10 Biopics That Inspire Happiness and Joy

Description: This film depicts the early life of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, who helps her break through her isolation to find joy and communication.

Fact: Both Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke won Academy Awards for their performances as Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, respectively. The film was based on William Gibson's play of the same name.

Description: John Nash's story is one of genius, mental illness, and the quest for personal happiness. His journey to find balance and joy in life, despite his schizophrenia, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Fact: The film was based on Sylvia Nasar's biography of the same name. Russell Crowe's performance as Nash was critically acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination.

Description: This film tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, after suffering a massive stroke, finds a new form of happiness through writing a memoir using only his left eye to communicate.

Fact: The film was adapted from Bauby's memoir of the same name. The director, Julian Schnabel, won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: This film follows the life of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son. His relentless pursuit of a better life and unwavering optimism make this an uplifting tale of happiness found through perseverance.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the film, mirroring their real-life relationship. The film's title misspelling was intentional, reflecting the misspelling on the mural in San Francisco where the story takes place.

Description: Based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who finds happiness and a new family through football, showcasing the power of kindness and support.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The film was adapted from Michael Lewis's book of the same name.

Description: King George VI's struggle with a stammer and his eventual triumph in public speaking, with the help of an unconventional speech therapist, is a story of overcoming personal barriers to find inner peace and happiness.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Colin Firth won Best Actor for his role as King George VI. The film's title refers to the King's first wartime speech, which was a pivotal moment in his life.

Description: A heartwarming tale of an aristocrat who becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident and hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver. Their unlikely friendship leads to mutual happiness and growth.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver, Abdel Sellou. It became the second highest-grossing non-English language film in the US.

Description: This biopic of Stephen Hawking showcases his extraordinary life, focusing not only on his scientific achievements but also on his personal journey to find happiness amidst his battle with motor neuron disease.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking. The film was adapted from Jane Hawking's memoir, "Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen."

Description: This documentary explores how Owen Suskind, who has autism, uses Disney animated films to connect with the world and find his own form of happiness and communication.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was based on Ron Suskind's book about his son's journey.

Description: Bethany Hamilton's story of losing her arm in a shark attack and her inspiring return to professional surfing, finding happiness in her faith and determination.

Fact: Bethany Hamilton herself served as a stunt double for AnnaSophia Robb, who played her in the film. The movie was based on Hamilton's autobiography.