We discuss 10 Movies like CODA you must watch. Add these well-recommended and highly-rated films to your watch list.
CODA is the 2021 drama music film, which is an English-language remake of the 2014 French-Belgian film La Famille Bélier.
The film is about the story of a young girl called Ruby (played by Emilia Jones), who is the only hearing member of a deaf family from Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Ruby is seventeen and works mornings before going to school to help her parents and brother keep their fishing business afloat. Ruby is in the school choir, and not only does she fall in love with singing, but she also takes a kind eye on her duet partner.
The film offers a level of empathy and sympathy many others miss and is incredibly heartfelt and relatable. If you were moved by this film and want to watch something similar, here is a list of ten films you must watch.
10 Movies like CODA
La Famille Bélier (2014)
As this is the film CODA is inspired by, it’s only fair to recommend watching it. La Famille Bélier, aka The Bélier Family, has a very similar plot to CODA, focusing on the only hearing member of a deaf family who struggles to follow her passions as she juggles the responsibilities of her family.
Sound of Metal (2019)
Sound of Metal is the drama-music story of a drummer who loses his hearing and the journey from self-destructive self-hatred that turns into acceptance of a new life. This film is very raw and honest, similar to CODA, and is an emotional watch.
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
This film is similar to CODA as it has themes of family, responsibility, love, drama, and confronting your demons. The story surrounds Lee Chandler, who is named guardian to his 16-year-old nephew, Patrick, after his brother tragically passed away. Lee has to return to his hometown and confront his past.
A Quiet Place (2018)
This is a film for horror fans. There are only a few films written entirely in American Sign Language, and A Quiet Place can be regarded as the first horror film to use this medium of communication. It is terrifying, filled with suspense, and well worth watching. Its sequel, A Quiet Place 2, is even better than the first, so you’ll be itching to watch that after.
Whiplash (2014)
This film boasts strong student-teacher relationships, with tough love, in order to bring out the best. The story also concerns a young student’s love and passion for music and how to be successful in this industry. Miles Teller gives an outstanding performance alongside J.K.Simmons, so it’s worth watching for the exceptional acting alone.
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)
Richard Dreyfuss takes the lead in this beloved 90’s classic. He plays Glen Holland, a music teacher who once harbored big dreams of composing his own music. He took a day job as a high school music teacher to support his family.
School of Rock (2003)
When it comes to films about music and young adults, this comedy music film has to make the list. The School of Rock stars the hilarious Jack Black, who poses as a high school music teacher for a private school and ends up turning the kids into one giant, kick-ass band.
Children of a Lesser God (1986)
The film is significant for contributing to the conversation around the deaf community and made a star out of Marlee Matlin. Matlin plays an integral role in CODA, so if you’re a fan, you should check out this earlier classic of theirs. The film surrounds a speech teacher who begins a new job as an instructor for children with hearing impairment.
There, he meets a young woman with a hearing impairment, and they fall in love.
Sound and Fury (2000)
This documentary film is about two cousins, Heather (6) and Peter (2), who are deaf. Their condition can be changed by a cochlear implant that would stimulate hearing.
This documentary focuses on the family’s tough decision. How the device will change their relationship with deaf culture, and if there is a true connection between those who can hear and those who cannot. It’s true, real, raw, and is definitely one to watch.
Little Voice (1998)
Ending this list with a special favorite that is easily missed or forgotten. After the death of her father, Little Voice becomes a recluse; locking herself up with her father’s collection of old records. Then her hidden singing talent is soon discovered by her selfish, greedy mother. There are themes of self-destruction, alcoholism, and conflict, all wrapped up in the love of music.
Do you have any other recommendations for movies like CODA? Let us know in the comments.
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