10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Sunlit Night (2020)

Description: Similar to 'The Sunlit Night' in its themes of self-discovery and adventure, 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' follows a man breaking out of his mundane life to embark on a transformative journey. Both films feature stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of remote landscapes, and they share a whimsical yet heartfelt tone.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1947 movie of the same name, which was based on a short story by James Thurber. Ben Stiller not only starred in but also directed the film. Many of the breathtaking landscapes were filmed in Iceland, similar to the Norwegian setting in 'The Sunlit Night'.

Description: Like 'The Sunlit Night', this film combines humor and heart in a story about family and personal growth during a journey. Both feature eccentric characters and explore themes of pursuing dreams against all odds.

Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days on a modest budget. The iconic yellow VW bus had to be pushed by crew members in many scenes. Abigail Breslin was only 9 years old during filming but earned an Oscar nomination.

Description: Like 'The Sunlit Night', 'Into the Wild' explores themes of escape, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. Both protagonists leave their familiar environments behind to find themselves in the wilderness, with the natural world playing a central role in their personal transformations.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, as documented in Jon Krakauer's book. Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam composed the film's soundtrack. Director Sean Penn shot many scenes in the actual locations McCandless visited.

Description: Wes Anderson's film shares with 'The Sunlit Night' a focus on personal journeys in exotic locales, blending quirky humor with emotional depth. Both films explore family relationships and self-discovery against visually striking backdrops.

Fact: The train used in the film was a real Indian luxury train redecorated for production. The three lead actors lived together in Paris to prepare for their roles as brothers. The film includes a short prequel, 'Hotel Chevalier', starring Natalie Portman.

Description: This road trip movie shares with 'The Sunlit Night' a search for home and belonging. Both films feature protagonists navigating life transitions while encountering quirky characters in various locations, blending humor with heartfelt emotion.

Fact: Directed by Sam Mendes ('American Beauty') from a script by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida. The film features an indie-folk soundtrack including songs by Alexi Murdoch. Many scenes were improvised by the cast.

Description: This coming-of-age story shares with 'The Sunlit Night' a focus on personal growth during a summer away from home. Both films blend humor and poignancy as their young protagonists navigate new relationships and environments that challenge them to grow.

Fact: The film marks the directorial debut of Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who won Oscars for co-writing 'The Descendants'. Steve Carell plays against type as an unsympathetic character. Much of the film was shot at a real water park in Massachusetts.

Description: This coming-of-age adventure shares with 'The Sunlit Night' a summer setting where young protagonists seek independence and self-discovery in nature. Both films capture the magic and melancholy of transitional life moments with humor and visual poetry.

Fact: The film was originally titled 'Toy's House'. Much of the dialogue was improvised by the young cast. The treehouse set was actually built in the woods for filming.

Description: Like 'The Sunlit Night', 'Wild' follows a protagonist on a physical and emotional journey through breathtaking landscapes. Both films explore themes of healing, self-discovery, and the transformative power of nature after personal trauma.

Fact: Based on Cheryl Strayed's bestselling memoir. Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the film. The production actually hiked portions of the Pacific Crest Trail for authenticity.

Description: Sharing 'The Sunlit Night's' themes of alternative lifestyles and family bonds, 'Captain Fantastic' explores what it means to live authentically. Both films feature protagonists who challenge conventional norms and find meaning in their unique ways of living.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned to play Bach on guitar for his role. The cast lived together in the woods during filming to build authentic chemistry. The film premiered at Sundance, where it won the Best Director award.

Description: Both films feature unlikely pairings in wilderness settings, blending adventure with heartfelt character development. Like 'The Sunlit Night', this movie balances humor and emotional depth while showcasing beautiful natural landscapes that become almost characters themselves.

Fact: Directed by Taika Waititi before he gained fame for 'Thor: Ragnarok'. The film is based on Barry Crump's book 'Wild Pork and Watercress'. It became New Zealand's highest-grossing local film at the time of its release.