Movies hold the power to transport us into amazing worlds of emotion, adventure, and laughter – yet beyond their surface influence they also profoundly shape how we seek happiness in real life. Join me on my cinematic exploration as we uncover how films mirror and magnify our pursuit of joy!

Movie Title	Release Date	Duration	Budget (in USD)	Box Office (in USD)	Where to Watch
Joy	Dec 25, 2015	124 min	$60 million	$101.1 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Forrest Gump	Jul 6, 1994	142 min	$55 million	$678.2 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
The Secret: Dare to Dream	Jul 31, 2020	107 min	$6.5 million	$8.4 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Billionaire Boys Club	Jul 17, 2018	108 min	N/A	$2,217 (Limited)	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Jobs	Aug 16, 2013	128 min	$12 million	$35.9 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story	Feb 7, 2009	86 min	N/A	N/A	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Margin Call	Oct 21, 2011	107 min	$3.5 million	$19.5 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Blind Side	Nov 20, 2009	129 min	$29 million	$309.2 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Concussion	Dec 25, 2015	123 min	$35 million	$48.6 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Flight	Nov 2, 2012	138 min	$31 million	$161.8 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
A Beautiful Mind	Dec 21, 2001	135 min	$58 million	$316.8 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Seven Pounds	Dec 19, 2008	123 min	$55 million	$168.2 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
The Shawshank Redemption	Sep 23, 1994	142 min	$25 million	$58.3 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
October Sky	Feb 19, 1999	108 min	$25 million	$32.5 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
The Theory of Everything	Nov 26, 2014	123 min	$15 million	$123.7 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
The Founder	Jan 20, 2017	115 min	$25 million	$24.1 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Good Will Hunting	Dec 5, 1997	126 min	$10 million	$225.9 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story	Apr 7, 2003	104 min	N/A	N/A	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes
Into the Wild	September 21, 2007	148 min	$15 million	$56.3 million	Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes

Joy (2015)

Joy is an incredible film that depicts Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence). This remarkable narrative depicts her battle through life’s challenges to build her own business empire; imagine all its ups and downs, tears, triumphs – it is an emotional rollercoaster full of pure inspiration!

Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is an emotional rollercoaster. Tom Hanks as Forrest takes you on an incredible journey full of laughter, tears, and unexpected turns – you’ll laugh, cry and probably call your mom afterwards.

The Secret: Dare to Dream (2020)

The Secret: Dare to Dream is essential to watch! It’s a mirror that shows how our thoughts influence our lives. Imagine Katie Holmes and Josh Lucas in this emotional journey that will make you feel heartfelt. It’s love, hope and dreams rolled into one film which will make you feel warm and energized.

Billionaire Boys Club (2018)

Billionaire Boys Club is an intense adrenaline-pumping film! Imagine being with these wealthy young men in LA, but then things get wild. Ansel Elgort as well as Taron Egerton are the stars of this thriller, which is about the pursuit of dreams while being entangled in excitement and then the messy consequences. The story will make you think about what you would have to do to be successful.

Jobs (2013)

Jobs provides an incredible look into Steve Jobs’ incredible life story, portrayed by Ashton Kutcher brilliantly from college days through changing the tech industry with Apple. You will witness all his highs, lows and sheer determination that made him such an icon in tech circles and beyond – it is an indispensable must-watch for tech fans and anyone looking for real-life examples of success stories alike! It is a must-watch for tech enthusiasts as well as anyone intrigued by real-life success stories!

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009)

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story will hit you right in the feels. Imagine Cuba Gooding Jr. playing Dr. Ben Carson, an incredible brain surgeon renowned for his innovative techniques. However, this movie takes us through his entire journey from a difficult childhood to defying the odds to become successful at medicine despite it all – showing hope and dreams and ultimately proving people wrong along the way.

Margin Call (2011)

Margin Call gives viewers an inside glimpse of Wall Street during its turbulent 2008 time period. Not your usual thriller, this film explores finance and the difficult choices people had to make during that turbulent era – with Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons leading this emotional and moral dilemma-laden ride, it promises an explosive financial adventure! Get ready for one wild ride.

Blind Side (2009)

Blind Side is an absolute tearjerker. Think of Sandra Bullock taking you on this emotional journey, where an unlucky footballer is able to find not only an immediate family, but an opportunity to live a better life. It’s a tale that warms your heart and reminds that you of the amazing effect that one gesture of kindness can make. Prepare yourself for tears, laughter, and lots of inspiration.

Concussion (2015)

Concussion is an eye-opener. Will Smith plays Dr. Bennett Omalu, an exceptional individual who takes on the NFL to protect players. It’s intense, emotional, and makes you question what’s right. Prepare yourself to cheer for an underdog and reconsider why you love sports!

Flight (2012)

Flight is an emotional rollercoaster. Starring Denzel Washington as an accomplished pilot battling his personal demons while trying to rebuild his life after tragedy strikes, Flight is sure to leave you reeling with hope, pain and the struggle for redemption – with mind-blowing performances by Denzel. His acting will stay with you long after the credits roll.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Mind is an intense ride through emotions. Russell Crowe portrays John Nash, an extraordinary mathematician battling schizophrenia; we witness both his mind and heart travel along this journey – laughing, crying and marveling at its resilience along the way.

Seven Pounds (2008)

Seven Pounds is an emotional roller coaster. Will Smith stars as an uptight detective trying to right his wrong past. Love and redemption drive this tale that leaves audiences breathless – it will stay with them long after its conclusion.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption is one of those films that sticks with you long after its end credits have run. Imagine Tim Robbins as Andy, an unlikely banker in a harsh prison fighting for hope and friendship, with Morgan Freeman guiding through an emotional rollercoaster ride. Not just a movie; The Shawshank Redemption is more like an emotional journey through struggle, resilience, and finding light even in the seemingly darkest of corners – prepare yourself for tears of emotion while simultaneously lifting your spirit!

October Sky (1999)

October Sky is an emotionally touching movie. Homer Hickam, an innocent young boy in a mining town who dreams of creating rockets but his dad doesn’t support his vision is the center of this tale of perseverance against all odds – you will certainly root for Homer! Trust me; it won’t disappoint!

The Theory of Everything (2014)

The Theory of Everything is an emotional movie that will touch you deep down inside. Eddie Redmayne transforms into Stephen Hawking and shows us his brilliant mind – but also shows his personal life with Jane, ups and downs and the incredible spirit that kept him going throughout it all. Prepare yourself to shed tears while discovering a deeper appreciation for this scientific genius!

The Founder (2016)

The Founder offers us an insider look into McDonald’s. Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc, its mastermind. However, this film goes deeper than just Golden Arches and Happy Meals; instead, it explores his ambition and the hard choices he had to make in building this global fast-food giant. Be prepared for an insight into success seasoned with reality!

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting is an emotional drama starring Matt Damon as Will Hunting, a gifted yet troubled janitor played by Robin Williams as his caring therapist who mentors him on his path of self-discovery. This movie shows friendship, love and mentorship at its finest, as well as showing resilience of human spirits and opportunities for change.

Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story (2003)

Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story is an incredible journey of real-life grit and triumph. Watch as Liz Murray fights her way from homelessness to Harvard; you won’t know it was so inspirational until you watch. Afterward, you may cry, cheer and want to achieve more; this film reminds us all that dreams are worth chasing no matter how hard life gets.

Into the Wild (2007)

Into the Wild is a movie based on Christopher McCandless’ incredible true tale of adventure, self-discovery and longing for something deeper in life. On his journey, he meets different characters who alter his perspective of reality while experiencing nature at its finest. This story captures its deeper meaning by tugging on your heartstrings while inspiring reflection on life’s deeper significance.

The Closing Scene: Wrapping Up Our Movie Adventure

On this journey through movies and happiness, we’ve experienced its thrills of emotions, the relaxation of escape, lessons learned, and laughter shared. Movies truly play an invaluable role in our pursuit of joy, enriching lives and hearts in innumerable ways.