What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Straight Story
David Lynch · Film · 1999
If you loved The Straight Story, start with Upright (Matthew Saville, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Straight Story across media.
If you loved The Straight Story, you likely appreciate how a slow, deliberate journey can reveal the profound depths of human connection.
Books on the same thread
The Wright Brothers
David McCullough · Book · 2015
Shares a thread with The Straight Story: Perseverance.
Like the protagonist of The Straight Story, the Wright brothers demonstrate that a singular, focused vision and quiet perseverance can overcome immense obstacles to bridge the gap between people.
Lonesome Dove
Larry McMurtry · Book · 1988
Explores: Cattle Drive, American West, Frontier Life.
This epic journey mirrors the pacing of The Straight Story, focusing on the endurance of the human spirit as men navigate the vast American landscape to reach their destination.
The Road
Cormac McCarthy · Book · 2007
Explores: Parent-child bond, Moral ambiguity, Existential dread.
While darker in tone than The Straight Story, this narrative shares the central focus on a difficult, stripped-down trek through a harsh landscape to preserve a vital human bond.
The Stranger (L'Étranger)
Albert Camus · Book · 1942
Explores: Absurdity of Life, Alienation, Indifference.
Where The Straight Story finds moral clarity in a simple mission, this work examines the unsettling indifference of the world, providing a stark philosophical counterpoint to Alvin Straight's journey.
Series on the same thread
Lonesome Dove
Series · 1989
Shares a thread with The Straight Story: Redemption.
This tale of aging men seeking one final meaningful adventure captures the same sense of nostalgia and dedication to a life-defining trek found throughout The Straight Story.
Twin Peaks
Mark Frost · Series · 1990
Explores: Small Town Secrets, Doppelgangers, Good vs Evil.
Both this series and The Straight Story highlight the distinct directorial vision of David Lynch, specifically his ability to uncover the hidden complexities buried within quiet, small-town American settings.
Upright
Matthew Saville · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with The Straight Story: Redemption.
This road trip captures the same spirit of reconciliation and unexpected companionship that anchors The Straight Story, proving that the most transformative journeys are often the most unconventional ones.
Little House on the Prairie
Ed Friendly · Series · 1974
Shares a thread with The Straight Story: Rural Life.
The emphasis on rural life and the quiet dignity found in overcoming adversity reflects the grounded, heartfelt storytelling that makes The Straight Story such a resonant and enduring experience.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
The focus on the complexities of rural life and intergenerational relationships mirrors the slow-burn emotional stakes that define the character-driven narrative of The Straight Story.
S-Town
Serial Productions · Podcast · 2024
Explores: small-town isolation, eccentricity, social decay.
This deep dive into a man's life in a remote town captures the same fascination with eccentric, isolated characters that gives The Straight Story its unique, humanistic perspective.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Straight Story based on a true journey?
The Straight Story follows the true account of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who travels from Iowa to Wisconsin on a lawnmower. He undertakes this unconventional journey to reconcile with his estranged brother, Lyle, after learning that his sibling suffered a stroke and may not recover from the health crisis.
Why does Alvin travel on a lawnmower in The Straight Story?
In The Straight Story, Alvin Straight lacks a driver's license and does not own a car. To reach his brother in Wisconsin while living in Iowa, he decides that his old lawnmower is the only available vehicle for his long-distance journey to make amends.
What is the primary motivation for the protagonist in The Straight Story?
The central motivation in The Straight Story is the protagonist's desire to reconcile with his brother, Lyle. After hearing that his distant sibling has suffered a stroke, Alvin is determined to make things right between them before it is too late for a final reunion.
How does Alvin get to Wisconsin in The Straight Story?
Alvin Straight travels from Iowa to Wisconsin by riding his old lawnmower. He chooses this method of transportation in The Straight Story because he is a retired farmer and widower who has no access to a car or a valid driver's license to complete the trip.