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September 26, 2017

10 Spiritual Movies To Watch Tonight

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During the winter months, many of us feel a natural urge to slow down, spend more time at home, and enjoy a good movie in the evening. This list of spiritual movies can help you enjoy your downtime and feel uplifted.


1. 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama (2006)
Genre: Documentary
Summary: Tackling some of the fundamental questions of our time with footage and observations from trips throughout India and the Middle East, this movie features the wisdom of one of the most well-known spiritual leaders.


2. Awake: The Life of Yogananda (2014)
Genre: Documentary
Summary: This movie uses real footage and interviews to tell the story of the Hindu swami Yogananda, who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s. 


3. Dying to Know (2014)
Genre: Documentary
Summary: This film chronicles the more than 50-year friendship of Harvard psychology professors Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert. It highlights Alpert’s journey to the East and his transformation to becoming the spiritual teacher known as Ram Dass, and explores what both men think about the meaning of life and death.

4. The Five People You Meet in Heaven(2004)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Summary: When a maintenance man realizes he's trapped in purgatory, the only way to get out is to confront five people from his past.


5. Gandhi (1982)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Summary: Starring Ben Kingsley, this drama chronicles the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was the leader of India's nonviolent movement against British rule of the country.


6. Happy (2011)
Genre: Documentary
Summary: From the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia and the villages of Okinawa, Happy explores the secrets behind the emotion of being happy and what it takes to maintain it.


7. I Am (2010)
Genre: Documentary
Summary: Filmmaker Tom Shadyac, the creative force behind the Hollywood blockbusters Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, and Bruce Almighty, talks about his recovery after a bad cycling accident. Through his journey, he emerges with a new sense of purpose, determined to share his own awakening and to look at how he (and all of us) can improve the way we live in the world.


8. Kung Fu Panda Series (2008, 2011, 2016)
Genre: Animated, Martial Arts
Summary: Follow the journey of the panda Po Ping as he becomes the Dragon Warrior. Full of classic spiritual teachings couched in hijinx and humor, these are favorite family movies that adults and kids will both enjoy. 


9. Peaceful Warrior (2006)
Genre: Drama
Summary: Olympic hopeful Dan Millman meets a gas station attendant who shows him a new vision for living and competing.


10. The Way (2010)
Genre: Drama
Summary: Directed, produced, and written by Emilio Estevez and starring his father Martin Sheen, this movie honors the Camino de Santiago, the 1,000-year-old walking trail in Spain prized by pilgrims.