22 Best Movies About Self-Discovery, Ranked

Self-discovery — often described as the process of finding oneself and gathering valuable insight into one’s character — is one of the biggest challenges anyone can face. Although it provides us with understanding regarding our values, needs, and wants, it can be equal parts painful and frustrating.

Fortunately, throughout the years, many incredible movies have showcased that those challenges are often the most enriching and that examining our own behavior and making changes to be better is essential for character development. No matter which stage in life one is in, there is a wide range of films, from Wild to Frances Ha, that are guaranteed to bring comfort and solace. Down below, we look back at the best movies about self-discovery that are assuredly worth the watch.

22 ‘Joe vs the Volcano’ (1990)

Directed by John Patrick Shanley

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s first collaboration is John Patrick Shanley’s Joe vs the Volcano, a romantic comedy following a hypochondriac who learns that he is dying, later accepting an offer to throw himself in a volcano on a tropical island.

Featuring great acting performances and a creative storyline, this whimsical film meditates on what it really means to rediscover life and courage in the face of challenge. Through Joe’s unexpected adventure, he comes across surreal experiences that defy his perspective, which eventually lead him toward deep inner transformation. Joe vs the Volcano is a great self-discovery film in the sense that it explores spiritual awakening and self-revelation, focusing on how sometimes it is we who shock ourselves.

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21 ‘Julie & Julia’ (2009)

Directed by Nora Ephron

Starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia centers on two women: a young blogger and a cook who find their lives intertwined through their common passion for food. Though separated by time and space, both find their way to each other only to connect with deeper parts of themselves.

Ephron’s film is a charming and delightful watch that sheds light on two very poignant and interconnected stories — while Julia discovers her passion and purpose later in life, Julie uses Julia’s recipes to connect with her own creative energy. Julie and Julia is a thoughtful meditation about how self-discovery is endless and does not have an expiration date; it reminds audiences that it often comes from the process of dedicating yourself to something fulfilling.

20 ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ (2010)

Directed by Ryan Murphy

This iconic Julia Roberts-led movie is essential when the subject is self-discovery films, despite not being the best film of the bunch regarding this niche topic. Eat, Pray, Love is about a newly divorced woman who realizes that she might need to go on a self-development quest — this ultimately takes her to Italy, India, and Bali.

Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir of the same name, this Ryan Murphy movie may be a good pick for anyone going through a divorce or a similar, scarring situation. Although it had the potential to be a much better film than it turned out to be, Eat Pray Love is still entertaining and even inspiring at times. It also benefits from stunning location shots that will probably have viewers — especially those who enjoy traveling without leaving the comfort of their homes — glued to their screens.

19 ‘Wild’ (2014)

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée

2014’s biographical adventure drama starring Reese Witherspoon, directed by Jean-Marce Vallée, and based on the 2012 memoir by Cheryl Strayed, depicts a woman driven to the edge due to the unfolding of deeply tragic events in her life. She decides to put her life back together again by setting out alone to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

Inspired by an outstanding true story, Wild is about the obstacles that stand in our way and our demeanor towards them. Nailing a depiction of survival in the wilderness and highlighting the importance of bringing out the best in yourself, this 2014 feature provides audiences with insight into healing from traumatic experiences and is undoubtedly worth checking.

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18 ‘Erin Brockovich’ (2000)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

The second Julia Roberts movie on this list is Steven Soderbergh‘s poignant Erin Brockovich, a dramatized biopic based on an inspiring real-life unemployed and single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a powerful company that has allegedly polluted a city’s water supply.

Soderbergh’s must-see courtroom drama is very much a self-discovery film in the sense that it follows the protagonist as she finds her power and confidence, making the best use of them (in this case in particular, it is to make things right and shed light on the cause she’s fighting for). Its enthralling narrative and top-notch performances — namely Roberts’, won earned a deserved Academy Award nomination — are nothing short of incredible, as likely expected.

17 ‘About Time’ (2013)

Directed by Richard Curtis

Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams play two irresistible lovebirds in Richard Curtis’ uplifting romantic comedy. When Tim discovers he can travel in time and change what happens and has happened in his life, he obviously takes this to his advantage and decides to get a girlfriend (even if this turns out not to be as easy as one may think).

Viewers who are as keen on self-discovery films as they are on romantic stories are guaranteed to enjoy this feel-good, quirky tale. About Time reflects on the meaning and purpose of life, with its protagonist learning how to focus on cherishing ordinary moments as they come, connecting with people he loves, and embracing all the experiences that make up our time on this beautiful planet.

16 ‘Y Tu Mamá Tambien’ (2001)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón’s coming-of-age drama follows two teenage boys (Gael García Bernal and Daniel Giménez Cacho) in Mexico who, in the company of a charming older woman (Maribel Verdú), embark on a road trip and learn a thing or two about life.

Although Y Tu Mamá Tambien initially seems like a lighthearted watch, this intellectually and emotionally stimulating film turns out to be a deep, philosophical examination of friendship, sexuality, and even social class, featuring well-written characters at its center that showcase how flaws are transformative and essential to growth. The boys’ relationship with the mature and honest Luisa acts as a catalyst for their self-awareness, leading them to uncover hidden traits about themselves as well as examine what they truly value and why.

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15 ‘Into the Wild’ (2007)

Directed by Sean Penn

Directed by Sean Penn, Into the Wild is based on a biography written by Jon Krakauer and first published in 1996. In the film, a young man (Emile Hirsch) leaves his middle-class life in pursuit of freedom, giving up his home, family, and possessions after graduating from Emory University.

This enthralling man vs. nature film depicts the unfortunately tragic but real events of Christopher McCandless‘s life, and it does so in a way that keeps audiences invested and fully immersed. By illustrating how venturing off into nature and connecting with wildlife often helps people find a sense of true meaning in life, Into the Wild makes for a thoughtful movie that sends out a powerful message about innocence, isolation, risk, and self-reliance.

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14 ‘Nomadland’ (2020)

Directed by Chlóe Zhao

2021’s Best Picture Academy-Award winner, Nomadland by Chloé Zhao is a thoughtful meditation on grief and seclusion; it portrays the life of a woman (the talented Frances McDormand in one of her three Oscar-winning performances) in her 60s who, in the aftermath of losing everything in the Great Recession, decides to embark on a life-altering journey through the American West.

Based on Jessica Bruder‘s 2017 book of the same name, Nomadland offers viewers plenty of food for thought as it draws inspiration from several true stories. In addition to the top-notch performance and beautiful visuals, Zhao’s quiet but moving film highlights that there is no such thing as a “late” blooming, self-discovering, and character development.

13 ‘Soul’ (2020)

Directed by Pete Docter

One of 2020’s best animation pictures, the fantasy comedy-drama Soul is a Pixar production following a middle-school band teacher and aspiring pianist named Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx) who finds himself lost in life. However, when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he discovers what it really means to have a soul.

Winning two out of the three Academy Awards for which it was nominated, Soul has proven to be a critical success and a fan favorite even if its box office earnings weren’t particularly otherworldly. Pete Docter’s entertaining and existentialist movie is a beautiful meditation about life and death that also focuses on the path of self-discovery and improvement, and is aimed at audiences of all ages: mature children and adults alike.

12 ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)

Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton

Those enthusiastic about feel-good movies must be sure to give Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton’s movie a try if they haven’t already. Little Miss Sunshine is a wholesome family picture with oddly inspiring body positivity messages. The storyline focuses on a family determined to get their young daughter (Abigail Breslin) into the finals of a beauty pageant.

Not only does Little Miss Sunshine highlight the powerful force that family is — even when dysfunctional — but it also showcases just how much of a messy, painful process self-discovery is; Faris and Dayton’s film serves as a reminder that the value of life lies in our ability to laugh and grow. Although it does explore this theme in a generalized way with all characters resonating with it a bit, Olive’s journey stands out. She remains true to herself and reinforces the strength in embracing one’s unique nature.

11 ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)

Directed by Gus Van Sant

This Matt Damon and Robin Williams-led drama by Gus Van Sant follows a highly intelligent janitor at M.I.T. who has a gift for mathematics. However, despite his brightness, Will is a troubled kid that needs help to find direction in life. That’s when psychologist Sean steps into the picture with incredible results.

Both a commercial and critical success (earning tons of Oscar nominations and gathering over $225 million at the international box office), the heartwarming and inspiring Good Will Hunting endures one of the best psychological drama movies of all time. The Best Picture-nominated feature written by life-long friends Ben Affleck and Damon has captured the attention of many ever since its release, and part of Good Will Hunting‘s charm has to do with its utterly humanistic narrative that highlights the protagonist’s search for identity.

10 ‘Her’ (2013)

Directed by Spike Jonze

In this Joaquin Phoenix-led Spike Jonze movie set in a beautiful, futuristic, pastel-colored world, viewers get a glimpse into the life of lonely Theodore, a heartbroken writer who finds himself struggling with his monotonous daily basis in the aftermath of a painful divorce. That is, of course, until he meets Samantha, an artificially intelligent virtual assistant voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

Making for the perfect double feature to watch with Sofia Coppola‘s Lost in Translation, which is also a movie about self-discovery, Her is a compelling slice-of-life story that examines humanity’s relationship with technology and its consequences. Furthermore, one of the film’s strongest assets is how it provides audiences with a thoughtful message about self-improvement and encourages human connection.

9 ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ (2013)

Directed by Ben Stiller

Directed, produced, and starring Ben Stiller, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a feel-good movie that tells the story of an ordinary man whose head is constantly in the clouds, fantasizing about being a navy commander, a skilled surgeon, and a military captain. When both Walter and a colleague are on the verge of losing their jobs, he decides to embark on a peculiarly extraordinary adventure.

Based on the short story of the same name by James Thurber in The New Yorker, this engaging and highly creative Stiller film analyzes the differences between a regular life that leans towards escapism versus an action-driven, successful one. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty shines a light on finding oneself and actually taking action to fulfill one’s dreams and ambitions.

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8 ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ (2007)

Directed by Wes Anderson

Set in the backdrop of the stunning Indian countryside, Wes Anderson‘s affecting The Darjeeling Limited centers on three estranged brothers, played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, as they reunite for a train trip across India in the aftermath of their father’s death.

As expected (considering the filmmaker’s impeccable body of work), this quirky Wes Anderson feature deals with grief, miscommunication, family, and human connection, successfully sending a poignant message about these themes. Additionally, The Darjeeling Limited illustrates the bumpy road of healing and self-enlightenment while offering audiences a captivating — at times even touching — self-aware satire with memorable characters at its center. It is the perfect pick for those who are looking for bittersweet, entertaining, and truly stylish drama.

7 ‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)

Directed by Sofia Coppola

It isn’t for no reason that this Sofia Coppola flick remains one of her most well-regarded works. With Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in the lead roles, the 2003 movie depicts the meaningful bond between a faded movie star and a young woman who is stuck in an unhappy relationship as they cross paths in the city of lights, Tokyo.

Lost in Translation, often regarded as one of the finest self-discovery movies there is, is a captivating exploration of alienation and loneliness and offers audiences an entertaining and thought-provoking story that many people can relate to. The film’s central theme is the feeling of being isolated, which is a universal sentiment that most people experience at least once in their lives. Additionally, Coppola’s visually striking film highlights, like many other films on this list, the importance of human connection in our lives.

6 ‘Moonlight’ (2016)

Directed by Barry Jenkins

Barry Jenkins‘ incredible directorial debut, which earned a few Oscar nods, tells the story of a young Black man (played by Trevante Rhodes, Alex R. Hibbert, and Ashton Sanders) as he comes of age. It depicts three visceral phases in his life: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, highlighting his struggles with identity and sexuality.

Through the lead character’s captivating — though at times devastating — journey, the thoroughly moving Moonlight sheds light on the anxiety that comes with growing up and finding one’s place in the world, especially as a non-straight person of color. The way Jenkins’ movie was the first film with an entirely Black cast and the first with a gay main character to win the Best Picture Oscar makes it groundbreaking and certainly worth checking out.

5 ‘Frances Ha’ (2012)

Directed by Greta Gerwig

Starring Greta Gerwig, Barbie‘s highly praised director (and the mind behind the highest-grossing film of the year) before reaching stardom, this comedy-drama by talented filmmaker Noah Baumbach depicts an honest portrayal of an aspiring struggling dancer who finds herself working as an apprentice at a dance company. In the meantime, Frances attempts to chase her dreams, even if unable to afford a Brooklyn apartment on her own.

There are many great aspects of Baumbach’s truly genuine and humane black-and-white film, but its endearing depiction of close female relationships and the frustrating scuffle to find a sense of belonging for yourself somewhere in the world are certainly at the top of the list. All in all, Frances Ha is undoubtedly worth a look, especially if readers find themselves in a similar situation to its lead protagonist.

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4 ‘The Truman Show’ (1998)

Directed by Peter Weir

Starring Jim Carrey in one of his most memorable roles, Peter Weir‘s mind-bending The Truman Show centers around an insurance sales assistant who discovers that his whole life is a reality TV show. As he becomes aware that there are hidden cameras and people watching his every move, Truman must face the truth and reclaim the life he once thought was his.

This psychological comedy-drama is one of the most celebrated movies to come out of the 1990s, and it is not hard to understand why. The Truman Show is a poignant satire that examines mass media manipulation, criticizing its power and influence on many’s lives. Additionally, Weir’s movie provides audiences with an intriguing, out-of-the-box tale revolving around self-discovery that ends on a satisfying note.

3 ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert

Last year’s Best Picture winner endures a beloved and acclaimed A24 movie with many still looking to watch it. Best Actress winner Michelle Yeoh is a Chinese immigrant named Evelyn Wang who must enter the multiverse in order to stop her daughter (Stephanie Hsu) — an alternate version of her, that is — from annihilating her world.

Everything Everywhere All at Once is an epic adventure that fully immerses audiences in its wild experience. Although it is hilarious (and just plain silly at times), the highly original film by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert also counts on plenty of emotional moments, sending valuable messages on mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the importance of being in the present moment.