10 Movies & Shows Like Val (2021)

Description: A coming-of-age road trip that transforms into a journey of social awakening, blending adventure with profound personal growth.

Fact: The film follows the early travels of Che Guevara, based on his own memoir. Much of the filming occurred in the actual locations visited during Guevara's 1952 trip across South America.

Description: A visually stunning adventure that blends reality with imagination, exploring themes of self-discovery and stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Fact: Ben Stiller performed many of his own stunts, including the longboard scene in Iceland. The film features real locations across Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas.

Description: A deeply emotional and inspiring story about perseverance and the human spirit, focusing on personal struggles and the journey toward self-improvement.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, whose memoir inspired the screenplay. The famous bathroom scene was filmed in an actual BART station in Oakland.

Description: A poignant exploration of freedom, solitude, and the search for meaning, featuring breathtaking natural landscapes and a transformative journey.

Fact: Emile Hirsch lost over 40 pounds to accurately portray Chris McCandless's physical decline. The bus used in the film became a pilgrimage site for fans until it was removed in 2020 due to safety concerns.

Description: A gripping survival tale that follows a group of prisoners escaping through harsh wilderness, emphasizing resilience and the will to survive.

Fact: The story is loosely based on Slavomir Rawicz's memoir, though its authenticity has been disputed. Filming took place in Bulgaria, Morocco, and India to recreate the diverse landscapes of the journey.

Description: A humorous yet reflective take on aging and friendship, set against the backdrop of an ambitious hiking adventure along the Appalachian Trail.

Fact: Robert Redford had been trying to adapt Bill Bryson's book for nearly a decade before production began. The film combines scenes from Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia to represent the trail.

Description: A raw and introspective story of healing through nature, depicting a woman's physical and emotional journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Fact: Reese Witherspoon carried a real 65-pound backpack during filming to authentically portray Cheryl Strayed's experience. The production team had to recreate sections of the trail in Oregon due to accessibility issues.

Description: A thought-provoking exploration of alternative lifestyles and family bonds, blending wilderness survival with philosophical debates about society.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen performed all his own stunts, including climbing rocks and chopping wood. The cast lived together in a remote cabin during filming to build authentic family chemistry.

Description: A heartwarming adventure about an unlikely friendship and the pursuit of dreams, set against the rustic beauty of the American South.

Fact: Zack Gottsagen, who has Down syndrome, became the first actor with the condition to appear as a lead in a major Hollywood film. Many scenes were improvised to capture natural performances.

Description: A quirky and touching adventure about found family and survival in the New Zealand bush, balancing humor with heartfelt moments.

Fact: The film features over 30 native New Zealand bird species. Director Taika Waititi included improvised scenes to maintain the story's playful tone.