8 Movies Like The Florida Project
There are a few very interesting movies like the Florida project, which we will discuss here today.
The Florida Project is about a girl who’s about six years old named Moonee and her young mother named Hailey, who lives in a dingy motel known as the Magic Castle.
Sean Baker directed the movie and starred several first-timers such as Valeria Cotto and Christopher Rivera. Other cast members include veterans like Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, and Caleb Landry Jones.
The movie was premiered on the 6th of October 2017 to critical acclaim.
Movies Like The Florida Project
Certain movies share some similarities with the Florida project, and we’re going to try to list them in this article.
The Florida Project, a coming-of-age drama, is likely to share some similarities with another coming-of-age drama. These are some of the movies like the Florida project;
1. Gifted
Gifted is a drama starring the amiable Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Octavia Spencer, and others. It was directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spiderman 1 & 2) director. It was released in 2017, and it grossed a moderate $43 million worldwide at the box office.
The plot details the life of a highly gifted seven-year-old girl Mary Adler (Mckenna Grace), the subject of an intense custody battle between her uncle Frank (played by Chris Evans) and her grandmother, Evelyn.
The film was met with mixed reviews, with some pointing out the movie’s predictability. All acknowledged the acting skills of Mckenna Grace and Chris Evans.
2. Lady Bird
Like the Florida Project, this is another coming-of-age drama. Lady Bird was released in 2017 to critical acclaim, with some touting it as one of the best movies made in the last decade.
It boasts of a long line of talented actors such as Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Timothee Chalamet, Stephen McKinley, et cetera.
Greta Gerwig directed the film (her first solo directing). The film focuses on the complicated relationship between a teenager (Saoirse Ronan) and her mother (Laurie Metcalf).
The performances of the two lead actresses attracted some commendations, including Oscar Academy nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.
Greta Gerwig was also nominated for best director at the Oscar Academy Awards.
3. Moonlight
Moonlight is another movie like the Florida Project. It is a coming-of-age drama like the Florida Project. It was released in 2016 to widespread critical acclaim.
It was adjudged by some to be one of the best movies of the 21st century. It was directed by Barry Jenkins and an adaptation of Tarell McCraney’s play, In Moonlight Black Boys, Look Blue.
It featured an all-black cast such as Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monae, Trevante Rhodes, Andre Holland, and other equally talented actors.
The plot was basically about the lead character whose sexuality played a significant role in the physical and emotional abuse he suffered while growing up.
The film earned Mahershala Ali his first Oscar (Best Supporting Actor), making him the first Muslim to win the award. The film earned eight nominations for the 89th Academy award and won two.
4. The Pursuit of Happiness
This list would be incomplete without the addition of this movie. It is a touching drama about a boy and his single dad who bond as he navigates through the various challenges life throws at him.
It was released in 2006 with positive reviews from critics. The film saw Jaden Smith make his acting debut. The movie stars gifted actors such as Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, and Jaden Smith and is directed by Gabriele Muccino.
The Pursuit of Happiness earned Will Smith an Oscar and a golden globe nomination for Best Actor.
The movie adapted the autobiography by Gardner and Quincy Troupe, and the “Happiness” is intentionally misspelled because it comes from a painting he (Gardner) saw outside the daycare his son attended.
The movie garnered over $300 million at the box office
5. C’mon C’mon
C’mon C’mon is another movie like the Florida Project. It was released in 2021 to critical acclaim. The performances of the actors, director et cetera received positive reviews.
It stars actors such as Hollywood legend Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Woody Norman, and other stars.
The movie’s plot centers around a radio journalist who reconnects with his sister a year after their mother’s death and takes care of his nephew. It emphasizes the role of forgiveness, kindness, and the importance of family.
It was directed and produced by Mike Mills. It had over an $8 million budget but could only get $2.7 million at the box office.
6. Captain Fantastic
This movie is somewhat similar to the Florida Project in various ways. Like the Florida Project, it points out the sometimes-complicated relationship between a child or children and their parents.
It also highlights the constant challenges parents face while caring for their children: the criticisms and judgment from other parents or individuals on how the parents choose to raise their kids.
Captain Fantastic is about a man who decides to go off the grid with his family and teaches them basic survival skills.
It was released in 2016 to widespread critical acclaim. It was written and directed by Matt Ross.
It starred Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hann et cetera. Captain Fantastic earned Viggo an Oscar, BAFTA, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
7. Lean On Pete
Lean on Pete is another movie on this list that bears similarities with the Florida Project. The movie revolves around a teenage boy, about 15 years of age, who works at a stable and develops a fondness for a sick racehorse.
It was released in 2018. The film is a screen adaptation of Lean on Me by Willy Vlautin. It stars actors and actresses such as Charlie Plummer, Chloe Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, and others.
The film earned Charlie Plummer a Marcello Mastroianni award for the young best accord. Andrew Haigh directed the movie.
8. Sherrybaby
This movie takes a critical look at drug use and how it affects everything, including relationships with family members.
The film revolves around a woman who had recently completed a three-year stint at a prison and is trying to recover from her addiction to heroin and the strained relationship with her 8-year-old daughter and other family members.
The movie boasts gifted actors such as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Brad Williams Henke, Danny Trejo, Kate Burton, et cetera. It was written and directed by Laurie Collyer.
It was released in 2006 and made only $600,000 at the box office while requiring a budget of over 2 million dollars. This movie is like the Florida Project in so many ways as it points a searchlight into some of the difficulties experienced by imperfect single mothers.
Conclusion
The Florida Project is a coming-of-age movie about a young girl and her equally young mother.
The article highlighted several movies with apparent similarities between them. If you enjoyed watching the Florida Project, you’re likely to enjoy the films listed in this article.
We hope you enjoyed reading this piece as much as we enjoyed writing it. Regardless, we implore you to share it across your social media pages and engage us in the comment section.
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