Little Women is a coming-of-age tale of four sisters living in New England, during the Civil War, and audiences follow the March Sisters as they enter the world of womanhood – this film is a personal favorite of mine, and I’ve compiled 10 similar movies like it.
Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, which was first published in 1868. The book paved the way for women in writing and gave new life and meaning to feminism. The story has themes of female empowerment, sisterhood, and giving voices to female audiences.
10 Movies like Little Women
Emma (1996)
It’s not surprising this list is going to contain novel adaptations. Emma is the adaptation of a Jane Austen novel of the same name. This period drama follows Emma, a matchmaker, her friend Harriet and bachelor George Knightly. This love triangle has many interesting conflicts which make this film worth watching.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Another adaptation from a Jane Austen novel is Pride and Prejudice. Similar to Little Women the story follows the tale of the five Bennett sisters who are trying to marry wealthy, as women were expected to do, and the trials and tribulations of finding a suitable husband. The film has similar themes of sisterhood and rebellious Elizabeth Bennett became a female icon for her quick wit and charm.
Howard’s End (1992)
Anthony Hopkins, Emma Tompson, and Helena Bonham Carter star in this romance drama, which shows the repercussions of people who fall in love when they have different values. The story surrounds the developing relationships between the Schlegel family and the Wilcoxes. Similar to Little Women the film is set at the time of war and explores social classes and issues.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Going back to another Jane Austen adaptation, Sense and Sensibility is the powerful story of three sisters, whose father dies and the family is now destined for poverty. The film has a star-studded cast that includes Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson (who also wrote the film’s screenplay), Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
This film makes me cry every time I watch it. It’s similar to Little Women as it’s a film about female friendship and sisterhood. In a diverse group of friends, they all support one another through love, loss, and armadillo cakes. The film also has another incredible cast including Sally Field, Julia Roberts, and Dolly Parton.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1992)
Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) is a trapped housewife who meets Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), a colorful old woman who shares tales from her past. These inspire Evelyn to change her own life for the better. It’s similar to Little Women as the film has strong female leads who support and empower one another when they need it most.
Ladybird (2017)
This indie, comedy-drama is similar to Little Women, not only with its cast (Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet) but with the fact it’s a coming-of-age story. The film was also the directorial debut for Greta Gerwig, and there is a very similar style between the two movies. This story is focused on the relationship between a mother and daughter; the ups and downs of growing up.
The First Wives Club (1996)
There’s nothing more empowering and entertaining than watching three women who were all dumped for younger women getting revenge on their husbands. This comedy-drama will have you rolling in stitches as these women make their exes’ lives hell, all eventually for a good cause. Starring Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Maggie Smith, it’s a must-watch.
9 to 5 (1980)
This comedy-drama is office satire at its best. The story surrounds three female secretaries who decide to get revenge on their sexist boss by abducting him and running the business themselves. With comedy legends Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, this film is a lighthearted must-see.
The Help (2011)
Ending this list with a film that’s similar to Little Women as it depicts a bunch of women coming together and trying to make a difference. The film is also an adaptation of a book by the same name, written by Kathryn Stockett. During the Civil Rights Movement, a writer assists two maids in exposing the bigotry in the homes they work in. This exposure has consequences and paves the way for a different, better future.
Do you have any other recommendations for Movies like Little Women? Let us know!
