10 Movies Like Good Will Hunting That’ll Hit You Right in the Heart

So you’ve watched Good Will Hunting again. And maybe cried. Again. Now you’re sitting there craving that same mix of brains and heart. I get it. That’s why people are always searching for movies like Good Will Hunting. You might even be typing “movies like Good Will Hunting” into Google right now. Lucky for you, I’ve got a list of 10 soul-stirring flicks that should keep those tissues handy and your brain buzzing.

Why We Keep Chasing That Feeling

Think about it: Good Will Hunting isn’t just a movie, it’s a comfort blanket for the soul. There’s the Boston grit, the bar-room brawls, the barbed one-liners and the moment when Robin Williams wraps you in a hug of wisdom. It’s the combo of tough love and big brains – a street-smart kid solving calculus on a blackout-blackboard – that gives you a lump in your throat. Every time I watch it, I feel warm even while I’m tearing up.

And once you’re snuggled into that blanket, it’s no wonder we end up scouring the internet for movies like Good Will Hunting – anything to keep feeling that same mix of inspiration and emotion. I’m not kidding: right after the credits roll, many of us find ourselves googling “movies like Good Will Hunting” for more. So yeah, I’ve totally been there too. We all want more of that unique “brains-meets-heart” magic.

The Best Movies Like Good Will Hunting

If you loved Good Will Hunting, these 10 picks will scratch that same itch. Each one has its own blend of genius, grit, and the relationships that pull you in. Here are the best movies like Good Will Hunting to watch next:

Finding Forrester – Basically Good Will Hunting with Sean Connery stepping into Robin Williams’ shoes. A crazy-smart kid from the Bronx bonds with a reclusive writer (Connery) who becomes the mentor he never knew he needed. It’s literature instead of math, but the heart-tug is the same. Connery is the perfect gruff-but-giving mentor, and you’ll love the way their friendship grows. If you’re into movies like Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester should definitely be on your watch list.
Dead Poets Society – If you loved the teacher-student bond in GWH, Robin Williams delivers again. This one’s about an inspiring teacher at an elite boarding school who tells his students to “Carpe Diem” (seize the day). You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to stand on your desk afterwards. It’s emotional and uplifting in its own way – think of it as Good Will Hunting set in a prep school classroom. It’s absolutely a must-watch on any list of movies like Good Will Hunting.
A Beautiful Mind – Russell Crowe stars as John Nash, a brilliant mathematician wrestling with inner demons. It’s more cerebral and a bit darker, but it shares that “mind turned inside out” theme. Watching Crowe reveal Nash’s struggle with schizophrenia is powerful and heartbreaking. For fans of Good Will’s brainy side, this is one of those movies like Good Will Hunting that will really hit you in the feels.
The Pursuit of Happyness – Not about math, but about sheer grit and hope. Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a struggling single dad who keeps his head high (pun intended) while life keeps knocking him down. You’ll fist-pump and bawl your eyes out by the time he lands that dream job. It’s inspiring and emotional in all the right ways. The vibe is different from GWH, but if you loved its heart and the “never give up” spirit, this one’s a must-see.
Whiplash – Think Good Will Hunting in a music conservatory. It’s about a talented drummer and his terrifying instructor (J.K. Simmons won an Oscar for this). There’s no warm therapy here, just intense mentor-vs-student battles. It’s a wild ride of ambition and pressure – every drumbeat and shouted “Not a spoiled little princess!” pulls you in. If you want the adrenaline-rush side of movies like Good Will Hunting, Whiplash delivers big time.
Manchester by the Sea – Heavy on the heartbreak. This one’s about Casey Affleck as a Boston-area handyman who’s suddenly thrust into guardianship after a family tragedy. The setting and raw emotion will feel very Good Will-esque – especially the New England gloom and terse dialogue. It’s a gut-punch story about grief, family, and trying to keep going. Not an easy watch, but if you loved GWH’s honest pain and New England vibe, this hits that same spot.
Rushmore – A rare indie pick. Jason Schwartzman plays Max Fischer, a quirky teen prodigy at an elite boarding school, who falls for a teacher and clashes with family friend Bill Murray. It’s Wes Anderson offbeat style, but at its core is a clever underdog finding himself through loyalty and love. It’s witty and touching and definitely has that “underdog genius with a heart” feel. If you’re up for something a bit different among movies like Good Will Hunting, Rushmore is a classic go-to.
Silver Linings Playbook – This one’s a curveball. Set in suburban Philadelphia, it stars Bradley Cooper as a man dealing with mental health issues, and Jennifer Lawrence as the friend who helps him cope. It’s messy, awkward, and full of heart. You won’t find Boston campuses here, but you will get an emotional rollercoaster and surprising warmth. It tackles personal struggles and hope in a very raw way. While not about genius, it is one of those movies like Good Will Hunting that explores overcoming your demons with a dose of humor and love.
Proof – Math is back on the table. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as the daughter of a brilliant (and mentally ill) mathematician. It’s quiet and haunting, focusing on whether she inherited her dad’s genius (and his troubles). The chalkboard scenes and family drama will remind you of Good Will’s blend of smarts and sadness. It’s a smaller-scale, touching film – a gentle recommendation for anyone craving a Good Will Hunting-ish tale in the world of academics and family.
Gifted – Chris Evans plays a cool uncle raising his super-smart niece, who’s torn between a normal childhood and her math prodigy talent. It’s sweet and tear-jerking in a family-drama way. Think Good Will Hunting meets Home Alone with math problems. You’ll fall for the little girl’s smarts and the adult characters’ struggle over what’s best for her. If you need a feel-good twist on brainpower and heart, Gifted belongs on your watch list too.

Notice a theme? All these movies like Good Will Hunting mix smarts and struggles with a powerful personal connection. Each one has someone brilliant (or tremendously driven) dealing with some heavy stuff, and someone else who either saves or shatters them along the way. In other words, they’re all about brains and heart: a genius or underdog, facing real pain, with a relationship (mentor, friend, lover, or family) that changes everything. That combo – genius + grit + a life-changing connection – is the common thread tying this whole list together.

Why Good Will Hunting Still Hits Different

Let’s be honest: none of these films fully replace the magic of Good Will Hunting. There’s only one Will, one Sean, one Southie charm and one heartbreak in that basement bar. But these come pretty darn close to giving you the same fix. After watching them, you might still fire up Good Will Hunting again just to feel that unique spark. And hey, that’s okay – sometimes you need an original tune as your comfort food. These ten films will hopefully keep you warm and thinking until you’re ready for another rewatch of the real thing.

Conclusion

If you’re hunting (pun intended) for movies like Good Will Hunting, this list will keep your heart full and your brain buzzing. Each film here has enough smart-aleck genius, tough-love moments, and soulful payoffs to satisfy that craving. Just keep a box of tissues and a cup of coffee nearby – you’ll need them. Happy watching, and remember: sometimes the best way to honor GWH is to laugh, cry, and learn a little something about yourself along the way.