100+ Movies like Wild Child
Mean Girls
Both "Wild Child" and "Mean Girls" follow a similar narrative arc of a new student joining an elite clique at a prestigious school and initially embracing their cruel behavior, only to later realize the error of their ways and redeem themselves. The protagonists, Poppy and Cady, are outsiders who infiltrate the popular groups led by Regina George and Harriet Bentley, respectively. They engage in malicious pranks and schemes to undermine the "queen bees" and climb the social ladder, betraying their true friends in the process. However, after causing significant damage and facing consequences, they have an epiphany, make amends, and ultimately reject the toxic clique culture, embracing their authentic selves and true friendships. The movies explore themes of peer pressure, bullying, self-discovery, and the dangers of conformity within high school social hierarchies.
Mean Girls
Both "Wild Child" and "Mean Girls" follow a similar narrative arc of a rebellious, privileged teenage girl being sent to a new school environment to reform her behavior. The protagonists, Poppy Moore and Cady Heron, initially clash with the school's social hierarchy and cliques, particularly the popular and wealthy "Plastics" group led by Regina George and Harriet Bentley respectively. Through a series of schemes and pranks, Poppy and Cady infiltrate these cliques to take revenge, but in doing so, they become corrupted by the same toxic behavior they sought to undermine. This leads to a climactic event (a fire at the school and the distribution of the "Burn Book") that forces them to confront their actions and rediscover their true selves. Both films explore themes of friendship, social dynamics, and the pressures of conformity, with the protagonists ultimately rejecting the superficial values of the popular cliques and embracing their authentic identities. The character arcs of Poppy and Cady parallel each other as they undergo transformations from outsiders to insiders and back again, ultimately finding redemption and personal growth through their experiences.
The Bad Seed
Both "Wild Child" and "The Bad Seed" center around young female protagonists who exhibit disturbing and antisocial behavior. In "Wild Child", Poppy is a spoiled and rebellious teenager sent to a boarding school to reform her ways, while in "The Bad Seed", Emma is a seemingly innocent girl who secretly commits horrific acts of violence. The movies follow the protagonists' journeys as they manipulate and deceive those around them, with Poppy pulling pranks to get expelled and Emma murdering her classmate and others. However, while Poppy ultimately has a redemptive arc and finds her place at the school, Emma's psychopathic tendencies only escalate, leading to a tragic conclusion where her father attempts to kill her. The movies explore themes of troubled youth, the consequences of unchecked behavior, and the duality of innocence and evil.
Lost and Delirious
Both "Wild Child" and "Lost and Delirious" are coming-of-age stories set in boarding schools for girls. They explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and forbidden relationships. In "Wild Child", the rebellious Poppy is sent to a strict English boarding school to reform her behavior, while in "Lost and Delirious", Mary is the new student at an all-girls school where she befriends Paulie and Tori, who are secretly in a lesbian relationship. Both films depict the protagonists navigating the complexities of adolescence, peer dynamics, and societal expectations within the confines of a boarding school environment. The central characters undergo transformative journeys, forming close bonds with their peers and confronting personal struggles, including family issues and the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, the films underscore the importance of self-acceptance and the challenges of embracing one's authentic self in the face of societal pressures.
Cracks
Both "Wild Child" and "Cracks" revolve around the dynamics within a strict elite British boarding school for girls. The central characters are new students who disrupt the existing social hierarchy and face hostility from a clique of girls led by a ringleader. This clique idolizes a female authority figure - a teacher in "Cracks" and the headmistress's son in "Wild Child" - whose attention shifts to the new student, fueling jealousy and bullying. The bullying escalates to a violent confrontation that results in the new student's life being endangered. The authority figure's role in this incident is revealed, exposing their moral corruption. In the end, the clique turns against the authority figure, and the protagonist leaves the school, having undergone personal growth.
My Best Friend's Exorcism
Both "My Best Friend's Exorcism" and "Wild Child" center around a close female friendship that is tested and strained by an external force. In "Wild Child", Poppy's rebellious behavior causes a rift with her new roommates, while in "My Best Friend's Exorcism", Gretchen becomes possessed by a demonic entity that turns her against her best friend Abby. The protagonists (Poppy and Abby) must overcome challenges and obstacles to repair their damaged friendships. Both films involve a transformation or redemption arc for the main characters, as Poppy learns to embrace her true self and Gretchen is eventually freed from the demon's control. The climax of each movie revolves around a pivotal event (the fire at the school and the exorcism) that brings resolution to the central conflict. Ultimately, the power of friendship triumphs over adversity in both stories.
The Moth Diaries
Both "The Moth Diaries" and "Wild Child" are coming-of-age stories set in boarding schools, following the journey of a teenage protagonist. In "The Moth Diaries", Rebecca Cantor attends the Brangwyn School, while in "Wild Child", Poppy Moore is sent to Abbey Mount. Both protagonists struggle with personal issues - Rebecca with her father's suicide, and Poppy with her mother's death and rebellious behavior. They face challenges integrating with their peers and encounter a mysterious, disruptive new student - Ernessa Bloch in "The Moth Diaries" and Harriet Bentley in "Wild Child". These new students cause rifts between the protagonists and their friends, leading to isolation. Supernatural elements are present, with Ernessa exhibiting vampire-like qualities and Harriet's malicious actions. The protagonists ultimately overcome adversity, regain their friendships, and find personal growth by the end.
The Princess Diaries
Both "Wild Child" and "The Princess Diaries" follow the story of a teenage girl from a privileged background who undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The protagonists, Poppy Moore and Mia Thermopolis, are initially portrayed as rebellious and socially awkward, struggling to find their place in the world. They are unexpectedly thrust into new environments - a prestigious boarding school and a royal family, respectively - where they must learn to navigate unfamiliar social norms and responsibilities. The movies parallel each other in their depiction of the protagonists' journeys of self-acceptance and embracing their true identities. Poppy and Mia initially resist their new roles but eventually come to terms with their circumstances through the guidance of mentors (Mrs. Kingsley and Queen Clarisse) and the support of newfound friendships. They undergo physical and emotional transformations, gaining confidence and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Both films explore themes of family, friendship, and the challenges of growing up, as the protagonists navigate complex relationships with their parents, peers, and romantic interests. The movies culminate in the protagonists' acceptance of their roles and responsibilities, while also staying true to their authentic selves.
Innocence
Both "Wild Child" and "Innocence" follow the story of a young girl being sent to a strict, isolated boarding school, where she initially struggles to adapt to the unfamiliar environment and rules. At the school, she forms close bonds with her roommates and undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The protagonists in both films rebel against the school's authority figures and face challenges that test their resilience. Ultimately, they find their true selves and gain a newfound appreciation for their circumstances. The films explore themes of friendship, coming-of-age, and the loss of innocence as the girls navigate the complexities of growing up in a sheltered, all-female institution.
Thirteen
Both "Wild Child" and "Thirteen" follow the story of a troubled teenage girl who undergoes a dramatic transformation and rebellion against her family and societal norms. In "Wild Child", Poppy is sent to a boarding school in England by her father in an attempt to reform her spoiled and rebellious behavior. Similarly, in "Thirteen", Tracy is a smart and mild-mannered girl who is influenced by the popular and rebellious Evie, leading her down a path of sex, drugs, and crime. The two protagonists, Poppy and Tracy, initially struggle to fit in with their new environments and peer groups, but eventually find acceptance and friendship through their rebellious actions. They form close bonds with their new friends, who encourage and enable their destructive behavior. Both movies explore themes of teenage angst, rebellion, self-discovery, and the influence of peer pressure. The plots parallel each other as Poppy and Tracy engage in increasingly risky and dangerous activities, such as pranks, theft, and substance abuse, in an attempt to assert their independence and find their place in the world. Their actions strain their relationships with their parents and authority figures, leading to conflicts and consequences. Ultimately, both movies culminate in a climactic event (a fire in "Wild Child" and a confrontation in "Thirteen") that serves as a wake-up call for the protagonists, forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions and reevaluate their choices. This leads to personal growth, reconciliation with their families, and a newfound sense of purpose and direction.