Millions are drawn to the prospect of winning the lottery, fuelling dreams of riches and the kind of life that does not involve financial dilemmas. However, even though the chances of winning the lottery are low, the backstories that come with winning the lottery are often hopeful and aspirational. So read on for 5 films about how one lottery ticket can change lives forever.
It Could Happen to You (1994)
In this romantic comedy starring Nicolas Cage, he plays a cop who promises to share his lotto winnings with a waitress played by Bridget Fonda. And, sure enough, when he hits it big, and that brings unforeseen complications to his life. This is a brilliant, feel-good movie about kindness and luck and how the tiniest bit of generosity can change lives. It serves as a reminder that dreams do come true in the most unexpected of ways.
Waking Ned Devine (1998)
A group of friends in an Irish village discover a fellow resident has won the lottery but died from the shock. Instead of letting the cash rot, they come up with a scheme to receive the check in his name. This is a delightful story that emphasizes ideas of community and friendship and how dreams can often bring people together. This film captures the spirit of euphoria and togetherness through the winning Irish Lottery ticket of Ned Devine and how it brings the neighbours together.
Jerry And Marge Go Large (2022)
In this adaptation of a true story, a retired math teacher named Jerry Selbee finds a loophole in a state lottery game, and wins multiple times. Together with his wife Marge, he uses his winnings to enhance their community and helps their neighbours pursue their dreams. This inspiring story conveys the notion that true success is more than just the riches that we possess; it is also about contributing to and impacting other people’s lives.
Lucky (2017)
This poignant drama stars Harry Dean Stanton as Lucky, a 90-year-old atheist who goes on a soul-searching trek after winning the lottery. By wrestling with mortality and searching for meaning, the film explores the essence of life, further illustrating that personal fulfilment comes only when you know yourself, not when you earn money.
Lotto (2006)
This Ukrainian film takes another view of lottery winnings, following coworkers who pool their money for a ticket and have to navigate the greed and betrayal that come when they win. The growing friction over the split is a cautionary tale about how money can taint relationships and expose true character.
Conclusion
These films collectively also serve as a reminder that winning the lottery does not guarantee happiness. They can be uplifting stories about generosity or sobering meditations on greed, and they teach lessons about ambition, community, and self-discovery, and they serve as reminders that true satisfaction may not always come from money.
Did you watch any of these movies? Which one is your favourite? Tell us all about it in the comments section down below.
