100+ Movies like Pretty Woman
Frank & Lola
Both "Pretty Woman" and "Frank & Lola" explore the relationship between a man from a privileged background and a woman from a more troubled, working-class life. In "Pretty Woman", Edward is a wealthy businessman who hires Vivian, a prostitute, as an escort. Similarly, in "Frank & Lola", Frank, a chef, falls in love with Lola, a woman with a dark past involving a wealthy, abusive man named Alan. The movies follow the development of these unconventional relationships, with the men initially viewing the women through the lens of their professions or backgrounds, but gradually developing deeper feelings and connections. Both Vivian and Lola undergo transformations, with Vivian learning etiquette and Lola pursuing a career in fashion design. The plots also involve conflicts related to the women's pasts, with Edward's lawyer Philip propositioning Vivian, and Frank seeking revenge on Alan for raping Lola. The movies explore themes of class divides, redemption, and the ability of love to transcend societal barriers. Ultimately, both films culminate in the men making grand gestures to "rescue" the women from their circumstances, with Edward climbing the fire escape to Vivian's apartment, and Frank confronting Alan to protect Lola. The endings leave the status of the relationships ambiguous but hopeful.
The Last Time
Both "The Last Time" and "Pretty Woman" follow a similar plot structure where a successful, wealthy businessman enters into a relationship with a person from a lower social class - a prostitute in Pretty Woman and a corporate spy posing as a fiancée in The Last Time. The relationships start as transactional but develop deeper emotional connections, leading the businessmen to re-evaluate their priorities and lifestyles. The women serve as catalysts for the men's personal growth and transformation. There are parallels in the themes of class divides, finding purpose beyond material success, and the redemptive power of love. The movies also explore the complexities of relationships built on deception before reaching poignant, romantic conclusions.
I Think I Love My Wife
Both "I Think I Love My Wife" and "Pretty Woman" explore the theme of a wealthy, successful man becoming romantically involved with a woman from a very different social class and background. In "Pretty Woman", Edward, a wealthy businessman, hires Vivian, a prostitute, as an escort. In "I Think I Love My Wife", Richard, a married man, is tempted by Nikki, a seductive woman from his past. The central conflict in both films revolves around the male protagonist's struggle between his attraction to the unconventional woman and his commitment to his existing life and relationships. Both movies depict the transformation of the male lead as he is influenced by the free-spirited, unrestrained nature of the female character. Ultimately, the protagonists must choose between pursuing their desires or preserving their conventional lives, with the endings suggesting a reconciliation and renewed appreciation for their original circumstances.
Spread
Both "Pretty Woman" and "Spread" follow a similar narrative arc of a wealthy, emotionally detached man hiring a sex worker, only to gradually develop genuine feelings and a deeper connection with them. The male protagonists, Edward Lewis and Nikki, initially view their relationships with Vivian Ward and Heather as purely transactional, hiring them for companionship and sex. However, through their interactions, they become emotionally invested and undergo personal transformations, realizing the emptiness of their materialistic lifestyles. The sex workers, Vivian and Heather, challenge the men's preconceptions and help them rediscover their humanity. The stories culminate in the men pursuing the women in a romantic gesture, attempting to "rescue" them from their circumstances, mirroring the "knight in shining armor" fantasy. Both films explore themes of class divides, societal prejudices, and the possibility of love transcending superficial barriers.
One Way
Both "Pretty Woman" and "One Way" feature a central relationship between a successful, wealthy man and a woman from a lower social class. In "Pretty Woman", Edward hires Vivian, a prostitute, as an escort, while in "One Way", Eddie becomes involved with Angelina, his co-worker. The men initially view the women as objects for their own gratification, but their perspectives shift as they develop deeper feelings. The women, in turn, challenge the men's worldviews and prompt them to re-evaluate their priorities. Both films explore themes of class divides, redemption, and the transformative power of love. The climax in each movie involves the man making a grand romantic gesture to "rescue" the woman from her circumstances, mirroring the "knight in shining armor" fantasy.
Shame
Both "Pretty Woman" and "Shame" explore the theme of a wealthy, emotionally detached man forming an unlikely connection with a sex worker. In "Pretty Woman", Edward hires Vivian, a prostitute, to accompany him for a week, and their relationship evolves from a business transaction to a genuine emotional bond. Similarly, in "Shame", Brandon, a sex addict, encounters his sister Sissy, a lounge singer, and their dysfunctional relationship mirrors Edward and Vivian's initial dynamic. Both films depict the protagonists' personal growth and transformation through their interactions with the sex workers, challenging societal norms and preconceptions. The central characters confront their emotional vulnerabilities and reevaluate their priorities, with the sex workers serving as catalysts for self-discovery and redemption.
Good Deeds
"Good Deeds" follows a similar plot structure to "Pretty Woman" where a wealthy, privileged man meets and develops an unlikely relationship with a struggling woman from a lower socioeconomic background. In both films, the man initially hires the woman for a transactional arrangement but grows to genuinely care for her, leading to a transformation in his perspective and priorities. The woman, in turn, helps the man become more grounded and in touch with his humanity. Despite class differences and opposition from others, their bond deepens into a romantic connection. Ultimately, the man chooses to leave his former life behind to pursue a future with the woman, symbolizing a "rescue" from their respective unfulfilling circumstances. The core themes of class divides, personal growth, and the redemptive power of love parallel each other in these two stories.
W.E.
Both "Pretty Woman" and "W.E." explore the theme of an unconventional romantic relationship between a wealthy, powerful man and a woman from a lower social class. In "Pretty Woman", Edward, a corporate raider, hires Vivian, a prostitute, as an escort. Similarly, in "W.E.", Edward VIII, the King of England, falls in love with Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. Both films depict the societal barriers and prejudices the couples face due to their class differences, as well as the personal transformations the men undergo through their relationships. The movies parallel each other in portraying the women as catalysts for the men to re-evaluate their priorities and values, leading to pivotal life decisions. Additionally, both films incorporate elements of fantasy and escapism, with the women envisioning a "knight in shining armor" rescuing them from their circumstances.
Viva
"Viva" parallels "Pretty Woman" in its central premise of a woman entering the world of escorting or prostitution, only to find an unexpected romantic connection with a wealthy man. Both Barbi/Viva and Vivian are working-class women who turn to sex work, where they meet and form relationships with affluent men (Rick and Edward). The movies explore themes of class divides, societal judgments, and the possibility of transcending backgrounds through love. The protagonists undergo personal transformations, gaining confidence and self-worth through their experiences. Ultimately, the wealthy men choose to embrace the women for who they are rather than objectifying them, leading to a romantic conclusion where societal barriers are overcome.
Fair Play
Both "Fair Play" and "Pretty Woman" center around a romantic relationship between a wealthy, powerful individual and someone from a lower social class. In "Pretty Woman", Edward, a wealthy businessman, hires Vivian, a prostitute, as an escort. In "Fair Play", Emily, a hedge fund analyst, is in a secret relationship with her coworker Luke. The movies explore the power dynamics and class differences within these relationships. The protagonists undergo personal transformations through their relationships. Vivian gains confidence and refinement under Edward's guidance, while Emily becomes more ruthless and ambitious in her career. Both movies depict the protagonists' struggles to reconcile their newfound success with their values and relationships. The movies also touch on themes of exploitation and the objectification of women. In "Pretty Woman", Vivian is initially treated as a commodity by Edward. In "Fair Play", Emily faces misogyny and sexual harassment in the workplace, culminating in Luke's assault. The movies confront these issues through the protagonists' journeys of empowerment and self-discovery.