If you loved the heartfelt and unconventional journey in 'North of Normal' (2023), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same spirit of adventure, family bonds, and self-discovery. Whether you're drawn to unique coming-of-age stories or off-the-grid living, these recommendations will keep you entertained and inspired.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Description: A daydreamer embarks on a global adventure to find a missing photograph, discovering courage and purpose through his travels and encounters with the unknown.
Fact: The film features stunning cinematography, with scenes shot in Iceland, Greenland, and the Himalayas.


Into the Wild (2007)
Description: This movie chronicles a young man's quest for freedom and meaning as he abandons societal norms to live in the Alaskan wilderness, emphasizing themes of adventure and self-reliance.
Fact: The film was shot in many of the actual locations where the real-life Christopher McCandless traveled, including the infamous 'Magic Bus' in Alaska.


The Road (2009)
Description: A post-apocalyptic journey of a father and son struggling to survive in a harsh, desolate world, emphasizing themes of perseverance and the bond between parent and child.
Fact: The film's bleak aesthetic was achieved by shooting in locations affected by natural disasters, including areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.


The Way Back (2010)
Description: A group of prisoners escape a Siberian gulag and embark on a treacherous journey across thousands of miles of wilderness, showcasing human endurance and the will to survive.
Fact: The film is inspired by the controversial memoir 'The Long Walk' by Slavomir Rawicz, though its historical accuracy has been debated.


A Walk in the Woods (2015)
Description: Two elderly friends attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, blending humor with reflections on aging, friendship, and the challenges of the wilderness.
Fact: The movie is based on Bill Bryson's memoir of the same name, which humorously recounts his own attempt to hike the trail.


Wild (2014)
Description: The film follows a woman's solo journey through the Pacific Crest Trail, exploring themes of self-discovery, healing, and the transformative power of nature.
Fact: Reese Witherspoon carried a real backpack weighing up to 65 pounds during filming to authentically portray the physical challenges of the journey.


The Glass Castle (2017)
Description: This biographical drama depicts a dysfunctional yet loving family living a nomadic, unconventional lifestyle, focusing on resilience and the complexities of familial bonds.
Fact: The film is an adaptation of Jeannette Walls' bestselling memoir of the same name.


Captain Fantastic (2016)
Description: The story revolves around a father raising his children off the grid, teaching them survival skills and critical thinking, while challenging conventional ideas about education and family.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned to play Bach's 'Prelude in C Major' on the guitar for his role in the film.


Leave No Trace (2018)
Description: A father and daughter live in the forests of Oregon, avoiding modern society until circumstances force them to confront the outside world, highlighting themes of isolation and adaptation.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'My Abandonment' by Peter Rock, which was inspired by a true story.


Nomadland (2020)
Description: The movie follows a woman who adopts a nomadic lifestyle after losing everything, exploring themes of freedom, loss, and the search for belonging in the American West.
Fact: Many of the characters in the film are real-life nomads who play fictionalized versions of themselves.
