10 Movies and Shows Similar to Stand by Me (1986)

Description: 'The Outsiders' shares with 'Stand by Me' a focus on youthful camaraderie and the struggles of adolescence. Both films are based on popular novels and feature young male protagonists dealing with societal expectations and personal identity. The themes of loyalty and belonging are central to both stories.

Fact: The film features early performances by many future stars, including Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze. Francis Ford Coppola directed the film after receiving a letter from a school class petitioning for its adaptation. The cast lived together during filming to build camaraderie.

Description: Similar to 'Stand by Me', 'The Goonies' is a coming-of-age adventure film that follows a group of kids on a quest. Both films explore themes of friendship, childhood innocence, and the transition to adolescence. The camaraderie among the young protagonists and their shared adventure mirror the bond and journey in 'Stand by Me'.

Fact: The film was produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Richard Donner. The underground pirate ship set was one of the largest ever built at the time. The truffle shuffle was improvised by actor Jeff Cohen.

Description: 'My Girl' parallels 'Stand by Me' in its exploration of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of life and death. Both films deal with loss and the emotional growth that comes from such experiences. The young protagonists in both films undergo significant personal development.

Fact: Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin became close friends during filming. The film's title is inspired by the Temptations song of the same name. The funeral scene was filmed in one take to capture the raw emotion.

Description: 'The Sandlot' shares with 'Stand by Me' a nostalgic look at childhood summers and the deep bonds formed between friends. Both films capture the essence of youth, the importance of friendship, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The storytelling is similarly heartfelt and reflective.

Fact: The film was shot in only 30 days. The iconic 'You're killing me, Smalls' line was ad-libbed. The dog, Hercules, was played by a mastiff named Chubby.

Description: Like 'Stand by Me', 'Now and Then' is a coming-of-age story told through the lens of childhood memories. It focuses on a group of friends navigating the complexities of growing up, with a mix of humor and poignant moments. The film's structure, with an adult narrator reflecting on the past, is reminiscent of 'Stand by Me'.

Fact: The film was originally titled 'The Gaslight Addition'. Demi Moore and Melanie Griffith provided the adult voices for the main characters. The soundtrack features hits from the 1970s, enhancing the nostalgic feel.

Description: Similar to 'Stand by Me', 'Bridge to Terabithia' deals with themes of friendship, imagination, and the pain of loss. Both films portray the deep emotional connections formed during childhood and the impact of those relationships. The films balance moments of joy with profound sadness.

Fact: The film is based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Katherine Paterson. The author wrote the book to help her son cope with the death of a friend. The fantasy sequences were created using a mix of practical effects and CGI.

Description: Like 'Stand by Me', 'Super 8' is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a larger adventure. Both films focus on a group of kids who encounter something extraordinary that changes their lives. The themes of friendship, curiosity, and growing up are central to both narratives.

Fact: The film was produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by J.J. Abrams. The young cast bonded by playing video games and watching movies together off-set. The train crash scene was one of the most expensive and complex sequences in the film.

Description: Similar to 'Stand by Me', 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes of friendship, trauma, and self-discovery. Both films are narrated by the protagonist and feature a close-knit group of friends who support each other through difficult times. The emotional depth and authenticity of the characters are standout features in both films.

Fact: The author of the novel, Stephen Chbosky, also wrote the screenplay and directed the film. Emma Watson learned to drive a stick shift for her role. The tunnel scene was filmed in Pittsburgh, where the story is set.

Description: 'Moonrise Kingdom' shares with 'Stand by Me' a whimsical yet poignant portrayal of childhood adventure and first love. Both films feature young protagonists on a journey that tests their resilience and deepens their understanding of themselves and others. The visual style and nostalgic tone are also comparable.

Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to achieve a vintage look. The young actors, Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, had no prior acting experience. The fictional island of New Penzance was inspired by real locations in Rhode Island.

Description: 'The Kings of Summer' mirrors 'Stand by Me' in its depiction of youthful rebellion and the desire for independence. Both films follow young boys as they embark on a journey away from adult supervision, learning about themselves and the world. The humor and heartache of adolescence are key elements in both stories.

Fact: The film was shot in just 23 days. The script was featured on the Black List of best unproduced screenplays in 201The young actors improvised many of their lines to enhance authenticity.