If you were moved by the spiritual and metaphysical themes of Astral City: A Spiritual Journey (2010), you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores titles that delve into the afterlife, spiritual awakening, and the unseen realms, offering thought-provoking narratives that resonate with fans of this Brazilian cinematic gem.

Ghost (1990)
Description: A romantic fantasy that blends love story with supernatural elements, exploring communication between the living and the dead. The film touches on themes of unfinished business and spiritual connections.
Fact: The iconic pottery wheel scene was improvised during filming. The film's success led to a Broadway musical adaptation decades later.


Defending Your Life (1991)
Description: A humorous yet profound take on the afterlife, where souls are judged based on their earthly lives. The film explores themes of personal growth, fear, and the purpose of human existence.
Fact: The film was both written and directed by Albert Brooks, who also stars in it. It features a unique depiction of the afterlife as a bureaucratic waystation.


What Dreams May Come (1998)
Description: Explores themes of life after death, spiritual journeys, and the power of love beyond the physical realm. The film's depiction of the afterlife is visually stunning and deeply symbolic.
Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Its portrayal of heaven and hell was inspired by various religious and artistic interpretations.


The Lovely Bones (2009)
Description: Tells the story of a murdered girl watching over her family from the afterlife. The film balances earthly grief with a surreal, dreamlike depiction of the in-between realm.
Fact: The 'in-between' world scenes were created using a combination of miniatures and digital effects. The novel's author initially hesitated to sell film rights, fearing it would be too dark for cinema.


The Fountain (2006)
Description: A visually poetic exploration of love, death, and rebirth across different timelines. The film blends spiritual and scientific themes, creating a meditative and transcendent experience.
Fact: The film's production was troubled, with original plans for a larger budget and different cast scrapped. Its final version was shot in just 30 days.


The Tree of Life (2011)
Description: A contemplative and visually stunning meditation on life, death, and the cosmos. The film blends personal family drama with grand cosmic imagery, evoking a sense of spiritual wonder.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Its creation of the universe sequence involved scientific consultants and cutting-edge visual effects.


Cloud Atlas (2012)
Description: Interweaves multiple storylines across time and space, exploring themes of reincarnation, interconnectedness, and the eternal nature of the soul. The narrative structure mirrors spiritual concepts of cyclical existence.
Fact: The film's budget was over $100 million, making it one of the most expensive independent films ever made. It features actors playing multiple roles across different timelines.


Heaven Is for Real (2014)
Description: Based on a true story, this film delves into a young boy's near-death experience and his claims of visiting heaven. It raises questions about faith, the afterlife, and the nature of divine encounters.
Fact: The film was adapted from a bestselling book of the same name. The real-life Colton Burpo, whose story inspired the film, makes a cameo appearance.


The Shack (2017)
Description: A story of grief, forgiveness, and spiritual healing, where a man encounters divine beings in a remote shack. The film explores deep theological questions in an accessible, emotional narrative.
Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, with the shack set built specifically for production. It sparked discussions among religious communities for its unconventional portrayal of God.


The Secret (2006)
Description: Focuses on the law of attraction and the idea that thoughts can shape reality, aligning with spiritual and metaphysical themes. It emphasizes personal transformation and the unseen forces that guide life.
Fact: The documentary-style film became a cultural phenomenon, popularizing the concept of the law of attraction. It features interviews with various self-help experts and authors.
