Dream Big, Laugh Hard: 10 Comedy Films About Dreams

Description: Josh Baskin's dream of being "big" overnight turns into a comedic adventure when he wakes up as an adult. His childlike innocence and adult-sized body lead to hilarious situations as he tries to navigate the world of grown-ups.

Fact: The famous piano scene was improvised by Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Hanks.

Description: Four psychiatric patients dream of escaping their mundane lives, leading to a comedic adventure in New York City. Their quest for freedom and understanding is filled with laughter and unexpected twists.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Looney Tunes" but was changed to avoid confusion with the animated series. Michael Keaton improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's humor.

Description: Buddy's dream of finding his real father and spreading Christmas cheer leads to a series of hilarious and heartwarming events. His childlike innocence and oversized elf costume make for a comedic exploration of dreams and family.

Fact: Will Ferrell's costume weighed 25 pounds, and he had to wear it for most of the filming. The film has become a modern Christmas classic.

Description: Walter Mitty's daydreams are the stuff of comedy gold, as he imagines himself in heroic scenarios while living a mundane life. His real-life adventure to find a missing photo negative becomes a dream come true in its own right.

Fact: The film was shot in Iceland, which provided a stunning backdrop for Walter's journey. Ben Stiller, who directed and starred in the film, also had a cameo in the original 1947 film.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who dreams of becoming a stockbroker. His journey is filled with comedic moments as he navigates life's challenges with his son in tow, showing that even in the darkest times, dreams can still make you laugh.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in real life, adding an authentic touch to their on-screen relationship. The film's title misspells "happiness" to reflect the real-life sign Chris Gardner saw.

Description: Two terminally ill men set out to fulfill their bucket list dreams, leading to a series of comedic and touching adventures. Their journey is a testament to the power of dreams, even in the face of mortality.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life list made by screenwriter Justin Zackham's aunt and uncle. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman had never worked together before this film.

Description: While not directly about dreams, this film showcases the dream of survival in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies roam. The characters' quirky dreams and rules for survival add a comedic twist to their journey.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a TV series but was adapted into a movie due to the success of the script. The character names are all based on places (Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, Little Rock).

Description: While not strictly about dreams, this film captures the whimsical, dreamlike quality of Wes Anderson's storytelling. The concierge's dream of maintaining the hotel's grandeur leads to a series of comedic capers.

Fact: The film's color palette was inspired by the work of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. The hotel itself was a meticulously crafted set, built to Anderson's exact specifications.

Description: Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower, dreams of staying active and relevant in the modern world. His internship at a tech startup leads to funny and heartwarming moments as he learns about the new generation's dreams and aspirations.

Fact: Robert De Niro did not use a stunt double for the bike scene, showcasing his commitment to the role. The film was inspired by a real-life senior internship program at a tech company.

Description: Two out-of-work salesmen dream of landing a job at Google, leading to a series of comedic misadventures as they navigate the tech world with their outdated skills.

Fact: The film was shot at Google's actual headquarters, with many Google employees making cameo appearances. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson previously starred together in "Wedding Crashers."