Best movies like Refuge
Last updated March 2024
Looking for movies similar to Refuge? Impart your familiarity to navigate others toward movies and tv series you've already seen that may also captivate them. Help increase the assembly of people bringing up videos amongst one another. We welcome your contribution!
Plot Summary:
The shimmering New Mexico sun bleaches the earth and reflects off towering thunderheads. From inside an RV nestled among the desert brush just off a barely-paved road, the middle-of-nowhere silence is broken by one quick and alarming gunshot. Nothing moves. Moments later, out of the waves of a heat mirage emerges a leather clad Darryl Tripp, high school English teacher, astride a screaming motorcycle. His mission is to toss his just completed first novel to the four winds, an act of self-loathing and despair. As he stops and pulls the novel out of his satchel, his motorcycle sputters and dies, out of fuel. He stands high on his cycle and spies the lone RV, a hope of help. He rolls his motorcycle to the RV, knocks, gets no answer. He opens the unlocked door, steps inside, taking shelter. As he finishes a phone call with his fiancée, deputy district attorney Helen Kaufman, promising to be on time for their engagement party that evening, Amelia Philips, hospice nurse and RV owner,.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 160
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: humorous, semi serious, captivating, atmospheric, independent film, touching, offbeat, realistic
Best tv shows and movies like Refuge (2010):
Similar in 77%
Kill Your Darlings (2006)
Plot Summary:
A desperate young writer is lured on a wild ride through the desert by a mysterious woman in this darkly comic take on the all-American road trip. Along the way they cross paths with a hapless mobster, a 6 foot transvestite and a lovesick housewife, all on the way to their celebrity TV shrink in Las Vegas... Things quickly spiral out of control into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game... a writer's frantic search for inspiration becomes intertwined with a motley crew of quirky characters seeking love and adventure at any cost.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 930
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: Sweden, USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: road movie, psychological, semi serious, humorous, realistic, independent film, offbeat, cynical, biting, suspense
Similar in 86%
Revenge for Jolly! (2012)
Plot Summary:
Harry (Brian Petsos) is having a very, very bad day. He returns home from an all-night drinking binge with his cousin Cecil (Oscar Issac), to discover that his little dog Jolly...Harry's one true love and the source of light in his dark, solitary life-has been murdered. Brokenhearted and beyond consolation, he vows to track down the dog's murderer at any cost. Armed with a stockpile of firepower in the trunk of his car, he and Cecil embark on a frenzied, alcohol-fueled wild-goose chase, leaving a bloody path of destruction in their wake.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 81 min
Plot tags: humorous, tense, psychological, captivating, road movie, offbeat, realistic, semi serious, independent film, ambiguous ending
Similar in 75%
The Redemption of a Dog (2012)
Plot Summary:
Will Austin is not only a successful executive, but an equally successful ladies man who sees nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of his labor. But everything changes when he finds out the father he grew up idolizing was instead a man of abuse and deception.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 98
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, semi serious, suspense, independent film
Similar in 90%
Lucky Them (2013)
Plot Summary:
More interested in partying and flirting with young musicians than work, veteran rock journalist Ellie Klug has one last chance to prove her value to her magazine’s editor: a no-stone-unturned search to discover what really happened to long lost rock god, Matt Smith, who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend. Teaming up with an eccentric amateur documentary filmmaker, Ellie hits the road in search of answers.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: touching, realistic, independent film, feel good, captivating, light, cult classic, profound, humorous, semi serious
Similar in 87%
Passenger Side (2009)
Plot Summary:
Two brothers spend the day driving around Los Angeles county looking for the meaning of their lives, or cheap street drugs, depending on who you happen to believe.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 947
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: touching, semi serious, humorous, realistic, witty, mumblecore, offbeat, talky, independent film
Similar in 81%
The Secret Life of Archie's Wife (1990)
Plot Summary:
Bunny, an unhappily married Denver housewife, frustrated and stressed out over her uncommunicative businessman husband Archie as well as planing their daughter's coming wedding, has her life turned upside down one day when she's taken hostage by Walter, a bumbling loser on the run from the law after having robbed a bank in order to pay off money to his loan shark Sebastian and to support his elderly mother. Soon Bunny and Walter form a romantic bond and decide to help each other with their problems in their own ways.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 94
Genere: Comedy, Crime
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 89%
Road to Redemption (2001)
Plot Summary:
A couple come into contact with stolen mob money, gamble it away, and end up on the run from gangsters.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 401
Genere: Action, Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious, independent film, offbeat, christian film
Similar in 78%
Saint John of Las Vegas (2009)
Plot Summary:
An ex-gambler is lured back into the game by a veteran insurance-fraud investigator.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, semi serious, road movie, offbeat, independent film
Similar in 88%
Dream World (2012)
Plot Summary:
Oliver Hayes, an aspiring animator whose confidence is at a low point, meets the captivating and impulsive Lily Blush, who encourages him to drop everything and go with her to Northern California in the hopes of fulfilling his fantasy of working for Pixar Animation Studios. As they travel up the coast, Oliver falls deeply in love but upon making certain startling discoveries he must decide if he wants to face reality or stay in dreamworld.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 255
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: touching, humorous, realistic, captivating, sentimental, offbeat, semi serious, crying, 2d animation
Similar in 84%
Plan B (2001)
Plot Summary:
A bookkeeper who thinks she killed three mobsters is subsequently promoted by her boss to be a hitman. |.
IMDB Rating: 4.4
IMDB Votes: 674
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: USA, Denmark
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, light, captivating, feel good, independent film, semi serious
Similar in 88%
A Girl, Three Guys, and a Gun (2000)
Plot Summary:
Three smalltown friends looking to leave their troubles behind come up with a robbery scheme to fund their trip to the big city. But as their plan goes awry and the authorities become involved, they are left with no other alternative but to take hostage a pair of traveling young lovebirds, with no shortage of problems of their own.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 263
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: humorous, captivating, semi serious, independent film, cult film
Similar in 78%
The Talent Given Us (2004)
Plot Summary:
A retired New York City couple drive across country to reconnect with their reclusive son, joined by their two unmarried daughters.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 463
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: touching, humorous, realistic, witty, semi serious, clever, offbeat, independent film
Similar in 81%
Trust (1990)
Plot Summary:
After being thrown away from home, pregnant high school dropout Maria meets Matthew, a highly educated and extremely moody electronics repairman. The two begin an unusual romance built on their sense of mutual admiration and trust.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: independent film, dark comedy, surreal, cult classic, clever, humorous, realistic, witty, talky, retro
Similar in 89%
Josh and S.A.M. (1993)
Plot Summary:
Josh and Sam are two brothers facing change, their mother is about to marry a French accountant and the kids are sent to go live with their father in Florida. Meanwhile Josh tells Sam that he is a "S.A.M." that is going to be sent to Africa to fight in a war and that Canada is a safe haven for any S.A.M. unwilling to fight. The cross-country journey begins when the 2 boys think they killed a drunk and steal his car en route to Canada where they encounter The Liberty Maid. Will Josh & S.A.M. make it to Canada or will they wish they should have never left home.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: touching, humorous, semi serious, realistic, exciting, light, melancholic, suspenseful, tense, road movie
Similar in 75%
The Last Run (2004)
Plot Summary:
When a young accountant is devastated after discovering his inspiringly beautiful girlfriend is cheating on him, his best friend, who's engaged to a girl he doesn't love, convinces him to go on a "run" and sleep with as many women as he can to get over his heart break.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: humorous, semi serious, captivating, sexy, offbeat, realistic, sex comedy
Similar in 83%
Beeswax (2009)
Plot Summary:
A marvelous new film from Andrew Bujalski, one of the brightest stars in indie film, Beeswax revolves around the personal and professional entanglements of twin sisters Jeannie and Lauren – played by extraordinary newcomers Tilly and Maggie Hatcher – living in Austin, Texas. Jeannie co-owns a vintage clothing store with Amanda, a semi-estranged friend who she fears is trying to end their partnership. Lauren leads a looser, less tethered existence and is considering getting out of the country altogether. When Jeannie receives an email from Amanda threatening a lawsuit, she calls her law student ex-boyfriend Merrill for help. Eager for distraction from his own problems, he begins helping the sisters with theirs. Imbued with an innate charm, Beeswax is a story about families, friends, lovers and those awkward moments that bring all of them together.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 875
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: mumblecore, humorous, semi serious, captivating, psychological, sentimental, sincere, touching, realistic, witty
Similar in 83%
The Ape (2005)
Plot Summary:
A young writer, nearing a mental breakdown caused by his family and boss, moves into an apartment occupied by a walking, talking, foul-mouthed ape in a Hawaiian shirt and Converse High Tops.
IMDB Rating: 4.3
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: humorous, semi serious, realistic, captivating, tense, offbeat, cynical, biting, exciting, suspense
Similar in 77%
Doors of Glory (2001)
Plot Summary:
A young man joins a team of experimented door-to-door salesmen, who teach him how to sell an expensive encyclopedia to modest homes that have no use for it.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 835
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: France
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, semi serious, captivating, clever, offbeat, talky
Similar in 88%
Little Cigars (1973)
Plot Summary:
A gangster's former mistress hooks up with a troupe of circus midgets who, as a sideline, rob banks and casinos.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 264
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: grindhouse, independent film, rough, offbeat, humorous, realistic, suspenseful, semi serious
Similar in 79%
Jackie (2012)
Plot Summary:
Dutch twin sisters travel to America to look for their long-lost mother.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: Netherlands
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: road movie, humorous, sincere, touching, light, captivating, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 88%
The Open Road (2009)
Plot Summary:
Minor leaguer Carlton Garret takes an unexpected road trip to track down his estranged father, legendary baseball player Kyle Garret when Carlton’s mother becomes sick. Once reunited, Carlton struggles to deal with the series of misadventures caused by his father’s antics. Attempts at bonding come to a head as the mismatched duo make their way from Ohio back home to Houston to reunite the family.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: road movie, feel good, semi serious, humorous, realistic, touching, independent film
Similar in 88%
Finding Joy (2013)
Plot Summary:
Pompous and self-absorbed Kyle, is unhappily stuck in his life, longing to relive the success of his first novel. His not-so-desirable life rapidly unravels forcing him to return home to his wildly eccentric family with his tail between his legs. Life at home begins to show signs of improvement when Kyle meets the spunky, vivacious girl across the street who recruits Kyle to help her make the world a better place, making him feel alive for the first time in ages and inspiring his writing. But its short-lived. Joys been told shes going to die soon and wants Kyle to write her obituary.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 426
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, realistic, touching, emotional, semi serious, offbeat
Similar in 81%
The Big Ask (2013)
Plot Summary:
The Big Ask is a dark comedy about three couples who head to the desert to help their friend heal after the death of his mother. They would do anything for him - except for the one thing he wants.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 679
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: humorous, semi serious, psychological, captivating, realistic, independent film
Similar in 90%
Mind the Gap (2004)
Plot Summary:
Five seemingly unrelated people decide to take huge risks in their personal lives in an effort to find happiness.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 997
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: humorous, talky, semi serious, captivating, sincere, sentimental, clever, touching, offbeat, realistic
Similar in 82%
All Relative (2014)
Plot Summary:
Things couldn't be going better for Harry and Grace, a young New York City couple in love, until Grace's mother turns Harry's world upside down.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: tense, touching, humorous, semi serious, realistic, witty, romantic, romantic comedy, independent film
Similar in 77%
Bigger Than the Sky (2005)
Plot Summary:
After being dumped by his girlfriend, a man stuck in a deadend life decides to audition for a small role in a local community theatre's production of Cyrano de Bergerac. Despite having no experience as an actor, he lands the lead role, which wreaks havoc upon his life.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, humorous, semi serious, spiritual, clever, realistic, talky, independent film
Similar in 80%
The Year of Getting to Know Us (2008)
Plot Summary:
A commitment-phobic man reunites with his estranged, ailing father and comes to terms with his own childhood.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: touching, humorous, realistic, semi serious, offbeat, independent film
Similar in 76%
Heartlands (2002)
Plot Summary:
Gentle Colin 'Col' Lawes happily lead a quiet life, running a news agency with his soiled-rotten wife Sandra and playing competition darts in the Atletic Arms team. Colin catches her committing adultery with team captain Geoff, a cop, who pretends Colin abused her. Col is thrown off the team just after it qualified for the league finals in Blackpool. He decides to travel there alone, hoping to win her back. The adventurous journey feels like the start of a more playful life.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: touching, humorous, semi serious, sentimental, funny, light, captivating, entertaining, road movie, feel good
Similar in 80%
Watching TV with the Red Chinese (2012)
Plot Summary:
In New York City in 1980, Dexter Mitchell plays half-willing big brother to his neighbors, a trio of exchange students from the People's Republic of China.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 112
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: touching, humorous, realistic, semi serious, offbeat, non-linear, independent film
Similar in 86%
Road, Movie (2009)
Plot Summary:
VISHNU, a restless young man, itches to escape his father's faltering hair oil business. An old truck beckons, which Vishnu sees as his ticket to freedom. He offers to drive the antique Chevy across the desert to the sea, where it has been sold to a local museum. As he sets off across the harsh terrain, he discovers he's not merely transporting a battered vehicle, but an old touring cinema. Along the way, Vishnu reluctantly picks up a young runaway, a wandering old entertainer, and a striking gypsy woman. Together they roam the barren land, searching for water and an elusive fair. The journey turns dire when they are waylaid by corrupt cops and a notorious warlord. The key to their freedom is the eccentric collection of films and the two forty-year-old film projectors in the back of the truck. As in 1001 Nights, if the films are good, they live and move on.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: India, USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: road movie, atmospheric, sentimental, sincere, feel good, offbeat, touching, humorous, realistic, semi serious