10 Melodramas About Self-Discovery

Description: A young Che Guevara embarks on a transformative journey across South America, discovering the continent's social injustices and his own identity.

Fact: The film was shot in the locations where Che Guevara traveled. Gael García Bernal learned to ride a motorcycle for the role.

Description: After a divorce, Frances Mayes impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany, where she finds love, friendship, and a new sense of self.

Fact: The film was shot in Tuscany, Italy, showcasing the region's beauty. Diane Lane, who played Frances, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.

Description: Walter Mitty, a day-dreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, leading him to discover his own potential and courage.

Fact: The film was shot in Iceland, Greenland, and New York City, showcasing breathtaking landscapes. Ben Stiller, who directed and starred in the film, also did most of his own stunts.

Description: Chris Gardner's struggle to provide for his son while pursuing his dream of becoming a stockbroker is a testament to resilience and self-discovery.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the film, adding a layer of authenticity to their relationship. The film's title misspells "happiness" intentionally.

Description: Chris McCandless abandons his possessions and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness, seeking a deeper understanding of life and himself.

Fact: The film was shot in many of the actual locations where McCandless traveled. The real bus where McCandless lived is still in Alaska, known as the "Magic Bus."

Description: After a painful divorce, Elizabeth Gilbert embarks on a journey across Italy, India, and Bali to rediscover herself, finding love, spirituality, and a new sense of self.

Fact: The film was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir of the same name. Julia Roberts gained weight for her role to accurately portray Gilbert's experience in Italy.

Description: A group of British retirees move to a retirement hotel in India, where they rediscover life, love, and their own identities.

Fact: The film was shot in Jaipur, India, and features a cast of veteran British actors. The success of the film led to a sequel.

Description: After his son's death on the Camino de Santiago, a father walks the pilgrimage route in his son's memory, finding his own path to healing.

Fact: The film was shot on location along the actual Camino de Santiago. Emilio Estevez, who directed and wrote the film, also played a role in it.

Description: Cheryl Strayed hikes over 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone to find healing and self-discovery after personal turmoil.

Fact: Reese Witherspoon, who played Cheryl, actually hiked parts of the trail to prepare for her role. The film is based on Strayed's memoir.

Description: Robyn Davidson's solo trek across 1,700 miles of the Australian desert with her dog and four camels becomes a journey of self-discovery and independence.

Fact: Mia Wasikowska, who played Davidson, spent time with camels to prepare for her role. The film was shot in the actual locations of Davidson's journey.