10 Movies & Shows Like The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023)

Description: This is perhaps the closest parallel to Harold Fry's journey - an elderly man (Alvin Straight) makes a slow, determined journey (on a lawnmower) to reconcile with his ailing brother. Both films celebrate the dignity and determination of older protagonists undertaking improbable journeys.

Fact: Based on a true story. The only G-rated film David Lynch ever directed. Richard Farnsworth was terminally ill with cancer during filming.

Description: Like Harold Fry, Warren Schmidt is a recently retired man who embarks on a journey (in his case by RV) to find meaning in his life. Both films explore themes of aging, regret, and the search for purpose after major life changes.

Fact: Jack Nicholson's performance earned him an Oscar nomination. The film's famous letter-writing device was improvised. Director Alexander Payne shot in over 60 locations across Nebraska.

Description: This film shares with Harold Fry's story the theme of older characters who embark on unexpected adventures that reveal their remarkable pasts. Both stories blend whimsy with deep emotional truths about life, love, and the importance of stories.

Fact: The young protagonist Haley Joel Osment was 14 during filming. The lion in the film was actually a trained movie lion. Considered a 'sleeper hit' that gained popularity after its theatrical run.

Description: Similar to 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry', this film follows an ordinary man who embarks on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. Both protagonists are initially stuck in mundane lives but find purpose and adventure through travel. The themes of personal growth, overcoming fears, and embracing life's unpredictability are central to both stories.

Fact: The film is based on a 1939 short story by James Thurber. Ben Stiller both directed and starred in the film. Many of the breathtaking landscapes were real locations in Iceland, not CGI.

Description: While not a walking journey, this film shares with Harold Fry's story the theme of older protagonists seeking meaning and adventure before it's too late. Both explore how confronting mortality can lead to a more vibrant engagement with life.

Fact: Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman's first film together. The hospital scenes were shot in a functioning hospital ward. The 'bucket list' concept became a cultural phenomenon after the film.

Description: Similar to Harold Fry's spontaneous decision to walk across England, this film features two older men undertaking the Appalachian Trail on a whim. Both stories blend humor with poignant reflections on aging, friendship, and the desire for adventure later in life.

Fact: Based on Bill Bryson's memoir. Robert Redford had wanted to make this film for nearly a decade. The real Appalachian Trail is about 2,200 miles long.

Description: This film directly parallels Harold Fry's pilgrimage, following a man who completes the Camino de Santiago in honor of his deceased son. Both stories explore grief, personal transformation, and the unexpected connections formed during solitary journeys.

Fact: Directed by Emilio Estevez and stars his father Martin Sheen. The film was actually shot along the real Camino de Santiago. Many real pilgrims appear as extras in the film.

Description: Like Harold Fry, Hector embarks on an international journey to understand the meaning of happiness. Both films feature ordinary men whose quests lead them to profound personal insights and unexpected adventures.

Fact: Based on a French novel by François Lelord. Simon Pegg prepared by studying positive psychology. Filmed in multiple countries including South Africa and China.

Description: Like Harold Fry's journey, this film features a protagonist undertaking a long, physically demanding pilgrimage (the Pacific Crest Trail) as a way to process personal trauma and find redemption. Both stories explore how physical journeys can lead to emotional healing and self-discovery.

Fact: Based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir. Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the film. The backpack used in filming weighed up to 65 pounds to be authentic.

Description: While centered on cuisine rather than walking, this film shares with Harold Fry's story themes of cultural discovery, personal reinvention, and how journeys (physical or metaphorical) can transform our lives. Both feature protagonists who find new purpose through their experiences.

Fact: Produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. Helen Mirren learned to cook Indian food for her role. Based on Richard C. Morais's novel.