12 Best Movies Like The Terminal That You Will Enjoy Watching Update 04/2024

Movies Like The Terminal

It doesn’t matter whether it’s “Schindler’s List,” “The Adventures of Tintin,” or Spielberg’s most recent film “The Post,” each Steven Spielberg film has a distinct quality. Spielberg has a long track record of exceeding moviegoers’ and movie buffs’ expectations with his films for over 40 years.

One more masterpiece from Spielberg and one from Tom Hanks as well: “The Terminal.” ‘The Terminal,’ one of the many contemporary cinematic treasures to be discovered, stands out because of its masterful combination of direction and acting. When Amelia says, “You told me you were delayed, but you never said it was for nine months!” in the film, we want to be a part of the action and tell her everything that has happened.

‘The Terminal’ tells the story of Viktor Navroski, a man stuck in JFK while his country Krakozia (a place he’s extremely proud of) goes through a tragic decline and eventually disappears. Navroski is forced to spend his days at the airport until he receives a valid passport, despite his mediocre command of the English language, a small suitcase, and few dining options. Dixon, the customs officer, tries to make sure Viktor does not “live forever” at the airport despite the fact that he is prohibited from setting foot on American soil.

Unexpectedly though, Viktor makes friends like Gupta, Enrique, Bobby, and Dolores as well as takes Amelia out to dinner. Viktor even goes through the airport in a towel. With only one location to work with, “The Terminal” demonstrates the ability of the human race to turn any negative situation into a positive one through the use of minimalism and simplicity. We’ve put together a list of movies like ‘The Terminal’ for those who enjoyed the film but want to see something different. Movies like The Terminal are available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Instant Video.

12. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

“Catch Me If You Can” is the perfect movie to watch if you enjoyed the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks collaboration in “The Terminal”. Catch Me If You Can is based on Frank Abagnale, a real-life character who was performing in front of millions of people before the age of 19. Frank becomes so skilled at defrauding people that the FBI enlists his assistance in catching other con artists around the country. Catch Me If You Can became a box office success thanks to the outstanding performances of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye, and Christopher Walken, as well as an outstanding screenplay by Jeff Nathanson.

11. Forrest Gump (1994)

There have been a number of Hollywood comedy epics, but none can compare to the sheer joy that is ‘Forrest Gump.’ In the wake of “The Terminal,” if you crave another Tom Hanks comedy, look no further than “Forrest Gump.” In ‘Forrest Gump,’ based on the same-name novel from 1986, a low-IQ man who believes that “Stupid is as stupid does” is the subject of the story. ‘Forrest Gump’ is a comedy classic thanks to Tom Hanks’ Oscar-winning performance and the film’s masterfully woven plot. This is a film about Forrest’s life-journey from struggle to love to pride to history’s unintentional making, but it replicates the same idea as “The Terminal”: making lemonade out of lemons when life gives you lemons.

10. Lost In Transit (1993)

Does the story of a man who misplaced his passport and was forced to spend several days at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris sound familiar? In other words, in ‘The Terminal,’ people live at airports. French comedy/drama ‘Lost In Transit’ based on Iranian refugee Mehran Karimi Nasseri’s experience living in the departure lounge of Charles de Gaulle Airport was originally directed by Phillippe Lioret. Arturo Conti is stranded in Paris Airport after misplacing his passport. During his stay, he meets four other people in a similar situation.

9. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

“The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Terminal” both have a strong sense of optimism and offer some sort of redemption. ‘The Shawshank Redemption,’ directed by Frank Darabont, is one of those films that moviegoers all over the world enjoy and draw inspiration from. As a result of being stranded, it’s fascinating to see how human relationships develop despite all of the differences in background such as nationality, language, philosophy, and family. Viktor and the airport staff develop the same kind of understanding that we see between Andy and Ellis. The Shawshank Redemption is a must-see for moviegoers of all ages because of the outstanding acting and suspenseful plot.

8. The Bucket List (2007)

“The Bucket List” is another movie that illustrates the importance of savoring every moment of your life, even if you know you only have a limited amount of time left on this planet. Two cancer patients decide to make the most of their remaining time by taking a road trip that alters their outlook on life. In ‘The Bucket List,’ a Rob Reiner film, two ‘old boys’ inspire wanderlust and ignite the desire to live each moment of life to the fullest. In addition, don’t miss Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson’s impressive acting abilities!

7. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

“The unnecessary are more important than the necessary.” ‘Life Is Beautiful’ is a masterpiece that future generations will enjoy watching because of its central theme. There is a Jewish family in this Italian comedy/drama during World War II. When the Jews are threatened by the Nazi death camps, the film’s ‘beautiful’ beginning quickly turns into a tragic one. In order to save his beloved son from the harsh realities of the war, Guido, a man who can bring joy anywhere, employs his wicked sense of humor to do so. You will feel all kinds of emotions while watching “Life is Beautiful,” from laughter to tears to grief to adoration.

6. Eat Pray Love (2010)

‘Eat Pray Love,’ originally a travelogue, is now a story about a woman’s quest for self-awareness. ‘Eat Pray Love,’ a romantic comedy/drama based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling novel, was directed by Ryan Murphy and starred Julia Roberts. After getting divorced, the author decides to embark on a world tour, which is chronicled in the film. It deals with relationships, expectations, as well as moving on in “The Terminal” and “Eat Pray Love”. Elizabeth’s cross-country journey introduces her to a wide range of people from various backgrounds and walks of life. The author travels from Italy to Indonesia and India, where he encounters breathtaking scenery and discovers what’s truly important in life.

5. Before Sunrise (1995)

Before Sunrise (1995)

As the saying goes, “Nothing in life is permanent,” so don’t put too much stock in the future and be content with the present. “The Terminal” tells us this and “Before Sunrise” has Jesse and Celine discussing it. Jesse and Celine, a married couple from the United States and France, are riding the train together. These two come together, have a few hours of conversation, fall in love, and enjoy the company they’ve gained in those few hours. In this way, ‘Before Sunrise’ is similar to ‘The Terminal,’ directed by Richard Linklater, who is well-known for making realistic films. The conversations between Jesse and Celine in the film have a philosophical undertone that works well in the film.

4. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, and Farhan Akhtar star in Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s romantic comedy ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,’ which is a visual and emotional treat. During Kabir’s bachelor party, Arjun and Imran travel to Spain to face their greatest fears. They triumph over these fears and are reborn as human beings with an optimistic outlook. For these reasons, it’s considered to be a film that you can revisit time and time again to learn more about love, friendship, family, and career.

3. Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone (1990)

Kevin, eight, is stuck in his house while Viktor is stuck at the airport. Kevin is accidentally left alone in the house when his family departs for Christmas vacation in France. The opportunity to be “master-of-the-home” initially appeals to Kevin. However, after saving the house from a pair of thieves, he finds himself in hot water. This comedy-thriller directed by Chris Columbus and produced by John Hughes successfully blends comedy with suspense and action.

2. Up In The Air (2009)

This 109-minute film will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate filmmaking in equal measure. The philosophy of life is presented in the most simplistic form in ‘Up In The Air,’ despite the fact that it is more old school movie magic. In ‘Up In The Air,’ Ryan Bingham must fight for his job because of unforeseen circumstances. On his way to the 5-million-mile mark on the frequent flyer program, he meets another frequent flyer who transforms his life.

1. Gravity (2013)

Gravity (2013)

Getting stuck anywhere is a hassle, but what happens when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere? As the movie ‘Gravity’ will eloquently demonstrate, this is true. “Gravity” is a science fiction thriller film about Dr. Ryan Stone and Matt Kowalski, who are on their first space mission when they are struck by debris as they begin their spacewalking adventure. You won’t be able to look away from ‘Gravity’ for more than a minute. Every moment of ‘Gravity,’ as directed by Alfonso Cuaron, has a twist, suspense, and joy to it.