10 Movies & Shows Like Before I Disappear

Description: A surreal yet deeply emotional exploration of love, memory, and heartbreak, this film uses unconventional storytelling to examine how pain shapes our identities and relationships.

Fact: The movie's nonlinear narrative was inspired by the director's own fragmented memories of a past relationship.

Description: Centered around a young protagonist struggling with depression, this movie blends humor and heartbreak while depicting his time in a psychiatric ward. The balance of dark themes with moments of levity creates a poignant narrative.

Fact: The film was shot in an actual decommissioned psychiatric hospital in New York to add authenticity.

Description: This coming-of-age story follows a recent college grad working a dead-end summer job, grappling with love and future uncertainty. Its nostalgic tone and relatable struggles create an authentic portrayal of young adulthood.

Fact: The film's soundtrack features music from the 1980s, reflecting the director's own teenage years.

Description: Focusing on a disillusioned high school senior who questions the meaning of life, this film captures the angst and apathy of youth while hinting at the possibility of redemption through human connection.

Fact: The lead actor improvised many of his lines to make his character feel more authentic.

Description: This film explores themes of loneliness, mental health, and self-discovery through the lens of a troubled teenager navigating high school. Its raw emotional tone and focus on personal growth resonate deeply.

Fact: The movie is based on a novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also directed the film. It was shot in just 30 days.

Description: A coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of young love and self-destructive behavior, this film captures the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood with honesty and vulnerability.

Fact: The screenplay was written by the same duo who penned (500) Days of Summer, known for their sharp, realistic dialogue.

Description: A shy teenager finds solace and confidence during a summer job at a water park, away from his dysfunctional family. The film's mix of humor and heartfelt moments underscores its themes of self-acceptance and growth.

Fact: The water park scenes were filmed at a real, functioning park in Massachusetts during operating hours.

Description: Three teenage boys decide to build a house in the woods and live off the grid, escaping their troubled home lives. The film balances humor and melancholy while exploring themes of freedom and growing up.

Fact: The outdoor scenes were shot in a real forest, with the cast and crew enduring unpredictable weather conditions.

Description: Set in a foster care facility, this movie portrays the struggles of both the caretakers and the kids, highlighting themes of trauma, healing, and human connection. Its intimate storytelling and emotional depth make it compelling.

Fact: The film was inspired by the director's own experiences working at a similar facility.

Description: A quirky yet heartfelt story about an awkward teenager who befriends a classmate with cancer, this film navigates themes of friendship, loss, and the power of art to heal.

Fact: The movie won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.