Movies About Following Your Dreams

From Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, starring Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG

Up is a 2009 animated feature film from Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson. The story follows Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower, as he fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying away to the wilds of South America. Along the way, he discovers the beauty of friendship, and learns that life is filled with new beginnings. Along with a young stowaway, the critically acclaimed film has been praised for its innovative animation and its powerful thematic elements.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen. It tells the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working class Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky, heavily against his better judgement, gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when the current champion's promoter arranges a fight between the champ and an unknown boxer. With the help of trainer Mickey Goldmill and his newfound love Adrian, Rocky fights his way to the top, and despite his loss, he proves to the world that he is not just a "bum" anymore.

From Directors: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan, starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, Anil Kapoor
Rated R

Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British-Indian drama film directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan. It tells the story of Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. On the verge of winning 20 million rupees on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?, Jamal is arrested under suspicion of cheating. Through a series of flashbacks, the audience discovers the story of how Jamal achieved the correct answers to the questions of the game show. As he recounts his journey to becoming a contestant, he is also forced to confront difficult truths about his past. Along the way, Jamal meets fellow orphan Latika, who is able to change his life forever. In the end, Jamal defies all odds and ends up with a happy ending.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy drama film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest and tells miraculous tall tales. His son, Will, desperately wants to know who his father really is. As Edward's life comes to an end, Will embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and finds that his father's unbelievable stories might be true. The film follows Will as he meets a variety of interesting characters, discovers the truth about his father, and learns to accept him for who he is. Along the way, Will also comes to understand the importance of family and finds a way to reconcile with his father.

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

October Sky is a 1999 American biographical drama film directed by Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, and Laura Dern. It is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a young man from a small coal mining town in West Virginia who dreams of becoming a rocket scientist. Despite his father's disapproval and the town's obsession with coal mining, Homer and his friends form a rocketry club and work together to build and launch homemade rockets. With the help of a supportive teacher and a scholarship to college, Homer and his friends' hard work and dedication to their dreams helps them to overcome the odds and achieve success.

From David Anspaugh, starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Greta Lind
Rated PG

Rudy (1993) is a biographical sports drama directed by David Anspaugh, starring Sean Astin as Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a working-class man who sets out to achieve his dream of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Despite many obstacles, including his family's financial struggles, Rudy's size, and the disapproval of the university's athletic leadership, Rudy perseveres and eventually earns a spot on the team. With the support of his family, friends, and teammates, Rudy eventually goes on to make a big impact on the team and the university.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly
Rated PG-13

The Aviator is a biographical drama about the life of the pioneering aviator, Howard Hughes, who rose to fame as a film producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film looks at the early years of Hughes' life, when he began his aviation career and built a business empire. His passion for aviation and his groundbreaking achievements are explored, as well as his personal struggles and relationships, including his controversial relationship with actress Katharine Hepburn. The film also traces Hughes' descent into mental illness and his eventual reclusion. Ultimately, Hughes' accomplishments in aviation, business and film production, as well as his tumultuous life, are given a grand tribute.

From Rob Reiner, starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd
Rated PG-13

From Gary Ross, starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Cooper
Rated PG-13

From Sylvester Stallone, starring Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Tarver, Milo Ventimiglia, Burt Young
Rated PG

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen, Martin Landau, Frederic Forrest
Rated PG

From Jon Turteltaub, starring Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin
Rated PG