14 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Rain Man

Roadkill is reminiscent of Rain Man because both movies involve a journey that leads to personal growth and self-discovery. In Rain Man, a selfish yuppie embarks on a cross-country trip with his autistic-savant brother to secure a larger inheritance. Similarly, in Roadkill, a music promoter sends a young woman on a road trip to find a band that has been missing their gigs. Along the way, she encounters unique characters who help her find her own path of personal growth. While Rain Man focuses on themes of family and disability, Roadkill explores the themes of adventure, comedy, and music. Despite their differences in genres, both movies captivate the audience with their engaging plotlines and memorable characters. If you enjoyed Rain Man's heartwarming story and brilliant performances, Roadkill offers a similar journey of self-discovery with a dose of humor and adventure.

A Few Good Men is a gripping drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, much like Rain Man. While Rain Man explores the relationship between two estranged brothers embarking on a cross-country journey, A Few Good Men delves into the intense world of military law. Both films showcase exceptional performances from their lead actors. Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of an autistic savant in Rain Man is nothing short of remarkable, while Tom Cruise delivers a powerful performance as a hot-headed lawyer in A Few Good Men. Although they tackle different subjects, both movies share a common thread of unraveling the truth and fighting for justice. So, if you loved Rain Man's heartfelt story and brilliant acting, A Few Good Men is a must-watch for its gripping courtroom battles and unforgettable dialogue.

Jerry Maguire is reminiscent of Rain Man in its exploration of complex relationships and personal growth. While Rain Man focuses on the bond between two estranged brothers and their journey across the country, Jerry Maguire delves into the life of a sports agent who experiences a moral awakening and sets out to redefine his career. Both films showcase the transformation of their main characters, with Tom Cruise delivering powerful performances in both. In Rain Man, Cruise portrays a self-centered yuppie who learns to prioritize family and compassion, while in Jerry Maguire, he embodies a sports agent who learns the importance of integrity and love. Despite their differences in plot and genre, both movies share a similar theme of personal growth and the triumph of the human spirit. So, if you enjoyed the heartfelt journey of Rain Man, Jerry Maguire is definitely worth watching for its engaging story, stellar performances, and a mix of comedy, romance, and drama.

Kramer vs. Kramer: After a decade of turbulent unrest, American movies began to switch gears and turn their cameras away from war-torn battlefields, political corruption, and general social unease to the more intimate world of family dysfunction. The toll the selfish Baby Boomers began to take on the American family as they grew up and had kids of their own was making itself felt. "Kramer vs. Kramer" is one of the first of these dysfunctional family dramas that would continue to be so popular throughout the 1980s, and it's one of the best.

The Firm is reminiscent of Rain Man in the sense that both movies star Tom Cruise and involve him being caught up in unusual situations. While Rain Man explores the relationship between two estranged brothers, one of whom is autistic, The Firm delves into the dark underbelly of a prestigious law firm. Both movies showcase Cruise's ability to convincingly portray complex characters who find themselves in unexpected circumstances. However, the similarities end there. Rain Man is a heartfelt drama that delves into themes of family, disability, and self-discovery, while The Firm is a gripping thriller that delves into themes of intrigue, corruption, and betrayal. While Rain Man is a character-driven road movie, The Firm is a plot-driven legal thriller. So, if you loved Tom Cruise in Rain Man and want to see him in a completely different kind of role, The Firm is the movie for you.

August is reminiscent of Rain Man in its exploration of a transformative journey. While Rain Man follows a selfish yuppie who embarks on a cross-country trip with his autistic-savant brother, August tells the story of Aku, a recent high school graduate who sets off on a road trip with a mysterious and wild girl named Juli. Both movies use the road trip as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery. However, August takes a more coming-of-age approach, focusing on Aku's quest to find himself during a seemingly dull summer. The film beautifully captures the atmosphere of a blissful Scandinavian summer, adding a touch of magic to the narrative. While Rain Man delves into themes of disability and family dynamics, August explores existential questions and the choices we make in life. Both films offer engaging performances from their lead actors, with Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Raymond Babbitt and Eppu Pastinen's portrayal of Aku leaving a lasting impression.

The Motorcycle Diaries takes us on a different kind of road trip compared to Rain Man. While Rain Man explores the journey of two brothers across the United States, The Motorcycle Diaries follows a young Che Guevara on a motorcycle adventure through South America. Both films capture the essence of travel and self-discovery, but in very different ways. Rain Man focuses on the relationship between the two brothers, one of whom is autistic, and how their journey brings them closer together. On the other hand, The Motorcycle Diaries delves into the transformation of a young Che Guevara, as he encounters the people and problems that ignite his political consciousness. While Rain Man highlights the beauty of brotherhood, The Motorcycle Diaries immerses us in the stunning landscapes of South America and invites us to reflect on the social struggles of the region.

Born on the Fourth of July is reminiscent of Rain Man in its exploration of disability and the transformation of its main character. While Rain Man follows a selfish yuppie who embarks on a cross-country journey with his autistic-savant brother, Born on the Fourth of July tells the biography of Ron Kovic, a Vietnam war veteran who becomes an anti-war activist after being paralyzed. Both movies delve into the complexities of disability and the impact it has on the lives of the characters. However, where Rain Man focuses on the relationship between the two brothers and their personal growth, Born on the Fourth of July takes a broader political stance, examining the disillusionment of a soldier and the betrayal he feels towards his country. Tom Cruise delivers exceptional performances in both films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. While Rain Man is a heartwarming drama, Born on the Fourth of July is a powerful exploration of the consequences of war.

"Bustin' Loose" is a delightful comedy-drama that will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings, just like "Rain Man." While they have different plots and characters, both movies share the common theme of a road trip that leads to personal growth and redemption. In "Rain Man," we follow a self-centered yuppie who embarks on a cross-country journey with his autistic-savant brother, discovering the true meaning of family along the way. Similarly, in "Bustin' Loose," failed parolee Joe Braxton finds his shot at redemption by driving school kids from Philadelphia to Washington state. The unlikely bond that forms between Joe and the children, as well as the humorous interactions between Richard Pryor's irresponsible goof-off and Cicely Tyson's stern teacher, will keep you entertained throughout the film.

In "Honkytonk Man," a boy with a music talent embarks on a journey with his uncle for a stage concert. While this movie may not have received favorable reviews from critics, it offers an authentic portrayal of the aspirations and struggles of ordinary people during the Depression. The film delves into the theme of coming to terms with one's own mediocrity, which is a refreshing departure from the glamorous images of fame and fortune that dominate the media. Clint Eastwood, who also directs the movie, delivers a compelling performance as Red, a humble and hand-to-mouth musician living on borrowed time. He is unexpectedly blessed with two young proteges, his nephew and a girl at loose ends, whom he reluctantly mentors in his unassuming way. As Red faces his own mortality, he commends the two to each other, recognizing that the texture of life can sustain them if they face it together.

Stranger Than Paradise. A New Yorker's life is thrown into a tailspin when his younger cousin surprise-visits him, starting a strange, unpredictable adventure. Reminiscent of Rain Man, Stranger Than Paradise explores the theme of unlikely companionship and the transformative power of unexpected encounters. Both films take their characters on a road trip, using it as a metaphorical journey towards self-discovery. However, while Rain Man focuses on the emotional growth of its characters through a complex family dynamic, Stranger Than Paradise delves into the mundanity of everyday life and the yearning for something different. With its deadpan humor and black-and-white cinematography, Stranger Than Paradise offers a unique and artistic perspective that challenges traditional narrative structures. So, if you enjoyed the heartfelt performances and touching story of Rain Man, give Stranger Than Paradise a chance to surprise you with its offbeat charm and unconventional approach to storytelling.

Fandango. Imagine taking a wild road trip with your college buddies in the early 70s, just before the Vietnam War. That's exactly what "Fandango" brings to the table. While "Rain Man" takes us on a journey with two estranged brothers, "Fandango" introduces us to a group of friends facing uncertain futures. Both movies explore the theme of road trips, but where "Rain Man" focuses on family bonds and self-discovery, "Fandango" captures the bittersweet essence of transitioning into adulthood. With its underrated brilliance and great acting, writing, and directing, "Fandango" is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. So if you're in the mood for a nostalgic adventure with a fantastic soundtrack and a touch of romance, don't miss out on this delightful journey.

Vagabond: A young woman's body is found frozen in a ditch. Through flashbacks and interviews, we see the events that led to her inevitable death. A Rave! Beautifully photographed by Patrick Blossier, every shot, every frame is a delightfully balanced composition of light, color, and framing. What's more amazing still is how Varda can make such a depressing story so mesmerizing. It is a touching, enchanting story of a lost girl slowly sinking deeper and deeper into society's refuse pile. And even though from the first reel we know her fate, we have to see how it unfolds. I don't remember the last time I saw such a beautiful film. One for the film schools. A masterpiece of French neo-realism.
While Rain Man takes us on a cross-country journey with two brothers, Vagabond immerses us in the story of a young woman's tragic fate.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a hilarious comedy that will make you appreciate the struggles of traveling during the holiday season. Just like Rain Man, this film takes you on a road trip adventure, but with a twist. Instead of a selfish yuppie and an autistic-savant brother, you have a Chicago advertising man and a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman. While Rain Man focuses on the complexities of brotherhood and inheritance, Planes, Trains & Automobiles explores the unlikely friendship that develops between two contrasting characters. Steve Martin's uptight businessman and John Candy's talkative and annoying companion have the worst luck during their journey home for Thanksgiving. Through hilarious misadventures, they not only learn from each other but also become great friends. So, if you loved Rain Man and want a heartwarming comedy that will keep you laughing, Planes, Trains & Automobiles is the perfect choice.