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In The Life of Chuck, Michael Flanagan's otherworldly direction meets Stephen King's science fiction fantasy writing to immerse audiences in the small, celebration-worthy moments of Charles "Chuck" Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). Chuck's story, told in reverse in a three-act structure, is a coming-of-age commentary on life and the philosophies of mortality, interwoven with a love for dancing.
The movie opens at the end of the world, an apocalyptic time underscored by billboards thanking Chuck Krantz for 39 great years. In a series of time jumps, fans learn more about the mysterious billboard man and how his life comes full circle.
With an impressive storyline, poignant close-up shots, and memorable performances of the ensemble cast consisting of Karen Gillan, Matthew Gillard, Nick Offerman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and others, The Life of Chuck is an intriguing take on what it means to be truly alive.
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Here are 7 other movies fans of The Life of Chuck might enjoy.
Disclaimer: All opinions in this article belong solely to the writer. Spoilers for The Life of Chuck ahead.
Forrest Gump, Perfect Days, and other movies for fans of The Life of Chuck
1) Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is a visually resounding answer to the question "Does life happen to you, or do you happen to life?". Meet Forrest (Tom Hanks), a man who inadvertently finds himself in history's most crucial moments by simply being at the right place at the right time. By wearing his heart on his sleeve, he experiences life like no one ever has before.
Both The Life of Chuck and Forrest Gump are an ode to life itself, in all its expansiveness and everyday memories, that make up a person's existence. Fans will enjoy this six-time Academy Award-winning movie by Robert Zemeckis for its ability to capture grandeur and simplicity at once.
Where to watch: Prime Video
2) Perfect Days (2023)
Perfect Days follows the story of Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho), a toilet cleaner in Tokyo, Japan. Content with his life, he goes about his day, reading William Faulkner and listening to his collection of cassette tapes. At night, he dreams in technicolor. After creating his reality on the bedrock of past hardships, Hirayama can't help but marvel at the beauty of life.
Fans of The Life of Chuck's plot, centered around one man's view of life and its many little miracles, will enjoy this critically acclaimed drama created by Wim Wenders and Takuma Takasashi. The movie was nominated for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
Where to watch: Prime Video
3) Boyhood (2014)
In a surreal film experiment that took over a decade of shooting with the same characters to produce, viewers get to meet Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane), a boy no older than 6 in 2002 with recently divorced parents. As he grows up, he experiences the highs and lows of boyhood, teenage years, relationships, and life.
Written and directed by Richard Linklater, this film's screenplay and coming-of-age commentary on the important and mundane moments of life will resonate with fans of The Life of Chuck. It was nominated for five Golden Globes and six Academy Awards, with Patricia Arquette winning Best Supporting Actress.
Where to watch: Apple TV/Prime Video
4) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
In 1918, an infant is born with the ailments of an old person. Abandoned after his mother dies at childbirth, he is named Benjamin (Brad Pitt) and raised at a nursing home, where he grows up. As the years go by, the boy ages in reverse, experiencing life, love, and adversities through a unique lens.
Directed by David Fincher and based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this movie comments on the delicate dance between life and death, and all the moments in between. Much like The Life of Chuck, it reminds fans to embrace their childhood even in adulthood. Both movies also narrate a person's story in reverse, albeit in wildly different circumstances.
Where to watch: Prime Video
5) The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
Mark knows exactly how his day is going to go, down to the moment he needs to save a girl he has a crush on from being hit by a beach ball. He goes through the motions every day, stuck in a time loop. Until he meets Margaret, an anomaly in his day. When the two teenagers realize they aren't alone in the experience, they recreate tiny, perfect moments in the day in an attempt to break the loop.
At its core, The Life of Chuck is a movie about cherishing the moments in life, knowing what's about to happen in the end. Fans catch a glimpse of young Chuck opening a forbidden door to see his future self dying at a young age. Chuck has lived his whole life with this knowledge, and learns to appreciate the little moments, just like Mark and Margaret.
Directed by Ian Samuels, this Lev Grossman screenplay is a heartwarming watch.
Where to watch: Prime Video
6) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Walter Mitty's (Ben Stiller) life is simple: Work at a magazine, have a secret crush on his co-worker, and go back to his bachelor apartment in New York City. But when one of their biggest projects hinges on him finding a missing negative on a film roll, his life changes, and a grand adventure begins.
Big or small, life is worth it. Both The Life of Chuck and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty depict how one should enjoy every moment and seize opportunities to live their best life. Directed by Ben Stiller, this movie is funny, emotional, and all kinds of entertaining.
Where to watch: Prime Video
7) Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) is an IRS agent with a problem: There is a voice in his head narrating his life's events, explaining that his wristwatch would lead to his premature death, soon. On a search to stop his fate, Crick encounters life in its grandeur.
Fans of The Life of Chuck, looking for a more fantasy-based and lighthearted version of its storyline, will enjoy this Marc Foster directorial about embracing life, knowing what waits at the end of it all.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Fans of Mike Flanagan's direction in The Life of Chuck can check out his horror movies, while Tom Hiddleston fans can watch his acting prowess in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
