Movies and Shows Like Island Songs for Your Watchlist

Description: This film examines the allure and dangers of seeking paradise off the beaten path, as a young traveler discovers a hidden beach community, exploring themes of escapism, the search for utopia, and the consequences of isolation.

Fact: The production faced criticism for environmental damage caused during filming in Thailand's Maya Bay, which led to changes in how films are shot in the country. The bay was later closed to tourists to allow the ecosystem to recover.

Description: This biographical film follows a young Che Guevara on a transformative motorcycle trip across South America, highlighting the awakening of social consciousness and the profound impact of travel on personal and political identity.

Fact: The film was shot in the same locations as the actual journey taken by Che Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado. The original motorcycle, 'La Poderosa,' was replicated for the film after the original was lost to history.

Description: This film shares a theme of self-discovery and adventure, as the protagonist embarks on a journey that takes him out of his comfort zone and into breathtaking landscapes, mirroring the transformative power of travel and personal growth.

Fact: The film was shot in several countries, including Iceland, which provided some of the most stunning visuals in the movie. The skateboarding scene down the mountain road was filmed in one continuous take.

Description: It explores the profound impact of nature on the human spirit, focusing on a young man's quest for meaning and freedom by immersing himself in the wilderness, a narrative that resonates with themes of exploration and solitude.

Fact: The bus where the protagonist spends his final days became a pilgrimage site for fans, leading to several rescue operations for visitors who got stranded trying to reach it. The bus was eventually removed by the Alaskan government for safety reasons.

Description: This film chronicles the journey of three brothers traveling across India by train, delving into themes of familial reconciliation, spiritual seeking, and the chaotic beauty of travel, all wrapped in a visually rich and stylized narrative.

Fact: The train used in the film was a real luxury train in India, and the cast and crew lived on it during filming. The short film 'Hotel Chevalier,' which serves as a prologue, was originally released separately but is now often included with the main feature.

Description: This lighthearted take on a long-distance hike along the Appalachian Trail explores themes of friendship, aging, and the unexpected challenges and joys of embarking on an adventure later in life, blending humor with poignant moments.

Fact: The film is based on Bill Bryson's memoir of the same name, though it takes significant liberties with the source material. The Appalachian Trail scenes were filmed in Georgia, despite the trail spanning 14 states.

Description: Centered around the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, this film delves into themes of camaraderie, personal reflection, and the transformative experiences encountered on long-distance journeys, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional dimensions of travel.

Fact: The director, Emilio Estevez, wrote the script with his father, Martin Sheen, in mind for the lead role. Many of the extras in the film were actual pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.

Description: This movie captures the essence of a personal journey through nature as a means of healing and self-discovery, with the protagonist hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to overcome personal tragedy, highlighting the therapeutic aspects of solitary travel.

Fact: Reese Witherspoon carried a real backpack weighing up to 65 pounds during filming to authentically portray the physical challenges of the hike. The production team faced real weather conditions, including snow and rain, during the shoot.

Description: It portrays a family living off the grid, challenging conventional notions of education and society, while the narrative unfolds through their journey back into the world, touching on themes of alternative lifestyles and the bonds of family.

Fact: The actor who plays the youngest daughter had never acted before and was discovered at a farmers' market. The family's bus, named 'Steve,' was a fully functional vehicle used throughout filming.

Description: Combining adventure with humor, this film follows a rebellious boy and his foster uncle as they become the subjects of a manhunt in the New Zealand wilderness, exploring themes of unconventional family bonds and the freedom found in nature.

Fact: The film features a cameo by the director, Taika Waititi, as a priest delivering a hilariously inappropriate eulogy. The child actor, Julian Dennison, was only 13 years old during filming but carried much of the movie's emotional weight.