100+ Movies like Little Women
To Walk Invisible
Both "Little Women" and "To Walk Invisible" follow the lives and literary pursuits of a group of sisters in the 19th century. The sisters face financial struggles and must rely on their writing talents to support themselves. In both films, the sisters collaborate to publish their works under pseudonyms due to gender discrimination. A central conflict revolves around one of the sisters' romantic interests, which threatens their close bond. Tragedy strikes when a beloved family member falls ill and eventually passes away. Despite adversity, the sisters achieve success and acclaim for their published writings, securing their financial independence and leaving a lasting literary legacy.
The Wife
Both "The Wife" and "Little Women" explore the struggles and societal constraints faced by talented female writers in a male-dominated literary world. In "The Wife", Joan Castleman ghostwrites her husband Joseph's acclaimed novels due to the lack of opportunities for women authors, mirroring how Jo March in "Little Women" must fight to get her writing published under her own name. The two films depict the sacrifices these women make to support the ambitions of the men in their lives, while their own talents and identities are suppressed. Both Jo and Joan find fulfillment in teaching and nurturing the next generation of writers. The films also examine the complex dynamics within families, sisterhood, and marriage, as well as the pursuit of artistic expression and independence in a patriarchal society.
Pride and Prejudice
Both "Little Women" and "Pride and Prejudice" follow the lives and romantic pursuits of a group of sisters from a modest family. The central characters, Jo March and Elizabeth Bennet, are strong-willed, independent women who initially reject the idea of marriage to focus on their ambitions of writing and education, respectively. They have strained relationships with wealthy, arrogant men (Friedrich Bhaer and Will Darcy) who eventually become their love interests after overcoming misunderstandings. The stories explore themes of family, love, societal expectations, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Key plot points include a sister falling ill, a rejected marriage proposal, and a journey or trip that leads to a romantic reconciliation. Both films depict the sisters' eventual marriages and futures, with the central characters finding fulfillment in their careers and relationships.
Little Women
The "Little Women" is a modern retelling of the classic novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. Both movies follow the lives of the four March sisters - Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg - as they navigate growing up, pursuing their dreams, and facing life's challenges. The core storylines are similar, with Jo aspiring to be a writer, Beth's illness and eventual death, Amy's artistic pursuits and marriage to Laurie, and Meg's struggles with finances and marriage. The movies parallel each other in the overall themes of family, love, loss, and the pursuit of one's passions. While the settings differ, the essence of the sisters' journeys and relationships remain intact across both adaptations.
Emily
Both "Little Women" and "Emily" are period dramas centered around the lives and literary ambitions of sisters from creative families. The stories follow the sisters' struggles to pursue their passions for writing and art while navigating societal expectations, family dynamics, and romantic relationships. Key parallels include: - The protagonists (Jo March and Emily Brontë) are aspiring writers who face criticism and rejection but ultimately achieve success through perseverance. - The sisters' relationships with each other and their family members, including their mothers' guidance and support, are central to the narratives. - Romantic entanglements and proposals from suitors (Laurie for Jo, Weightman for Emily) complicate the protagonists' paths and force them to choose between love and their artistic ambitions. - The stories explore themes of independence, creativity, and finding one's voice in a society with rigid expectations for women.
Wild Nights with Emily
Both "Wild Nights with Emily" and "Little Women" explore the lives and relationships of strong, independent women in the 19th century. The central characters, Emily Dickinson and the March sisters, pursue their passions and ambitions despite societal constraints. Like Jo March's literary aspirations, Emily's poetry is a driving force, and her romantic relationship with Susan mirrors Jo's complex dynamic with Laurie. The films depict the challenges of balancing personal desires with family obligations and social norms. Themes of sisterhood, love, and self-discovery resonate through the parallel narratives of these pioneering women striving to forge their own paths.
Brother and Sister
Both "Little Women" and "Brother and Sister" explore complex family dynamics and sibling relationships. The central conflict in both films revolves around strained bonds between siblings due to misunderstandings, jealousy, and diverging life paths. The stories follow the lives of sisters (the March sisters in "Little Women" and Alice and Louis in "Brother and Sister") as they navigate personal growth, romantic relationships, and their evolving connections with each other over time. Major life events like marriages, career pursuits, and tragic losses shape the characters' journeys and force them to confront long-held resentments and unresolved tensions within the family. Ultimately, both films emphasize the enduring power of familial love and the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness between siblings despite past grievances.
The Vanishing of Sidney Hall
Both "The Vanishing of Sidney Hall" and "Little Women" follow the lives and literary pursuits of aspiring writers from a young age into adulthood. The protagonists, Sidney Hall and Jo March, face challenges in their personal lives and relationships as they strive to have their written works published and gain recognition. The non-linear narrative structure in "Sidney Hall" parallels the flashbacks and time shifts in "Little Women", depicting key moments from different periods that shape the characters' journeys. Familial bonds, romantic entanglements, and mentors who encourage their writing ambitions play pivotal roles in both stories. Ultimately, the films explore the protagonists' struggles to balance their artistic passions with societal expectations and personal sacrifices on the path to literary success.
Jane Eyre
Both "Little Women" and "Jane Eyre" follow the lives and struggles of strong, independent female protagonists in the 19th century. The stories explore themes of family, love, self-discovery, and finding one's place in society. Jane Eyre and Jo March face adversity and societal constraints but remain true to themselves. Both narratives involve romantic relationships that challenge the protagonists' values and force them to make difficult choices. The films depict the protagonists' journeys from childhood to adulthood, navigating poverty, loss, and personal growth. Ultimately, Jane and Jo achieve fulfillment through their writing and establishing educational institutions that empower others.
A Quiet Passion
Both "A Quiet Passion" and "Little Women" explore the lives and struggles of strong-willed women in 19th century America, defying societal norms and expectations. The protagonists, Emily Dickinson and the March sisters, face challenges in pursuing their passions and ambitions, whether in writing, education, or personal relationships. Family dynamics and the loss of loved ones shape their journeys, as they navigate grief, independence, and finding purpose. The films depict the restrictive nature of their era's gender roles and the characters' resilience in carving their own paths. Themes of artistic expression, self-discovery, and the enduring bonds of sisterhood resonate through both narratives.
Albatross
Both "Little Women" and "Albatross" explore the lives and relationships of young women coming of age, with a focus on their literary aspirations and struggles. The central characters, Jo March in "Little Women" and Emelia Conan Doyle in "Albatross", are aspiring writers who face challenges in pursuing their dreams and finding their voices. They form close bonds with other young women, such as Jo's sisters and Emelia's friendship with Beth, which shape their journeys. The stories also involve romantic entanglements, with Jo and Emelia engaging in affairs with older men (Friedrich Bhaer and Jonathan Fischer, respectively) who initially critique their writing. Ultimately, both films depict the protagonists overcoming obstacles and finding success in their literary pursuits, with Jo publishing her novel "Little Women" and Emelia completing her novel "Albatross". The themes of family, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic ambitions amidst societal constraints resonate throughout both narratives.
Miss Potter
Both "Little Women" and "Miss Potter" follow the lives and pursuits of independent, creative young women in the late 19th/early 20th century who defy societal expectations to pursue their passions for writing and art. The protagonists, Jo March and Beatrix Potter, face opposition from their families who disapprove of their unconventional career ambitions. However, through perseverance and talent, they achieve success in publishing their stories and illustrations. The films explore themes of female empowerment, following one's dreams despite obstacles, and the importance of family bonds. Both Jo and Beatrix find fulfillment in their creative work while navigating complex romantic relationships and societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles.
The Hours
Both "The Hours" and "Little Women" explore the lives and struggles of women across different time periods, with parallel storylines and themes. Like the March sisters in "Little Women", the three protagonists in "The Hours" - Virginia Woolf, Laura Brown, and Clarissa Vaughan - grapple with societal expectations, personal desires, and finding meaning in their lives. Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway", which Laura reads and Clarissa is named after, serves as a connecting thread between the narratives, much like Jo's writing in "Little Women". Both films delve into the complexities of family relationships, mental health challenges, and the sacrifices women make. The stories culminate in pivotal moments of self-realization and acceptance, with characters choosing life and embracing their identities, mirroring Jo's journey as a writer and the March sisters' growth.
Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning
Both "Little Women" and "Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning" follow the lives of strong, imaginative young women who overcome adversity and hardship through their resilience and determination. The stories explore themes of family, personal growth, and finding one's place in the world. In "Little Women", the March sisters navigate poverty, illness, and the absence of their father during the Civil War, while in "Anne of Green Gables", Anne is an orphan searching for her identity and birth family. Both protagonists, Jo March and Anne Shirley, are aspiring writers who use their creativity and storytelling abilities to cope with challenges. The movies parallel each other in depicting the protagonists' journeys of self-discovery, the importance of strong family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams despite societal constraints.
Emma.
Both "Little Women" and "Emma." are period dramas set in the 19th century that follow the lives and romantic entanglements of young women from wealthy families. The protagonists, Jo March and Emma Woodhouse, are strong-willed and independent, often meddling in the romantic affairs of those around them. They have close relationships with their sisters/friends and struggle with societal expectations of marriage. Key plot points involve rejecting marriage proposals from close friends, Laurie and Mr. Knightley, before eventually realizing their true feelings. The stories explore themes of love, family, self-discovery, and finding one's place in society. Both films depict the social dynamics and courtship rituals of their respective eras through elaborate balls and gatherings.
The Beguiled
Both "The Beguiled" and "Little Women" are period dramas set during the American Civil War era, exploring the lives and relationships of women in a male-dominated society. The central characters are groups of women and girls who form close-knit communities and navigate challenges together. A key similarity is the introduction of a male outsider who disrupts the dynamics and captures the affections of the female characters, leading to jealousy and conflict. The stories also parallel in depicting the women's resilience, strength, and determination to forge their own paths despite societal constraints. Themes of sisterhood, independence, and the complexities of love and desire are prevalent in both films.
The Help
Both "Little Women" and "The Help" explore the lives and struggles of women in different eras, with a focus on strong female characters overcoming societal constraints. The stories follow groups of close friends/sisters navigating relationships, personal growth, and finding their voices in a male-dominated society. Key themes include the importance of family, the pursuit of dreams and ambitions, and challenging unjust social norms. The protagonists in both films - Jo March and Skeeter Phelan - are aspiring writers who defy expectations and use their writing to give voice to the marginalized. Significant plot points involve the protagonists' relationships with their mothers, romantic interests, and the impact of their writing on their communities. Ultimately, the films celebrate the resilience, courage, and bonds between women in the face of adversity.
Fathers and Daughters
Both "Little Women" and "Fathers and Daughters" explore the themes of family bonds, loss, and the struggles of growing up. The central characters in both films are young women navigating relationships and finding their paths in life after the death of a parent. In "Little Women", the March sisters deal with the absence of their father during the Civil War and the eventual loss of their sister Beth. Similarly, in "Fathers and Daughters", Katie loses her mother in a tragic accident and must cope with her father's brain damage and eventual death. The films parallel each other in depicting the resilience of the protagonists as they overcome adversity and forge their own identities, with strong familial ties serving as a foundation. The stories also touch on themes of artistic expression, as Jo in "Little Women" pursues writing, while Katie's father Jake is a renowned novelist.
Lizzie
Both "Little Women" and "Lizzie" explore the lives of young women in the late 19th century, navigating societal expectations and family dynamics. The protagonists, Jo March and Lizzie Borden, are strong-willed individuals who challenge traditional gender roles and seek independence. They form close bonds with other women, Jo with her sisters and Lizzie with the servant Bridget, which provide emotional support and a sense of sisterhood. The films depict the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, with the March sisters facing poverty and Lizzie enduring her father's oppressive control. Pivotal events, such as Beth's illness and the Borden murders, shape the characters' journeys and lead to personal growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, both films celebrate the resilience and determination of women in overcoming adversity and pursuing their dreams.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Both "Little Women" and "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." follow the coming-of-age stories of young girls navigating adolescence and growing up. The central characters, Jo March and Margaret Simon, experience pivotal life events and transitions as they mature into young women. Family dynamics, relationships with friends and love interests, and self-discovery are prominent themes explored in both films. The movies depict the challenges of finding one's identity, dealing with societal expectations, and forging one's path in life during formative years. Additionally, both stories touch upon religious and spiritual themes as the protagonists grapple with their beliefs and values.