10 Movies and Shows Similar to Pursuing Happiness (2015)

Description: This film delves into the complexities of happiness and love, much like 'Pursuing Happiness'. Its unique storytelling and emotional depth explore whether erasing painful memories can lead to true happiness.

Fact: Jim Carrey was cast against type for his dramatic role. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The title comes from a poem by Alexander Pope.

Description: Like 'Pursuing Happiness', this movie is about self-discovery and stepping out of one's comfort zone to find true happiness. The protagonist's transformative journey is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

Fact: Ben Stiller both directed and starred in the film. The movie was shot in several countries, including Iceland and Greenland. It's a modern adaptation of a 1939 short story.

Description: This film shares the theme of pursuing happiness through family bonds and personal dreams. The quirky, heartfelt journey of the Hoover family mirrors the emotional and uplifting tone of 'Pursuing Happiness'.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $8 million. Steve Carell was not the first choice for his role. The iconic yellow VW bus was a real vehicle used in the film.

Description: This film is directly related to 'Pursuing Happiness' as it shares the same core theme of striving for happiness despite life's hardships. Both films focus on personal growth and resilience. The protagonist's journey from adversity to success is inspirational and heartwarming.

Fact: Will Smith's real-life son, Jaden Smith, played his son in the movie. The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner. Will Smith learned to solve a Rubik's Cube for his role.

Description: Similar to 'Pursuing Happiness', this movie explores the theme of finding happiness amidst personal struggles. It combines drama and comedy to portray the complexities of mental health and relationships, much like the emotional depth in 'Pursuing Happiness'.

Fact: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence both received Oscar nominations for their roles. The film was shot in just 33 days. It's based on the novel by Matthew Quick.

Description: This film explores themes of isolation and the search for meaningful connections, similar to the emotional journey in 'Pursuing Happiness'. Its mix of humor and poignancy creates a thoughtful examination of what truly brings happiness.

Fact: George Clooney's character was inspired by real-life frequent fliers. Some of the laid-off workers in the film were real people who had recently lost their jobs. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards.

Description: This movie directly parallels 'Pursuing Happiness' as it follows a psychiatrist's global journey to understand what makes people happy. Both films explore the universal quest for happiness through personal exploration.

Fact: Simon Pegg prepared for his role by studying psychology. The film was shot in multiple countries. It's based on a bestselling novel.

Description: Like 'Pursuing Happiness', this coming-of-age film deals with overcoming personal struggles to find happiness and acceptance. Its emotional depth and focus on personal growth make it thematically similar.

Fact: The author of the novel, Stephen Chbosky, directed the film. Emma Watson cut her hair short for the role. The tunnel scene was filmed in Pittsburgh, where the story is set.

Description: Similar to 'Pursuing Happiness', this film is an uplifting story about an unlikely friendship that brings joy and meaning to life. It combines humor and heart to explore themes of happiness and human connection.

Fact: It's based on a true story. The film became a huge international success. It was remade in Hollywood as 'The Upside' in

Description: This movie shares the theme of cherishing life's moments to find happiness. Its heartfelt narrative about love, family, and time resonates with the emotional journey in 'Pursuing Happiness'.

Fact: Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams starred together again after 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. The film was directed by Richard Curtis, known for 'Love Actually'. The time travel elements were kept deliberately vague to focus on the emotional story.