10 Movies & Shows Like Tropic (2023)

Description: A story about a young traveler seeking an untouched paradise, only to discover the complexities and dangers of utopian ideals. The film explores themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the darker side of escapism.

Fact: The film was shot on the Thai island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, which saw a significant increase in tourism after its release. Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly learned to scuba dive for his role.

Description: A young Che Guevara's transformative motorcycle journey across South America, which shapes his worldview. The film portrays the awakening of social consciousness through travel and exposure to injustice.

Fact: The filmmakers retraced Guevara's actual route, visiting Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. The motorcycle used in the film was a replica of Guevara's Norton

Description: A daydreamer embarks on a global adventure to find a missing photograph, stepping out of his comfort zone into breathtaking landscapes. The film celebrates self-reinvention and the beauty of spontaneous travel.

Fact: Many of the film's stunning backdrops, like Iceland's volcanic landscapes, were real and not digitally enhanced. The skateboarding scene down the mountain road was performed by a professional skateboarder.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a young man who abandons his possessions to live in the Alaskan wilderness. It delves into themes of freedom, isolation, and the search for meaning beyond societal norms.

Fact: The bus where the real Christopher McCandless lived and died became a pilgrimage site, but it was later removed due to safety concerns. Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam composed the film's soundtrack.

Description: Three estranged brothers reunite for a train journey across India, seeking spiritual and familial reconciliation. The film combines quirky humor with poignant moments of self-discovery in an exotic setting.

Fact: The train used in the film was a real Indian railway train, specially painted for the production. Wes Anderson insisted on shooting entirely in India to maintain authenticity.

Description: A woman's journey across Italy, India, and Bali to rediscover herself after a divorce. The film emphasizes cultural immersion, spiritual growth, and the healing power of travel.

Fact: Julia Roberts spent time in each of the real-life locations to authentically capture the essence of the story. The Bali scenes were shot in Ubud, where the real Elizabeth Gilbert lived.

Description: A group of prisoners escape a Siberian gulag and trek thousands of miles to freedom across harsh landscapes. The film highlights endurance, survival, and the human spirit's resilience.

Fact: Inspired by a controversial memoir, the film's production faced extreme weather conditions in Bulgaria and Morocco. The cast trained for months to portray the physical toll of the journey.

Description: Two aging friends attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, blending humor with reflections on mortality and friendship. The story captures the unpredictability of adventure and the bond forged through shared challenges.

Fact: Robert Redford had wanted to adapt Bill Bryson's book for nearly a decade. The film was shot on location along parts of the actual Appalachian Trail.

Description: A true-story adventure about Thor Heyerdahl's daring 1947 raft expedition across the Pacific. The film celebrates human curiosity, the spirit of exploration, and the bond between man and the sea.

Fact: The crew built two replicas of the original Kon-Tiki raft for filming—one for close-ups and another for open-water scenes. The film was Norway's most expensive production at the time.

Description: A deeply personal journey of a woman hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to heal from personal tragedy. The narrative focuses on solitude, nature's transformative power, and the physical and emotional challenges of long-distance trekking.

Fact: Reese Witherspoon carried a real backpack weighing up to 65 pounds during filming. The production team used minimal CGI, relying on practical effects and real locations.