Best movies like Houdini
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
The life and times of escape artist/magician Harry Houdini.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 509
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: psychotronic
Best tv shows and movies like Houdini (1998):
Similar in 87%
Helene (2020)
Plot Summary:
Year 1915. Helene Schjerfbeck lives as a forgotten artist with her elderly mother in the countryside. It has been years since the last exhibit, and Helene continues to paint only because of her passion. Everything changes when art dealer finds Helen and her 159 wonderful paintings - and wants to organize a big private exhibit. However, Helen's turning point comes only when she is introduced to Einar Reuter. Young Einar is a forester, art enthusiast, and a passionate admirer of Helene's work. He becomes Helen's trusted and lover.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 744
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Finland
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: beautiful, period drama
Similar in 75%
Sandino (1990)
Plot Summary:
Narrative of a period of life (1926 - 1934) of the Nicaraguan revolutionary leader Sandino, who was known as "The general of free men.".
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 125
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: Cuba, Italy, Spain, Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua
Duration: 135 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 77%
Grace and Grit (2021)
Plot Summary:
Treya Wilber's story of courage, transcendence and eternal love as chronicled in the book Grace and Grit.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 361
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 76%
Poet and Muse (1978)
Plot Summary:
Semi-fictitious biopic of Finnish poet Eino Leino, made with a large budget to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth. The film concentrates on his relationships with first wife Freya Schoultz and later muse, poetess L. Onerva. His friends include equally central figures of the Finnish cultural scene in the early 1900s, such as painters Halonen and Gallén-Kallela, and composer Sibelius.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 102
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Finland
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 88%
The Great Houdinis (1976)
Plot Summary:
A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult and his promise to his wife on her deathbed that he would speak from the beyond.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 438
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: psychotronic
Similar in 82%
As White as in Snow (2001)
Plot Summary:
Inspired by real-life Elsa Andersson, this mostly fictional movie tells the story of her upbringing as a farmer's daughter, in the early 1900s, who dreams of getting away from the farm and becoming an aviatrix.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 601
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Sweden, Denmark
Duration: 154 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, period drama
Similar in 79%
Selma (2008)
Plot Summary:
Selma is a 2 parts drama series based on Swedish world renowned novelist Selma Lagerlöf’s life. In the first part, Selma is in Sicily with her lover Sophie Elkan. The second part is years later, when Selma receives the Nobel Price.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 204
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Sweden
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 86%
Onassis: The Richest Man in the World (1988)
Plot Summary:
Biography of the life of Aristotle Onassis, a Greek who rose to become one of the world's most wealthiest men, detailing his rise to power and unhappy marriages.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 743
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Spain, USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: vintage
Similar in 83%
Harlow (1965)
Plot Summary:
Loosely based biography of 1930s star Jean Harlow as she begins her climb to stardom. One of two "Harlow" film biographies that appeared in 1965, this one stars Carol Lynley in the title role that begins as Jean Harlow, a bit player in Laurel and Hardy comedies, is invited to test for director Jonathan Martin for the lead in Howard Hughes's "Hell's Angels." She is an instantaneous sensation, and in a series of films devoted more to her body than her talent, she becomes Hollywood's "Platanum Blonde.".
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 253
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: independent film
Similar in 75%
Mae West (1982)
Plot Summary:
Biography of the curvaceous and sharp-witted actress who scandalized Broadway and Hollywood in the 1920s-30s with her frank approach to sex.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 270
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 78%
Bud and Lou (1978)
Plot Summary:
The professional and personal lives of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are examined.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 247
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 90%
Eadweard (2015)
Plot Summary:
In the second half of the 19th century, Eadweard Muybridge, the father of motion pictures, embarks on an obsessive project to record on film "the motion of life" in all of its abundance. His epic quest is eclipsed only by the depth of his jealousy over his beautiful, young wife Flora. As the project progresses, his paranoia over her fidelity consumes him, until questions arise about his son’s paternity, causing him to erupt.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 641
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, educational, period piece
Similar in 89%
The Hearst and Davies Affair (1985)
Plot Summary:
Dramatization of the scandalous, long-time love affair between the powerful but married publisher and the chorus girl he helped turn into a Ziegfeld star and 1930s film personality.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 166
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: nostalgic
Similar in 75%
Mahler on the Couch (2010)
Plot Summary:
Alma Mahler's affair with the young architect Walter Gropius sets in motion a marital drama that forces her husband Gustav Mahler to seek advice from Sigmund Freud.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 486
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Germany, Austria
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, realistic, serious, art house
Similar in 79%
The Best Intentions (1992)
Plot Summary:
The story of Ingmar Bergman's parents. In 1909, poor theology student Henrik Bergman falls in love with Anna Åkerbloom, the daughter of a rich family in Uppsala. After their wedding Henrik becomes a priest in the north of Sweden. After a few years Anna can't stand living in the rural county with the uncouth people. She returns to Uppsala, Henrik stays in the north.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, UK, Italy, Norway, Iceland
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: sincere, manga, touching, serious, emotional, realistic, contemplative, talky, gloomy, beautiful
Similar in 76%
Vincere (2009)
Plot Summary:
The story of the descent into madness of Mussolini's secret first wife, Ida Dasler, who was seduced by his passion and vigour but blind to the fascist dictator's many flaws. A historical drama with the passion, lyricism and tragedy of a classical Italian opera. Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: Italy, France
Duration: 128 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, emotional, realistic, political, sad, historical drama, period piece, serious, stylized
Similar in 79%
Houdini (2014)
Plot Summary:
Follow the man behind the magic as he finds fame, engages in espionage, battles spiritualists and encounters the greatest names of the era, from U.S. presidents to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Grigori Rasputin.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 174 min
Plot tags: exciting, atmospheric, serious, captivating, realistic, suspenseful, stylized, dramatic, period piece, historical drama
Similar in 82%
Finding Graceland (1998)
Plot Summary:
An eccentric drifter claiming to be Elvis Presley hitches a ride with a young man and they find themselves on an adventurous road trip to Memphis.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: feel good, semi serious, realistic, talky, road movie, humorous, independent film
Similar in 80%
Darrow (1991)
Plot Summary:
A film about Clarence Darrow - based on a true story.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 450
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 79%
Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story (1996)
Plot Summary:
"Entertaining Angels" is an interesting title for this movie about the 1920's and 30's social activist, Dorothy Day, for it can be regarded that what this woman did, sometimes single-handedly, always controversially, in her fight against social injustice would, indeed, be wonderful entertainment for angels... or it could mean that her work was for the benefit of the 'angels' at the bottom of the social ladder for whom she fought daily against those who would hold them down... this included her work as a suffregette. However it is meant, this film captures much of the real-life drama that took place on big city streets, and of the very personal trials which eventually led her to convert to roman Catholicism, and a dedication to helping the poor.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 522
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: political, independent film, sincere, uplifting, serious, captivating, realistic, crying, historical drama
Similar in 80%
Goodnight, Sweet Marilyn (1989)
Plot Summary:
The supposed story of superstar Marilyn Monroe's death...as told by a "friend" of hers. Watch flashbacks from "Goodbye Norma Jean" as it leads up to the night when Marilyn Monroe died.
IMDB Rating: 3.2
IMDB Votes: 78
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: psychotronic, independent film, cult film
Similar in 85%
Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
Plot Summary:
The story of golf icon and legend, Bobby Jones, who retired from competition at the tender age of 28.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: inspirational, melancholic, factual, serious, sentimental, sincere, realistic, independent film, exciting, romantic
Similar in 86%
F. Scott Fitzgerald and 'The Last of the Belles' (1974)
Plot Summary:
A semi-fictional account of how writer F. Scott Fitzgerald met his wife while he was in the army and stationed in Alabama in 1919.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 276
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, serious, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 85%
Mark Twain and Me (1991)
Plot Summary:
Dorothy Quick, A young girl befriends the famous writer, Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemans during the final years of his life.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 191
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 79%
Georgia O'Keeffe (2009)
Plot Summary:
Biopic of American artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 958
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: tense, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, art film, stylized, crying
Similar in 78%
Out of Africa (1985)
Plot Summary:
Out of Africa tells the story of the life of Danish author Karen Blixen, who at the beginning of the 20th century moved to Africa to build a new life for herself. The film is based on the autobiographical novel by Karen Blixen from 1937.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 85000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 161 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, realistic, romantic, period piece, scenic, costume drama, epic, sentimental, heartbreaking
Similar in 82%
Miss Potter (2006)
Plot Summary:
The story of Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved and best-selling children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and her struggle for love, happiness and success.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 31000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, period piece, costume drama, serious, realistic, sweet, romantic drama, motivational, intellectual
Similar in 90%
J. Edgar (2011)
Plot Summary:
As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 133000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: political, factual, melancholic, compassionate, thought provoking, realistic, informative, bleak, serious, historical drama
Similar in 80%
Frida (2002)
Plot Summary:
"Frida" chronicles the life Frida Kahlo shared unflinchingly and openly with Diego Rivera, as the young couple took the art world by storm. From her complex and enduring relationship with her mentor and husband to her illicit and controversial affair with Leon Trotsky, to her provocative and romantic entanglements with women, Frida Kahlo lived a bold and uncompromising life as a political, artistic, and sexual revolutionary.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 94000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: stylized, emotional, colorful, serious, psychological, touching, independent film, visually appealing, sincere, erotic
Similar in 80%
Helen Keller: The Miracle Continues (1984)
Plot Summary:
Set in 1898, Cambridge, Massachusetts, depicts Annie Sullivan Macy supporting her student Helen Keller at Radcliffe College.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 154
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, uplifting, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic