets Society" is the movie that really left a mark on me. I first watched it in high school, and it totally changed the way I think about life and creativity. Robin Williams plays this amazing English teacher, John Keating, who inspires his students to embrace their individuality and "seize the day." 
What really hit home for me was the scene where he tells his students to "make your lives extraordinary." That line stuck with me and pushed me to reflect on my own choices. I mean, how often do we get caught up in what everyone else expects of us? The film's message about following your passions instead of just going through the motions was a game-changer for me. 
The emotional depth of the story, combined with Williams' incredible performance, made it unforgettable. It really made me appreciate how much of an impact a teacher can have on their students. Plus, those beautiful shots of the Vermont landscape throughout the film? Just stunning! 
"Dead Poets Society" isn't just a movie for me; it's a reminder to live authentically and cherish what we love. It inspires me to keep pursuing my interests, whether it's writing or just being true to myself. I find myself revisiting it often because it's one of those films that not only entertains but also encourages you to reflect on what really matters in life.

Jacob Coyne · Answer

One movie that has had a lasting impact on me is "Soul Surfer," which tells the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a talented young surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack and fought her way back to compete professionally. This film struck a chord with me because it exemplifies resilience and finding purpose despite life's challenges—concepts central to my work with Stay Here, where we strive to provide hope and healing for those facing mental health struggles.
Watching Bethany's journey reminded me of the power of faith and community support, both vital in overcoming adversity. At Stay Here, we harness these principles in suicide prevention and mental health resources, encouraging communities to rally together, much like how Bethany relied on her faith and family. The film emphasizes the importance of not giving up and finding ways to live purposefully, which aligns perfectly with the ethos we instill through our mental health training and resources.
For someone dealing with challenges, whether mental or physical, "Soul Surfer" offers a powerful narrative of hope and redemption. It's a reminder that setbacks don't dictate your future and that with determination and the right support systems, one can achieve extraordinary things. This mirrors the work we do—equipping individuals to help themselves and others find purpose and healing in their darkest times.

Ajay Chavda · Answer

I had the chance to see "The Substance" right after its premiere at Cannes in September (where it won Best Screenplay), and I have to say—this was one of those rare screenings where the entire audience was completely silent, fully absorbed by the film. There were gasps and some nervous laughter at the sheer absurdity of it all, but honestly? It had me hooked from start to finish.
If you're into sci-fi and horror, this movie is a wild ride, and I genuinely think it's a masterpiece for the genre. To quickly sum it up, the plot revolves around an aging actress who discovers a treatment called "the substance" that lets her switch bodies with a younger version of herself. The catch? She can only stay in the younger body for seven days before she has to return to her aging self. It's a fascinating exploration of vanity, body image, and the societal pressure to remain youthful and relevant.
What really stuck with me—and I'm sure I'll be talking about this film for years to come—is how well it tackles the relationship we all have with our bodies, especially the whole idea of aging and the cruelty of ageism. It's a brutal reflection on how society and the media consume us, and how, no matter how much we try to change, the "real" version of us never feels like enough. It's like the more we fight to be something society tells us we should be, the more we lose sight of who we actually are.
The film also feels like a love letter to classic horror and psychological thrillers. It makes so many references to films like Kubrick's "The Shining," Hitchcock's "Psycho," Cronenberg's "The Fly," and De Palma's "Carrie"—just to name a few—and it all comes together beautifully. Oh, and the score? Iconic. "Don't you know, pump it up, you got to pump it up."
But beyond the amazing filmmaking, this movie really made me think. It's a harsh but honest portrayal of the addiction to narcissistic hedonism—how people are so consumed with appearance and self-image, just to fit in or earn respect in certain circles. It's relatable to so many people today, especially with the pressure to stay young and perfect in a world that constantly tells you you're not enough unless you do. In the end, though, it made me realize how important it is to embrace who I am—no matter what society or the media tries to tell me. Because your body isn't just something to hate or fix—it's literally the thing that houses you, and it's time we start treating it well.

Tornike Asatiani · Answer

The movie "Dead Poets Society" left a lasting impression, especially its themes of individuality and courage. Watching it as a student, I admired the character Mr. Keating's unconventional teaching approach, which inspired me to value creativity and critical-thinking. It's memorable because it highlights the importance of challenging norms, a philosophy I've carried into my work at Edumentors. This movie encourages us to inspire and empower students, helping them realize their potential beyond traditional boundaries.

Tammy Sons · Answer

One movie that has had a lasting impact on me is "The Pursuit of Happyness." Watching Chris Gardner's journey as he faced numerous obstacles while never giving up on his dreams resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of the early days of starting my business when everything felt like a struggle, but I knew that persistence would eventually lead to success.
This movie's message of resilience and self-belief makes it memorable, especially during tough times. Chris's ability to remain hopeful and work hard despite all the setbacks is something I carry with me every day. It's a powerful reminder that you can achieve anything with enough dedication and belief, no matter how challenging the road may be.

Michael Yerardi · Answer

I discovered 'The Big Short' at a time when I was really trying to understand how to better help homeowners in crisis, and it completely changed my perspective on the human cost of financial decisions. The film's brilliant explanation of complex market concepts, combined with the emotional stories of affected families, drives me to be more transparent and compassionate when working with distressed homeowners today.

Savannah De La O · Answer

I was deeply moved by 'Hidden Figures,' which showed me how persistence and grace can overcome any obstacle in a professional setting. The way these women handled challenging situations with dignity while proving their worth reminds me daily of how I approach helping homeowners through difficult situations—always with respect and determination to find solutions, no matter how complicated their circumstances might be.

Shayla Dempsey · Answer

I can't stop thinking about 'It's a Wonderful Life' and how George Bailey's character shaped my approach to helping homeowners in Fort Worth. There's this powerful moment where he realizes how many lives he's touched by helping people keep their homes, which really hit home for me when I was deciding whether to focus on quick-cash solutions for homeowners. Every time I work with a family facing foreclosure or inheritance complications, I remember that movie's message about how making a difference in your community matters more than just making money.

David Primrose · Answer

When I need perspective on perseverance, I find myself returning to "American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story." Beyond the typical sports-movie triumph, this film struck a deeper chord in me after watching it last weekend. There's a moment when Warner, stocking grocery shelves while holding onto his NFL dreams, faces a choice between practicality and purpose. That scene mirrors every entrepreneur's crossroads moment—when giving up seems like the only logical choice.
The film's real power wasn't in its highlight-reel moments or inspirational speeches. Instead, it was watching Warner navigate the gap between reality and dreams with unwavering authenticity. On days when our company faces setbacks, I think about Warner's grocery-store badge—a reminder that today's struggles often pave the way to tomorrow's breakthroughs. Through Zachary Levi's portrayal, I saw my own journey reflected: those quiet moments of doubt balanced against an unshakeable inner conviction. This isn't just another underdog story; it's a raw testament to holding onto purpose when logic argues otherwise and finding strength in vulnerability through relationships like Kurt and Brenda's. Their story reminds me that behind every business milestone lies a web of human connections and unwavering support that makes it possible.

Barbara McMahan · Answer

As an HR consultant, "Dead Poets Society" fundamentally shaped how I approach leadership development and coaching. Robin Williams's character showed me that inspiring others isn't about following a rigid playbook, but about helping people find their authentic voice and courage. When I'm working with executives or running workshops, I often channel Mr. Keating's blend of wisdom and genuine care for his students' growth.

Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja · Answer

I learned about the power of shared experiences through 'Remember the Titans,' which really hit home for me as someone who builds team connections for a living. The way Coach Boone brought his diverse team together through uncomfortable situations and forced bonding reminded me so much of what I try to achieve with our corporate events at Spaciously. What stuck with me most was how the team's bus ride to camp transformed from tension to unity—it showed me that sometimes the most challenging moments create the strongest bonds.

Christian Marin · Answer

As a game developer, 'The Matrix' fundamentally changed how I think about virtual worlds and user experience back when I first saw it in high school. I remember staying up all night coding my first simple VR project after watching it, completely inspired by how the movie portrayed digital reality as something you could physically feel and interact with. The film's blend of philosophy and technology still influences how I approach game design today, especially when I'm working on immersive experiences that need to feel both surreal and believable.

Hollie Town · Answer

One movie that has had a profound impact on me is "Awakenings," starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. As a board-certified physician assistant deeply invested in patient care, this film deeply resonated with me due to its emphasis on empathy and medical innovation. The patient's change in the film serves as a reminder of the impact attentive, compassionate care can have—a principle I strive to uphold at Aqua Body Lab.
"Awakenings" showcases the power and importance of listening to patients, just as I do when providing personalized treatment plans for each client. For example, understanding someone's lifestyle and skin history is essential for tailoring effective, non-invasive treatments like Morpheus8 Radio Frequency Microneedling. The movie underlines the significance of collaboration in healthcare, much like the partnerships we build with our clients to achieve their skin and wellness objectives.
The film's theme of dedication to a seemingly impossible problem mirrors my journey in mastering advanced cosmetic techniques, from PRP procedures to Sculptra. Just as the characters pushed boundaries to improve lives, I focus on continuously advancing my knowledge to offer innovative treatments that improve clients' confidence and quality of life.

Ernesto Cartiera · Answer

I remember watching 'The Pursuit of Happyness' during a tough period when I was just starting my real estate business, and it deeply resonated with my own struggles and determination. Will Smith's portrayal of a father fighting through homelessness while building his career showed me that, with persistence and genuine care for others, we can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles—something I remind myself of whenever I'm helping families in difficult situations.

Aja Chavez · Answer

I discovered 'Perks of Being a Wallflower' at a crucial time when I was developing our adolescent mental health program, and it profoundly shaped how I approach teenage trauma and isolation. The raw portrayal of Charlie's struggles with anxiety and past trauma helped me better understand the subtle ways our young clients express their pain, leading me to implement more arts-based therapy approaches in our residential program.

Macy Troyer · Answer

I discovered the true meaning of kindness and its ripple effect when I watched 'Pay It Forward' during a particularly challenging time in my entrepreneurial journey. The movie's simple yet powerful concept of how one small act can create exponential positive change actually inspired some of the core principles behind Kindspire's mission. Watching Trevor's story unfold taught me that even the smallest gestures of kindness can create massive impact, which is something I now incorporate into all my brand-strategy sessions with clients.

17 Movies that Have Left a Lasting Impact

17 Movies that Have Left a Lasting Impact

Trust Data and Reshape Paradigms

Embrace Individuality and Seize the Day

Find Purpose Despite Life's Challenges

Tackle Vanity and Ageism Honestly

Value Creativity and Critical-Thinking

Persist Through Obstacles for Success

Understand Human Cost of Financial Decisions

Overcome Obstacles with Persistence and Grace

Impact Lives Beyond Financial Gains

Hold Onto Purpose Amid Struggles

Inspire Authentic Leadership

Build Strong Bonds Through Challenges

Reimagine Virtual Worlds and User Experience

Uphold Empathy in Medical Innovation

Overcome Obstacles with Genuine Care

Understand Teenage Trauma and Isolation

Create Positive Change Through Kindness