Humanism
Philosophy emphasizing human agency, rationality, and the potential for individual flourishing
Primary Examples(84)
12 Angry Men
Faith in rational discourse and individual conscience
12 Years a Slave
Testimony to human endurance and dignity
The Lives of Others
Art transforming observer
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Small people making a difference
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Small people changing world
The Pianist
Survival and human kindness
The Shawshank Redemption
Hope and human dignity
The Sound of Music
Family and moral courage
The Wind Rises
Beauty and tragedy of creation
The Wizard of Oz
There's no place like home
To Kill a Mockingbird
Moral courage and decency
Toy Story
Friendship and change
Toy Story 3
Letting go; growing up
Up
Love, loss, and new adventures
WALL·E
Love and connection
War Horse
Bond between human and animal
Warrior
Family reconciliation
A Beautiful Mind
Triumph of love and support over illness
A Separation
Moral complexity without villains
Always
Love transcending death; letting go
Amélie
Small acts of kindness transforming lives
American History X
Redemption from hate through human connection
Amistad
Fight for human dignity and freedom
Before Sunrise
Two souls connecting authentically
Before Sunset
Reconnection and vulnerability
Ben-Hur
Faith and redemption over vengeance
Bicycle Thieves
Dignity of working class struggle
Braveheart
Freedom as essential human right
Bridge of Spies
Dignity for enemies; principled stand
Capernaum
Child's dignity and survival
Casablanca
Sacrifice for greater cause
Children of Heaven
Sibling love and sacrifice
Cinema Paradiso
Love of cinema and mentorship
City Lights
Love and sacrifice transcending class
Coco
Family and memory as immortality
Come and See
Witness to atrocity; loss of innocence
Das Boot
Germans as humans, not villains
Dead Poets Society
Individual expression vs. conformity
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Childhood wonder and connection
Finding Nemo
Parental love and letting go
Ford v Ferrari
Individual genius vs. corporate machine
From Up on Poppy Hill
Youth activism and community
Gladiator
Dignity and honor in slavery
Good Will Hunting
Therapy and human potential
Gran Torino
Cross-cultural redemption
Green Book
Friendship across racial divide
Hacksaw Ridge
Pacifist heroism in war
Harakiri
Individual dignity vs. rigid code
How to Train Your Dragon
Understanding over violence
Ikiru
One person making a difference
In the Name of the Father
Injustice and family loyalty
Incendies
War trauma across generations
Inside Out
Embracing difficult emotions
It's A Wonderful Life
Individual impact on community
Judgment at Nuremberg
Justice and moral responsibility
Klaus
Kindness transforming community
Lady Bird
Mother-daughter complexity
Life is Beautiful
Love and imagination defeating horror
Like Stars on Earth
Every child has potential
Lincoln
Political process and moral courage
Marriage Story
Divorce without villains
Million Dollar Baby
Dignity and mercy
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Individual standing against corruption
My Neighbor Totoro
Childhood wonder and nature
On the Waterfront
Standing up against corruption
Paths of Glory
Soldiers' dignity vs. command
Ratatouille
Anyone can create art
Rocky
Going the distance
Saving Private Ryan
Sacrifice and duty
Schindler's List
One person making a difference
Seven Samurai
Ordinary people as heroes
Singin' in the Rain
Joy and artistic integrity
Spirited Away
Growth through work and kindness
Stand by Me
Friendship and coming-of-age
The Apartment
Decency in corporate world
The Elephant Man
Dignity beyond appearance
The Fabelmans
Art and family
The Father
Aging and dignity
The Great Dictator
Plea for humanity
The Green Mile
Dignity and injustice
The Hunt
Wrongful accusation tragedy
The Intouchables
Cross-class friendship
The Iron Giant
Choosing to be good
The Lion King
Responsibility and legacy
Secondary Influences(15)
1917
Individual soldier's mission and sacrifice
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
Family reconciliation
Kiki's Delivery Service
Finding independence and purpose
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Dignity and rebellion
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Hero's journey; good vs. evil
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Darkness before hope
The Wild Robot
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Pride and futility
Downfall
Hitler's final days; humanizing history
Dunkirk
Survival and civilian heroism
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Greed destroying character
The Sixth Sense
Helping the dead; human connection
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Father-son reconciliation
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Hope in darkest hour
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Civilization vs. barbarism