The 25 Best Movies Like 'Good Will Hunting', Ranked By Fans

At Welton Academy, English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) inspires his students to embrace poetry and seize the day, challenging them to think for themselves and pursue their passions in Dead Poets Society. Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), in particular, faces conflicts with his father's rigid expectations as he dreams of becoming an actor.

Dead Poets Society resonates with Good Will Hunting through its portrayal of a charismatic mentor figure, John Keating, who encourages his students, including Neil, to break free from societal norms and discover their true selves. Both films - which feature beautiful performances by Robin Williams - delve into themes of self-discovery, individuality, and the transformative power of mentorship in shaping the lives of young, talented individuals.

A young scholar-athlete forms an unlikely friendship with a reclusive novelist who discovers his talent for writing. As they bond, the mentorship helps the scholar-athlete navigate life's challenges and make crucial decisions about his future. Starring Sean Connery and Rob Brown, Finding Forrester explores themes of friendship, mentorship, and self-discovery.

This film is similar to Good Will Hunting as it features a brilliant young protagonist who discovers his talent with the help of a mentor figure, paralleling Will's journey with Sean Maguire. Both movies - which were both directed by Gus Van Sant - showcase themes of intellectual discovery, personal growth, and the importance of meaningful connections in shaping one's identity and future.

Based on true events, this biographical drama follows the journey of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan as he collaborates with Professor G.H. Hardy at Trinity College, Cambridge. The Man Who Knew Infinity explores Ramanujan's brilliance, struggles with discrimination, and his groundbreaking contributions to mathematics. With Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons in leading roles, it delves into themes of intellectual pursuit, cultural barriers, and the transformative power of mentorship.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, this film centers around a brilliant protagonist who defies societal expectations and finds mentorship in an older, experienced figure. Through their collaboration, Ramanujan and Hardy navigate academic challenges and personal growth, echoing the dynamic between Will Hunting and Sean Maguire. Both movies examine the complexities of genius, mentorship, and the pursuit of knowledge.

This poignant drama follows the journey of Antwone Fisher, a young sailor with a troubled past, who seeks guidance from a naval psychiatrist to confront his traumatic childhood. With powerful performances from Derek Luke and Denzel Washington, Antwone Fisher explores themes of identity, healing, and the impact of mentorship on personal transformation. As Fisher opens up about his past, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and finds the courage to confront his demons.

Like Good Will Hunting, Antwone Fisher revolves around a brilliant but troubled protagonist who undergoes emotional healing through the guidance of a mentor figure. Both examine themes of trauma, self-worth, and the importance of confronting one's past to achieve personal growth. Through the protagonist's journey, each movie highlights the transformative power of therapy and mentorship in overcoming adversity.

In Searching for Bobby Fischer, a young chess prodigy named Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc) shows immense talent and passion for the game, caught between the pressures of competitive chess and the desire to maintain his innocence. With the guidance of his mentor, chess teacher Bruce Pandolfini (Ben Kingsley), Josh learns to navigate the complexities of the chess world while staying true to himself.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Searching for Bobby Fischer follows a brilliant young protagonist, Josh, who excels in a particular field—in this case, chess—while also exploring themes of mentorship as he learns from Bruce Pandolfini. Through their relationship, Josh grapples with the challenges of balancing his extraordinary abilities with the expectations of others, mirroring Will Hunting's struggle with societal pressures and self-discovery.

The Aviator is a biographical drama that follows the life of Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio), a visionary filmmaker and aviation pioneer, as he grapples with success, fame, and mental illness. Hughes navigates his way through the glamorous world of Hollywood while battling obsessive-compulsive disorder and facing challenges in his personal and professional life.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, The Aviator showcases the inner struggles of a brilliant protagonist, Howard Hughes, whose genius is accompanied by mental health challenges. The film delves into themes of psychological resilience, the impact of fame and success on one's psyche, and the importance of finding acceptance and understanding amidst personal struggles.

A Beautiful Mind follows the life of John Nash (Russell Crowe), a brilliant mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to his field. Supported by his wife Alicia (Jennifer Connelly) and his academic colleagues, Nash battles his inner demons and strives to distinguish reality from delusion.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, A Beautiful Mind features a brilliant protagonist, John Nash, whose intellectual gifts are accompanied by personal challenges, including mental illness. The film confronts themes of psychological resilience, the impact of mental health on personal relationships, and the importance of support systems, echoing the journey of self-discovery and healing depicted in Good Will Hunting.

Oppenheimer is a biographical drama that looks into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the physicist who led the Manhattan Project during World War II, developing the atomic bomb. The film delves into Oppenheimer's moral and ethical dilemmas as he grapples with the implications of his scientific discoveries and their impact on humanity.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Oppenheimer follows the trajectory of a brilliant character, J. Robert Oppenheimer, as he navigates the complexities of his intellect and conscience. The film explores themes of moral responsibility, the consequences of scientific innovation, and the internal conflicts faced by individuals tasked with wielding great power and knowledge.

Promised Land, directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Matt Damon, reunites two of the collaborators behind Good Will Hunting. The film follows Steve Butler (Matt Damon), a corporate salesman tasked with convincing rural landowners to sell their drilling rights to a natural gas company, confronting his own moral and ethical beliefs about environmental stewardship and corporate greed.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Promised Land goes into the moral journey of its protagonist, Steve Butler, as he confronts the consequences of his actions and grapples with questions of integrity and identity. The film touches on themes of mentorship, as Steve learns from the perspectives of the people he encounters, and delves into the psychological complexities of navigating ethical dilemmas in a morally ambiguous world, resonating with the introspective and character-driven storytelling of Good Will Hunting.

The Theory of Everything is a biographical romantic drama that chronicles the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his relationship with his wife, Jane (Felicity Jones), as he grapples with motor neuron disease. Despite his physical limitations, Hawking makes groundbreaking discoveries in theoretical physics while facing the challenges of his deteriorating health.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, The Theory of Everything portrays the journey of a brilliant mind, Stephen Hawking, as he confronts profound personal and intellectual challenges. The film explores themes of resilience, love, and the human spirit's capacity to triumph over adversity, resonating with the themes of personal growth and redemption depicted in Good Will Hunting.

Tesla is a biographical drama about the life and work of visionary inventor Nikola Tesla (Ethan Hawke), focusing on his groundbreaking contributions to electrical engineering and his tumultuous personal life. The film delves into Tesla's struggles to bring his revolutionary ideas to fruition amidst competition and controversy in the scientific community.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Tesla centers around a brilliant protagonist, Nikola Tesla, whose genius is accompanied by personal and professional challenges. The film explores themes of intellectual pursuit, innovation, and the psychological complexities of being ahead of one's time, resonating with the introspective and character-driven storytelling of Good Will Hunting.

Spotlight is a biographical drama based on the true story of the investigative journalism team at The Boston Globe who uncovered the widespread child sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. The film follows the journalists, including Walter Robinson (Michael Keaton) and Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), as they pursue leads, confront institutional resistance, and strive to bring the truth to light.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Spotlight features characters driven by their intellectual pursuits, in this case, investigative journalism, as they uncover deep-rooted systemic issues. The film also has themes of mentorship within the context of the journalism team supporting each other through the challenges they face, resonating with the themes of personal growth and redemption depicted in Good Will Hunting.

Slumdog Millionaire is a drama that follows Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a young man from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Through a series of flashbacks, the film reveals Jamal's life story and the experiences that have prepared him to answer each question on the game show.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Slumdog Millionaire portrays the journey of a resourceful and resilient protagonist, Jamal Malik, as he navigates the challenges of his environment and confronts his past traumas. The film delves into themes of personal resilience, the impact of socioeconomic factors on identity, and the psychological complexities of overcoming adversity, resonating with the introspective and character-driven storytelling of Good Will Hunting.

The Great Debaters is a historical drama inspired by the true story of Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington), a professor who coaches the debate team at Wiley College, a historically black institution. Tolson leads his team of talented students in challenging the racial and social barriers of the 1930s, culminating in a groundbreaking debate against Harvard University.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, The Great Debaters follows the journey of intellectually gifted characters, the students coached by Melvin B. Tolson, as they confront societal expectations and strive for excellence. The film encompasses themes of mentorship, intellectual empowerment, and the transformative power of education in shaping the lives of young individuals, resonating with the themes of personal growth and redemption depicted in Good Will Hunting.

In Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) becomes president of South Africa and seeks to unite the racially divided nation by rallying behind the national rugby team, led by captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), as they prepare for the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The film looks at themes of leadership, reconciliation, and the power of sports to transcend social barriers in post-apartheid South Africa.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Invictus features a protagonist, Nelson Mandela, whose wisdom and leadership inspire those around him to reach their full potential, echoing the mentorship themes depicted in Good Will Hunting. The film also delves into the psychological impact of historical trauma and the resilience needed to overcome societal divisions, resonating with the introspective storytelling of Good Will Hunting.

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age drama following four friends—Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman), and Vern (Jerry O'Connell)—on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. As they confront dangers and challenges along the way, their friendship is tested, and they learn valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, and the complexities of growing up.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Stand by Me highlights the importance of friendship and the bonds formed between characters as they navigate challenges and discover truths about themselves and the world around them. The film also uses themes of personal growth and self-discovery, resonating with the camaraderie depicted in Good Will Hunting.

Rain Man is a drama following Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) as he discovers that his estranged brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) is an autistic savant with remarkable mathematical abilities. As Charlie takes Raymond on a cross-country journey, they form a bond that challenges Charlie's perceptions and forces him to confront his own past.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Rain Man features a brilliant character, Raymond, whose unique abilities challenge societal norms and inspire personal growth in those around him. The film also delves into themes of brotherhood, identity, and the power of understanding and acceptance.

Immortal Beloved is a biographical drama that speculates on the identity of the mysterious woman to whom composer Ludwig van Beethoven addressed his famous love letters. The film follows Beethoven (Gary Oldman) as he reflects on his tumultuous life, loves, and artistic legacy, seeking solace and understanding in the wake of his death.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Immortal Beloved portrays a brilliant but tormented protagonist, Beethoven, whose genius is intertwined with personal struggles and psychological complexities. The film's themes of artistic passion, unrequited love, and the pursuit of inner peace and understanding, resonate with the introspective and character-driven storytelling of Good Will Hunting.

Mona Lisa Smile is a drama set in the 1950s at Wellesley College, where art history professor Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) challenges her students' traditional views on gender roles and societal expectations. As Katherine encourages her students to think critically about their futures, she faces resistance from both the administration and some of the young women she seeks to inspire.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Mona Lisa Smile explores the journey of a strong-willed protagonist, Katherine Watson, who challenges societal norms and inspires personal growth in her students. The film delves into themes of intellectual empowerment, individuality, and the transformative power of education and mentorship.

The Ides of March is a political thriller following Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), a young press secretary working for a presidential candidate, as he becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue and moral compromise. As Stephen navigates the ruthless world of politics, he must confront his ideals and the realities of power and ambition.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, The Ides of March features a protagonist, Stephen Meyers, who is highly intelligent but must confront ethical dilemmas and personal flaws. The film also develops themes of mentorship and the corrupting influence of power, resonating with the themes depicted in Good Will Hunting.

Lorenzo's Oil is a drama based on the true story of Augusto and Michaela Odone (played by Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon), who tirelessly seek a treatment for their son Lorenzo's rare degenerative disease. The film chronicles their journey through medical research, advocacy, and personal sacrifice as they strive to find a cure against all odds.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Lorenzo's Oil portrays characters driven by their intellectual pursuits and determination to overcome challenges, in this case, a devastating illness. The film also puts themes of resilience, parental love, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity, at the forefront and allows them to resonate with the themes of personal growth and redemption depicted in Good Will Hunting.

The Artist, directed by Michel Hazanavicius, is a silent black-and-white film set in Hollywood during the transition from silent films to "talkies." It follows silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) as he struggles to adapt to the changing industry while forming a unique bond with rising starlet Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo).

Similar to Good Will Hunting, The Artist features a protagonist, George Valentin, who grapples with personal and professional challenges amid a changing landscape, echoing themes of adaptation and resilience. The film also explores the mentorship dynamic between George and Peppy as they navigate the ups and downs of their careers, resonating with the themes of personal growth and redemption depicted in Good Will Hunting.

In Gifted, directed by Marc Webb, Frank Adler (Chris Evans) raises his niece Mary (Mckenna Grace), a child prodigy, and fights for her right to a normal childhood despite pressure to enroll her in a gifted program. As Frank navigates legal battles and confronts his own family's dynamics, he seeks to protect Mary's well-being and ensure her happiness.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, Gifted features a brilliant young protagonist, Mary, whose intellectual abilities set her apart from her peers and raise questions about her future. The film also explores themes of mentorship and familial relationships, as Frank serves as both guardian and mentor to Mary, guiding her through the challenges of adolescence, resonating with the themes depicted in Good Will Hunting.

The Rainmaker, based on the novel by John Grisham and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, follows young lawyer Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) as he takes on a powerful insurance company accused of denying coverage to a dying man. With the guidance of his mentor, seasoned paralegal Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito), Rudy navigates the legal system and confronts corruption and injustice.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, The Rainmaker features a protagonist, Rudy Baylor, who demonstrates intelligence and determination in his pursuit of justice, with the support of a mentor figure, Deck Shifflet. The film also takes on themes of personal growth, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of the system, resonating with the psychological depth depicted in Good Will Hunting.

The Imitation Game tells the true story of British mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) as he leads a team of codebreakers during World War II to crack the German Enigma code, ultimately helping to shorten the war. Turing grapples with societal prejudice due to his homosexuality and faces personal and professional challenges in his quest to build the first computer.

Similar to Good Will Hunting, The Imitation Game features a brilliant protagonist, Alan Turing, whose intellectual prowess is coupled with personal struggles and psychological complexity. The film examines the idea of mentorship, as Turing forms relationships with colleagues who support and challenge him.