Growing up, it feels like there is always someone around to tell you what to do. Whether that be older siblings at home bossing you around, parents telling their children to make the right choices, or teachers trying to instill basic knowledge in their students, there is someone else willing to take the lead on things, at least for the first 18 years. However, once people are out on their own, the feeling of doubt about what it is they should be doing creeps up because it is now their turn to make decisions. This can make a person feel very lost in the world.
Young adults experience this the most because of the pressure of a standard timeline that is forced down their throats by society. The thought of moving out, going to college, starting a career,falling in love, getting married, starting a family, and everything in between becomes so overwhelming that people just shut down and ultimately begin to lose themselves. This is happening more often than not, but there are still ways for people to rekindle their passion for life and get rid of that lost feeling that drags them down.
Here are 10 movies to watch if you feel lost; they will inspire you to truly live your best life in one way or another.
10Wild (2014)
People have often said that when you feel like there is nowhere to turn, just put one foot in front of the other, and things will get better. While most people are likely to roll their eyes at this piece of advice, there is actually a lot of truth to the statement. Taking a walk around the block to cool down used to be a common statement. Some people go on long walks to clear their minds. Then there are the avid hikers who see their journey as a challenge, but surprisingly, it is often more of a mental challenge than a physical one. One foot in front of the other is simple, but it gives everyone time to think and reflect on their lives.
Cheryl Strayed found herself lost, broken, and completely defeated. She felt like she had been through it all and was tired of sitting around waiting for good things to come. She ended up packing a backpack that was practically the size of herself, and she hit the Pacific Crest Trail. Her memoir was turned into a film,Wild, and many people have followed her lead in regaining control of their lives.
Rent on Apple TV+
9Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous
Regardless of the decade or location, teenagers just want to find a place where they fit in. Some naturally gravitate towards certain groups, but then there are plenty of stragglers who just feel lost. In these situations, some extrovert or older individual typically takes them under their wing and shows them what it is like to grow up.
InAlmost Famous, William Miller has a tough time in school because he feels like such an outcast. When he gets hired by a Rolling Stone editor to tour with a band to uncover the truth about what they are really like behind the scenes, William finds himself among band members as well as groupies (who call themselves “band aids”). One particular band aid, Penny Lane (played by Kate Hudson), takes a liking to William and encourages him to speak his mind and try new things. In the end, William knows who he is and what he wants, but that was not easily figured out while on the road with everyone.
Stream on Paramount+
8The Bucket List (2007)
The Bucket List
People often feel like they are on some sort of timeline as headlines, social media, and many others tell them what they should be doing at certain points in their lives. In the end, as we all get older, how many people will be able to look back at what they’ve done and feel proud about the way they chose to live? How many people will have regrets? If you are feeling lost, make a list of things you would like to accomplish; they can be big or small, but the point is to have something to look forward to.
InThe Bucket List, while in the hospital with terminal lung cancer, Carter (Morgan Freeman) begins making a bucket list of all the things he would like to do before he dies. His wealthy and equally sick roommate, Edward (Jack Nicholson), is fed up with living out his last few months in a hospital bed, so he proposes that they go onthe adventure of a lifetimeand complete the wish list together. From crazy stunts to wholesome moments, the two men learn what it really means to live life to the fullest.
7The Glass Castle (2017)
The Glass Castle
Some people grow up not knowing where they’re going or what they’ll do when they get there. However, with a little bit of imagination and some perspective, almost anything (especially when you are a kid) can seem like a fun adventure. For Jeannette Walls, her entire childhood was spent on the road with her family as her father always made it seem like they were scouting the next best place to set up camp. In reality, they were running from debt collectors.
In 2005, Jeannette Walls' memoir was published for all to see how she went from a homeless little girl with big dreams to a successful writer. 12 years later, her story wasadapted into a movie,The Glass Castle, that provided a sense of hope and achievement to an even larger audience. Her story is nothing short of inspirational, and she proves that even those who are lost can find a way to a fulfilling life.
Stream on Netflix
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6A Walk in the Woods (2015)
A Walk in the Woods
When you feel lost, going out into the fresh air can sometimes turn your whole perspective around. There is something about being out in nature, surrounded by trees and little critters, that makes people realize just how small some problems seem in the grand scheme of things.A Walk in the Woodsreminds people that the journey is just as important — if not more important — than reaching the destination.
Based on Bill Bryson’s 1998 book,A Walk in the Woodsfeatures two older men, Bryson and his old friend Stephen Katz, who decide they need to break their routines and hike the Appalachian Trail. Within the first day, they quickly realize how difficult their journey will be, but upon seeing others pass them with ease, they choose to continue. They share stories, laugh, and even find themselves in some real danger. When they are rescued by other hikers, the men call it quits on their adventure, and Bryson goes home to realize he has his next book idea.
Stream on Prime Video
5Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting
There are so many incredibly talented people out there with untapped potential because they either have no idea what they are capable of or there is no one supporting them through the tough times. If you find yourself lost and wondering what there is that you can do in this world, consider helping someone. It can be in a big or small way, but the gesture itself will be appreciated. You, in turn, will find fulfillment by being a supportive individual in someone else’s life.
For Will Hunting (Matt Damon) inGood Will Hunting, he felt as if he was destined to be a failure. This proves to be untrue when Will meets a therapist, Dr. Sean Maguire (played by Robin Williams), who believes in doing things a little differently from others. Sean challenges Will in more ways than one, and once Will begins to see his own potential, he finally understands that he has more to live for than he ever imagined.
Stream on Max
4127 Hours (2010)
Have you ever felt like you were stuck between a rock and a hard place when it came to making a big decision? Well, in 2003, Aron Ralston literally found himself alone, wedged against a canyon wall and a boulder. He thought he would not live to see his family or friends ever again. However, the fact that a movie was made from his memoir proves that there is a happy ending to his traumatizing experience.
James Franco stars in127 Hoursas Ralston, a young canyoneer with impeccable survival skills. Ralston ends up with his arm trapped against a massive boulder, and the reality of his situation quickly sets in. He takes inventory of the items he has, including a camcorder to document everything that happens. When he decides that waiting for help is as easy as moving the boulder, Ralston amputates his arm with a dull multi-tool and regains his freedom.
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3Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Eat, Pray, Love
If you’re feeling lost, then it is time to go out of your comfort zone. Your mind will be distracted by meeting new people and trying to navigate new places. Elizabeth Gilbert felt lost for years before she decided to turn her life completely around. She left her husband and life behind as she traveled without much of a plan. Gilbert believed she would find herself and her true passion while embarking on a new adventure, and in the end, it was the best decision she ever made.
In the filmEat, Pray, Love, Gilbert is played by Julia Roberts. The film focuses on the new friendships and experiences that present themselves as Liztravels around the world. She tries out new restaurants without the guilt that often comes with the type of food she orders, she experiences the power of prayer in India, and she even learns to love and trust others again.
2Someone Great (2019)
If you feel lost or defeated, a night out on the town with some of your best friends (or even new ones) can make all of those feelings disappear. There is something about being part of a group that makes daily struggles and negative thoughts just fade away. Whether it is a night out in the park or hitting up a dance club, there is always a welcoming place to go.
InSomeone Great, after Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) finds herself lost, confused, and hurt by a breakup text from her boyfriend, her two bestgirlfriends rally to support her. Rather than stay indoors and wallow, they hit the town for one last epic night before Jenny has to move away for her new job. At times, it is obvious that the only thing on her mind is her relationship, but in the end, Jenny realizes that it is best for her to move on and enjoy being surrounded by like-minded people before heading off to pursue her dream career.
1The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
The Fundamentals of Caring
Traveling can be difficult for many people with the time commitments as well as the cost, so for those of you who need a break from your everyday life to feel whole again, try going on a road trip. There are plenty of things to see that are near you, no matter your location; all you need is a little bit of perspective.
Paul Rudd stars as caregiver Ben inThe Fundamentals of Caring, to an 18-year-old named Trevor who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. After going through Trevor’s daily routine over and over again, Ben manages to convince Trevor and his mother that they need to get out of the house and live a little. They map out all the cheesiest roadside attractions and begin their journey. Trevor is terrified of everything that can possibly go wrong, but after meeting an equally snarky and pretty hitchhiker (Selena Gomez), his confidence significantly improves.
