10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Glass Castle (2017)

Description: Both films feature protagonists who embark on transformative journeys after unconventional upbringings. While more fantastical than 'The Glass Castle', it shares themes of self-discovery and breaking free from limitations. Both use stunning visuals to enhance their narratives.

Fact: Ben Stiller directed and starred. Filmed in Iceland, Greenland, and New York. The skateboard scene took 3 days to film.

Description: Like 'The Glass Castle', this film blends humor and pathos in portraying a dysfunctional family on a road trip. Both feature unconventional parenting and celebrate individuality over societal expectations. The ensemble casts create similar family dynamics.

Fact: The van's horn got stuck during filming. Steve Carell was cast after Jim Carrey declined. Won two Oscars for Screenplay and Supporting Actor.

Description: Similar to 'The Glass Castle', this film explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and overcoming adversity. Both are based on true stories and depict the struggles of unconventional parenting in challenging circumstances. The emotional tone is deeply moving, focusing on the protagonist's journey through hardship.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, played his on-screen son. The film is based on Chris Gardner's nearly one-year struggle with homelessness. Will Smith learned to solve the Rubik's Cube for his role.

Description: Both films explore themes of rejecting societal norms and seeking freedom. While 'The Glass Castle' focuses on a family's unconventional lifestyle, 'Into the Wild' follows an individual's extreme rejection of materialism. Both stories are based on true events and feature complex parent-child relationships.

Fact: Emile Hirsch lost 40 pounds for the role. Sean Penn directed and wrote the screenplay. The real bus where McCandless died became a pilgrimage site (removed in 2020 for safety).

Description: This coming-of-age story shares with 'The Glass Castle' themes of youthful rebellion against parental authority and the desire for independence. Both films explore how children create their own families and worlds when dissatisfied with their home lives.

Fact: The young leads lived together during filming. The house was built by the production team. Nick Offerman improvised many lines.

Description: Like 'The Glass Castle', this is a story of self-discovery and healing from a troubled past. Both feature strong female protagonists who reflect on their unconventional upbringing while undertaking a physical journey that mirrors their emotional one. The films share themes of family dysfunction and personal redemption.

Fact: Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the film. Based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir. The backpack Witherspoon carried weighed up to 65 pounds during filming.

Description: This film shares with 'The Glass Castle' the theme of unconventional parenting and living outside mainstream society. Both explore the challenges when children raised in alternative lifestyles confront the 'real world'. The films balance humor with poignant family drama.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned to play Bach on guitar for the role. The family's language is a mix of Esperanto and English. Won the Un Certain Regard directing prize at Cannes.

Description: Both films examine the bond between a father and daughter living outside conventional society. They share themes of survival, mental health, and the tension between freedom and security. The quiet, observational style of both films creates similar emotional impact.

Fact: Based on Peter Rock's novel 'My Abandonment'. The lead actress was discovered at an Oregon horse fair. Filmed in the same forests as 'Twilight'.

Description: Similar to 'The Glass Castle', this film portrays childhood resilience in the face of poverty and unstable parenting. Both use children's perspectives to show how they create joy despite difficult circumstances. The films share a bittersweet tone and vibrant visual style contrasting with harsh realities.

Fact: Shot on location at actual Florida motels. Willem Dafoe's character was inspired by real motel managers. The child actors were mostly non-professionals.

Description: Like 'The Glass Castle', this film explores alternative lifestyles and economic hardship in America. Both feature strong female protagonists navigating unconventional living situations. The films share themes of resilience, community, and finding beauty in difficult circumstances.

Fact: Frances McDormand lived in a van during filming. Many cast members were real-life nomads. Won Best Picture, Director, and Actress Oscars.