Family Films That Change Lives

Description: Daniel, a new kid in town, learns karate from Mr. Miyagi to defend himself against bullies, leading to a life-changing tournament and a deeper understanding of discipline and respect.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Karate Kid: Part I" to set up potential sequels. Pat Morita was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Description: A self-centered lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a pee-wee hockey team, leading to personal growth and the team's unexpected success, changing the lives of all involved.

Fact: The film inspired the creation of the Anaheim Ducks NHL team. Emilio Estevez reprised his role in two sequels.

Description: Identical twins, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and devise a plan to reunite their divorced parents, leading to a heartwarming family reunion and personal growth.

Fact: Lindsay Lohan played both twins, marking her film debut. The film is a remake of the 1961 movie of the same name.

Description: Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary high school student, discovers she's the princess of a small European country, leading to a transformation in her life and identity.

Fact: Anne Hathaway was cast after the director saw her in a commercial. The film was based on the novel by Meg Cabot.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Jim Morris, a high school science teacher and baseball coach, who makes a comeback to the Major Leagues, inspiring his students and himself.

Fact: Dennis Quaid trained with real MLB pitchers to prepare for his role. The film's ending was shot at the actual game where Jim Morris made his debut.

Description: Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles, discovers her talent for spelling and, with the help of a mentor, competes in the National Spelling Bee, changing her life and her community's perception of her.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of a spelling bee contestant. It also features a cameo by the real-life 1999 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner.

Description: A family embarks on a road trip to support their daughter in a beauty pageant, learning about each other and themselves along the way, ultimately changing their outlook on life.

Fact: The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. The cast had to learn how to play their instruments for the film's final scene.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman, who takes custody of his son while pursuing a better life through an unpaid internship. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of a father's love.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the movie. The film's title misspelling is intentional, reflecting the sign Chris Gardner saw in real life.

Description: A famous quarterback discovers he has a daughter, leading to a life-changing journey of balancing fatherhood with his career, ultimately finding what truly matters in life.

Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson performed many of his own stunts. The film was inspired by the real-life story of a football player.

Description: This film tells the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who becomes an All-American football player with the help of a caring family. It's a tale of how one family's decision to change a life can alter destinies.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.