Embarking on a new career path can be a daunting yet exhilarating experience. These ten films delve into the lives of individuals who take the leap to change their professional lives, offering a mix of inspiration, emotional depth, and sometimes, a touch of humour. Whether it's a drastic shift or a subtle pivot, these stories resonate with anyone contemplating or undergoing a career change, providing not just entertainment but also valuable life lessons.

The Full Monty (1997)
Description: A group of unemployed steelworkers in Sheffield decide to form a male striptease act to make ends meet, showcasing a drastic career change for comedic effect.
Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Description: Walter Mitty, a daydreamer working as a negative asset manager, embarks on a real-life adventure when he must track down a missing negative, leading him to reevaluate his life and career.
Fact: The film was shot in Iceland, Greenland, and New York City, showcasing stunning landscapes.


The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who takes on an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm, hoping to secure a better future for his son. It's a powerful tale of perseverance and the pursuit of a dream against all odds.
Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son, and the film is based on a true story.


The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Description: A young aspiring journalist, Andy Sachs, lands a job as the assistant to the formidable editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine. Her career trajectory takes an unexpected turn as she navigates the cutthroat world of fashion.
Fact: Meryl Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly was inspired by Vogue editor Anna Wintour.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: While not a traditional career change film, it follows several characters who bet against the housing market, leading to dramatic shifts in their professional lives and the financial world.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain complex financial terms in an accessible way.


The Internship (2013)
Description: Two out-of-work salesmen secure internships at Google, leading to a comedic yet insightful look at adapting to a new industry and career path.
Fact: Google allowed the film to be shot at their headquarters, providing an authentic backdrop.


The Intern (2015)
Description: Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower, becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, leading to a career change and a mentorship with the company's founder. It's a heartwarming story about age, experience, and finding new purpose.
Fact: Robert De Niro learned to drive for this film, as he had never driven before.


Chef (2014)
Description: A chef quits his job at a prestigious restaurant to start a food truck business, rediscovering his passion for cooking and his relationship with his son.
Fact: Jon Favreau, who stars as the chef, also wrote and directed the film, drawing inspiration from his own experiences in the culinary world.


Up in the Air (2009)
Description: Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer, lives out of a suitcase, firing people for a living. When his company decides to switch to video conferencing, he must confront the possibility of losing his job, leading to a profound career and personal reassessment.
Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Company Men (2010)
Description: Three men at different levels in the same company face the harsh reality of corporate downsizing, leading each to reassess their careers and personal lives.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of writer-director John Wells during the economic downturn.
