Top 16 'Grit-Instilling' Underdog Movies to start building unbreakable resilience this year - Goh Ling Yong
Ever felt like the world is moving forward while you’re stuck running on a treadmill? You’re putting in the effort, you’re sweating, but the scenery never changes. It's a common feeling, especially when new goals and old challenges collide. We all start the year with a list of ambitions, but what happens when the initial motivation fades and the real work begins? The secret ingredient isn't more motivation—it's grit.
Grit is that tenacious, unwavering spirit that keeps you going when things get tough. It's the passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It's the ability to get knocked down seven times and stand up eight. As a concept I've explored deeply, much like my colleague Goh Ling Yong has in his work on building foundational strength, I've found that one of the most powerful ways to cultivate this trait is through storytelling. Stories give us a blueprint for resilience; they show us what it looks like to face impossible odds and refuse to back down.
That’s where the magic of cinema comes in. An incredible underdog movie does more than just entertain—it recalibrates your spirit. It provides a two-hour masterclass in perseverance, reminding you of the untapped strength within yourself. To help you fuel your fire for the year ahead, I’ve compiled a list of 16 of the most powerful 'grit-instilling' underdog movies. Watch them, absorb their lessons, and start building your own unbreakable resilience.
1. Rocky (1976)
It’s impossible to start a list about underdogs without mentioning the Italian Stallion himself. Rocky isn’t just a boxing movie; it’s the ultimate parable of what it means to go the distance. A small-time club fighter from Philadelphia gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the heavyweight championship. No one believes in him, and by all accounts, he has no right to be in that ring.
The true lesson of Rocky isn’t about winning the fight. It’s about proving to yourself that you belong. It’s about enduring the pain, absorbing the hits, and still being on your feet when the final bell rings. The film teaches us that true victory lies not in defeating others, but in conquering our own self-doubt. It’s a raw, powerful reminder that effort and heart can take you further than raw talent ever could.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Identify your personal "championship fight"—that one big goal that scares you. Now, stop focusing on "winning" it. Instead, focus on "going the distance." What daily training, learning, or small steps can you take to simply stay in the ring? Celebrate the perseverance, not just the outcome.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on a true story, this film is a gut-wrenching and ultimately inspiring look at pure, unadulterated perseverance. Chris Gardner is a bright but struggling salesman who finds himself and his young son homeless. The film follows his journey as he navigates shelters, public restrooms, and immense financial hardship, all while pursuing an unpaid internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm.
The Pursuit of Happyness is a masterclass in maintaining hope and dignity in the face of overwhelming despair. Gardner's grit isn't flashy; it's the quiet, relentless determination to provide a better life for his son. He never loses sight of his "why," and that clarity of purpose fuels his ability to endure circumstances that would break most people.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: When you feel overwhelmed, connect with your deepest "why." Write it down on a sticky note and put it on your mirror or computer. Is it for your family? Your future self? Your community? When the "how" becomes unbearable, your "why" will be the fuel that keeps you moving forward.
3. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
What does resilience look like over a span of decades? Look no further than Andy Dufresne. Wrongfully convicted of murder, Andy is sentenced to life in the brutal Shawshank Penitentiary. Stripped of everything, he faces a system designed to crush the human spirit. Yet, over 19 years, he never lets go of one crucial thing: hope.
This film teaches that grit isn't always about action; sometimes, it’s about patient endurance. Andy’s resilience is a slow, quiet burn. He chips away at a wall, both literally and metaphorically, for years. His story shows that hope isn't just a feeling; it's a discipline. It’s the choice to believe in a future you can't yet see, and to take small, consistent actions toward it, no matter how hopeless things appear.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Practice "disciplined hope." Identify one small, positive action you can take every single day toward a long-term goal. It could be reading ten pages, writing 100 words, or saving $5. The action itself is less important than the consistency. It's proof to yourself that you are still moving forward.
4. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Erin Brockovich is an unemployed single mother who is underestimated by everyone she meets. With no formal legal training, she's seen as brash, unprofessional, and out of her depth. But when she stumbles upon a case of a massive corporation poisoning a town's water supply, her fierce sense of justice and relentless tenacity make her an unstoppable force.
This film is a testament to the power of conviction. Erin's grit comes from a place of deep empathy and a refusal to be intimidated. She wins not by playing the established game, but by connecting with people on a human level and outworking everyone in the room. She proves that passion and a refusal to quit are far more powerful than a fancy degree or a corner office.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Channel your inner Erin Brockovich by connecting your work to a deeper purpose. Who are you fighting for? What injustice, big or small, are you trying to correct? When your mission is bigger than yourself, you'll find a reserve of energy and courage you never knew you had.
5. Hidden Figures (2016)
This incredible true story follows three brilliant African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—working at NASA in the 1960s. They were the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Yet, they had to fight against the systemic racism and sexism of their time just to do their jobs.
Hidden Figures showcases intellectual grit. It's the resilience to not only solve complex mathematical equations but to do so while navigating a hostile and discriminatory environment. These women didn't just have to be brilliant; they had to be twice as good and infinitely more patient just to get a fraction of the respect they deserved. Their story is a powerful lesson in breaking down barriers with excellence and grace.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: When you face a barrier, don't just focus on the obstacle itself. Focus on becoming so undeniably good at what you do that the barrier becomes irrelevant. Let your excellence be your argument.
6. Rudy (1993)
Some underdog stories are about immense natural talent. This is not one of them. Rudy Ruettiger dreams of playing football for the University of Notre Dame, but he has one major problem: he has neither the grades to get in nor the size, speed, or athletic talent to play. What he does have is a heart bigger than the stadium itself.
Rudy is the ultimate anthem for anyone who has ever been told they're not good enough. It's a pure, unfiltered story about the power of sheer will. Rudy's journey is defined by rejection, struggle, and a relentless refusal to accept "no" for an answer. He embodies the idea that passion and perseverance can often triumph over a lack of natural ability.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Make a list of your "unalterable" weaknesses. Now, for each one, list a "controllable" strength you can use to compensate. Not a natural public speaker? Become the most prepared person in the room. Not the fastest runner? Become the one with the most endurance. Focus on what you can control: your effort.
7. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, is one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?". But when the show breaks for the night, he is arrested on suspicion of cheating. How could a "slumdog" know all the answers?
The film's genius is in showing that Jamal's knowledge isn't from books; it's from the painful, vibrant, and often traumatic experiences of his life. Slumdog Millionaire re-frames adversity, teaching us that our past struggles are not just scars; they are our greatest source of wisdom and strength. Every hardship Jamal faced equipped him with an answer, proving that resilience is forged in the fires of experience.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Re-frame a past failure or hardship. Instead of seeing it as a setback, ask yourself: "What did this experience teach me? What strength did I gain from it that I use today?" Your history isn't a liability; it's your unique curriculum.
8. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Will Hunting is an underdog of a different kind. He’s a self-taught genius working as a janitor at MIT, capable of solving mathematical problems that stump the world's top professors. But he's also a deeply wounded young man from a background of abuse, sabotaging every opportunity that comes his way. His battle isn't with an external foe, but with his own inner demons.
This film explores the immense grit required for emotional vulnerability and healing. Will can fight anyone in a bar, but he's terrified of letting anyone get close to him. The real journey is his struggle to trust his therapist, Sean, and confront the pain he’s been running from his whole life. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes the bravest fight is the one we wage against ourselves.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Identify one area in your life where you're building walls. It could be in a relationship, at work, or with your own ambitions. Ask yourself, "What am I afraid of?" Acknowledging the fear is the first step. The next is to take one small, vulnerable action—like asking for help or sharing how you truly feel.
9. Moneyball (2011)
How do you compete when you can't possibly win? That's the question facing Billy Beane, general manager of the small-market Oakland Athletics baseball team. With a shoestring budget, he can't afford the star players that teams like the New York Yankees can. So, instead of trying to play their game, he decides to change the game entirely.
Moneyball is about the grit to trust a new idea in the face of universal ridicule. Beane and his analyst, Peter Brand, use statistical analysis to find undervalued players that other teams have overlooked. They are mocked, criticized, and told they are destroying the sport. Their resilience lies in their unwavering belief in their system, even when everything and everyone is telling them they will fail.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Identify a "traditional" way of doing things in your field or life that doesn't feel right to you. What's a small, unconventional experiment you could run to test a new approach? Have the courage to trust your own data and intuition, even if it goes against the grain.
10. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
The Hoover family is a beautiful mess of failed dreams and quirky dysfunctions. They pile into a rickety yellow VW bus to take their seven-year-old daughter, Olive, across the country to compete in the "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty pageant. Everything that can go wrong does, and the family unravels and re-knits itself multiple times along the way.
This film redefines what it means to be an underdog. It’s not about an individual; it’s about a collective. The Hoovers teach us that resilience is a team sport. They are a family of "losers" by society's standards, but in their unconditional support for Olive's wonderfully bizarre dance routine, they find a profound and defiant victory. It’s about the grit to be authentically yourself, together.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Who is on your team? Identify 2-3 people who support you no matter what. Reach out to them this week and simply thank them. Nurturing your support system is one of the most important acts of building resilience.
11. October Sky (1999)
In a 1950s West Virginia coal mining town, your future is set in stone: you're born to be a miner. But after seeing the Sputnik satellite streak across the night sky, teenager Homer Hickam is inspired to reach for the stars—literally. He and his friends decide to build their own rockets, much to the disapproval of his pragmatic father and the entire town.
October Sky is a beautiful story about the grit it takes to pursue a passion that no one else understands. Homer and his "Rocket Boys" face countless technical failures, a lack of resources, and immense social pressure to conform. Their resilience is fueled by curiosity and a shared dream. They prove that you don't have to accept the life you're given; you can build the one you want.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: What is your "rocket"—that passion project or interest that truly excites you, even if it seems impractical? Dedicate just one hour this week to it. Feed your curiosity. The joy of the process will build its own momentum and resilience.
12. The Intouchables (2011)
Based on an inspiring true story, this French film tells the tale of an unlikely friendship between Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat, and Driss, a young man from the projects hired to be his live-in caregiver. They come from completely different worlds, yet they form a deep bond that helps both of them overcome their respective limitations.
The grit in this film is about adapting to a new reality with humor, courage, and human connection. Philippe is trapped in his body, while Driss is trapped by his circumstances. Together, they push each other to find joy and meaning beyond their perceived barriers. It’s a powerful lesson in how connection can build a resilience that neither person could have found alone.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Step outside your comfort zone to connect with someone from a different background or walk of life. Ask them about their story and truly listen. Building bridges fosters empathy, which is a cornerstone of a resilient mindset.
13. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Maggie Fitzgerald is a waitress from a broken home with a singular, seemingly impossible dream: to become a professional boxer. She walks into the gym of grizzled, reluctant trainer Frankie Dunn, who initially refuses her because she's "a girl" and, at 31, too old to start. But Maggie's raw, unyielding determination slowly wins him over.
This is a film about the brutal discipline of sacrifice. Maggie’s grit is visceral. She trains with a singular focus, absorbing punishment and pushing her body to its absolute limit because she knows this is her only shot. It's a tough, heartbreaking film, but it powerfully illustrates the idea that "tough ain't enough." It’s about the courage to go all-in on a dream, knowing full well the risks involved. The principles of unbreakable mental fortitude here align with many of the concepts Goh Ling Yong discusses about pushing past perceived limits.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Be honest with yourself: what are you willing to sacrifice for your biggest goal? Time with friends? A comfortable habit? Financial security? Understanding the true cost of your ambition and consciously choosing to pay it is a profound act of grit.
14. Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is the definition of an unconventional underdog. With a low IQ and leg braces as a child, he is consistently underestimated. Yet, he stumbles through some of the most significant moments of the 20th century, achieving extraordinary things not through cunning or intellect, but through simple decency, unwavering loyalty, and a knack for doing exactly what he says he’ll do.
The lesson from Forrest is the grit of simplicity and consistency. When he decides to run, he just runs. When he makes a promise, he keeps it. He doesn't overthink or second-guess himself. His resilience comes from a straightforward, uncomplicated approach to life's challenges. He simply puts one foot in front of the other, again and again.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Simplify your biggest goal. What is the single, most simple, repeatable action you can take to move toward it? For Jenny, Forrest just ran. For your goal, maybe it's just writing one page. Don't worry about the entire journey; just focus on the next step.
15. Creed (2015)
How do you build a legacy when you live in the shadow of a legend? That's the challenge for Adonis "Donnie" Johnson, the son of the late boxing champion Apollo Creed. Haunted by a name he never knew, Donnie seeks out his father's old rival and friend, Rocky Balboa, to train him.
Creed is a brilliant modern take on the underdog story, focusing on the grit required to forge your own identity. Donnie isn't fighting for money or fame; he's fighting to prove that he is not a mistake and that he can build something of his own. It’s a powerful story about honoring the past while having the courage to write your own future.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: What "shadow" are you living in? It could be a parent's expectation, a past failure, or a societal label. Take one action this week that is 100% for you—an action that helps you define yourself on your own terms, separate from that shadow.
16. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Eleven-year-old Akeelah Anderson is a gifted girl from a tough South Los Angeles neighborhood who feels pressured to hide her intelligence to fit in. When a teacher encourages her to enter a spelling bee, she discovers a talent she never knew she had, but must overcome her own insecurities and the lack of support from her community and family.
This is a story about the courage to own your talents. Akeelah’s journey is one of finding her voice and learning that it's okay to be smart, to want more, and to shine. Her grit is in her willingness to study tirelessly while also building a community of support around her, teaching her coach, her mother, and her neighborhood what it means to believe in someone.
Grit-Instilling Takeaway: Is there a talent or skill you downplay to avoid standing out? Embrace it. Share it with someone this week. Teaching a skill or simply talking about a passion is a powerful way to build confidence and reaffirm your own value.
Your Turn to Build Resilience
Movies are more than just an escape. They are emotional simulators. They allow us to witness the anatomy of a comeback, to feel the sting of defeat and the triumph of a spirit that refuses to be broken. Each film on this list offers a unique flavor of grit—from quiet endurance to defiant courage, from intellectual brilliance to raw, untamed heart.
The next time you feel like you're facing an insurmountable challenge, pick one of these stories. Let it be a reminder that the underdog spirit isn't about the absence of fear or failure. It's about what you do next.
Now, I want to hear from you. Which movie on this list resonates with you the most right now? Or is there another grit-instilling film that has changed your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's build a library of inspiration together.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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