Films about adult transformation

Movie selections

Films about adult transformation typically explore the journey of characters who undergo significant personal growth, change, or self-discovery, often as a result of life-altering experiences or events. These films delve into the complexities of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit as individuals navigate through challenges, confront their inner demons, and ultimately undergo a profound transformation.

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, 2013

Director: Ben Stiller

films about adult transformation - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This film follows the story of Walter Mitty, a daydreamer who embarks on a global journey to find a missing photograph, which leads to a series of extraordinary adventures. Through these experiences, Walter undergoes a remarkable transformation, shedding his meek and timid persona to embrace his adventurous spirit and discover his true potential.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn, Patton Oswalt, Adrian Martinez, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Marcus Antturi, Jon Daly, Terence Bernie Hines, Paul Fitzgerald, Grace Rex, Alex Anfanger, Amanda Naughton, Nolan Carley, Joey Slotnick, Gary Wilmes, Amy Stiller, Rosamund Gundmundsdottir, Maariu Olsen, Makka Kleist, Þórhallur Sigurðsson, Ari Matthíasson, Hendrikus Schraven, Finni Johannsson, Eysteinn Gardarsson, José Antonio Alcántara, Rodrigo Espinosa, Seba Alón, Miguel Baez-Olavarria, Danny Orellana, Antonio Molina, Martin Lagos, Andres Quezada, Valur Snaer Hilmarsson, Eythor Atli Hilmarsson, Birgir Jarl Runarsson, Gunnar Helgason, Kai Lennox, Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter, Gurdeep Singh, Anthony Desio, Losang Thonden, Rinjee Sherpa, Haroon Nawabi, Stefan B. Onundarson;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: comedy, adventure, fantasy, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;

More information about the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” on the website imdb.com

“Silver Linings Playbook”, 2012

Director: David O. Russell

films about adult transformation - Silver Linings Playbook

The film revolves around the lives of Pat Solatano and Tiffany Maxwell, two individuals struggling with their own personal challenges. As they navigate through their tumultuous lives, they form an unexpected bond that becomes a catalyst for their emotional and psychological transformation, ultimately leading to newfound hope and resilience.

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham, Julia Stiles, Paul Herman, Dash Mihok, Matthew Russell, Cheryl Williams, Patrick McDade, Brea Bee, Mary Regency Boies, Phillip Chorba, Anthony Lawton, Patsy Meck, Maureen Torsney-Weir, Jeff Reim, Fritz Blanchette, Rick Foster, Bonnie Aarons, Ted Barba, Elias Birnbaum, Matthew Michels, Pete Postiglione, Dicky Eklund Jr., Sanjay Shende, Mihir Pathak, Ibrahim Syed, Madhu Narula, Samantha Gelnaw, Tiffany E. Green, Tal Livshitz, Vlada Semenova, Zhan Paulovich, Lana Rossi, Richard Adams, Todd Anthony, Erica Lynne Arden, Robert Bizik, Joe Cappelletti, Louis Centanni, Pat Chambers, David Collihan, Michael Connolly, Jessica Czop, Alan Davis;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;

“Lost in Translation”, 2003

Director: Sofia Coppola

films about adult transformation - Lost in Translation

Set in Tokyo, this film follows the unlikely connection between Bob Harris, a jaded actor, and Charlotte, a young woman feeling disconnected from her surroundings. Amidst the backdrop of a foreign city, both characters undergo a profound transformation as they grapple with their own feelings of alienation and forge a deep, meaningful connection that offers them a renewed perspective on life.

Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Akiko Takeshita, Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe, Kazuko Shibata, Take, Ryuichiro Baba, Akira Yamaguchi, Catherine Lambert, François du Bois, Tim Leffman, Gregory Pekar, Richard Allen, Diamond Yukai, Jun Maki, Nao Asuka, Tetsuro Naka, Kanako Nakazato, Fumihiro Hayashi, Hiroko Kawasaki, Daikon, Asuka Shimuzu, Ikuko Takahashi, Koichi Tanaka, Hugo Codaro, Akiko Monou, Akimitsu Naruyama, Hiroshi Kawashima, Hiromi Toshikawa, Nobuhiko Kitamura, Nao Kitman, Akira, Kunichi Nomura, Yasuhiko Hattori, Shigekazu Aida, Kazuo Yamada, Akira Motomura, Osamu Shigematu, Takashi Fujii, Kei Takyo, Ryo Kondo, Yumi Ikeda, Yumika Saki, Yuji Okabe, Dietrich Bollmann, Georg O.P. Eschert, Mark Willms, Lisle Wilkerson;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;

More information about the film “Lost in Translation” on the website imdb.com

“American Beauty”, 1999

Director: Sam Mendes

films about adult transformation - American Beauty

This film explores the lives of the Burnham family, particularly Lester Burnham, who undergoes a midlife crisis that prompts him to reevaluate his priorities and rediscover his sense of purpose. As he navigates the complexities of his personal and professional life, Lester experiences a poignant transformation, embracing a newfound sense of liberation and authenticity.

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari, Peter Gallagher, Allison Janney, Chris Cooper, Scott Bakula, Sam Robards, Barry Del Sherman, Ara Celi, John Cho, Fort Atkinson, Sue Casey, Kent Faulcon, Brenda Wehle, Lisa Cloud, Alison Faulk, Krista Goodsitt, Lily Houtkin, Carolina Lancaster, Mona Leah, Chekesha Van Putten, Emily Zachary, Nancy Anderson, Reshma Gajjar, Stephanie Rizzo, Heather Joy Sher, Chelsea Hertford, Amber Smith, Joel McCrary, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Dennis Anderson, Matthew Kimbrough, Erin Cathryn Strubbe, Thomas J Armstrong, Elaine Corral Kendall, David Cotton Fisher, James Hunter, Spencer Kayden, Tom Miller, Ronald Reagan;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;

More information about the film “American Beauty” on the website imdb.com

“Eat Pray Love”, 2010

Director: Ryan Murphy

films about adult transformation - Eat Pray Love

Based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, this film chronicles the author's journey of self-discovery as she embarks on a year-long trip across Italy, India, and Bali following a painful divorce. Through her travels and encounters with diverse cultures, Elizabeth undergoes a profound transformation, finding inner peace, love, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, Billy Crudup, Viola Davis, Mike O'Malley, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Christine Hakim, Sophie Thompson, Hadi Subiyanto, Ashlie Atkinson, Lisa Roberts Gillan, I. Gusti Ayu Puspawati, A. Jay Radcliff, Ryan O'Nan, Gita Reddy, Dwayne Clark, Jen Kwok, Mary Testa, Elijah Tucker, Karen Trindle, Zachary Dunham, Clair Oaks, Ned Leavitt, Lynn Margileth, Welker White, José Ramón Rosario, Lucia Guzzardi, Tuva Novotny, Luca Argentero, Silvano Rossi, Giuseppe Gandini, Ludovica Virga, Marco Lastrucci, Elena Arvigo, Andrea Di Stefano, Remo Remotti, Vanessa Marini, Lidia Biondi, Emma Brunetti, Chiara Brunetti, Ajay Bhandari, Michael Cumpsty, Rushita Singh, Ritvik Tyagi, Sd Pandey, Anand Yeshwant Bapat, Micky Dhamejani, Peter Davis, Shona Benson;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;

More information about the film “Eat Pray Love” on the website imdb.com

These films offer compelling narratives that capture the essence of adult transformation, portraying the resilience, vulnerability, and growth of the human spirit in captivating and thought-provoking ways.

In the realm of films about adult transformation, we witness the extraordinary power of storytelling to capture the essence of human growth and change. From the timeless classics like “Forrest Gump” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” to modern gems like “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Lost in Translation,” these films delve deep into the complexities of adulthood, offering profound insights into the human experience. Each character's journey serves as a mirror reflecting our own struggles, triumphs, and the enduring hope for personal transformation. These films stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring possibility of change, inspiring audiences to embrace their own paths of growth and self-discovery.

Katie Knight
A movie about...