10 Uplifting Drama Films That Celebrate Joy

Description: Walter Mitty, a day-dreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, leading him to discover the joy of living in the moment and embracing life's possibilities.

Fact: The film's director, Ben Stiller, also stars as Walter Mitty, and the movie was shot in various stunning locations around the world.

Description: This film follows a dysfunctional family as they travel across the country to get their young daughter to a beauty pageant. Despite the family's quirks and struggles, the journey is filled with moments of genuine joy and unity.

Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days, and the cast members lived together during filming to build chemistry.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman, as he fights to provide for his son and achieve his dream of becoming a stockbroker. The journey is filled with hardships, but the ultimate joy of success and family love shines through.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son, and the film's title misspelling is intentional, reflecting the real-life sign Chris Gardner saw.

Description: Two terminally ill men escape from their hospital room to fulfill their bucket lists, finding joy in the adventure and friendship that ensues.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life list made by screenwriter Justin Zackham's aunt and uncle.

Description: A group of British retirees move to India to live out their golden years in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Their journey is filled with cultural adjustments, new friendships, and the rediscovery of joy in life.

Fact: The film was shot in Jaipur, India, and its success led to a sequel.

Description: This French film tells the story 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 brings joy, laughter, and a new perspective on life, making it a perfect fit for this collection.

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: A 70-year-old widower becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, forming an unlikely friendship with the company's CEO. The film celebrates the joy of intergenerational friendship and the wisdom that comes with age.

Fact: Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway had never worked together before this film, making their on-screen chemistry a delightful surprise.

Description: An Indian family opens a restaurant directly across from a Michelin-starred French restaurant, leading to a culinary and cultural clash that eventually blossoms into mutual respect and joy.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in France, and the food featured in the movie was prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.

Description: Pete Davidson stars in this semi-autobiographical film about a young man dealing with the loss of his firefighter father. The journey towards healing and self-discovery is filled with humor and heartfelt moments of joy.

Fact: The film was co-written by Pete Davidson, Judd Apatow, and Dave Sirus, drawing heavily from Davidson's own life experiences.

Description: Amélie is a whimsical tale of a shy waitress who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better while grappling with her own isolation. The film's vibrant visuals and uplifting narrative make it a joyful cinematic experience.

Fact: The film was shot entirely in Paris, and its success led to a surge in tourism to the Montmartre district.