Movies like The River Rat

Based on Stephen King's novella 'The Body,' Stand by Me is a classic tale of four friends who embark on a journey to find a dead body. Those who enjoy the themes of adventure and friendship in The River Rat will surely connect with the poignant narrative and the bonds of youth portrayed in this film.

In this engrossing coming-of-age drama, two boys discover a fugitive named Mud hiding on an island in the Mississippi River. Fans of The River Rat will appreciate Mud for its exploration of father-son relationships and its riveting story set against a river backdrop.

Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's book follows the true story of Christopher McCandless and his journey into the Alaskan wilderness, seeking a simpler, more authentic existence. It's a compelling choice for viewers who appreciate The River Rat's themes of escape and self-discovery amidst nature.

Jennifer Lawrence stars in this gritty drama set in the Ozarks, where she plays a teenager searching for her missing father while trying to keep her family intact. Though less focused on the river setting, Winter's Bone delivers a similar tension and depth in its exploration of family dynamics and resilience.

Directed by Robert Redford, this film about two brothers growing up in Montana under the stern eye of their minister father deals with themes of family, nature, and finding one's path. It invites viewers who loved The River Rat to immerse themselves in another powerful and beautifully shot river-centric story.

The Kings of Summer follows three teenage friends who decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land. Like The River Rat, this movie delves into the themes of independence, coming-of-age, and the complex relationships between fathers and sons.

An adaptation of Mark Twain's classic novel, this film captures the quintessential river journey of Huck Finn and the runaway slave, Jim. Much like The River Rat, the movie showcases themes of freedom, friendship, and a captivating river environment that serves as a central character throughout the storyline.