Movies with Masculine Messages
Movies are a tremendous vehicle for teaching teenage boys about authentic manhood.
Because of how we’re wired up, males don’t typically have a strong connection to our inner emotional lives. So movies often create a natural relational bridge for guys. Men often draw great inspiration from classic movies and we enjoy talking about our favorite movie lines.
When I wrote the book “Man Quest: Leading Teenage Boys into Manhood”, I intentionally designed a movie time for adult men and teenage boys to enjoy together. During those challenging teenage years it’s sometimes hard to find connection points between father and son. Movies are a fun and compelling catalyst for deeper discussions.
Contrary to popular belief, the journey to manhood is not a solo trip. It’s meant to be passed down from a father or male mentor. Manhood must be actively taught to fully take root and blossom in the heart of a young man. And movies are an outstanding teaching tool.
While there are hundreds of movies I could have selected to include in the Man Quest book, I purposefully selected movies with a little more grit to them. As young men are moving into manhood, they need to start seeing some of the harshness of the world. They need to start preparing their hearts and minds for life’s more pressing challenges. Movies with masculine messages help to get the testosterone pumping and the dialogue flowing. They often provide an ideal opening for deeper conversations between mentor and mentee.
Man Quest suggests six movies that help drive home the essential lessons regarding the important “actions of a man” (or guideposts as I refer to them in the book). Here’s my expanded list of the top movies to watch with your teenage son to spark conversations about manhood. They are sorted by the six Man Quest guideposts. The most appropriate age for my recommended movies is 13 and up. Check out my web-site at www.manquestmovement.com to learn more about the Man Quest guideposts. I’d love to hear about some of your favorite movies with a masculine message. Enjoy!
Accept Responsibilty
The Ultimate Gift*
Cinderella Man
Yes, Man
Pursuit of Happyness
A Few Good Men
Lead Courageously
Braveheart*
Master and Commander
Glory
I Am Legend
Hotel Rwanda
Pretend About Nothing
Dead Poets Society*
The Truman Show
Big Fish
Legends of the Fall
Pleasantville
Journey with God
The Matrix*
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Bruce/Evan Almighty
End of the Spear
Protect Your Heart
Forrest Gump*
Good Will Hunting
Big
Shawshank Redemption
Slumdog Millionaire
Engage in Deep and Meaningful Relationships
Shallow Hal*
Roxanne
Rain Man
Henry Poole was Here
The Bucket List