25 Fantastical Movies Like "The Secret life of Walter Mitty"

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Navigating the tumultuous events of the latter half of the 20th century in America, Forrest Gump, a man with low intelligence, leads an extraordinary life. From teaching Elvis how to dance, serving in Vietnam, to starting a shrimping business, Forrest's life is anything but ordinary. His heartwarming journey is intertwined with historical events, and through it all, his love for Jenny remains undiminished. Like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," Forrest's adventures remind us that life is unpredictable and that even the most ordinary individual can lead an exceptional life. Both films inspire viewers to believe that destiny is shaped both by chance and choice.

CAST

Tom Hanks

Robin Wright

Gary Sinise

Sally Field

Mykelti Williamson

Michael Conner Humphreys

Hanna Hall

Haley Joel Osment

Siobhan Fallon Hogan

Rebecca Williams

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

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91%

84

8

Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, finds himself one question away from winning India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?". However, when accused of cheating, Jamal recounts his life's story to prove his innocence, revealing how each question relates to pivotal moments in his life. His tale is one of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of a rapidly changing India. Similar to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the film takes the audience on an emotional roller-coaster, emphasizing the idea that life's challenges often prepare us for our defining moments.

CAST

Dev Patel

Saurabh Shukla

Anil Kapoor

Raj Zutshi

Jeneva Talwar

Freida Pinto

Irrfan Khan

Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar

Jira Banjara

Directed by Danny Boyle

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93%

88

8.3

After the passing of his wife, Ellie, elderly Carl Fredricksen is determined to fulfill their shared dream of visiting Paradise Falls in South America. Using thousands of balloons, he turns his house into an airship, only to discover a stowaway young boy named Russell. Together, they embark on an unforgettable adventure, encountering exotic birds, talking dogs, and challenging terrains. Much like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Up" celebrates the spirit of adventure, reminding viewers that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams, and that sometimes the real adventure is the friendships we forge along the way.

CAST

Ed Asner

Christopher Plummer

Jordan Nagai

Bob Peterson

Delroy Lindo

John Ratzenberger

David Kaye

Elie Docter

Jeremy Leary

Directed by Pete Docter

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92%

89

8.3

When Joel Barish discovers that his ex-girlfriend, Clementine, has undergone a procedure to erase him from her memories, he decides to do the same. However, as he relives each memory before it fades, Joel realizes he's not ready to let go. The film traverses the labyrinth of love, pain, and acceptance, blending reality with surrealist elements. Much like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," both movies explore the profound emotional journeys their protagonists undergo, emphasizing the transformative power of memories, imagination, and confronting one's innermost feelings.

CAST

Jim Carrey

Kate Winslet

Kirsten Dunst

Mark Ruffalo

Elijah Wood

Tom Wilkinson

Jane Adams

David Cross

Deirdre O'Connell

Thomas Jay Ryan

Directed by Michel Gondry

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67%

64

8

Based on a true story, Chris Gardner, struggling with homelessness and caring for his young son, strives for a better life by landing an unpaid internship at a competitive stock brokerage firm. Facing overwhelming odds, Gardner's resilience, determination, and unwavering love for his son shine through. The heart-wrenching yet inspirational journey is reminiscent of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in its portrayal of a man challenging societal constraints, redefining success, and pursuing his dreams against all odds.

CAST

Will Smith

Jaden Smith

Thandiwe Newton

Brian Howe

James Karen

Kurt Fuller

Dan Castellaneta

Joe Nuñez

David Fine

Takayo Fischer

Directed by Gabriele Muccino

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86%

79

7.9

After a shipwreck, young Pi Patel finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The film delves deep into themes of faith, survival, and the stories we tell ourselves. As Pi battles both the elements and his inner demons, he embarks on a spiritual journey of discovery and acceptance. In line with "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," both films magnificently capture the essence of human resilience, the battle between reality and perception, and the extraordinary adventures that can unfold in the mind's eye.

CAST

Suraj Sharma

Irrfan Khan

Ayush Tandon

Gautam Belur

Adil Hussain

Tabu

Ayaan Khan

Mohd Abbas Khaleeli

Vibish Sivakumar

Rafe Spall

Directed by Ang Lee

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93%

81

7.6

Gil, a disenchanted writer, finds himself magically transported to 1920s Paris every midnight during a trip with his fiancée. In this nostalgic reverie, he encounters literary and artistic legends, kindling a newfound passion for his craft and questioning his present-day life choices. Like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the film emphasizes the allure of escapism and the quest for personal fulfillment. Both movies prompt the viewer to ponder: In our pursuit of an idealized past or an adventurous future, might we be overlooking the beauty of the present?

CAST

Owen Wilson

Rachel McAdams

Kurt Fuller

Mimi Kennedy

Michael Sheen

Nina Arianda

Marion Cotillard

Léa Seydoux

Carla Bruni

Maurice Sonnenberg

Directed by Woody Allen

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71%

70

7.8

This epic tale chronicles the life of Benjamin Button, a man who ages backward. Born as an elderly man, Benjamin's unique condition provides a fresh perspective on love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of life. As he encounters people from different walks of life and witnesses the world change around him, the film delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships. Much like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," it beckons viewers to embrace life's uncertainties and cherish every moment, knowing that time is both a gift and a relentless tide.

CAST

Brad Pitt

Cate Blanchett

Taraji P. Henson

Julia Ormond

Jason Flemyng

Mahershala Ali

Jared Harris

Elias Koteas

Phyllis Somerville

Tilda Swinton

Directed by David Fincher

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83%

73

8.1

Based on a true story, this film follows Christopher McCandless, a young man who, disillusioned with the trappings of modern society, abandons his possessions and savings to travel across America. His journey culminates in the wilds of Alaska, where he seeks a pure, authentic existence. While his adventure is both breathtaking and heart-wrenching, it's also a testament to the human spirit's quest for meaning and connection. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "Into the Wild" share a common thread: the transformative power of venturing into the unknown and the profound self-discoveries that such journeys can unveil.

CAST

Emile Hirsch

Marcia Gay Harden

William Hurt

Jena Malone

Brian H. Dierker

Catherine Keener

Vince Vaughn

Kristen Stewart

Hal Holbrook

Thure Lindhardt

Directed by Sean Penn

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92%

81

7.7

After a stint in a mental institution, Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and is determined to rebuild his life and reunite with his estranged wife. His plans take a detour when he meets Tiffany, a mysterious woman with her own set of challenges. Together, they forge a unique bond through dance and shared struggles. "Silver Linings Playbook" mirrors "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in its exploration of individuals seeking meaning and connection amidst personal turmoil. Both films emphasize the healing power of unexpected relationships and the pursuit of passion, reminding viewers that even in life's dark moments, there's always a silver lining.

CAST

Bradley Cooper

Jennifer Lawrence

Robert De Niro

Jacki Weaver

Chris Tucker

Anupam Kher

John Ortiz

Shea Whigham

Julia Stiles

Paul Herman

Directed by David O. Russell

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75%

58

8

Edward Bloom has always been a teller of tall tales, but as he approaches the end of his life, his son endeavors to decipher truth from fiction. Through a series of fantastical anecdotes, the film chronicles Edward's extraordinary life full of mythical creatures, love, and adventure. Like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Big Fish" blurs the lines between reality and imagination, challenging the audience to consider the legacy one leaves behind. Both films underscore the importance of stories—whether they're daydreams or family legends—in shaping one's identity and understanding of the world.

CAST

Ewan McGregor

Albert Finney

Billy Crudup

Jessica Lange

Helena Bonham Carter

Alison Lohman

Robert Guillaume

Marion Cotillard

Steve Buscemi

Danny DeVito

Directed by Tim Burton

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89%

69

8.3

In the heart of Paris, Amélie, a shy waitress, decides to change the lives of those around her for the better, while struggling with her own isolation. Through a series of whimsical and heartwarming deeds, she embarks on a quest to bring joy to others, and in the process, discovers love and connection. "Amélie" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" share a love for life's small moments and the belief in the transformative power of kindness. Both films offer a dreamlike journey through the protagonist's eyes, celebrating the magic found in everyday encounters and the beauty of human connection.

CAST

Audrey Tautou

Mathieu Kassovitz

Rufus

Lorella Cravotta

Serge Merlin

Jamel Debbouze

Clotilde Mollet

Claire Maurier

Isabelle Nanty

Dominique Pinon

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

2 degrees of seperation (similar to Amélie)

from /20 Quirky Movies like Amélie

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41%

42

7.4

Edward and Carter, two terminally ill men from vastly different walks of life, find themselves sharing a hospital room. Together, they embark on a mission to fulfill their bucket list – a list of things they want to experience before they "kick the bucket." From skydiving to seeing the world, their journey is a heartwarming exploration of life, death, and friendship. Like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," this film celebrates the idea that it's never too late to truly live, emphasizing that life's true richness comes from experiences and relationships, not material possessions.

CAST

Jack Nicholson

Morgan Freeman

Sean Hayes

Beverly Todd

Alfonso Freeman

Destiny Brownridge

Rob Morrow

Dawn Lewis

Rowena King

Annton Berry Jr.

Directed by Rob Reiner

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73%

67

7.5

Harold Crick, an IRS auditor, suddenly starts hearing a voice narrating his life. To his horror, the voice predicts his imminent death, prompting him to search for the story's author to change his fate. What unfolds is a profound meditation on life, love, and the nature of existence. This film, bearing semblance to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," skillfully interweaves the everyday with the extraordinary. Both movies prompt viewers to reflect on the unpredictable nature of life and the stories we craft, both for ourselves and for others.

CAST

Will Ferrell

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Dustin Hoffman

Emma Thompson

Queen Latifah

Ricky Adams

Denise Hughes

Christian Stolte

Tony Hale

Peggy Roeder

Directed by Marc Forster

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46%

46

6.8

Carl Allen, stuck in a rut and feeling disconnected, enrolls in a self-help program that challenges him to say "yes" to everything for an entire year. This simple shift propels him into a series of hilarious and life-changing adventures, from learning Korean to taking flying lessons. The comedic escapades underscore deeper themes of seizing opportunities and embracing change. Much like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Yes Man" underscores the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone, suggesting that a world of possibilities can open up when one dares to say "yes" to life.

CAST

Jim Carrey

Zooey Deschanel

Bradley Cooper

John Michael Higgins

Rhys Darby

Danny Masterson

Fionnula Flanagan

Terence Stamp

Sasha Alexander

Molly Sims

Directed by Peyton Reed

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83%

67

5.7

Set in London in the early 20th century, "Finding Neverland" unveils the story behind J.M. Barrie's inspiration for his masterpiece, "Peter Pan." Barrie forms an unlikely friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family, and through his playful interactions with the four boys, he crafts the magical world of Neverland. Facing skepticism from society and personal tragedies, Barrie learns the significance of belief, imagination, and the enduring spirit of childhood. Like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," this film spotlights the boundless realm of imagination, asserting that true magic exists when one dares to dream and breaks the shackles of convention.

CAST

Johnny Depp

Kate Winslet

Julie Christie

Dustin Hoffman

Freddie Highmore

Radha Mitchell

Kate Maberly

Joe Prospero

Nick Roud

Luke Spill

Directed by Marc Forster

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26%

47

6.9

Max Skinner, a high-flying London stockbroker, finds his life upended when he inherits a vineyard in Provence from his late uncle. Swapping the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquil beauty of the French countryside, Max undergoes a journey of rediscovery, reevaluating his priorities and kindling a romance. Amid the sun-drenched vines and vintage wines, he learns that life's richest pleasures are often the simplest. Much in the vein of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "A Good Year" showcases the transformative power of taking a detour, highlighting that real fulfillment often lies off the beaten path.

CAST

Russell Crowe

Albert Finney

Marion Cotillard

Abbie Cornish

Didier Bourdon

Tom Hollander

Freddie Highmore

Isabelle Candelier

Archie Panjabi

Rafe Spall

Directed by Ridley Scott

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38%

29

6.9

Hector, a disillusioned psychiatrist, feels stuck in a rut, sensing that his life lacks genuine happiness. Embarking on a globe-trotting quest to uncover the true essence of joy, he encounters a tapestry of characters, each offering unique perspectives on life's most sought-after emotion. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the serene landscapes of the Himalayas, Hector's odyssey becomes as much about self-exploration as it is about defining happiness. Echoing "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the film underscores the notion that sometimes, to truly understand oneself, one must venture beyond the familiar and embrace the vast, unpredictable world outside.

CAST

Simon Pegg

Rosamund Pike

Toni Collette

Stellan Skarsgård

Christopher Plummer

Jean Reno

Barry Atsma

Veronica Ferres

Ming Zhao

Tracy-Ann Oberman

Directed by Peter Chelsom

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64

7.8

Set in 1920s Los Angeles, a paralyzed stuntman named Roy forms an unlikely bond with Alexandria, a young immigrant girl, as they share tales in a hospital. Roy weaves an intricate story filled with vivid characters, epic quests, and boundless landscapes. Yet, as the lines between fiction and reality blur, it becomes evident that each narrative element reflects aspects of his own life and regrets. Reminiscent of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "The Fall" celebrates the power of storytelling, illustrating how imagination can provide solace, even in the darkest of times.

CAST

Lee Pace

Catinca Untaru

Jeetu Verma

Marcus Wesley

Leo Bill

Julian Bleach

Justine Waddell

Kim Uylenbroek

Aiden Lithgow

Emil Hostina

Directed by Tarsem Singh

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68%

55

7.3

When the Kadam family relocates from India to the South of France, they decide to open an Indian eatery opposite a prestigious French restaurant. What begins as a culinary rivalry between the establishment and Madame Mallory, the proprietress of the French restaurant, eventually evolves into mutual respect and an unexpected fusion of two diverse cultures. This gastronomic journey resonates deeply with the themes of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in that it emphasizes the beauty of exploration, not just of places but of traditions, tastes, and heartwarming human connections.

CAST

Helen Mirren

Manish Dayal

Om Puri

Charlotte Le Bon

Rohan Chand

Juhi Chawla

Farzana Dua Elahe

Dillon Mitra

Amit Shah

Aria Pandya

Directed by Lasse Hallström

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79%

67

7.2

Struggling writer Calvin, battling writer's block and emotional isolation, creates a character named Ruby Sparks, who unexpectedly springs to life. Initially enthralled by his newfound love and the power he wields over her every action, Calvin soon confronts the ethical dilemmas of his creation and the complexities of genuine relationships. Parallel to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Ruby Sparks" delves into the wonders and pitfalls of the human imagination, pushing the boundaries of reality and urging viewers to recognize the depth and unpredictability of human emotions.

CAST

Paul Dano

Zoe Kazan

Chris Messina

Annette Bening

Antonio Banderas

Alia Shawkat

Deborah Ann Woll

Steve Coogan

Elliott Gould

Aasif Mandvi

Directed by Jonathan Dayton

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91%

72

6.9

Darius, an intern at a Seattle magazine, teams up with two colleagues to uncover the story behind a mysterious classified ad: a man seeking a companion for time travel. Their investigation leads them to Kenneth, an eccentric supermarket clerk, who genuinely believes he has built a time machine. As Darius gets closer to Kenneth, a unique bond forms, exploring themes of regret, second chances, and the indefinable connections we make with one another. Similar to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," this film delves deep into the blurred lines between fantasy and reality, highlighting how ordinary lives can embark on extraordinary journeys.

CAST

Aubrey Plaza

Mark Duplass

Jake Johnson

Karan Soni

Jenica Bergere

Kristen Bell

Jeff Garlin

Mary Lynn Rajskub

William Hall Jr.

Tony Doupe

Directed by Colin Trevorrow

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83%

64

7.3

After the tragic loss of his son on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain, Thomas Avery decides to complete the journey in his son's memory. Along the way, he forms a makeshift family with fellow travelers, each struggling with their past. As they walk the ancient path, they're confronted with both external challenges and inner conflicts, leading to profound self-discoveries. Much like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "The Way" champions the transformative power of travel, asserting that sometimes we must get lost to truly find ourselves.

CAST

Martin Sheen

Emilio Estevez

Deborah Kara Unger

Yorick van Wageningen

James Nesbitt

Tchéky Karyo

Ángela Molina

Carlos Leal

Simón Andreu

Eusebio Lázaro

Directed by Emilio Estevez

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100%

84

7.3

Mac, a fast-living oil executive, is sent to a serene Scottish village to secure the property rights for a new refinery. However, the quaintness of the village and its quirky inhabitants start to grow on him, challenging his earlier motivations. As he gets more immersed, he discovers that happiness can be found in the unlikeliest of places. The film, akin to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," is a celebration of life's simple pleasures, underlining the idea that sometimes, the most significant adventures aren't where we go but the people we meet.

CAST

Burt Lancaster

Peter Riegert

Denis Lawson

Fulton Mackay

Peter Capaldi

Jennifer Black

Jenny Seagrove

Norman Chancer

Rikki Fulton

Alex Norton

Directed by Bill Forsyth

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55%

56

6.7

Feeling trapped in his humdrum life and relationship, Danny, in a spontaneous act, ties balloons to a deckchair and takes flight. Landing in a remote town, he assumes a new identity, finding both romance and a sense of belonging. His antics, while humorous, also spark a journey of self-realization, emphasizing that sometimes, all one needs is a change in perspective to rediscover joy. Mirroring "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the film reminds viewers of the adventure that awaits when one dares to step out of their comfort zone and embrace the unpredictable.

CAST

Rhys Ifans

Miranda Otto

Justine Clarke

Rhys Muldoon

John Batchelor

Alan Flower

Julie Sobotta

Brian Langsworth

Steve Rassios

Madeleine James

Directed by Jeff Balsmeyer