What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedJoy
David O. Russell · Film · 2015
If you loved Joy, start with Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020) — a series on the same thread. Below: 2 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Joy across media.
If you were captivated by Joy, you will find these stories of relentless women carving their own paths against overwhelming odds deeply resonant.
Books on the same thread
Joy
Danielle Steel · Book
Explores: post-traumatic stress, self-actualization, marital strain.
Much like the protagonist in Joy, the characters here must navigate personal upheaval and marital strain to rediscover their own identity and purpose after facing significant life challenges.
The Joy Luck Club
Amy Tan · Book · 1990
Explores: Mother-Daughter Relationships, Cultural Identity, Intergenerational Trauma.
You loved the complex family dynamics in Joy, and this story offers a similar focus on the intergenerational bonds and the resilience of women navigating cultural and familial expectations.
Series on the same thread
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Amy Sherman-Palladino · Series · 2017
Shares 2 threads with Joy: Female Empowerment, Family Dynamics.
Miriam Maisel shares the same spirit of reinvention found in Joy, proving that when life takes an unexpected turn, a woman's innate talent can become her greatest professional asset.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
Series · 2020
Shares 3 threads with Joy: Overcoming Adversity, Self-Made Success, Biographical Drama.
If the entrepreneurial journey of Joy inspired you, this biographical drama provides a powerful look at the historic, grit-filled climb of a woman building a business from the ground up.
Dickinson
Alena Smith · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Joy: Female Empowerment.
Like the heroine of Joy, Emily Dickinson defies societal norms to pursue her professional calling, making this a perfect follow-up for those who admire stubborn, visionary female protagonists.
Maid
Molly Smith Metzler · Series · 2021
Explores: Single Motherhood, Breaking the Cycle of Abuse, Resilience.
This series captures the same raw, single-mother struggle seen in Joy, focusing on the sheer tenacity required to build a better future while overcoming systemic and domestic adversity.
Podcasts on the same thread
Unforeseen Circumstances With Susan Fox
Podcast
Shares a thread with Joy: overcoming adversity.
These conversations mirror the spirit of Joy by highlighting how entrepreneurs transform personal challenges into success, offering the same inspirational look at overcoming life-altering obstacles in business.
Airrack
Podcast
Explores: Dreams, Ambition, Self-improvement.
Just as Joy pursued her ambitious dreams, this podcast explores the personal journey and growth required to turn a singular, persistent vision into a tangible reality.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Joy based on a true story?
Yes, Joy is a film based on the life of a struggling single mother from Long Island who rises to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country.
What is the premise of Joy?
Joy follows the journey of a single mother living on Long Island as she navigates personal and professional struggles to build a business empire and eventually becomes a highly successful entrepreneur.
Who directed the film Joy?
The 2015 film Joy was directed by David O. Russell. It tells the story of a woman who overcomes significant obstacles to achieve great success as an entrepreneur.
What does the movie Joy focus on?
The movie Joy focuses on the life of a single mother from Long Island. It chronicles her transition from a struggling individual to one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the United States.