I have a bunch...different reasons for each:
Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Symbolism of struggles between good vs. evil and inner demons
Step It Up: difficult child type kid gets his life together because he has a passion that's tapped into finally by hooking up with kids that he SHOULD be hanging out with and teachers decide to give him a chance, etc.
October Sky: True Story about kids who just needed someone to believe in them and grew up to have brilliant science careers
Race for the Sun: True story about slacker type students who just needed some leadership and an adult to believe in them
Hoosiers: True story about a basketball team beating the odds
Centerstage: Good movie about preserverance
Friday Night Lights: Another true sports story
Steel Magnolias:Ultimate story showing mother-daughter bonds and strength of female bonds altogether!