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MTDb › Best of › 2014 › Hector and the Search for Happiness

Hector and the Search for Happiness poster

Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)

“Sometimes to find yourself you need to get a little lost.”

6.7/10 · 982 votes 1h 54m r ComedyAdventureDrama

#125 of 309 films from 2014 #1205 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Peter Chelsom · Written by Peter Chelsom, Maria von Heland, Tinker Lindsay, François Lelord

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Hector is a quirky psychiatrist who has become increasingly tired of his humdrum life. As he tells his girlfriend, Clara, he feels like a fraud: he hasn’t really tasted life, and yet he’s offering advice to patients who are just not getting any happier. So Hector decides to break out of his deluded and routine driven life. Armed with buckets of courage and child-like curiosity, he embarks on a global quest in hopes of uncovering the elusive secret formula for true happiness. And so begins a larger than life adventure with riotously funny results.

Cast

Simon Peggas Hector
Rosamund Pikeas Clara
Toni Colletteas Agnes
Stellan Skarsgårdas Edward
Christopher Plummeras Professor Coreman
Jean Renoas Diego Baresco
Barry Atsmaas Michael
Veronica Ferresas Anjali
Ming Zhaoas Ying Li
Tracy-Ann Obermanas Pathetic Jane
Chad Willettas Alan
Togo Igawaas Old Monk
Mary Twalaas Grim Granny
Bernard Cufflingas Professor Niedorf

Facts

Release dateAugust 14, 2014
Runtime114 min (1h 54m) — about the same as the 2014 average of 105 min
GenresComedy, Adventure, Drama
LanguageEN
Box office$1,124,445
IMDbtt1626146

More from Peter Chelsom

The Space Between UsThe Space Between Us2017 · ★ 7.0 · 2h 1m SerendipitySerendipity2001 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 30m Hannah Montana: The MovieHannah Montana: The Movie2009 · ★ 6.6 · 1h 42m Shall We Dance?Shall We Dance?2004 · ★ 6.4 · 1h 46m

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Questions

How long is Hector and the Search for Happiness?
Hector and the Search for Happiness runs 114 minutes (1h 54m).
Is Hector and the Search for Happiness worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.7/10 across 982 votes, which places it #125 of 309 films released in 2014 in this index (top 60%) and #1205 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed Hector and the Search for Happiness?
Hector and the Search for Happiness was directed by Peter Chelsom. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Space Between Us (2017), Serendipity (2001), Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009).
Who stars in Hector and the Search for Happiness?
Simon Pegg as Hector; Rosamund Pike as Clara; Toni Collette as Agnes; Stellan Skarsgård as Edward; Christopher Plummer as Professor Coreman; Jean Reno as Diego Baresco.
What is Hector and the Search for Happiness rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Hector and the Search for Happiness?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/4911.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.