These movies like Little Women, are set in historical periods and follow the lives of strong female characters.
This female navigates through their relationships, societal expectations, and personal struggles.
Movies like Little Women feature themes of coming-of-age, family, friendship, and romance.
These movies often focus on the struggles and triumphs of women in a society that often restricts their opportunities and freedoms.
They often draw inspiration from classic literature and are known for their touching stories, strong female leads, and timeless themes.
These movies are great for fans of Little Women who are looking for more stories about strong women, family dynamics, and historical fiction.
The following films listed below are classic examples of movies like Little Women.
1. The Remains of the Day (1993)
- Director: James Ivory
- Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, James Fox, Hugh Grant, Peter Vaughan, Christopher Reeve, and Michael Lonsdale
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
The Remains of the Day is a 1993 British-American historical drama film that is based on the Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro.
The film is set in post-World War II England and follows the life of an English butler named Mr. Stevens.
In the movie, he looks back on his life of servitude in the employ of the late Lord Darlington.
Throughout the film, Mr. Stevens reflects on the past and on the events that took place in the country house of Darlington Hall.
These events keep occurring, and likewise, the house’s involvement in the appeasement of Nazi Germany.
The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins.
Alongside Best Actress for Emma Thompson. This film is one of the best movies like Little Women.
2. The Help (2011)
- Director: Tate Taylor
- Cast: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, and Sissy Spacek
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
The Help is a film that is based on the novel of the same name by Kathryn Stockett.
The film takes place in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s and follows the lives of African American maids who work for white families.
The story centers around a young white woman named Skeeter who is determined to write a book about the experiences of the maids. Even with all the objections of the white community.
Along the way, she forms close relationships with two maids, Aibileen and Minny. The Help is one of the best movies like Little Women.
3.The Sisterhood of the traveling pants (2005)
- Director: Ken Kwapis
- Cast: Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, Jenna Boyd, Rachel Ticotin, and Nancy Travis
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a 2005 American comedy-drama film which is based on the novel of the same name by Ann Brashares.
The movie follows the story of four best friends, Carmen, Tibby, Bridget, and Lena.
Despite facing the challenges of growing up and growing apart, the four friends remain connected through a magical pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly.
The jeans, which they call the “Traveling Pants,” serve as a symbol of their friendship and become a way for them to stay connected even when they are apart.
Throughout the series, the girls face many obstacles and challenges, including first loves, heartbreak, family issues, and personal struggles.
However, through it all, they support each other and remain close, sharing their experiences and feelings with each other.
The “Traveling Pants” become a reminder of their shared history and the bond they share, even when they are not physically together. This film is one of the best movies like Little Women.
4. The Virgin Suicides (1999)
- Director: Sofia Coppola
- Cast: Kirsten Dunst, James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Jesse Bradford, Josh Hartnett, Michael Paré, and A.J. Cook
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
“The Virgin Suicides” is a novel by American writer Jeffrey Eugenides, first published in 1993.
The story takes place in the 1970s in a suburban neighborhood in Michigan.
This story follows the lives of five sisters, the Lisbon sisters, who are all beautiful, intelligent, and mysterious.
Despite the sisters’ popularity among the neighborhood boys, their lives are controlled and isolated by their overprotective parents.
Throughout the novel, the narrator, who is a group of anonymous neighborhood boys, reflects on the events leading up to the sisters’ deaths.
The boys, who are infatuated with the Lisbon sisters, try to understand the reasons behind their suicides and the events leading up to their deaths.
This film is one of the best movies like Little Women. The Virgin Suicides is a haunting, atmospheric, and beautifully written novel that explores themes of adolescence.
However, it still deals with the complexities of family relationships and the pain of growing up.
5. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
- Director: Joe Wright
- Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods, Judi Dench, Donald Sutherland, and Talulah Riley
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Pride and Prejudice is a 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s famous novel of the same name.
Set in Georgian England, the film is a timeless love story that explores the themes of class, gender, and societal expectations.
The Bennet family is introduced as five unmarried daughters who are in desperate need of finding suitable husbands.
When the wealthy and handsome Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood, the Bennet sisters are eager to meet him and his friends, including Mr. Darcy.
As Elizabeth and Darcy cross paths, they are initially put off by each other’s pride and prejudices.
Eventually, they begin to see each other in a different light and find themselves falling in love.
In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice is a well-made, beautifully crafted adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. This film is one of the best movies like Little Women.
With its talented cast, stunning visuals, and memorable soundtrack, this film is a must-watch for classic literature and period dramas fans.
6. Emma (2020)
- Director: Autumn de Wilde
- Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Josh O’Connor, and Callum Turner
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
“Emma” is a 2020 romantic comedy-drama film based on Jane Austen’s novel of the same name.
Emma Woodhouse a young woman who delights in matchmaking and meddling in the love lives of those around her.
At the same time will struggle to understand her own feelings and desires.
The film stays true to Austen’s original story, while adding a few modern twists and comedic moments.
Taylor-Joy’s performance as Emma is standout, capturing her character’s wit, intelligence, and growing self-awareness with grace and nuance.
The film also explores self-discovery themes, societal expectations’ limitations, and the power of friendship and love. Emma is one of the best movies like Little Women.
Overall, “Emma” is a delightful and charming adaptation that will delight fans of Austen’s work and newcomers alike.
With its beautiful cinematography, talented cast, and witty script, it’s a film that will leave you smiling and feeling hopeful about the power of love and human connection.
7. The Secrets life of Bees (2008)
- Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
- Cast: Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Mullen, and Paul Bettany
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
“The Secret Life of Bees” is a 2008 American drama film based on the novel of the same name by Sue Monk Kidd.
The film is set in 1964 and follows a young white girl named Lily Owens who runs away from her abusive father and travels to South Carolina with her black caregiver Rosaleen.
There, they come across three beekeeping sisters, August, June, and May Boatwright, and find refuge in their beekeeping community. The Secrets of Bees is one of the best movies like Little Women.
Throughout the film, Lily learns about the secrets of the bees and the secrets of her own past.
She did as well learn the important lessons about love, family, and the power of community.
The film also deals with race and civil rights themes, as the characters face the challenges of growing up in a segregationist society.
“The Secret Life of Bees” received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success, grossing over $62 million at the box office.
It was praised for its strong performances, particularly from Dakota Fanning, and its emotional impact.
8. The Family Stone (2005)
- Director: Thomas Bezucha
- Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, and Claire Danes.
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
The Family Stone is a 2005 American romantic comedy-drama film that follows the story of the Stone family.
At a certain time they did come together for Christmas in their hometown of New England.
Everett Stone, a successful businessman, brings his girlfriend Meredith Morton home to meet his family, who are a tight-knit group of free-spirited individuals.
Despite their best efforts to make Meredith feel welcomed, she struggles to fit in with the family and their unconventional ways.
Throughout the film, the family members’ individual stories unfold, revealing their personal struggles and the dynamics of their relationships.
Meredith and Everett’s relationship is put to the test as they navigate the ups and downs of blending their different backgrounds and lifestyles.
Meanwhile, the family’s matriarch Sybil Stone is faced with her own challenges as she deals with the onset of a debilitating illness.
The Family Stone is one of the best movies like Little Women.
Overall, The Family Stone is a touching, funny, and entertaining film that explores the joys and challenges of family and relationships.
With its memorable characters, insightful themes, and charming soundtrack, it is a timeless film that will always have a place in people’s hearts.
9. Sense and sensibility (1995)
- Director: Ang Less
- Cast: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Tom Wilkinson, and Hugh Grant.
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Sense and Sensibility is a 1995 British period drama film based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen.
This movie follows the lives of two sisters, Elinor Dashwood and Marianne Dashwood, who are left in financial difficulty after the death of their father.
Along with their mother and younger sister, they are forced to leave their family home and move to a small cottage in the countryside.
As they navigate their new circumstances, the sisters face various challenges and obstacles in their personal lives, including love, heartbreak, and betrayal.
Elinor, who is practical and reserved, finds herself falling for Edward Ferrars, a man who is already engaged to another woman.
Meanwhile, the impulsive and romantic Marianne finds herself torn between two suitors: the charming John Willoughby and the dependable Colonel Brandon.
Throughout the film, the sisters must navigate the complexities of love, society, and the strict rules of Regency England as they search for happiness and security.
Along the way, they learn important lessons about the balance between sense and sensibility and the importance of following one’s heart.
Overall, Sense and Sensibility is a timeless classic that explores the complexities of love, family, and the search for happiness.
Sense and sensibility is one of the best movies like Little Women.
10. Atonement (2007)
- Director: Joe Wright
- Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juno Temple, Brenda Blethyn, and Vanessa Redgrave
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
“Atonement” is a 2007 British romantic war drama film directed by Joe Wright and based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Ian McEwan.
The film follows the lives of two young lovers, Cecilia Tallis and Robbie Turner, who are torn apart by a false accusation of rape.
The accuser, Cecilia’s 13-year-old sister Briony, is portrayed as a young girl that is really struggling.
Although, she is struggling with her own emotions and misunderstandings about the events that led to the accusation.
The film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the power of the written word. Atonement is one of the best movies like Little Women.
11. The Age of Adaline (2015)
- Director: Lee Toland Krieger
- Cast: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker, Amanda Crew, and Lynda Boyd
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
The “Age of Adaline” is a 2015 American romantic fantasy film that tells a story of a woman who becomes ageless after a near-death experience.
Over the next eight decades, she keeps her true identity hidden until she meets a charismatic philanthropist named Ellis Jones.
Despite her initial resistance to forming any attachments, Adaline eventually finds herself falling in love with Ellis.
In falling in love, she must decide whether to reveal her secret and risk losing him forever, or continue living an eternal but solitary life.
The film explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, and it’s appreciated for its imaginative storyline.
The Age of Adaline is one of the best movies like Little Women.
12. Becoming Jane (2007)
- Director: Julian Jarrold
- Cast: Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith, Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Cohu, Laurence Fox, and Ian Richardson
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
“Becoming Jane” is a 2007 British-Irish romantic drama film that is based on the life of the famous English author, Jane Auste.
Jane focuses on her early adulthood, including her experiences with love and heartbreak.
These experiences ultimately inspired her to write some of the world’s most beloved novels.
The plot of the film follows the young Jane Austen as she falls in love with the charming and handsome Tom Lefroy. Tom was a reckless lawyer with a reputation for scandal.
Despite their deep affection for each other, the two must navigate the strict social norms of the time, including their vastly different social standings, to be together.
However, Tom’s behavior continues to cause trouble, and Jane’s family pressures her to make a suitable match.
This made the couple must ultimately confront the realities of their love and whether it is enough to overcome the challenges they face.
Becoming Jane is one of the best movies like Little Women.
13. Jane Eyre (2011)
- Director: Cary Fukunaga
- Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, and Tamzin Merchant
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
“Jane Eyre” is a British romantic drama film that was released in 2011 and is based on the 1847 novel of the same name by Charlotte Bronte.
The film follows the story of Jane Eyre, a young governess who is hired to care for a wealthy man’s daughter.
She falls in love with her employer, Edward Rochester, but discovers that he is hiding a dark secret.
Despite this, Jane remains devoted to Rochester and ultimately helps him overcome his troubled past.
Critics generally praised the film for its strong performances, particularly from Wasikowska and Fassbender, and for its faithful adaptation of the classic novel. Jane Eyre is one of the best movies like Little Women.
Overall, the “Jane Eyre” of 2011 is a well-made film that does justice to the original novel and provides a captivating and emotional viewing experience for audiences.
If you’re a fan of classic literature or romantic dramas, this film is definitely worth checking out.
14. Lady Bird (2017)
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Marion McPherson, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges,Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, and Lois Smith
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
“Lady Bird” is a coming-of-age film that explores the life of a high school senior named Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson as she navigates the complexities of growing up.
Set in Sacramento, California, Lady Bird wants to escape her hometown and attend college on the East Coast.
The film follows her relationships with her family, particularly her mother and her friends, as she experiences the ups and downs of adolescence. Lady Bird is one of the best movies like Little Women.
Lady Bird’s mother, Marion, is depicted as a strong-willed and opinionated woman. She tries to make ends meet as a nurse while her father, Larry, struggles with depression and job loss.
Despite their difficulties, Lady Bird and her parents have a love-hate relationship that is central to the film.
Lady Bird’s best friends, Julie and Kyle, and her love interest Danny, were her anchor in life.
