Family Dreamers: 10 Films to Inspire

Description: Daniel, a young boy, moves to a new town and dreams of mastering karate to stand up to bullies. His journey is one of self-discovery and the pursuit of personal excellence.

Fact: The film was remade in 2010 with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. The original film's iconic crane kick was inspired by a real-life martial arts move.

Description: Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary powers who dreams of a better life away from her neglectful parents. Her journey to find her place in the world and use her gifts for good embodies the spirit of a dreamer.

Fact: The film was directed by Danny DeVito, who also played Matilda's father. The character of Matilda was inspired by Roald Dahl's own childhood experiences.

Description: Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary teenager, discovers she is the princess of a small European country. Her dream of fitting in and finding her identity makes this film a delightful addition to the list.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Meg Cabot, and Anne Hathaway was cast after she was spotted by a casting director while performing in a play.

Description: This animated film features a family of superheroes who must hide their powers but ultimately use them to save the world. It's a story of dreaming big and embracing one's unique abilities.

Fact: The film took over six years to make, with animators creating a new software to handle the complex character movements. It was the first animated film to win the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.

Description: Walter Mitty, a daydreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, turning his dreams into reality. This film encourages viewers to step out of their comfort zones.

Fact: The film was shot in various stunning locations around the world, including Iceland, Greenland, and New York City. The skateboarding scene was performed by Ben Stiller himself.

Description: A musically gifted orphan sets out to find his parents, believing that music will lead him to them. His dream of reuniting his family through music is both inspiring and touching.

Fact: Freddie Highmore, who played August, learned to play the guitar for the role. The film's score was composed by Mark Mancina, known for his work on "Tarzan."

Description: Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles, dreams of winning the National Spelling Bee. Her journey is one of overcoming personal and societal challenges to achieve her dream.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life National Spelling Bee. The word "xanthosis" used in the movie was actually misspelled in the script.

Description: A family embarks on a road trip to support their daughter's dream of competing in a beauty pageant. This quirky film shows the importance of family support in achieving dreams.

Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days, and the cast had to learn to play their instruments for the final scene.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman, as he chases his dream of becoming a stockbroker while raising his son. It's a powerful story of determination and hope, making it an excellent choice for this collection.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith played father and son in the movie, mirroring their real-life relationship. The film's title is intentionally misspelled to reflect the theme of the movie.

Description: Michael Oher, a homeless teen, is taken in by a family who helps him pursue his dream of playing professional football. It's a story of family, support, and chasing dreams.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, who went on to play in the NFL. Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.