Who wants to be a billionaire? Literally everyone. And yet, 99% of us didn’t strike luck in last week’s $1.337 billion Mega Millions spectacle.
Still, even losers love a feel-good rags-to-riches story, so we couldn't resist compiling a list of our favorite movies.
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The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006
Regarded as one of Will Smith's best performances, "The Pursuit of Happyness" is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, who went from living on the streets to becoming a stockbroker, and eventually, the owner of his own firm.
This alternately sad and uplifting movie will pull on your heartstrings from start to finish, thanks in no small part to the performances of Smith and his son Jaden.
"Smith wins our hearts without losing his dignity," wrote Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers, "as Chris suits up for success by day and fights off despair by night. The role needs gravity, smarts, charm, humor, and a soul that’s not synthetic. Smith brings it. He’s the real deal."
"The Pursuit of Happyness" is available on Netflix.
Slumdog Millionaire, 2008
A truly remarkable piece of work by director Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire" won eight Oscars back in 2009.
The film depicts the often distressing life of an 18-year-old from the slums of Mumbai, India. He is accused of cheating on the TV game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" after surprising everyone with his knowledge.
A remarkable technological achievement, given its pioneering use of digital cameras on the ground in tight locations, "Slumdog Millionaire" is as impressive for its cinematography as it is for its performances and story.
The movie's award in the "cinematography category was seen as a big win for digital filmmaking, as large portions of the film were shot digitally," Jack Picone wrote for the New York Film Academy. "However, a lot of the movie was shot traditionally, in 35mm. Part of the reason the film mixed formats was Danny Boyle’s eccentric style. He is a visually inventive director who likes to push against the boundaries of traditional filmmaking."
"Slumdog Millionaire" is available on Hulu.
Rocky, 1976
Does "Rocky" even need explaining? It's an all-time classic with an infinitely recognizable soundtrack and the performance that launched Sylvester Stallone's career.
Rocky, a low-level boxer in Philadelphia, is given the opportunity to fight heavyweight world champion Apollo Creed in a matchup that could forever change this underdog's life.
"A description of it would sound like a cliche from beginning to end," legendary critic Roger Ebert wrote. "But 'Rocky' isn't about a story, it's about a hero. And it's inhabited with supreme confidence by a star."
"Rocky" is available on Fubo TV.
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Trading Places, 1983
Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in this hit, directed by comedy legend John Landis, and remains a must-watch (though it's worth noting that this movie isn't without its issues when it comes to 21st-century sensibilities).
Aykroyd's well-off Louis Winthorpe III's life is turned upside down after being framed for a crime by his colleagues. In his place, the morally bankrupt executives hire Murphy's Billy Ray Valentine, a hustler, after betting that he could run their company in Winthorpe's place.
"It's a big, lavishly staged farce that aims to please even those who favor sophisticated screwball comedy, a genre to which it is greatly indebted," Janet Maslin wrote in The New York Times.
"Trading Places" is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Cinderella, 1950
Is there a more prototypical rags-to-riches story than "Cinderella"?
This 72-year-old animated classic is based on a story that, in one variation or another, first came to light as far back as 500 B.C., if not earlier. However, the tale as we know it has its roots in the comparatively modern 1600s.
The lone daughter of a widowed merchant, Cinderella is shunned and abused by her two stepsisters after her father dies. When invitations are passed out for the impending royal ball, which the prince will be attending, Cinderella is told by her less-than-lovable family that she cannot go, with the sisters intent on winning the prince's heart.
A fairy godmother, a magical horse and carriage, and a glass slipper incident all follow -- you know the story -- leading the prince to his one true love via the power of footwear.
"Cinderella" is available on Disney+.
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