Lost Horizon

Year: 1937

Runtime: 132 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Capra

AdventureFantasyDramaRomance

British diplomat Robert Conway and a handful of civilians survive a crash in the Himalayas and are taken in by the secret, tranquil valley of Shangri‑La. Isolated by surrounding peaks, the utopian community shields them from the looming turmoil of World II, offering Conway a tempting refuge from the weariness of his world.

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Timeline & Setting – Lost Horizon (1937)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lost Horizon (1937). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Baskul, Shangri-La (Karakal valley), Tibet, Chung-Kiang (Chongqing), Berlin

The narrative crosses remote British Raj outposts and a hidden Himalayan valley. Baskul in India serves as the evacuation flashpoint before the hijack. Shangri-La sits high in the Karakal mountains, a secluded refuge where modern comforts blend with mysticism. The frame story even touches Berlin's Tempelhof, hinting at a bridge between worlds and times.

🗺️ Travel 🏔️ Mountainous 🕰️ Historical

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:37

Main Characters – Lost Horizon (1937)

Meet the key characters of Lost Horizon (1937), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:37

Major Themes – Lost Horizon (1937)

Explore the central themes of Lost Horizon (1937), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:37

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Movies about lost utopian dreams like Lost Horizon

Characters discover a perfect world, only to face the painful choice of leaving it behind.If you liked the melancholic discovery of Shangri-La in Lost Horizon, explore more movies about utopian societies and the bittersweet choice to leave paradise. These films, blending fantasy and drama, capture the serene yet painful journey of finding a perfect world only to grapple with the cost of staying.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically involves a weary protagonist discovering a hidden, idyllic community that offers escape from their troubled life. The story unfolds slowly, focusing on their immersion into this new world and the philosophical dilemmas it presents. The climax is often an internal one—a choice between the safety of the utopia and a return to reality, resulting in a poignant, bittersweet ending.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on the utopian ideal as both a sanctuary and a trap. They share a melancholic tone, slow, contemplative pacing, and a medium emotional weight centered on sacrifice and the meaning of a 'good life.' The central question of 'obligation vs. desire' binds them together.

Spiritual quest movies with a reflective mood like Lost Horizon

World-weary souls embark on a slow, atmospheric pilgrimage to find inner peace.For viewers who enjoyed the reflective and serene mood of Lost Horizon's journey to Shangri-La, this collection features similar spiritual quest narratives. These movies are slow-paced dramas and adventures where characters seek meaning in isolated, mysterious locales, resulting in a contemplative and bittersweet viewing experience.

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Narrative Summary

Stories begin with a character defined by world-weariness or a personal crisis. Their physical journey to a remote, often sacred or mythical location mirrors their internal quest for meaning. The plot is driven by discovery and contemplation rather than traditional conflict, building towards a resolution that redefines the character's understanding of peace, time, or purpose.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe: a low-intensity, slow-paced, and melancholic atmosphere. They are connected by their central theme of a spiritual search, the use of a majestic and isolating setting as a character itself, and a narrative that prioritizes mood and philosophical inquiry over fast-paced plot.

Unlock the Full Story of Lost Horizon

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lost Horizon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Lost Horizon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lost Horizon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lost Horizon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Lost Horizon Timeline

Track the full timeline of Lost Horizon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Lost Horizon Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Lost Horizon that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Lost Horizon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lost Horizon: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Lost Horizon that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.