The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Kernel Score: 89% · 10,443 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2006-12-14
Runtime: 117 minutes
Is The Pursuit of Happyness worth watching?
Must-watch. A moving true-story drama about a father fighting for a better life while homeless with his son. Will Smith is strong, and the film earns its emotion without too much cheese.
Watch it if you
- like inspiring true stories
- enjoy father-son stories
- want a drama that lifts you
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimental drama
- want complex plots
Best for: Family night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Pursuit of Happyness
- Stream: Angel Studios
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career.
The Pursuit of Happyness parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Pursuit of Happyness is a PG-13 biographical drama about a struggling single father facing homelessness while pursuing a career.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Pursuit of Happyness
If you liked The Pursuit of Happyness, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Seven Pounds (2008) — 85%: Another Will Smith drama about redemption.
- I, Daniel Blake (2016) — 87%: Realistic British drama about a man struggling against the system.
- Two Is a Family (2016) — 89%: Warm story of a father and child.
- The Salt Path (2025) — 85%: True story of resilience after loss.
- The Grapes of Wrath (1940) — 86%: Classic story of a family facing hardship.
Director
Cast
- Will Smith as Chris Gardner
- Jaden Smith as Christopher
- Thandiwe Newton as Linda
- Brian Howe as Jay Twistle
- James Karen as Martin Frohm
- Dan Castellaneta as Alan Frakesh
- Kurt Fuller as Walter Ribbon
- Takayo Fischer as Mrs. Chu
- Kevin West as World's Greatest Dad
- George Cheung as Chinese Maintenance Worker
The Pursuit of Happyness FAQ
Is The Pursuit of Happyness worth watching?
Must-watch. A moving true-story drama about a father fighting for a better life while homeless with his son. Will Smith is strong, and the film earns its emotion without too much cheese.
Where can I watch The Pursuit of Happyness?
In the US you can stream The Pursuit of Happyness on Angel Studios, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Pursuit of Happyness OK for kids?
The Pursuit of Happyness is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Pursuit of Happyness is a PG-13 biographical drama about a struggling single father facing homelessness while pursuing a career.
What movies are like The Pursuit of Happyness?
If you liked The Pursuit of Happyness, try Seven Pounds, I, Daniel Blake, Two Is a Family and The Salt Path.