10 Movies & Shows Like Living (2022)

Description: A heartwarming story about a man who escapes his mundane life through vivid daydreams, eventually embarking on a real-life adventure that transforms his perspective. The film beautifully blends themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the beauty of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Fact: The film was shot in several countries, including Iceland, where the stunning landscapes play a crucial role in the protagonist's journey. The skateboarding scene down the Icelandic highway was performed by a professional skateboarder, not Ben Stiller.

Description: A powerful true story about perseverance, hope, and the relentless pursuit of a better life despite overwhelming odds. The emotional depth and inspirational message resonate with themes of resilience and personal triumph.

Fact: Will Smith's real-life son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son, adding a layer of authenticity to their performances. The film's title misspells 'happiness' as 'happyness,' a detail taken from the real-life daycare where Chris Gardner's son was enrolled.

Description: Two terminally ill men embark on a journey to fulfill their lifelong dreams, discovering the true meaning of life and friendship along the way. The film's exploration of mortality and joy in the face of adversity is both poignant and uplifting.

Fact: The idea for the film came from screenwriter Justin Zackham's personal 'bucket list,' which included writing a movie that would be produced by a major studio. The Taj Mahal scene was filmed early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the serene beauty of the location.

Description: A poignant animated adventure about an elderly widower who fulfills his lifelong dream of travel, accompanied by an unlikely young companion. The film's themes of love, loss, and new beginnings are universal and deeply emotional.

Fact: The opening montage, which wordlessly tells the love story of Carl and Ellie, is often cited as one of the most emotionally powerful sequences in animation history. The film was the first Pixar movie to be presented in 3D.

Description: A psychiatrist embarks on a global journey to understand what truly makes people happy. The film's introspective and uplifting tone mirrors the quest for meaning and joy in everyday life.

Fact: The movie was filmed in multiple countries, including China, South Africa, and the United States, to authentically capture Hector's worldwide search. The book it's based on was inspired by the author's own travels and reflections on happiness.

Description: An unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caretaker from the projects leads to mutual growth and joy. The film's humor, warmth, and celebration of life's simple pleasures make it deeply moving.

Fact: The movie is based on the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver, Abdel Sellou. It became one of the highest-grossing non-English films of all time and inspired a Hollywood remake.

Description: A touching narrative that explores the value of time, relationships, and the small moments that make life meaningful. The protagonist's ability to time travel serves as a metaphor for appreciating the present and learning from past experiences.

Fact: The film's beach scenes were shot at a location that is only accessible during low tide, adding a sense of urgency and natural beauty to the filming process. The movie was initially marketed as a romantic comedy but delves much deeper into familial bonds and life's philosophical questions.

Description: A chef rediscovers his passion for cooking and life by starting a food truck business with his son. The film's focus on creativity, family bonds, and the simple joys of good food is both uplifting and relatable.

Fact: Jon Favreau trained with renowned chef Roy Choi to prepare for his role, and many of the cooking scenes were performed by Favreau himself. The food truck used in the film was fully functional and served real food to the cast and crew during filming.

Description: A culinary rivalry turns into a celebration of culture, family, and passion for food. The film's vibrant visuals and heartfelt storytelling emphasize the joy of pursuing one's dreams and bridging cultural divides.

Fact: Helen Mirren learned to speak French for her role as Madame Mallory, adding authenticity to her performance. The food scenes were so visually appealing that they reportedly increased interest in Indian cuisine globally.

Description: A grumpy yet lovable widower finds new purpose through unexpected friendships and community. The film's blend of humor, heartbreak, and redemption highlights the impact of human connection.

Fact: The movie was Sweden's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. It's based on a bestselling novel that has been translated into over 40 languages.