In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Aftersun, we will provide recommendations for movies with similar vibes.
Paul Mescal turned a lot of heads after his gripping performance as a father struggling with depression in Aftersun. An air of mystery surrounds this man as a woman revisits her final memories with the man during a father-daughter vacation. Director Charlotte Wells crafted an abstract and heartbreaking coming-of-age film that plays with the role of memory in our lives and how it cripples us as we attempt to reconcile with the past.
Many people were a huge fan of this intimate, uncomfortably relatable film about family relations. If you were one of them and you’re looking for similar movies, then we’ve got ten great picks for you. These movies carry themes and atmospheres that remind me of Aftersun.
Cast
- Paul Mescal – Calum
- Frankie Corio – young Sophie
- Celia Rowlson-Hall – adult Sophie
- Sally Messham – Belinda
- Brooklyn Toulson – Michael
- Spike Fearn – Olly
- Harry Perdios – Toby
- Ruby Thompson – Laura
- Ethan James Smith – Scott
- Kayleigh Coleman – Jane
- Charlotte Wells – Writer and director
10 movies like Aftersun
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
This inspiring drama, directed by Gabriele Muccino, tells the true story of Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, and his unwavering determination to provide a better life for his young son. Though not focused on a father-daughter relationship, the bond between Chris and his child will resonate with parents of all genders. Jaden Smith, Will’s real-life son, co-stars in this heartfelt tale of perseverance and love.
Watch The Pursuit of Happyness on:Fly Away Home (1996)
Directed by Carroll Ballard, this enchanting family adventure stars Anna Paquin as a young girl named Amy who, after the tragic loss of her mother, is sent to live with her estranged father, played by Jeff Daniels. Together, they discover an abandoned nest of goose eggs, and Amy decides to raise the goslings herself. As the father-daughter duo helps the geese learn to fly, they find their own way to heal and grow closer.
Watch Fly Away Home on:Fish Tank (2009)
A gritty, coming-of-age drama directed by the talented Andrea Arnold. Set in a working-class neighborhood in East London, the film is an intimate portrayal of a rebellious and troubled 15-year-old girl named Mia, played by the remarkable newcomer Katie Jarvis. Mia finds solace in hip-hop dance and dreams of escaping her challenging environment.
Watch Fish Tank on:Paper Moon (1973)
Set during the Great Depression, this classic comedy-drama directed by Peter Bogdanovich follows conman Moses Pray, played by Ryan O’Neal, and his supposed daughter Addie, portrayed by Tatum O’Neal. Together, they embark on a series of swindles and schemes across the American Midwest. This heartwarming film showcases the unlikely yet endearing relationship that forms between a father and daughter through their shared adventures.
Watch Paper Moon on:The Piano (1993)
Directed by Jane Campion, this haunting and evocative drama is set in the mid-19th century and follows mute pianist Ada McGrath, played by Holly Hunter, and her young daughter Flora, portrayed by Anna Paquin. The pair travels to New Zealand for an arranged marriage, where they face numerous challenges. This visually stunning film explores the complex father-daughter relationship between Ada’s new husband, played by Sam Neill, and Flora, amidst a tale of love, betrayal, and self-expression.
Watch The Piano on:Whale Rider (2002)
Directed by Niki Caro, this beautiful coming-of-age drama is set in a small New Zealand coastal village. The story follows Pai, played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, a young girl who challenges her tribe’s traditions and her grandfather’s expectations to become the next tribal leader. This inspiring film explores the dynamics of a father-daughter relationship in the midst of a changing world, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing one another.
Watch Whale Rider on:Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
This dark comedy directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris follows the eccentric Hoover family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to support their daughter Olive, played by Abigail Breslin, in her quest to win a beauty pageant. Greg Kinnear plays the optimistic father, and Toni Collette is the loving mother. Along the way, the family encounters various obstacles and heartaches, but their love for one another shines through, making this a touching and often hilarious film that celebrates the beauty of family, flaws and all.
Watch Little Miss Sunshine on:Lady Bird (2017)
Directed by Greta Gerwig, this poignant and witty coming-of-age tale follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, played by Saoirse Ronan, as she navigates her final year of high school in Sacramento, California. The film beautifully captures the complexities of teenage life, family dynamics, and self-discovery, with standout performances by Laurie Metcalf as Lady Bird’s mother and Beanie Feldstein as her best friend.
Watch Lady Bird on:An Education (2009)
Directed by Lone Scherfig, this coming-of-age drama set in 1960s London features Carey Mulligan as Jenny, a bright and ambitious teenager who becomes involved with a charming older man, played by Peter Sarsgaard. As her relationship with him unfolds, Jenny is forced to confront her own desires and the expectations placed upon her by her family and society.
Watch An Education on:The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005)
Directed by Rebecca Miller, this moving drama features Daniel Day-Lewis as Jack, a dying man trying to protect his isolated, utopian lifestyle with his teenage daughter Rose, played by Camilla Belle. As Jack’s health deteriorates, he invites a woman and her sons to live with them, causing tension and jealousy. The film delves into the complexities of a father-daughter relationship pushed to the edge by change and the inevitable passage of time.
Watch The Ballad of Jack and Rose on:
