Films That Explore the Search for Life’s Meaning

Description: David Cronenberg's adaptation of Stephen King's novel features a schoolteacher who wakes from a coma with psychic abilities, leading him to question his role in preventing future tragedies.

Fact: Christopher Walken was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actor for his role. The film's title refers to a period of time where the protagonist has no memory.

Description: Based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel, this film follows Larry Darrell, a World War I veteran, on his spiritual journey to find the meaning of life.

Fact: Bill Murray, known for his comedic roles, stars in this drama, showcasing his range as an actor. The film was shot in various locations including Paris, India, and Chicago.

Description: David Lynch's heartwarming tale of Alvin Straight, who rides a lawnmower across Iowa to reconcile with his estranged brother, reflecting on life's journey and its simple truths.

Fact: The film is based on a true story. It's one of the few G-rated films directed by Lynch, known for his more surreal and often dark themes.

Description: Richard Linklater's animated film explores the nature of reality, dreams, and existence through a series of philosophical conversations.

Fact: The film uses rotoscoping, a technique where live-action footage is traced over to create an animated look. It features a diverse cast of philosophers, scientists, and artists.

Description: Ben Stiller stars as Walter Mitty, a daydreamer who embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, discovering his own purpose along the way.

Fact: The film was shot in Iceland, Greenland, and New York City, with many scenes featuring real-life locations. The skateboarding scene was performed by Stiller himself.

Description: Will Smith delivers a powerful performance as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman striving to provide a better life for his son, embodying the relentless pursuit of happiness and meaning.

Fact: The film's title misspells "happiness" as a nod to a mural that Chris Gardner saw, which had the same misspelling. Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in real life.

Description: This visually stunning film by Terrence Malick explores the origins and meaning of life through the eyes of a family in 1950s Texas, juxtaposing their personal struggles with the vastness of the universe.

Fact: The film's opening scene, depicting the creation of the universe, was inspired by NASA footage. It also features a 22-minute sequence that has no dialogue, focusing instead on the beauty of nature.

Description: Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's book follows Christopher McCandless, who abandons his material possessions to live in the Alaskan wilderness, seeking a deeper understanding of life.

Fact: The real-life bus where McCandless lived and died was moved to a museum in Fairbanks, Alaska. The film's soundtrack by Eddie Vedder was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Description: The Coen Brothers' film follows a physics professor whose life unravels, leading him to question his faith and the meaning of his existence.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Book of Job from the Old Testament. The Coen Brothers have said it's somewhat autobiographical, reflecting their own Jewish upbringing.

Description: Emilio Estevez directs and stars in this film about a father who walks the Camino de Santiago in Spain to honor his deceased son, finding his own path to healing and purpose.

Fact: The film was shot on location along the actual Camino de Santiago. Estevez's father, Martin Sheen, plays the lead role, adding a real-life father-son dynamic to the narrative.