Is the movie Joy based on a true story?

Yes, the movie "Joy" (2015) is loosely based on the true story of Joy Mangano, an American inventor, entrepreneur, and home shopping pioneer. The film follows Mangano's journey as a single mother trying to make ends meet while raising her two children. She invents the Miracle Mop, a self-wringing mop that becomes a huge commercial success.

However, the movie takes significant creative liberties and dramatizes certain aspects of Mangano's life and career. While the core elements of the story are rooted in reality, some characters, events, and relationships are fictionalized for cinematic purposes. The film primarily focuses on Mangano's struggles and triumphs as an inventor and entrepreneur, while downplaying other parts of her personal life.