12 Must-Watch Adventure and Drama Movies Like Stand by Me

Monica and Friends: Lessons is reminiscent of Stand by Me in the sense that both movies revolve around a group of friends going on a transformative journey. While Stand by Me takes us back to the 1980s, Monica and Friends: Lessons brings a fresh, Brazilian twist to the coming-of-age genre. The main characters in both films are young and face challenges that test their friendships. Stand by Me follows a group of boys searching for a missing boy's body, while Monica and Friends: Lessons sees Monica and her pals facing the consequences of playing hooky. Both movies beautifully capture the essence of friendship and the lessons we learn along the way. However, Monica and Friends: Lessons adds a fun, comedic touch to the mix, making it a delightful watch for both children and adults. So, if you loved Stand by Me and want to experience a heartwarming story with a Brazilian flair, Monica and Friends: Lessons is the movie for you.

The Party is reminiscent of Stand by Me as both movies capture the essence of coming-of-age stories. While Stand by Me follows a group of friends on a journey to find a missing boy's body, The Party focuses on a teenage girl's first love experiences. Both films beautifully explore the complexities of youth and the challenges that come with growing up. Stand by Me, set in the US, takes us on an adventure filled with friendship, nostalgia, and a touch of thriller elements. On the other hand, The Party, set in France, delves into the life of a 14-year-old girl navigating sibling rivalry, divorce, and the excitement of having her first unsupervised party. While Stand by Me tugs at our heartstrings with its drama and adventure, The Party offers a lighthearted comedy-drama with a touch of romance. So, if you enjoyed Stand by Me's heartfelt storytelling, you should definitely watch The Party for a delightful dose of teenage charm.

Tex is reminiscent of Stand by Me in that both movies explore the theme of coming of age and the challenges faced by teenagers. While Stand by Me focuses on a group of friends embarking on a journey to find a missing boy's body, Tex follows teenage brothers Tex and Mason as they struggle to survive after their mother dies and their father leaves them. Both films beautifully capture the complexities of adolescence and the bonds formed between young characters. However, Tex differs from Stand by Me in its setting and the absence of a thrilling element. Tex takes place in Bixby, Oklahoma, and provides a glimpse into the lives of teenagers in a small town, while Stand by Me has a more adventurous and suspenseful storyline. Despite their differences, both movies offer poignant portrayals of friendship, loss, and self-discovery, making Tex a compelling watch for those who enjoyed Stand by Me.

Old Enough is reminiscent of Stand by Me in its portrayal of the friendship and coming-of-age theme. Both movies revolve around the lives of young characters who embark on a journey together. In Stand by Me, a group of boys sets out to find the body of a missing boy, while in Old Enough, Lonnie and Karen, two kids from different backgrounds, meet and form a bond. Despite their differences, the characters in both films navigate the complexities of friendship and personal growth. While Stand by Me is set in a small town and explores deeper themes of loss and nostalgia, Old Enough takes place in New York City, showcasing the contrast between the lives of a wealthy child and a less privileged one. Although Stand by Me is a critically acclaimed film with Stephen King's storytelling prowess, Old Enough has its own charm, leaving the audience to reflect on its veiled message. If you enjoyed Stand by Me, you should watch Old Enough for its unique take on friendship and the coming-of-age experience.

An American Summer is reminiscent of Stand by Me in the sense that both movies revolve around the theme of coming of age and friendship. While Stand by Me tells the story of four boys on a journey to find the body of a missing boy, An American Summer follows a teenage boy who spends his summer in Los Angeles, where he learns to surf, befriends a local, gets a girlfriend, and even witnesses a murder. Despite their similarities, the two movies differ in terms of tone and execution. Stand by Me is a more intense and dramatic film, exploring deeper themes of loss and self-discovery, while An American Summer takes a lighter approach, presenting an innocent and pleasing teenage adventure. If you enjoyed Stand by Me, you should watch An American Summer for its nostalgic charm and heartwarming portrayal of a memorable summer.

Luca takes us on a delightful adventure set on the Italian Riviera, where an unexpected bond forms between a human and a sea monster disguised as a human. Just like Stand by Me, Luca explores the theme of friendship, but with a charming twist. While Stand by Me tells the story of four boys embarking on a journey to find a missing boy's body, Luca focuses on the friendship between a human and a shape-shifting sea monster. Both films beautifully capture the essence of companionship and the coming-of-age experience. Stand by Me takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as the boys face challenges along the way, while Luca immerses us in a whimsical world beneath the waves. Although they differ in genre, with Stand by Me being a drama and Luca an animated comedy, both movies touch our hearts and remind us of the power of friendship.

Timetrip: The Curse of the Viking Witch is reminiscent of Stand by Me, but with a magical twist. While Stand by Me is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama about a group of friends searching for a missing boy's body, Timetrip: The Curse of the Viking Witch takes two siblings on a time-traveling adventure to help an immortal Viking find eternal rest. Both movies explore themes of friendship, mortality, and the challenges of growing up. However, Stand by Me captivates with its realistic portrayal of childhood innocence and the bonds between the characters, while Timetrip: The Curse of the Viking Witch adds a fantastical element to the mix, making it a great choice for young viewers who enjoy historical adventures with a touch of magic.

White Water Summer is reminiscent of Stand by Me in its coming-of-age theme and exploration of friendship. Both movies follow a group of young boys on an adventure that tests their courage and bonds them together. While Stand by Me focuses on the journey to find a missing boy's body, White Water Summer takes the boys to the mountains for a summer vacation. However, things don't go as planned, and they face unexpected challenges that test their resilience. While Stand by Me has a more dramatic tone, White Water Summer balances drama with a touch of humor. Despite their differences, both movies capture the essence of childhood friendships and the transformative power of shared experiences. If you enjoyed Stand by Me, you should definitely watch White Water Summer for another nostalgic and heartwarming journey.

Little Virgil and Orla Frogsnapper, also known as Lille Virgil og Orla Frøsnapper, is a delightful comedy that will transport you back to your childhood. Just like Stand by Me, this movie explores the theme of coming of age and the value of friendship. Little Virgil, an eight-year-old boy, lives by his own rules in a shed and spends his time taking care of his chicken and helping the villagers. Along with his best friend, they have a hilarious time getting into mischief and outsmarting the local troublemaker, Orla. The film captures the essence of childhood and takes you on a magical journey that will leave you with a warm and happy feeling. While Stand by Me is a drama with some thriller elements, Little Virgil and Orla Frogsnapper is a lighthearted comedy that focuses on the adventures and mischievousness of childhood.

The Odyssey takes you on a journey like Stand by Me, but with a magical twist. In Stand by Me, a group of friends embarks on a quest to find a missing boy's body. Similarly, in The Odyssey, a young boy named Jay falls into a coma and finds himself in the magical Downworld, on a quest to return home. Both movies explore themes of friendship and the challenges faced during an adventurous journey. However, while Stand by Me is a drama with some thrilling elements, The Odyssey adds a touch of fantasy to the mix. Jay's journey through the Downworld is filled with complexity, quests, and politics, making it a truly unique and intriguing show. So, if you loved the heartfelt storytelling and the bond between friends in Stand by Me, you should definitely give The Odyssey a watch for its magical and adventurous twist.

Tiger Mask II is reminiscent of Stand by Me in its portrayal of friendship and loyalty. While Stand by Me follows a group of boys on a journey to find a missing body, Tiger Mask II tells the story of the second generation Tiger Mask defending the honor of the wrestling ring against an evil organization. Both movies emphasize the strong bonds between friends and the importance of standing up for what is right. Stand by Me showcases the coming-of-age theme through the eyes of its young protagonists, while Tiger Mask II explores the concept of friendship within the world of professional wrestling. Despite their different settings and plots, both movies capture the essence of loyalty, friendship, and the courage to fight for what you believe in. So, if you enjoyed the heartfelt journey of Stand by Me, you should definitely give Tiger Mask II a watch.

Ronia: The Robber's Daughter takes us on a journey with Ronja, an 11-year-old girl living in a medieval castle surrounded by a vast forest. She is the daughter of the chief of a gang of robbers, and her adventurous spirit leads her to secretly befriend Birk, the son of a rival robber. Together, they face the dangers of the wilderness and try to survive while their fathers are at odds. This film, much like Stand by Me, captures the essence of childhood friendship and the courage to stand up for what you believe in. While Stand by Me tells the story of four boys embarking on a journey to find the body of a missing boy, Ronia: The Robber's Daughter portrays the tale of a young girl navigating a world of robbers and mystical creatures. Both films highlight the importance of friendship and the resilience of young individuals.