15 Encouraging Quotes: From the Screen for Real Life

As a pick-me-up, we’ll look into positive quotes from our favorite media sources. These forms of entertainment can help lift us from our darkest moments!

Book Culture Favorite Quotes

A little bit of positivity goes a long way. That’s what optimistic quotes are all about: Little messages to lift the spirit. No matter how cheesy or repetitive they are, especially when advertised everywhere, from mugs, posters, decorative stationery, and clothes, it doesn’t change their power to inspire. Quotes from our favorite books, movies, and TV shows are even more impactful as they are something we willingly love and aren’t shoved in our faces. The quotes on this list will have you smiling as you recognize where they’re from, a source of comfort to your day.

Trust Your Instincts, Not on What’s Visible

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”

The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry book cover of a boy on a moon with flowers growing. A blue background is littered with golden stars.
IMAGE VIA BOOKSHOP.ORG

Have Fun Living Life to the Fullest

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – John Keating

Dead Poets Society (1989)

"Dead Poets Society" scene of the movie with Robin William's John Keating in a classroom, kneeling as he looks at something ahead as the rest of his students.
IMAGE VIA TOUCHSTONE PICTURES

Every Bit of Confidence Can Go a Long Way

“Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.” – Mr. George Feeny

Boy Meets World

"Boy Meets World" TV scene of teacher Mr. George Feeny sitting on his desk as as talks to his students with them attentively listening.
IMAGE VIA DISNEY PLUS

You’re Never Truly Alone in the World

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Holy Bible – Deuteronomy 31:6

"Holy Bible" book cover of a plain black cover with white print of the title and the meaning of the abbreviation of NIV (New International Version).
IMAGE VIA BOOKSHOP.ORG

Missed Opportunities Can Lead to Somewhere Better

“Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.” – Eric Roth

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" movie scene of Benjamin and  Daisy talking to each other in a ballet studio.
IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS.

Relying on Others Is Not a Sign of Weakness

“Strong is fighting. It’s hard, and it’s painful, and it’s every day. It’s what we have to do, and we can do it together.” – Buffy Summers

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV scene of Buffy staring in alarm in front of a Christmas tree.
IMAGE VIA HULU

How We Deal with Hardship Adds Character

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir – Haruki Murakami

"What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir" by Haruki Murakami book cover with dark blue slowly turning into a lighter color that by the middle is orange with a line in the middle, staring from light to dark blue.
IMAGE VIA BOOKSHOP.ORG

There’s Enough Good in the World. Don’t Take It for Granted.

“Life is not the amount of breaths you take. It’s the moments that take your breath away.” – Alex “Hitch” Hitchens

Hitch (2005)

"Hitch" movie scene of Hitch and Sarah smiling at each other outside by a street and stores.
IMAGE VIA COLUMBIA PICTURES

Stand Firm in Your Beliefs

“Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armour, and it can never be used against you.” – Tyrion Lannister

Games of Thrones

"Games of Thrones" of Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister talking as Tyrion drinks from a leather sack.
IMAGE VIA MAX

Never Give Up on Your Dreams

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho book cover mostly with many shades of orange. The title is circled in a font of a map with trails and mountains. The circle is a sun with its rays looking like diamonds with golden birds on the top two corners.
IMAGE VIA BOOKSHOP.ORG

Every Single Second Counts

“Don’t waste it. Don’t waste your life.” – Ho Yinsen

Iron Man (2007)

"Iron Man" movie scene of Tony Stark getting ready to escape his captors in the Mark I Iron Man suit with the help of Yo Ho Yinsen.
IMAGE VIA PARAMOUNT PICTURES

It’s Important To Have Time for Yourself

“Treat yo’self” –  Donna and Tom

Parks and Recreation

"Parks and Recreation" TV scene of Donn and Tom toasting with a glass of wine as they sit across from Ron Swanson's desk in his office.
IMAGE VIA PEACOCK

True Companionship Will Come When Your True to Yourself

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”

Autumn Leaves – André Gide

"Autumn Leaves" by André Gide book cover of charcoal swiped with pieces of yellow pieces of irregular shapes with lines drawn into leaves, all before a white background.
IMAGE VIA BOOKSHOP.ORG

Don’t Compare Your Failures to the Success of Others

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Emperor of China

Mulan (1998)

"Mulan" (1998) movie scene of Mulan under a pink flower tree smiling at her father after he places a hair ornament on her head.
IMAGE VIA WALT DISNEY PICTURES

Negative Gossip Is Just Empty Words

“A bad reputation doesn’t mean you’re bad.” – Tommy Miller

The Last of Us

"The Last of Us" TV show of brothers Tommy and Joel reuniting after many years after the start of the zombie apocalypse.
IMAGE VIA MAX

Did you recognize any of these quotes? Let us know on our Instagram, X, and Facebook!


Up for some quotes that live rent-free within our Bookstr team’s heads? Head to Unsurpassed Book Quotes and Scenes Constantly on Our Minds!

For books like The Alchemist, click here for Bookstr’s Exploring the Depths of Literary Fiction on Bookshop.org!

FEATURED IMAGE VIA BOOKSTR / CLAUDIA MALDONADO