10+ Movies Like Good Will Hunting for Self-Discovery

If you’re a fan of Good Will Hunting and are craving more movies that blend intellectual brilliance with raw emotional depth, you’re in luck.

From stories about troubled geniuses to narratives that explore deep personal struggles, there are plenty of films that offer a similar blend of heart and mind.

Whether it’s about overcoming inner demons or finding one’s purpose, these movies promise to hit those same emotional notes and leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.

Movies Like Good Will Hunting

Related: 20 top-rated movies like “Whiplash” you’ll regret not watching earlier.

The Shawshank Redemption

In The Shawshank Redemption, we follow Andy Dufresne, a banker who finds himself wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. He’s sentenced to life in Shawshank Prison, a bleak, dehumanizing place where survival is uncertain. The other inmates, especially Red, a man who seems to know how to get things in prison, become key to Andy’s existence as he slowly adjusts to life behind bars. Despite the oppressive walls closing in on him, Andy keeps a quiet, determined spirit, never letting go of his inner strength.

Over the years, Andy builds an unusual relationship with the warden and even becomes the prison’s financial wizard, helping them with their books. Behind the scenes, though, he’s working on something far more personal, a plan that’s been growing inside him since the day he entered Shawshank. As tension and cruelty rise in the prison, Andy remains focused on his silent mission, one that will forever change the lives of those around him.

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump tells the story of a man with a kind heart but limited intelligence, whose life unfolds in a way no one could predict. Forrest grows up in Alabama, where his childhood is filled with bullies, a loving mother, and his best friend, Jenny. Despite his challenges, Forrest has an uncanny ability to end up in extraordinary situations. He stumbles into historic moments and unlikely successes—whether it’s becoming a football star, serving in Vietnam, or starting a shrimp business—without fully understanding how remarkable his life really is.

Throughout his journey, Forrest never stops loving Jenny, who follows a very different and more troubled path. As the world changes around him, Forrest remains steady and true to his simple perspective on life. His unshakable belief in doing the right thing, even when he doesn’t fully grasp its significance, propels him through a series of personal and global events that shape him, yet leave him unchanged at his core.

Joker

Joker follows Arthur Fleck, a lonely man struggling with mental illness, who lives in Gotham City, a place that seems to be crumbling along with his mind. Arthur works as a clown-for-hire but dreams of being a stand-up comedian, even though his attempts at humor often miss the mark. Life is harsh for him—he’s mocked, beaten, and constantly ignored by society. His only escape is caring for his sick mother and fantasizing about a world where people actually notice him, especially his favorite talk-show host, Murray Franklin.

As the city’s unrest grows, so does Arthur’s inner turmoil. He begins to spiral, losing his grip on reality as he feels pushed further and further to the edge. Little by little, the man who once tried to bring laughter to others becomes something much darker, much more dangerous. Gotham’s streets are about to feel the full impact of Arthur’s transformation, and the line between victim and villain starts to blur in the chaos that follows.

The King’s Speech

The King’s Speech tells the story of Prince Albert, who becomes King George VI of Britain, and his intense struggle with a debilitating stammer. Despite being born into royalty, Albert’s speech impediment leaves him feeling inadequate and unfit for public life, especially in a time when his country needs a strong, confident leader. With pressure mounting as his brother abdicates the throne, and the threat of war with Germany looming, Albert must find a way to overcome his fears.

Desperate for help, he turns to an unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue, whose methods are far from traditional. Their sessions are tense and personal, digging into Albert’s deepest insecurities and past traumas. As the two men form an unlikely bond, the weight of the king’s responsibilities grows heavier, and the nation’s eyes are fixed on him to deliver the speech of a lifetime.

The Lost Daughter

The Lost Daughter follows Leda, a middle-aged college professor who goes on a solitary vacation to a picturesque seaside town. What starts as a peaceful retreat takes a darker turn when she becomes fixated on a young mother, Nina, and her daughter, who are part of a noisy, disruptive family on the beach. The sight of them triggers unsettling memories of Leda’s own past, particularly her difficult years as a young mother. These reflections stir a complex mix of emotions, from guilt to resentment, as Leda grapples with her choices and the sacrifices she made.

As her obsession with Nina deepens, Leda finds herself entangled in the lives of the young family in ways she never anticipated. Strange actions and impulsive decisions make the atmosphere increasingly tense. Leda’s inner turmoil intensifies as she confronts the deep, unresolved conflicts from her past. The lines between her memories and reality blur, leaving her in a fragile state as she faces the consequences of her actions.

From stories of misunderstood prodigies to characters who battle their inner turmoil in search of purpose, these movies like Good Will Hunting, are bound to resonate with anyone who loves powerful, character-driven narratives.

Each film on this list offers its own unique journey, filled with moments that challenge, inspire, and ultimately move you. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare for more thought-provoking cinema.