100+ Movies like Lolita
The Vanishing of Sidney Hall
Both "Lolita" and "The Vanishing of Sidney Hall" explore the theme of an older man's inappropriate sexual attraction and relationship with a young girl. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert pursues a romantic and sexual relationship with his 14-year-old stepdaughter Dolores, while in "The Vanishing of Sidney Hall", the protagonist Sidney Hall writes a controversial novel inspired by his discovery of a tape showing a judge having sex with an underage girl. The movies also share similarities in their non-linear storytelling, depicting the protagonists' lives through flashbacks and flash-forwards across different time periods. Both protagonists face consequences and societal backlash for their actions, with Humbert being arrested and Sidney becoming a recluse. The movies delve into the psychological complexities and moral ambiguities surrounding their central themes.
The Holdovers
Both "Lolita" and "The Holdovers" explore the complex relationship between an older man and a younger person, with underlying themes of forbidden desire and power dynamics. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert is obsessed with the adolescent Dolores "Lolita" Haze, while in "The Holdovers", Paul Hunham develops a bond with the teenage student Angus Tully during the holiday break. The stories follow the protagonists as they navigate their inappropriate attractions and the consequences that arise. Both Humbert and Hunham face societal judgment and personal struggles due to their taboo relationships. Additionally, the movies delve into the characters' pasts and how they shape their present situations, with Humbert's lifelong fixation on "nymphets" and Hunham's expulsion from Harvard influencing their respective narratives.
Stoker
Both "Lolita" and "Stoker" explore disturbing themes of sexual obsession and exploitation, with an older male character becoming fixated on a young female relative. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert pursues a sexual relationship with his 14-year-old stepdaughter Dolores (Lolita), while in "Stoker", Charlie develops an incestuous attraction to his 18-year-old niece India after being released from a mental institution. The plots follow the male protagonists' twisted desires and the manipulation and grooming of the young girls, leading to tragic consequences. Both films delve into the dark psyche of the predatory men and the complex dynamics of power, control, and victimization within these dysfunctional family relationships. The narratives also explore themes of violence, murder, and the characters' descent into depravity as their obsessions spiral out of control.
Lizzie
Both "Lolita" and "Lizzie" explore taboo and forbidden relationships. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert pursues a sexual relationship with his 14-year-old stepdaughter Dolores (Lolita), while in "Lizzie", the title character and her servant Bridget engage in a romantic and sexual affair. The movies parallel each other in depicting the protagonists' obsessive desires that lead them to commit heinous acts - Humbert marries Charlotte solely to be near Lolita, while Lizzie and Bridget murder Lizzie's father and stepmother to eliminate obstacles to their relationship. Both films portray the societal condemnation and ostracization faced by the central characters due to the unacceptable nature of their relationships. Ultimately, the protagonists' illicit passions result in tragic consequences for all involved.
Jolene
Both "Lolita" and "Jolene" center around the sexual exploitation of young girls by older men. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert pursues a sexual relationship with his 14-year-old stepdaughter Dolores (Lolita). Similarly, in "Jolene", the 15-year-old title character is sexually abused by her uncle Phil and later enters into relationships with various older men, including a mobster. The stories follow the girls being taken advantage of and moved around by these predatory men. Both Lolita and Jolene are portrayed as precocious and mature beyond their years, yet still vulnerable victims. The narratives explore the lasting trauma and consequences of child sexual abuse.
Beat
Both "Lolita" and "Beat" explore themes of obsession, exploitation, and the corruption of innocence. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert is obsessed with the young Dolores "Lolita" Haze, pursuing a sexual relationship with her. Similarly, in "Beat", the character of David Kammerer is obsessed with Lucien Carr, making unwanted sexual advances. Both movies depict the exploitation of young people by older, predatory figures. The movies also parallel each other in their portrayals of dysfunctional relationships and the consequences of obsession. In "Lolita", Humbert's obsession with Lolita leads to the death of her mother and Humbert's eventual imprisonment. In "Beat", Joan Vollmer is trapped in an unhappy marriage with William S. Burroughs, who carries on an affair, mirroring Humbert's exploitation of Lolita. Joan's rejection of Lucien Carr's advances leads to her accidental death at the hands of Burroughs. Both films explore the darker aspects of human desire and the destructive power of obsession, with the corruption of innocence being a central theme. The characters' pursuit of their desires, whether sexual or otherwise, leads to tragic consequences and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Wild Nights with Emily
Both "Lolita" and "Wild Nights with Emily" explore forbidden romantic relationships that are concealed from society. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert pursues a sexual relationship with his 14-year-old stepdaughter Dolores (Lolita), which they must hide from the world by presenting themselves as a father and daughter. Similarly, in "Wild Nights with Emily", Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert engage in a romantic lesbian relationship that they keep secret from others. The films parallel each other in depicting the struggles of maintaining these illicit relationships, the societal pressures to conform, and the lengths the characters go to in order to be together. Both stories also involve love triangles, with Humbert competing with Clare Quilty for Lolita's affections, and Emily becoming jealous when Susan marries her brother Austin as a cover. Ultimately, the films explore themes of desire, repression, and the consequences of defying societal norms.
The United States of Leland
Both "Lolita" and "The United States of Leland" explore the theme of an older man's inappropriate and illegal sexual attraction to a young person. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert is obsessed with the 14-year-old Dolores "Lolita" Haze and pursues a sexual relationship with her. Similarly, in "The United States of Leland", the protagonist Leland develops an inappropriate relationship with Mrs. Calderon, an older woman he meets while visiting his father. The movies also parallel each other in depicting the consequences of these illicit relationships, with Humbert being arrested and Leland committing murder. Both films delve into the psychological complexities and motivations behind the characters' disturbing actions.
The Paperboy
Both "Lolita" and "The Paperboy" explore the theme of an older man's sexual obsession with a younger woman, leading to disturbing and destructive consequences. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert pursues a sexual relationship with his 14-year-old stepdaughter Dolores (Lolita), while in "The Paperboy", Jack develops an unrequited love for Charlotte, who is infatuated with a convicted murderer. The relationships are portrayed as inappropriate and damaging, with the older men's desires driving them to unethical and criminal acts. The plots follow the men's obsessive pursuit of the young women, culminating in tragic outcomes involving death and loss of innocence. The movies delve into themes of exploitation, power dynamics, and the corrupting nature of unchecked desires.
On the Road
Both "Lolita" and "On the Road" center around a young, impressionable girl who becomes sexually involved with an older man. In "Lolita", Humbert Humbert pursues a romantic and sexual relationship with his 14-year-old stepdaughter Dolores (Lolita). Similarly, in "On the Road", Dean Moriarty has an affair with his 16-year-old wife Marylou. The stories parallel each other in depicting the exploitation of underage girls by older male figures. The narratives also follow the travels and journeys of the central characters across America, with Humbert and Lolita traveling the country and staying in motels, while Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty embark on a road trip crisscrossing the United States. The road trip serves as a metaphor for freedom and escape from societal constraints in both films. Furthermore, both stories explore themes of sexuality, desire, and the corruption of innocence. The relationships between the older men and young girls are portrayed as taboo and morally questionable, challenging societal norms and conventions. The protagonists must conceal the true nature of their relationships from the outside world, adding tension and conflict to the narratives.