In movies, we’re rarely treated with speeches so powerful and inspiring that they stick with us even after the credits roll. Whether it is William Wallace’s rallying cries in Braveheart or Patch Adam’s moving words in Dead Poet Society.
These speeches have inspired many and shown that one can even move mountains if one sets one’s mind to it. With that being said, here are the most inspiring speeches in films.
William Wallace in Braveheart
If you’re talking about the best speeches in films and Wallace’s words to his army don’t make the list, that’s just not possible. In Braveheart, William Wallace gives a powerful talk to the Scottish army right before the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
Even though they’re up against a massive English force, Wallace hammers home the importance of freedom and pushes his fellow Scots to stand up for their independence. Wallace fires them up, saying they might be outnumbered, but their spirit can’t be beaten.
Patch Adams in Patch Adams
In Patch Adams, Robin Williams, aka Patch Adams, talks his heart out during a medical board hearing, that is to save or ruin his career. With his words, Patch asks to bring zeal and humanity back into medicine, shouting out the healing factors of laughter, love, and relationships.
Patch says being a game-changer for patients is way more than just following a medical checklist. Moreover, Patch throws shade at the old-school medical style and advocates for a more kind and personal bond between doctors and patients.
Fortune in Rudy
In Rudy Fortune gives an epic and motivating talk to Rudy Ruettiger before his big football game with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Knowing Rudy’s been chasing his dream of playing for the team like a madman, Fortune makes a big deal about the moment and the unbeatable spirit Rudy’s shown all along.
Fortune’s words pump up Rudy, reminding him that his journey has already become more than just football – it’s now inspiring everyone who’s dreaming big.
John Keating in Dead Poet Society
In Dead Poets Society, John Keating delivers an inspiring pep talk to his students. He tells them to seize the day and why it’s important to stay true to themselves, get creative, and grab life’s lemons.
Using the phrase, Carpe Diem, Keating pushes the boys to break free from what society expects and go after what they’re passionate about, be it theatre, literature, or sports. Through ‘The Prophet,’ ‘To the Virgins,’ and other poems, John plants the idea that life is short, and they’ve got to make the most out of every single moment.
Rocky in Rocky Balboa
In Rocky Balboa, we see the erstwhile boxing champion having a heart-to-heart with his son about life’s punches and the need to stay strong. Rocky says that life is a challenge, and it isn’t about how hard you can hit but about taking hits and still pushing forward. Rocky tells his son to own up to his own life and not play the blame game when things go south.
Rocky asks him to hang in there, saying that success comes from getting hit and still moving on. This speech gives us chills, reminding us of how Rocky became the champion by taking on every fighter who could have ended his life or, worse, his career.
King George VI in The King’s Speech
You need guts to lead a nation through war, and King George VI proved he had them with his moving speech. In The King’s Speech, King George VI addresses his men on the radio when World War II is looming. Despite a stutter, the king conquers his disability to inspire and reassure the British people.
He talks about the challenges coming their way and why they need to together, now more than ever. This speech won George VI the trust and the hearts of his countrymen. At the same time, it also proved that George VI could lead his nation through thick and thin.
King Leonidas in 300
In 300, King Leonidas inspires his 300 Spartan warriors with a powerful speech right as they’re about to head to the Battle of Thermopylae. He talks about the honor and bravery of their sacrifice and asks his men to stand by him as he destroys the massive Persian army led by Xerxes.
Leonidas continues that there’s no better death than to die while fighting against tyranny to defend their freedom. Leonidas’ words light a fire of unity and bravery among the Spartans, and they show everyone that even death doesn’t scare them. And who could forget this line from the speech: “This is where they die! This is where we fight! This is where they die!”
Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption
In The Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne shares a moving speech (in the form of a letter) with whom he was locked in with. His letter talks about hope and the chance for redemption.
Andy writes about the strength within and asks the prisoners to find peace even in tough situations. Dufresne writes a line: “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
Russell John Nash in A Beautiful Mind
In A Beautiful Mind, Rusell John Nash is called to the podium to accept the Nobel Prize, and he gives out his thanks in a humble speech. Nash, who battled with mental issues in the past, gives the nod to the challenges he faced and appreciates everyone who supported him.
Nash says that he has always been into numbers and logic, chasing after reasons like it’s a game, but after a lifetime, he can’t decide what logic really is. Who gets to decide what makes sense? Nash talks about how reality isn’t always set in stone and how having good company makes all the difference.
Maximus in Gladiator
It’s a top-tier film that’s famous for its action scenes and spectacular speeches, the majority of which are delivered by Maximus. During one of those speeches, Maximus talks about honor, freedom, and how everything we do sticks around forever. Maximus asks his brave soldiers to stay strong, not falter in hope, and even if they end up alone in a sunny field, it’ll be like being in paradise.
Maximum’s exact words were, “What we do in life echoes in eternity. Hold the line! Stay with me! If you find yourself alone, riding in the green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled. For you are in Elysium, and you’re already dead!”
There we have it, our list of 10 best speeches in movies! What do you think about our picks? Did one of your favourites make the list? Let us know in the comments below!