International Men’s Day is not just an occasion to acknowledge the positive contributions of men to society but also a perfect opportunity to bond over some compelling movies. There is no better way to celebrate this occasion than with a cinematic journey that captures the diverse facets of masculinity. Whether it is spending the day with friends or enjoying quality time with family, there are various films that offer a diverse mix of genres to cater to every taste.

From timeless classics to more recent releases, here’s a curated list of seven movies that will not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations and connections on this special day.

7 must-watch movies to inspire men

As International Men’s Day unfolds, there are certain movies that serve as a cinematic feast. From real tear-jerkers to some thought-provoking films, they provide not only entertainment but also opportunities for reflection and connection with those around you. So, gather your friends and family, hit play, and let the celebration of masculinity unravel before you on the screen!

Sly (2023)

What better way to kick off a day to celebrate men than with Sylvester Stallone? While most people recognize the star from the Rocky franchise, he has been in various other films over the years. Most recently, the 77-year-old gave the world a peek into his 5 decade-long career in Hollywood. It was in the form of a Netflix documentary, Sly, that spanned an hour and 36 minutes.

The documentary was released on Netflix in September 2023 and received a lot of attention. It featured Stallone’s navigation to success, through motivations, and a rather difficult upbringing. While narrating his story himself, he still showed off his bond with his three daughters, Scarlet Rose, Sistine, and Sophia. While the Thom Zimny film focuses on the Rambo star, there is a chance the world could see how his clashes with Arnold Schwarzenegger kickstarted their long-standing feud.

While it may only be an hour and a half long, it is sure to strike inspiration into anyone who watches it. It is hands down, one of Sylvester Stallone’s most heartfelt and vulnerable films yet.

Rustin (2023)

Earlier this month, Netflix added another drama documentary to its ever-growing list. It was George C. Wolfe’s biographical drama, Rustin. The film was adapted from 2 versions of a story about a civil rights activist by the name, of Bayard Rustin. He was an openly gay Black man who helped Martin Luther King organize the 1963 March on Washington.

The non-fiction film was produced by none other than Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s company, Higher Ground. The cast is no disappointer either with Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Glynn Turman, and Colman Domingo starring in the film. While the story might be a little heavy, it is sure to have a profound impact on those who watch it.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Another common classic is Will Smith‘s The Pursuit of Happyness. The film is an absolutely inspiring drama that depicts the true-life story of Chris Gardner. It follows his journey from homelessness to a successful career on Wall Street. It also shows the man as he faced immense challenges as a single father, with unwavering determination, resilience, and love for his son, played by Jaden Smith after a struggle with auditions.

While it may always be considered one of the 55-year-old’s best powerhouse performances, it brilliantly captured the essence of Gardner’s struggles and triumphs. The film resonates not only as a tale of overcoming adversity but also as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the pursuit of one’s dreams against all odds. Although it has been close to 2 decades since the film came out, it is still a complete classic.

Will Smith’s performance in this heartwarming tale of resilience and determination has made it an ideal choice for reflecting on the journey of life

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Dead Poets Society is a cinematic masterpiece. Robin Williams delivers a stellar performance as John Keating, an English teacher. However, he is not the teacher everyone is used to. Instead, he inspires his students to embrace poetry, critical thinking, and to seize the day. The teacher’s unorthodox methods push his students to finally question societal norms. The film was directed by Peter Weir, and released in 1989. However, the story is set in the elite Welton Academy in the 1950s.

Throughout the film, the students go through the struggles of growing up in a conservative environment. However, Williams changes that with his impact on them. With a storyline that could bring anyone to tears, the film will always remain a timeless classic.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Over the years, Good Will Hunting has earned critical acclaim for its compelling narrative, authentic characters, and heartfelt exploration of human potential and connection. The drama came out back in 1997 and dazzled with Matt Damon and Robin Williams in the lead. The film showed the world how struggling people could make it through to the greener side with just the right support.

The story centers around Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT. However, he has an extraordinary talent for mathematics. While he may be brilliant, Damon’s character struggles with pushing himself to new heights. With opportunities to pursue an education put in front of him, he has an important decision to make. The film is a real thought-provoker as it has its audience face the common struggles of ill-fated individuals.

Matt Damon did a wonderful job as Will, but Robin Williams’ powerful performance as a therapist, Sean Maguire, stole the spotlight.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

The Star Wars saga was created by none other than George Lucas. The story unfolds across a vast and immersive galaxy far, far away. The story started back in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. the story follows the young farm boy Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill. He ends up going on a journey to destroy the evil Galactic Empire’s plans, led by the franchise’s villain, Darth Vader.

Throughout the film, fans bear witness to epic lightsaber duels and intergalactic battles that left everyone stunned. It was the movie that set the stage for the beloved franchise which became a cultural phenomenon. In the later films, the storyline continued through trilogies, prequels, and sequels. They all delved into the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker who later becomes Darth Vader.

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

For all the fast car lovers, here is the perfect match. Ford v Ferrari is a gripping 2019 sports drama directed by James Mangold. The film tells the true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby. He was portrayed by Matt Damon, and the fearless British driver Ken Miles was played by Christian Bale. The narrative unfolds as Shelby and Miles are enlisted by Ford to construct a race car capable of defeating Ferrari.

The film was hailed for its ability to combine thrilling racing sequences with a character-driven plot. While there were quite a few racing scenes, the story focused on the friendship of the two lead characters. The actors’ performances perfectly captured the essence of a high-stakes rivalry and the pursuit of automotive excellence.

Which film do you consider the perfect International Men’s Day movie? Let us know in the comments below.