On days when the world becomes too much, movies offer a perfect escape. Which is why you know things are bad when even the best movie can't take your mind of the news. So, instead of desperately trying to escape into a fantasy world where everything is good and Ryan Gosling is your boyfriend, maybe it's time to lean into the idea that no movie is going to be able to take your mind off whatever disastrous thing is happening in the world today. Why not watch a movie that will inspire you to get involved, and give you hope instead? The 17 movies below, all on Netflix, will inspire you to resist. They'll give you hope, strength, and a few hours off from the real world.
Feeling like you want to resist and actually doing the resisting can be two very different things. And sometimes it can be hard to translate the spirit of rebellion into actual, tangible action. That's where these movies come in. Some of the movies on this list feature current political themes sure to anger you into action, while others are sure to inspire you to change the status quo. Some are escapist, others should be watched with a box of tissues on hand, and each of these 17 movies on Netflix to inspire you to resist will help you get out there and get to work.
1
'Captain America: Civil War'
At a time when trusting the government seems dangerous, it's reassuring to know that even Captain America doesn't always trust the U.S. government.
2
'Fruitvale Station'
Those involved in the Black Lives Matter movement or even just passionate about the issues will be inspired and angered by Fruitvale Station. (Warning: tissues necessary.)
3
'V For Vendetta'
V For Vendetta is literally all about how to learn to resist, although I wouldn't recommend putting yourself through hell to join a masked man's rebellion.
4
'The Big Short'
Forgot how awful the financial crisis of 2008 was? Forget no more with The Big Short.
6
'Spotlight'
Spoitlight will inspire you to search for the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
7
'To Kill A Mockingbird'
Probably the most iconic Hollywood film on racism and justice, To Kill A Mockingbird is a great way to inspire a little rebellion.
8
'The Way Back'
As bad as things may seem, at least you're not walking 4,000 miles on foot to escape a Siberian gulag like in The Way Back.
9
'Zootopia'
Enjoy an adorable animal tale and get inspired to get out there and change things in your community by watching Zootopia. It's a win-win.
10
'Camp X-Ray'
If you feel up to watching a movie about Guantanamo Bay, Camp X-Ray is a great way to start.
11
'The Giver'
Part of a resistance is resisting information being fed to you by a government or mainstream media. The Giver will inspire you to go looking for answers yourself instead of depending on one source.
12
'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'
The original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy is all on Netflix to inspire you to kick ass and take names.
13
'Hard Candy'
Hard Candy doesn't really have anything to do with political or social resistance, but it is a horror movie about a teenage girl who traps and tortures a pedophile, so, hey, power to the people.
14
'Promised Land'
Want to get angry about the environment and big companies? Let Matt Damon and John Krasinski get you there in Promised Land.
15
'Defiance'
Because what says "resistance" like the story of three Jewish brothers who helped hide and protect hundreds of Jewish people from the Nazis?
16
'13th'
If you're turning to movies for resistance inspiration, odds are you've seen Ava DuVernay's 13th, but it's worth noting all the same. 13th ties the current Presidential administration directly to the legacy of slavery in a way that you won't be able to forget. If that doesn't get you to resist, I don't know what will.
So get out there, and change the world. May the odds be ever in your favor.
