The 20 Best Movies Like 'Eat Pray Love,' Ranked

Jon Favreau writes, directs, and stars in this appetizing comedy-drama that follows Carl Casper (Favreau), a talented yet disillusioned chef who quits his high-pressure job at a prestigious Los Angeles restaurant to operate a food truck alongside his young son (Emjay Anthony) and loyal friend (John Leguizamo). Bolstered by its mouthwatering culinary creations and infectious Latin-flavored soundtrack, Chef offers a deliciously satisfying tale of family, friendship, and following one's passion. As the food truck trio traverses the country from Miami to New Orleans to Austin, viewers are treated to an enticing melange of regional flavors and gastronomic delights that will surely leave them hankering for more.

In this evocative adaptation of Frances Mayes' bestselling memoir, Diane Lane delivers a captivating performance as a recently divorced writer who embarks on a soul-searching journey to Italy. With stunning cinematography that effortlessly showcases the lush landscapes and rustic charm of Tuscany, Under the Tuscan Sun is an inspiring tale of self-discovery, healing, and the power of human connection. As Lane's character renovates a dilapidated villa and navigates her new life in Italy, viewers are treated to delightful glimpses of local culture, cuisine, and customs. Ultimately, this romantic dramedy serves as an uplifting reminder that it's never too late to embrace change and start anew.

Based on Cheryl Strayed's powerful memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, this visually arresting drama stars Reese Witherspoon in an Oscar-nominated role as Cheryl, a woman seeking solace after multiple personal tragedies. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée with an intelligent screenplay by Nick Hornby, Wild follows Cheryl's arduous 1,100-mile solo hike across the unforgiving yet breathtaking terrain of the Pacific Crest Trail. Through flashbacks and introspective moments, we learn about her troubled past and witness her steady transformation into a stronger, more resilient individual. Witherspoon's raw portrayal coupled with mesmerizing landscapes makes Wild an absorbing meditation on grief and redemption.

This poignant dramedy stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill patients who form an unlikely bond while sharing a hospital room. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and outlooks on life, they forge a deep connection and devise a bucket list – a series of goals they wish to accomplish before their time runs out. Directed by Rob Reiner with wit and sensitivity, The Bucket List is both humorous and heartrending in its exploration of friendship, mortality, and the importance of living life to the fullest. Nicholson and Freeman's charismatic on-screen chemistry elevates this film into an affecting testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.

In this visually resplendent comedy-drama from acclaimed director Wes Anderson, three estranged brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman) embark on a soul-searching train journey across India in hopes of rekindling their bond after the death of their father. Along the way, they encounter numerous obstacles that force them to confront their failings as individuals and siblings. Boasting Anderson's trademark visual flair - including sumptuous color palettes and impeccably composed shots - The Darjeeling Limited deftly combines offbeat humor with moments of genuine pathos. With its exotic locales serving as an apt metaphor for personal growth and catharsis, this quirky film captures the essence of self-discovery through travel.

Directed by Ryan Murphy based on Larry Kramer's groundbreaking play, The Normal Heart chronicles the early years of the AIDS epidemic in New York City, as a group of activists and allies struggle to raise awareness about this devastating disease. Featuring powerful performances from Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Julia Roberts, and Jim Parsons, this heart-wrenching drama shines a light on the courage and determination displayed by those who fought against ignorance and prejudice during a time of immense fear and uncertainty. Poignant and unflinching in its portrayal of both love and loss, The Normal Heart serves as a stirring call-to-action against complacency in the face of adversity.

In this effervescent comedy based on Danny Wallace's memoir, Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a man stuck in a rut until he attends a self-help seminar that encourages him to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way. As Carl's newfound positivity leads him into various unexpected adventures - from learning Korean to bungee jumping - he ultimately discovers that embracing life's unpredictability can yield profound rewards. With its infectious humor and uplifting message about personal growth, Yes Man is an entertaining reminder that sometimes all it takes is one affirmative leap to change your life for the better.

Oscar-winning director Woody Allen delivers a charming ode to the City of Light with this enchanting romantic fantasy starring Owen Wilson as Gil Pender, an aspiring novelist vacationing in Paris with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams). When Gil stumbles upon a magical portal that transports him back in time each night to the 1920s – an era populated by literary giants like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein – he becomes torn between his present-day reality and the allure of nostalgia. Featuring captivating performances from Marion Cotillard and Adrien Brody alongside lush cinematography that captures both past and present Parisian beauty, Midnight in Paris is a whimsical love letter to the power of art and the magic of la Ville Lumière.

This charming coming-of-age dramedy stars a young Julia Roberts, alongside Annabeth Gish and Lili Taylor, as three teenage friends working at a pizzeria in the quaint New England town of Mystic, Connecticut. As they navigate the challenges of love, family expectations, and impending adulthood, their bond remains unshakable amid life's ups and downs. Set against a picturesque backdrop that perfectly captures small-town Americana, Mystic Pizza is an endearing celebration of friendship, resilience, and the power of dreams – not to mention its iconic titular dish.

Co-written by Tom Hanks (who also directed) and Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), this lighthearted romantic comedy follows Larry Crowne (Hanks), a middle-aged man who returns to college after losing his job during the recession. While attending classes alongside much younger students, Larry forms an unexpected connection with his public-speaking professor (Julia Roberts), leading to an unlikely romance that changes both their lives for the better. Boasting natural chemistry between Hanks and Roberts, Larry Crowne serves up gentle humor and heartfelt emotion as it explores themes of reinvention and second chances.

In what many consider to be one of cinema's most beloved tales, Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump - a kind-hearted yet intellectually challenged man whose humble Alabama upbringing belies his extraordinary adventures throughout pivotal moments in 20th-century American history. Directed by Robert Zemeckis with expert storytelling finesse, Forrest Gump masterfully intertwines humor with poignant drama while addressing themes such as love, destiny, friendship, perseverance through adversity. With unforgettable scenes like Forrest's cross-country run, heartfelt quotes that have become ingrained in pop culture, and an Oscar-winning performance from Hanks, this film is a timeless classic that showcases the enduring power of the human spirit.

This picturesque dramedy stars real-life father-son duo Liam Neeson and Micheál Richardson as Robert and Jack Foster, estranged family members who journey to Tuscany to sell their inherited yet dilapidated villa. Amidst the stunning Italian countryside, they navigate emotional baggage while attempting to restore the crumbling property. With its breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills, lush vineyards, cobblestone streets, Made in Italy paints an alluring portrait of a beautiful region rich in history and tradition. A poignant story about reconciliation and healing ensues as both characters learn invaluable lessons on love, loss, and the power of forgiveness.

In this delightful biographical dramedy inspired by true events, Meryl Streep shines as legendary chef Julia Child while Amy Adams portrays Julie Powell – a young woman who challenges herself to cook every recipe in Child's cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking within a year. As their stories unfold parallelly through alternating timelines, both women embark on transformative culinary journeys that ultimately lead them to newfound fulfillment in their lives. Directed by Nora Ephron with her signature wit and charm, Julie & Julia serves up a delectable blend of mouthwatering dishes alongside poignant reflections on life's passions – proving that sometimes inspiration can be found right at your fingertips.

Set against the idyllic backdrop of a quaint French village nestled amid rolling hills and verdant landscapes comes Chocolat, a sumptuous romantic drama directed by Lasse Hallström based on Joanne Harris' novel with screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs adapting it for cinema consumption purposes—pun definitely intended! The captivating story follows a mysterious woman named Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche) who opens an unconventional chocolate shop, much to the disapproval of conservative townsfolk and their rigid Catholic beliefs about Lent. With each exquisitely crafted confection that she creates, Vianne gradually awakens her repressed neighbors' desires while simultaneously forging strong bonds within the community. Featuring alluring performances from Binoche and Johnny Depp as a dashing Irish traveler named Roux, Chocolat is a tantalizing treat for both the senses and the soul.

This delightful British comedy series stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as fictionalized versions of themselves embarking on various culinary escapades throughout England's picturesque countryside under the pretense of reviewing restaurants for high-end publications. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, The Trip blends gorgeously filmed landscapes with mouthwatering cuisine while showcasing Coogan and Brydon's impeccable comedic timing through their trademark impersonations and banter - all resulting in a highly entertaining gastronomic adventure that offers plenty of laughs alongside its visual feast.

In this romantic masterpiece directed by Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke star as Celine, a French student, and Jesse, an American tourist who meet on a train traveling through Europe before impulsively deciding to disembark together in Vienna to spend one magical night exploring the city. As they spontaneously discover hidden corners of the Austrian capital while engaging in deep conversations about life, love, philosophy – all against a backdrop illuminated by enchanting street lamps – viewers are treated to an intimate glimpse into what can only be described as cinematic chemistry at its finest between two gifted performers whose palpable connection is nothing short of mesmerizing. Lauded for its realistic dialogue and innovative storytelling approach that unfolds in real-time throughout one single evening spent wandering through dreamlike streets amidst centuries-old architecture bathed in ethereal moonlight, Before Sunrise is a timeless ode to the transformative power of chance encounters and human connection that will leave even the most cynical viewers yearning for more.

In this beloved romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall, Julia Roberts stars as Vivian Ward – a street-smart prostitute who unexpectedly finds herself thrust into high society when she's hired by wealthy businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) to accompany him on various social engagements throughout Los Angeles over the course of one whirlwind week. As they navigate their different worlds amidst a backdrop of opulent hotels, designer boutiques, and upscale restaurants, Vivian not only teaches Edward valuable life lessons but also captivates his heart in the process. With its iconic fashion moments, fairy-tale romance, and career-defining performances from Roberts and Gere, Pretty Woman has endured as a classic love story that continues to enchant audiences worldwide.

Directed by Ben Stiller (who also stars), this visually stunning adventure-comedy follows Walter Mitty – an ordinary man with an extraordinary imagination who embarks on a real-life quest across continents in search of a missing photograph intended for publication in the final issue of Life Magazine before it ceases print production forever. Along the way, he encounters breathtaking landscapes ranging from icy Greenlandic tundras to rugged Icelandic terrain while ultimately discovering his own untapped potential through various daring feats – all set against an immersive soundscape featuring evocative music handpicked by Stiller himself. Poignant yet whimsical with its seamless blending of fantasy sequences interspersed among Walter's thrilling exploits throughout exotic locales rarely seen on film screens (such as Afghanistan), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is both a visual spectacle and an inspiring testament to embracing adventure wherever it may lead.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history, It's a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey – a compassionate yet despairing man who contemplates ending his own life on Christmas Eve until an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) intervenes by showing him what the world would have been like had he never existed. As George witnesses various alternate realities unfolding without him amidst a snow-dusted backdrop of Bedford Falls, he eventually realizes that his presence has made a profound impact on countless people's lives despite feeling unfulfilled by his own existence. Directed by Frank Capra and released in 1946, this emotionally stirring tale remains a beloved holiday classic that continues to inspire generations with its timeless message about the importance of compassion, kindness, and finding meaning in even the most seemingly ordinary moments.

In this critically acclaimed dark comedy directed by Alexander Payne, Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church star as Miles and Jack – two middle-aged friends who embark on a week-long road trip through California's wine country before Jack is set to get married. As they indulge in copious amounts of wine tasting while encountering various adventures along their journey – including romantic entanglements with local residents played brilliantly by Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh - both men ultimately come face-to-face with their personal demons amidst stunning vineyard vistas bathed in golden sunlight. Boasting powerful performances from its ensemble cast combined with razor-sharp wit delivered through clever dialogue that deftly touches upon themes such as midlife crises, self-acceptance intertwined amongst scenes showcasing sumptuous vintages sipped alongside delectable dishes served at cozy bistros nestled within picturesque landscapes teeming with lush grapevines stretching towards infinite horizons - Sideways is nothing short of intoxicating entertainment for cinephiles seeking an authentic cinematic experience steeped in depth, nuance, and complexity beyond sheer surface-level appeal.