Happiness is a thrilling but also an elusive emotion. For a long time, economists, psychologists, theologians, and philosophers have tried to describe it. Additionally, a distinct area of psychology called positive psychology has been working to define it since the 1990s. Happiness is more than just having a pleasant mood; it’s a state of well-being that includes leading a fulfilling life with a strong feeling of purpose and fulfilment.
Feeling joyful has its health perks as well. A growing body of research suggests that happiness can improve your physical health; feelings of positivity and fulfilment benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure, among other things. Happiness has even been linked to a longer lifespan, higher quality of life, and well-being.
Attaining happiness is a global pursuit. Researchers find that people from every corner of the world rate happiness as more important than other desirable personal outcomes, such as obtaining wealth, acquiring material goods, and getting into heaven. In this world filled with distractions and challenges, sometimes the most profound lessons on life and happiness come from the most unexpected places. Movies, with their compelling storytelling and heartfelt characters, have the power to inspire, uplift, and provide deep insights into what truly matters. Whether it’s through perseverance, self-discovery, or the importance of human connections. In this article, you will explore 10 movies that teach timeless lessons about life and happiness.
*The Pursuit of Happiness ( 2006 )
The Pursuit of Happiness is a 2006 American biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. A family’s attempt to succeed in life is the subject of the true story that serves as the basis for The Pursuit of Happyness. The parents of a young kid named Christopher (Jaden Smith) are Chris Gardner (Will Smith) and Linda (Thandie Newton). The pair invested their whole life savings in a business that produces medical scanning equipment. Chris is in charge of sales, but he struggles to market the product. The family has little money and is behind on their rent. To make ends meet, Linda must put in more hours at work. Their relationship becomes increasingly stressed as a result of this.
Chris saw a man get out of a Red Ferrari one day when he was rushing from one sales appointment to another. After speaking with the stockbroker, he finds out that a college degree is not required for his profession and that having strong math skills and people skills is beneficial. Chris determines that he can do it as well if this is all that is required. He concludes that all stockbrokers appear to be very content. After Linda leaves, Chris becomes a single father and decides to pursue a career as a stockbroker. Despite having little money and being homeless, he secures an internship via perseverance. In addition, he has to take care of his young child, study, and work towards his ultimate objective.
*Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump defies traditional filmmaking conventions. What sets it apart is not just its complex narrative, its blurred line between reality and fiction, or any art-house techniques—it’s the fact that the film itself refuses to follow any set rules. This is most evident in its storytelling. Unlike typical biopics, which focus on a specific period or pivotal moment in a person’s life, Forrest Gump is entirely centered on the life and experiences of its main character, Forrest. His journey is the only constant throughout the film. Even cradle-to-grave biopics often rely on a central theme or turning point, but Forrest Gump abandons the idea of a conventional plot altogether. In doing so, it redefines the biopic genre—arguably surpassing even Citizen Kane in this regard.
In Gump, all we get is Forrest narrating his life. It’s lovely when a story is told only for its own sake. In this way, we also witness filmmakers fascinatingly experimenting with time. We learn about Forrest’s life up to this point during the first two hours of the movie. Then, all of a sudden, throughout the final 14 minutes of the movie, we watch events unfolding. Even if the story’s framework is based on a tenuous idea, the movie is, nevertheless, quite intriguingly made. In many respects, Gump’s story becomes America’s.
*The Secret life of Walter Mitty (2013)
The protagonist Walter Mitty changes from a timid, daydreaming office worker to a brave explorer who actively seeks out the life he previously only imagined in his mind, travelling to the unknown across the globe to find a missing negative for a photo shoot, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013) invites viewers to consider the value of stepping outside of their comfort zone, embracing adventure, and turning daydreams into reality. In the end, the film emphasises the strength of facing fears and leading a purposeful life rather than merely daydreaming about it.
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