Family Films Where Bad Luck Turns Good

Description: The Griswold family's cross-country trip to Wally World is fraught with mishaps, from car troubles to a visit to a nudist colony, showcasing how bad luck can make for unforgettable family memories.

Fact: The film was inspired by a short story in National Lampoon magazine. The role of Clark Griswold was originally offered to Chevy Chase's "Saturday Night Live" colleague, Dan Aykroyd.

Description: A family vacation in the wilderness turns into a comedy of errors when the in-laws show up unannounced, leading to a series of unfortunate events including a bear encounter and a disastrous fishing trip.

Fact: John Candy improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's humor. The film was shot in various locations in Wisconsin, showcasing the state's natural beauty.

Description: Kevin McCallister's family accidentally leaves him behind when they go on vacation, leading to a series of comedic misadventures as he defends his home from two clumsy burglars. This film is a classic example of how bad luck can turn into a hilarious and heartwarming tale.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a darker, more adult-oriented comedy, but was rewritten to be more family-friendly. Also, the role of Kevin was almost played by Macaulay Culkin's brother, Kieran Culkin.

Description: A group of young boys in the summer of '62 find themselves in trouble when they lose a prized baseball to a legendary neighborhood dog. Their bad luck turns into a summer of friendship and adventure.

Fact: The film was based on director David Mickey Evans' childhood experiences. The dog playing "The Beast" was actually a friendly English Mastiff named Hercules.

Description: Identical twins, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and devise a plan to reunite their divorced parents. Their initial bad luck of being apart turns into a series of funny and touching moments as they navigate their way back to each other.

Fact: Lindsay Lohan played both twins, marking her first starring role. The film is a remake of the 1961 film of the same name, which starred Hayley Mills.

Description: Two kids left home alone encounter a mischievous cat who brings chaos into their orderly lives, teaching them that sometimes, a bit of bad luck can lead to fun and learning.

Fact: Mike Myers, who played the Cat, improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's whimsical nature. The movie was not well-received by critics but has since become a cult classic.

Description: The Parr family, hiding their superpowers, face a series of unfortunate events when Mr. Incredible's secret identity is exposed, leading to a family adventure where their bad luck turns into a chance to save the world.

Fact: The film was the first entirely computer-animated feature to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It took Pixar seven years to develop the film.

Description: The Baker family's move to a new town turns chaotic when the parents' careers take off, leaving the kids to fend for themselves. Their bad luck in adjusting to new environments and responsibilities leads to a series of comedic disasters.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life Gilbreth family, who had twelve children. The movie was so successful it spawned a sequel, "Cheaper by the Dozen

Description: Walter Mitty, a daydreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, facing numerous setbacks and mishaps along the way, turning his bad luck into a journey of self-discovery.

Fact: The film was inspired by James Thurber's 1939 short story of the same name. Ben Stiller, who directed and starred in the film, traveled to Iceland, Greenland, and Afghanistan for location shooting.

Description: Greg Heffley's middle school life is filled with social blunders and unfortunate events, but through it all, he learns valuable lessons about friendship and growing up.

Fact: The film was adapted from the first book in Jeff Kinney's popular series. The character of Greg Heffley was inspired by Kinney's own childhood experiences.