10 Movies & Shows Like Be Happy (2025)

Description: A whimsical tale of a shy waitress who decides to change lives through small acts of kindness, discovering her own happiness along the way.

Fact: The film features over 80 digital effects shots to enhance its fairy-tale quality. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet tested over 100 actresses before casting Audrey Tautou.

Description: A daydreamer embarks on a global adventure that transforms his outlook on life, illustrating how stepping outside one's comfort zone can lead to profound happiness.

Fact: Ben Stiller performed many of his own stunts, including the longboard scene in Iceland. The film features stunning location photography across Greenland, Iceland and the Himalayas.

Description: A dysfunctional family's road trip reveals the beauty in imperfection, celebrating individuality and the joy found in life's messy moments.

Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days on a modest budget. The iconic dance finale was choreographed by the young actress herself, with minimal rehearsal.

Description: A heartwarming story about perseverance and finding joy in life's struggles, focusing on a father's journey to provide for his son against all odds.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, whose memoir inspired the screenplay. The famous basketball scene was improvised by Will Smith and his real-life son Jaden.

Description: Explores mental health and personal growth through an unconventional love story, demonstrating how people can find unexpected happiness through connection.

Fact: The dance competition scene was filmed in one continuous take. Author Matthew Quick wrote the novel while working as a high school English teacher and quitting to pursue writing full-time.

Description: A cheerful and optimistic protagonist navigates life with unshakable positivity, showing how happiness can be a choice even in challenging circumstances.

Fact: Director Mike Leigh used his signature improvisational technique, developing the story and characters through months of workshops with the cast. The driving lesson scenes were filmed with hidden cameras to capture authentic reactions.

Description: A man's life transforms when he commits to saying 'yes' to every opportunity, demonstrating how openness to new experiences can create joy.

Fact: The film was inspired by British comedian Danny Wallace's memoir of the same name. Jim Carrey performed his own stunts, including the bungee jump scene.

Description: A psychiatrist's global quest to understand happiness leads to profound personal discoveries about what truly brings joy in life.

Fact: The film was shot across three continents in just 42 days. Simon Pegg prepared for the role by shadowing real psychiatrists in London.

Description: An unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caretaker from the projects shows how human connection transcends circumstance to create joy.

Fact: Became the most successful non-English language film ever released in Germany. Based on the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caretaker Abdel Sellou.

Description: A cultural clash transforms into mutual appreciation through food and human connection, celebrating how shared passions can bridge differences.

Fact: Helen Mirren learned to cook Indian dishes for her role. The film's food scenes were supervised by Michelin-starred chef Floyd Cardoz.