10 Movies and Shows Similar to Everything Must Go (2011)

Description: This film shares with 'Everything Must Go' a protagonist who undergoes a transformative journey. Both characters start in a place of stagnation—Walter Mitty with his mundane life and Ferrell's character with his personal losses. The films celebrate the idea of breaking free from one's limitations and finding new purpose.

Fact: The film is a modern adaptation of James Thurber's 1939 short story. Ben Stiller performed many of his own stunts, including the skateboarding scene in Iceland. The soundtrack features original music by José González.

Description: Like 'Everything Must Go', 'Sideways' is about a man facing a personal and professional crisis. Both protagonists are flawed and relatable, and their journeys are marked by humor and pathos. The films explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the search for happiness.

Fact: The film caused a noticeable drop in Merlot sales due to a character's disdain for the wine. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church improvised many of their scenes. The film was shot on location in California's Santa Ynez Valley.

Description: This film shares with 'Everything Must Go' a protagonist dealing with midlife crisis and personal failure. Both Nicolas Cage's and Will Ferrell's characters struggle with their public personas and private despair. The films use dark humor to explore themes of self-worth and redemption.

Fact: Nicolas Cage gained weight for the role to appear more 'average'. The film's script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays. Director Gore Verbinski wanted to explore the 'absurdity of modern life' through the film.

Description: Both 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Everything Must Go' are about dysfunctional families and personal redemption. The films use a mix of comedy and drama to explore their characters' struggles and triumphs. The tone is similarly heartfelt and uplifting despite the challenges the characters face.

Fact: The film was shot in 30 days on a budget of $8 million. Abigail Breslin was only nine years old during filming. The iconic yellow VW bus had to be pushed by the cast because it kept stalling.

Description: Similar to 'Everything Must Go', 'The Pursuit of Happyness' explores themes of personal crisis and redemption. Both protagonists face significant life challenges—Will Ferrell's character deals with losing his job and marriage, while Will Smith's character struggles with homelessness while trying to provide for his son. Both films highlight resilience and the human capacity to rebuild one's life from the ground up.

Fact: Will Smith's real-life son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son. The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman who eventually became a millionaire. The misspelling of 'Happiness' in the title is intentional, reflecting a sign Gardner saw during his struggles.

Description: Like 'Everything Must Go', 'The Descendants' deals with a protagonist facing a personal crisis that forces him to reevaluate his life. Both films explore themes of loss, family, and the search for meaning in difficult times. The tone is similarly bittersweet, mixing drama with moments of humor.

Fact: George Clooney learned to paddle a canoe for his role. The film is based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings. Director Alexander Payne spent months in Hawaii to authentically capture the setting.

Description: Both 'Silver Linings Playbook' and 'Everything Must Go' tackle mental health and personal redemption. Bradley Cooper's character, like Will Ferrell's, is trying to piece his life back together after a major setback. The films balance serious themes with moments of levity and hope.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence won an Oscar for her role, becoming the second-youngest Best Actress winner at the time. The film is based on Matthew Quick's novel of the same name. Robert De Niro's character's superstitious behaviors were inspired by Quick's own father.

Description: Like 'Everything Must Go', 'Up in the Air' deals with themes of isolation and personal reinvention. George Clooney's character, much like Will Ferrell's, faces a life-altering event that forces him to reevaluate his priorities. Both films use a blend of humor and drama to explore the protagonist's journey toward self-discovery.

Fact: George Clooney's character was inspired by real-life corporate downsizers. The film features real people who had recently lost their jobs, adding authenticity to the scenes. Director Jason Reitman wrote the script while traveling, mirroring the protagonist's lifestyle.

Description: Both '50/50' and 'Everything Must Go' deal with protagonists facing life-altering challenges. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character battles cancer, while Will Ferrell's character deals with the fallout of his personal life collapsing. The films balance serious themes with humor and heart.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life cancer experience of screenwriter Will Reiser. Seth Rogen, who stars in the film, was Reiser's real-life friend during his treatment. Joseph Gordon-Levitt shaved his head on camera for authenticity.

Description: This coming-of-age film shares with 'Everything Must Go' a focus on personal growth amidst adversity. Both protagonists find themselves in uncomfortable life situations and must navigate their way to better circumstances. The films blend humor and heartfelt moments to tell their stories.

Fact: The film marks the directorial debut of Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who also wrote the screenplay. Sam Rockwell's performance was largely improvised. The water park scenes were filmed at a real, functioning water park in Massachusetts.