There's nothing like a bona fide feel-good ending to lift your spirits. Get ready to cry tears of joy with this collection of happily ever afters.
‘Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006)
 |
In this true story, Will Smith plays a down-on-his-luck salesman, with a kid in tow, who can’t seem to catch a break or a job, and he and his son end up homeless. But that doesn’t stop Smith’s character from pursuing success through setback after setback. Finally, after taking a big risk on an unpaid training program, he gets a coveted broker position at a top agency. The epilogue lets us know that his efforts pay off, as he ends up owning a multi-million dollar firm.
‘Inside Out’ (2015)
Inside Out may be
an animated film marketed to kids, but it’s actually a sophisticated primer on how to be happy.The story involves characters representing key emotions (Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear) who hang out together in little Riley’s brain. By the end, they learn how to work together effectively instead of fighting for domination. Ultimately, Joy and Sadness work together to help Riley adjust to the realities of her new life after a family move across the country.
Erin Brockovich’ (2000)
 |
Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich wins a big settlement for the victims of a big corporation’s environmental crime. But a bigger thrill comes when she gets her bonus check from boss lawyer Albert Finney. This struggling single mom is speechless when she sees the amount: $2 million.
‘Notting Hill’ (1999)
Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant star in this romantic comedy about a famous actress and bookseller whose lives are just too different to make it work. When Roberts offers her famous “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her” speech, Grant basically says “no thanks.” But all is not lost! He tracks her down and declares his love. The best part is the scene with the two of them relaxing on a park bench.
‘The Impossible’ (2004)
 |
This disaster film, based on the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, stars Naomi Watts and Ewen McGregor as the parents of three boys. The family gets separated when the massive wave hits and Watts is badly injured. We watch as the family of five desperately search for each other in the tragic aftermath. You’ll cry your eyes out during the scene when the dad reunites with his three sons, somehow all alive. Then they find out their mom is still alive too. Based on the experience of a real family, the ending provides hope in the face of nearly impossible odds.
