34 Iconic Movies to Help You See CliftonStrengths® in Action

Imagine understanding what makes the people around you extraordinary. Recognizing the strengths of others can transform how we connect with them—and stories help us see this more clearly. When we understand the unique talents people bring, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and new possibilities.

As Donald Miller shares in Building a StoryBrand®, stories invite us to step into someone else’s experience, to see the world through their eyes. And movies do this best. They show us what happens when people lean into their strengths, bringing their talents to life in vivid ways. We’re making the discovery of strengths fun and effortless—by exploring some of the most iconic characters ever brought to the big screen.

Grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to experience strengths in action. These characters represent talents that may remind you of yourself or help you better understand and celebrate the gifts of others. If you're interested in watching these movies, I've included links for convenience. Recognizing these strengths helps build stronger connections, enriches relationships, and adds depth to your own story. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Achiever® - Rocky (1976)

Rocky Balboa is the definition of grit. He’s up before sunrise, drinking raw eggs, and training until he can’t stand. Achievers are all about putting in the effort, and for Rocky, it’s not about glory—it’s about knowing he gave it everything he had, every single day.

Activator® - Dead Poets Society (1989)

John Keating is an Activator who knows how to get things started. He inspires his students to seize the day and take action, even when the path isn’t clear. Activators don’t wait around—they spark movement, and Keating’s encouragement for his students to think differently gets everyone moving.

Adaptability® - Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump goes with the flow, no matter what life throws at him. Adaptability means staying present and adjusting to whatever comes your way, and Forrest does this effortlessly—whether he’s joining the army, starting a shrimp business, or running across the country.

Analytical - The Big Short (2015)

Michael Burry digs into the data to uncover the truth about the housing market. Analytical people break things down and look at the evidence, and Michael’s deep dive into the numbers helps him see what others miss. It’s about understanding the facts and making sense of complexity.

Arranger® - Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Danny Ocean is the ultimate Arranger. He’s got a diverse crew, each with unique talents, and he knows exactly how to make them work together. Like a conductor orchestrating a symphony, Danny thrives in complexity—juggling plans and people to pull off the perfect heist.

Belief® - Braveheart (1995)

William Wallace leads with conviction. His belief in freedom for his people drives every choice he makes. People with Belief draw energy from their values, and Wallace’s passion for liberty moves others to action. His integrity in pursuing his cause shows how powerful deeply held convictions can be.

Command® - Gladiator (2000)

Maximus embodies Command. He steps up, takes charge, and leads with strength, especially when chaos reigns. People with Command bring clarity to confusion, and Maximus’s ability to lead under pressure makes him a trusted figure, one that others naturally follow.

Communication® - The King’s Speech (2010)

Lionel Logue brings out the best in King George VI’s voice. Communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about making sure your message sticks. Lionel knows how to connect and inspire, helping the king find his voice, one speech at a time.

Competition® - Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles are driven by Competition. They’re not content with being good—they need to be the best. Competition means measuring yourself against others and pushing to come out on top, and their drive to beat Ferrari at Le Mans shows how far this strength can take you.

Connectedness® - Avatar (2009)

Jake Sully learns that everything on Pandora is connected—people, animals, nature. Connectedness means seeing the bigger picture and understanding that we’re all part of something larger. Jake’s journey shows how powerful it can be to recognize those invisible threads that tie everything together.

Consistency® - Remember the Titans (2000)

Coach Boone knows the value of treating everyone equally. Whether you're a starter or on the bench, black or white, Boone holds everyone to the same standard. His commitment to fairness builds a culture of trust and unity, helping the team move beyond their differences.

Context® - Midnight in Paris (2011)

Gil Pender loves immersing himself in the past. Context means looking back to understand the present, and Gil’s fascination with the 1920s helps him see his own life in a new light. People with Context use history to provide perspective and learn from what came before.

Deliberative® - The Imitation Game (2014)

Alan Turing embodies Deliberative strength. He carefully thinks through each step as he works to crack the Enigma code, assessing risks and considering every possibility. Deliberative people prefer to navigate challenges thoughtfully, and Turing’s approach ensures each move is calculated and precise.

Developer® - The Blind Side (2009)

Leigh Anne Tuohy sees potential in Michael Oher and helps him grow. Developers find joy in helping others move forward, no matter where they start. Leigh Anne’s belief in Michael, even before he believes in himself, highlights the power of investing in others and watching them succeed.

Discipline® - Whiplash (2014)

Andrew Neiman lives for structure and routine. Every moment is accounted for as he pushes himself toward drumming excellence. Discipline means loving the structure that leads to mastery, and Andrew’s relentless pursuit of progress—even when it’s tough—reflects this strength perfectly.

Empathy® - Inside Out (2015)

Joy and Sadness learn to understand each other and Riley’s emotions on a deeper level. Empathy means sensing what others are feeling, and this duo learns that all emotions have a role to play. People with Empathy can pick up on others' feelings and help them feel understood, just like Joy learns to appreciate Sadness.

Focus® - The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Chris Gardner is laser-focused on building a better life for his son. No matter the setbacks, he stays the course. Focus means keeping your eyes on the goal, even when times get tough, and Chris’s determination to move forward, despite everything, is the ultimate testament to his unwavering drive.

Futuristic® - Interstellar (2014)

Cooper dreams of a better future for his family and humanity. Futuristic people are inspired by what could be, and Cooper’s mission to find a new home for humanity shows the power of looking beyond today’s challenges and focusing on possibilities.

Harmony® - The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

Hassan Kadam finds ways to bring people together through food. Harmony means finding common ground, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and focusing on what unites us. Hassan’s ability to blend French and Indian culinary traditions helps bridge divides and create something beautiful together.

Ideation® - Inception (2010)

Dom Cobb thrives in the world of ideas, building dreams within dreams and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Ideation is about loving new concepts and exploring possibilities, and Cobb’s ability to craft elaborate dreamscapes shows just how powerful imagination can be.

Includer® - The Breakfast Club (1985)

The Breakfast Club is a perfect example of Includer. A group of students from different cliques come together during detention, and they gradually break down barriers to include each other. Includers make space for everyone, ensuring no one feels left out. By the end of the movie, they form a bond that transcends their differences, showing the power of inclusion and acceptance.

Individualization® - The Incredibles (2004)

Helen Parr (Elastigirl) knows exactly what makes each member of her family unique. Individualization means recognizing the strengths of each person and helping them shine, and Helen’s encouragement for her kids to embrace their abilities shows how powerful this can be when everyone plays to their strengths.

Input® - The Matrix (1999)

Neo is on a quest for answers, constantly absorbing information to understand the Matrix. Input means gathering knowledge, and Neo’s hunger for the truth drives him to learn everything he can. It’s this need to understand that helps him face the challenges ahead.

Intellection® - A Beautiful Mind (2001)

John Nash is the embodiment of Intellection. He loves deep thinking, solving complex problems, and exploring abstract ideas. Intellection is about enjoying the mental journey, and Nash’s fascination with advanced mathematics shows the power of taking time to think things through.

Learner® - Good Will Hunting (1997)

Will Hunting has an insatiable hunger for knowledge. He dives into books, masters mathematics, and constantly seeks to understand more. Learners thrive on the process of learning, and for Will, it’s about growing intellectually and embracing the joy of discovery.

Maximizer® - Moneyball (2011)

Billy Beane is a Maximizer in action. He takes what the Oakland A’s have—limited budget and undervalued players—and turns it into something great. Maximizers see potential and aim for excellence, and Billy’s refusal to settle for average results exemplifies this drive.

Positivity® - Legally Blonde (2001)

Elle Woods tackles every challenge with a smile. Positivity means bringing energy and optimism to every situation, even when others doubt you. Elle’s upbeat attitude lifts those around her, and her belief in herself shows just how far a positive outlook can take you.

Relator® - The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Andy Dufresne and Red build a deep and lasting bond in Shawshank prison. Relators seek meaningful relationships, and Andy and Red’s friendship grows out of mutual respect and trust. It’s the kind of connection that stands the test of time, even in the hardest of circumstances.

Responsibility® - Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Captain Miller takes the mission to find Private Ryan to heart. Responsibility isn’t just a task—it’s a commitment. Miller’s sense of accountability pushes him to see things through, no matter the cost. People with this strength are the ones you can rely on, especially when the stakes are high.

Restorative® - The Martian (2015)

Mark Watney is Restorative to the core. Faced with problem after problem on Mars, he doesn’t give up—he fixes things. Restorative people are energized by solving problems, and Mark’s resilience in tackling each challenge—whether growing food or communicating with NASA—shows the power of a problem-solving mindset.

Self-Assurance® - Iron Man (2008)

Tony Stark has Self-Assurance in spades. He trusts his instincts and doesn’t second-guess himself. Self-Assurance means having an internal compass that says, “I’ve got this,” and Tony’s confidence in building the Iron Man suit shows how far this belief can take you.

Significance® - The Greatest Showman (2017)

P.T. Barnum wants to make an impact and leave a legacy. People with Significance want their work to matter, and Barnum’s ambition to build a show that brings joy to millions shows how powerful this drive can be. It’s about doing something meaningful and being remembered for it.

Strategic® - The Hunger Games (2012)

Katniss Everdeen uses her strategic mind to navigate the arena. She evaluates her options, thinks ahead, and makes decisions to stay alive. Strategic people see patterns and figure out the best path forward, and Katniss’s ability to outthink her opponents is what keeps her ahead.

Woo® - Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Frank Abagnale Jr. is a master of Woo. He knows how to charm and win people over in any situation. Woo is about building quick connections and making others feel comfortable, and Frank’s ability to adapt and make an impression keeps him one step ahead.

Which Character Reflects Your Strengths?

Now that you've explored 34 iconic characters and their unique talents, it's time to reflect. Each of these characters shows the power of embracing strengths—not only their own but also those of the people around them. Imagine how different these stories would be if the heroes were focused only on their weaknesses. It's when they leaned into their strengths that they made a real difference.

The next time you watch one of these classics, think about the strengths that come to life on screen. Recognizing the talents of those around you can shift your perspective and help you build stronger, more authentic connections.