If you loved the drama and emotional depth of Nomadland, you’re in for a treat. Below is a list of 18 movies that capture similar themes of human connection, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. Each title links to a YouTube search for its trailer, so you can get a taste of what each film has to offer.
1. Into the Wild
Based on a true story, Into the Wild follows Christopher McCandless as he abandons his possessions and savings to journey across America into the Alaskan wilderness. The film stars Emile Hirsch and Kristen Stewart, capturing the spirit of adventure and the quest for meaning.
2. Wild
Wild stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, a woman who embarks on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to recover from personal tragedy. The film is a powerful exploration of self-discovery and healing.
3. The Rider
In The Rider, a young cowboy named Brady, played by Brady Jandreau, struggles to redefine his identity after a life-threatening rodeo accident. The film is a poignant look at resilience and the human spirit.
4. Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace stars Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie as a father-daughter duo living off the grid in the forests of Oregon. Their bond is tested when they are forced to integrate back into society.
5. Captain Fantastic
In Captain Fantastic, Viggo Mortensen plays a father raising his six children in the wilderness, away from modern society. The film explores the challenges and rewards of an unconventional lifestyle.
6. The Straight Story
The Straight Story tells the true story of Alvin Straight, played by Richard Farnsworth, who travels across the Midwest on a lawnmower to reconcile with his estranged brother. It’s a heartwarming tale of determination and family.
7. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Ben Stiller stars in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty as a daydreaming magazine photo editor who embarks on a global journey to find a missing photograph. The film is a celebration of adventure and self-discovery.
8. Tracks
Tracks stars Mia Wasikowska as Robyn Davidson, who treks across the Australian desert with her camels and dog. The film is based on a true story and captures the essence of solitude and exploration.
9. The Way
The Way features Martin Sheen as a father who walks the Camino de Santiago to honor his late son’s memory. The film is a touching journey of grief, community, and personal growth.
10. Brooklyn
Brooklyn stars Saoirse Ronan as an Irish immigrant navigating life in 1950s New York. The film beautifully portrays themes of home, identity, and the immigrant experience.
11. Manchester by the Sea
In Manchester by the Sea, Casey Affleck plays a man who returns to his hometown after the death of his brother. The film is a raw and powerful exploration of grief and redemption.
12. A Ghost Story
A Ghost Story stars Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara in a meditative film about love, loss, and the passage of time. The film’s unique storytelling and visual style make it a haunting experience.
13. Paterson
Paterson stars Adam Driver as a bus driver and poet in Paterson, New Jersey. The film is a quiet celebration of the beauty in everyday life and the creative process.
14. Wendy and Lucy
Wendy and Lucy features Michelle Williams as a drifter looking for work while her dog goes missing. The film is a touching portrayal of companionship and the struggles of those on the margins of society.
15. Nebraska
In Nebraska, Bruce Dern stars as an elderly man who believes he’s won a million-dollar sweepstakes and sets out on a road trip with his son. The film is a poignant exploration of family and the American dream.
16. The Florida Project
The Florida Project stars Willem Dafoe and follows the lives of children living in a budget motel near Disney World. The film is a vibrant and heart-wrenching look at childhood and poverty.
17. American Honey
American Honey stars Sasha Lane and Shia LaBeouf in a story about a teenage girl who joins a traveling sales crew. The film is a raw and energetic exploration of youth and freedom.
18. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is an anthology film by the Coen Brothers, featuring six tales of life and death in the Old West. The film’s unique storytelling and rich characters make it a captivating watch.
These movies, much like Nomadland, offer profound insights into human nature and the complexities of life. Enjoy exploring these cinematic gems!
