Movies to Motivate you to Study

We have all heard of the classics when it comes to law school movies such as Paper Chase, Legally Blonde and My Cousin Vinny. However, you may need a different kind of boost for bar exam studies as prepping for this massive exam can be especially grueling.

Taking a movie break can help you get out of your exam-filled mind. Movies can help offer perspective and also inspire you to return back to the drawing board.

Here are some movies, including unlikely films, to enjoy and motivate you during challenging bar exam times.

Army of Thieves

In Army of Thieves, you will watch a group come together attempting to pull off a legendary heist. In planning, the thieves must beat the clock to crack the code into a safe.

To pull off an elaborate heist, one needs a strategy. Coming up with a strategy that works for you is entirely what success on the bar exam is about! Once you crack the code to your own study style—you start to see real results. You will also get to exercise your criminal law issue-spotting skills throughout the movie.

Prepping for the bar involves more than just studying. It is also about self-improvement. As one of the lines in the film goes, “I retreated into my own world and improved my skills.” I found that quote to be extremely relatable to the bar taker who must shut out distractions to work on themself.

The reward of passing the bar is like obtaining the treasure sought after in the heist but you will have to watch to see if they are successful in their pursuit.

The Children Act

This film is based on the book, “The Children Act” which is the story about a British Judge with a controversial case before her. The case involves a boy with leukemia and a hospital that wants to give him a life-saving blood transfusion which goes against his religion. It is the kind of complex case you would expect to see on a law school exam.

You get pulled into the judge’s world and the boy’s life. You see firsthand the judge’s thoughtful analysis when applying the facts to the law and the impact the decision would have on the boy and his family.

Seeing how cutting-edge decisions are made from the eyes of a British judge is equally as suspenseful as it is inspiring. You will find yourself playing judge and deciding the case from your couch.

Hidden Figures

To do something that has never been done before (in society, your family, in your own life) you need bravery, courage and determination. This is the story of the women behind one of the NASA U.S space program’s greatest achievements. These inspiring mathematicians took on the task of creating a math formula that did not previously exist. You will be inspired watching these leaders overcome the naysayers and odds stacked against them to earn a seat at the table.

For many of us, we are trailblazers in law for our communities and families. Even if you come from a family of lawyers, you may be carving your own path and the journey you are on is your own. To launch your legal career, you must overcome the bar exam. These women will certainly motivate you to put in the work!

Rocky

Rocky is a classic movie of a fighter relentlessly chasing his wildest dreams—which is super inspiring material to get you to study. This classic underdog story will inspire you to go after your studies like an opponent in the ring. Rocky is a great choice if you want to see a training montage! A bar exam training montage would look a lot like a bar studier’s routine: early morning, coffee, exercise, MBE drills and review day in and day out.

Rudy

This the inspiring and true story of Rudy Ruettige and his dream to play football for the University of Notre Dame. His dreams seem out of reach to others, but Rudy chases his aspirations with the encouragement of a mentor.

Seeing Rudy study and work hard for the chance to be on the field will push you to crack open your bar books and give your studies your best shot.

Free Solo

This National Geographic favorite is a close look at rock climber Alex Honnold and his determination to free solo climb Yosemite’s El Capitan. Watching Alex climb to the top of the mountain will leave you wanting to conquer your fears head-on, hands-on so that you can set your own personal record.

King Richard

Not only will you be inspired by the humble beginnings of the famous Williams’ sisters, but you will also be motivated to prep like it’s a high stakes tennis match.

This movie will definitely give you a visual of intense back and forth on the tennis court which can be a lot like counterarguments of an essay, also known as a ping-pong approach. The movie also has a great soundtrack to add to your study playlist.

Grab your popcorn and prepare to get refreshed and inspired for your studies!