Destiny’s Dramas: 10 Films About Purpose

Description: A teacher inspires his students to seize the day and make their lives extraordinary, exploring themes of individuality and the pursuit of one's true calling.

Fact: Robin Williams improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's authenticity. The Latin phrase "Carpe Diem" became widely recognized after this film.

Description: An innocent man's journey through prison life and his unyielding hope for freedom and redemption, showcasing the power of perseverance and the search for purpose.

Fact: Despite its critical acclaim, the film was not a box office success initially. It has since become one of the most beloved films of all time.

Description: A janitor with a genius-level intellect must navigate his path to self-discovery, guided by a compassionate therapist, highlighting the struggle between innate talent and personal destiny.

Fact: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the screenplay, winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The film was shot in their hometown of Boston.

Description: The life of John Nash, a mathematical genius, as he battles schizophrenia while striving to make his mark in the world, reflecting on the intersection of genius and destiny.

Fact: Russell Crowe gained weight for the role to portray Nash's aging. The film was criticized for its portrayal of schizophrenia, but it won multiple Oscars.

Description: Walter Mitty, a daydreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing photograph, discovering his own purpose along the way.

Fact: The film includes real-life footage from the Icelandic volcano eruption in

Description: A young man's journey of survival and self-discovery after a shipwreck, exploring themes of faith, survival, and the search for meaning in life.

Fact: The film's visual effects were groundbreaking, winning four Oscars. The real-life story behind the book is even more complex than the film suggests.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman, as he fights against all odds to provide a better life for his son, embodying the ultimate quest for personal and professional fulfillment.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, played his real-life son in the movie. The film's title is intentionally misspelled, reflecting a real-life sign Chris Gardner saw.

Description: A young man's quest for meaning leads him to abandon his possessions and live in the Alaskan wilderness, exploring themes of freedom, purpose, and the human spirit.

Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the real-life bus where Christopher McCandless lived is still a pilgrimage site for fans.

Description: Two terminally ill men escape from a hospital to live out their dreams, exploring themes of friendship, mortality, and the pursuit of life's purpose.

Fact: Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman had never worked together before this film. The film's title became a popular term for a list of things to do before one "kicks the bucket."

Description: An unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caretaker from the projects leads to mutual growth and the discovery of life's true meaning.

Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the real-life Philippe Pozzo di Borgo was involved in the production. It became one of the highest-grossing French films of all time.