Best movies like American Folk
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Two strangers, both folk musicians stranded in California, take a road trip to New York in the days after 9/11. A story about the kindness of strangers and the power of music.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 503
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags:
Best tv shows and movies like American Folk (2017):
Similar in 76%
Good to Go (1986)
Plot Summary:
After being misled by the police about a rape and murder near a popular Washington, D.C. Go-Go club, a jaded journalist begins digging into the establishment's racist framework.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 98
Genere: Musical, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: independent film
Similar in 86%
Music (2021)
Plot Summary:
Zu, a free spirit estranged from her family, suddenly finds herself the sole guardian of her half-sister, Music, a teenager on the autism spectrum whose whole world order has been beautifully crafted by her late grandmother. The film soon challenges whether it is Zu or Music who has a better view of the world, and that love, trust, and being able to be there for each other is everything.
IMDB Rating: 3.2
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: sincere, captivating, cult classic, touching, non-verbal, sentimental, uplifting, realistic, emotional
Similar in 75%
I Am You (2019)
Plot Summary:
The story of Masoud, who is trying to emigrate to Europe to make a better life for himself, his mother and his fiancé. After embarking on a difficult and dangerous immigration journey with his best friend, Masoud meets a pregnant doctor and an old man on the way and they band together. Having to flee because of war and terror, Masoud tries to reach his goal with a hopeful but painful journey.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 232
Genere: Drama
Country: USA, Turkey
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 82%
Nabbie's Love (1999)
Plot Summary:
The film tells the story of a small community on a small island in Okinawa, Japan. Especially it focusses on the story of a grandma named Nabbie, but although it's her story told in the film's centre there are some young people, the grand-daughter of Nabbie and a young Japanese who just came to visit the little island. As the film evolves with the more or less ordinary events of the little island's inhabitant's more or less ordinary life, the story behind Nabbie's life gets more and more obvious. It's a surprise to most everyone involved in one or the other way.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 290
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 90%
Sing (1989)
Plot Summary:
When a volatile young street tough with a talent for singing and dancing is tapped by the high school music teacher to lead the upcoming senior "Sing," he is forced to come to terms with his defiant self-destructive lifestyle and his growing attraction to his co-star.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 930
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: cult classic, cult film
Similar in 83%
National Theatre Live: Prima Facie (2022)
Plot Summary:
Tessa is a young, brilliant barrister. From working class origins, she has reached the top of her game. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.
IMDB Rating: 9.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 81%
Icaros: A Vision (2016)
Plot Summary:
In search of a miracle, an American woman embarks on a journey to the Peruvian Amazon and finds hope in a community, through rituals involving an ancient psychedelic plant known as ayahuasca. With her perception forever altered, she forges a bond with a young indigenous shaman undergoing a crisis of his own, and a motley crew of psychonauts seeking transcendence, companionship, and the meaning of life and death.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 213
Genere: Drama
Country: Peru, USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: spiritual
Similar in 80%
The Color Purple (2023)
Plot Summary:
An adaptation of the Broadway musical The Color Purple, based on the acclaimed novel and its film adaptation.
IMDB Rating:
IMDB Votes:
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 87%
13 Summers Underwater (2017)
Plot Summary:
Parallel stories connected through an intimacy with death. The living and the dead communicate through visions, memories and reality.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 10
Genere: Drama
Country: Poland, UK, Brazil
Duration: 64 min
Plot tags: surreal
Similar in 86%
NY Export: Opus Jazz (2010)
Plot Summary:
Shot on location in New York City and starring an ensemble cast of New York City Ballet dancers, NY Export: Opus Jazz takes Jerome Robbins‘ 1958 “ballet in sneakers” and reimagines it for a new generation in this scripted adaptation. After winning an Audience Award at the 2010 South by Southwest Film Festival, the film aired nationally on PBS’ Great Performances series and was nominated for the Rose d’Or Award.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 104
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 46 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 89%
The Confrontation (1969)
Plot Summary:
Paralleling the dramatic student protests and riots that were exploding across the world in the 1960s at the time the film was made, The Confrontation is a story of protest and rebellion in 1947 Hungary when the Communist Party have just taken power. Jancsó's first colour film is another virtuoso display by a director at the peak of his powers, and eloquently explores the complex issues and inherent problems of revolutionary democracy.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 486
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: Hungary
Duration: 80 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 80%
Pleasure Boy Komola (2012)
Plot Summary:
A teenage boy is hired by a colonial era landlord to entertain him until the annual flood is over.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: Bangladesh
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: disturbing, serious, realistic
Similar in 84%
Stuck (2017)
Plot Summary:
A musical about six strangers who find themselves stuck on the New York City subway.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 422
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: psychological, thought provoking, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 83%
Zoot Suit (1981)
Plot Summary:
Part fact and part fiction, Zoot Suit is the film version of Luis Valdez's critically acclaimed play, based on the actual Sleepy Lagoon murder case and the zoot suit riots of 1940s Los Angeles. Henry Reyna is the leader of a group of Mexican-Americans being sent to San Quentin without substantial evidence for the death of a man at Sleepy Lagoon. As part of the defense committee, Alice Bloomfield and George Shearer fight the blatant miscarriage of justice for the freedom of Henry and his friends.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, independent film, hood, adaptation directed by original author
Similar in 77%
An Encounter with the Messiah (2015)
Plot Summary:
The Woman with the Issue of Blood, or as we call her in our film, Maria. She was arguably the most well-known, nameless figure in the bible. A woman who suffered for 12 years with an incurable disease. 12 years of doctors telling her that they can do nothing for her. 12 years of exile from her family and friends. She literally lost everything that she had. Except her faith. Maria had every reason to become bitter but she kept her faith and it was because of that faith her life was forever changed. Blind Bartimeaus was a homeless, blind beggar. Through no fault of his own he was handed a very rough life. He spent years on the streets until one day he had an encounter that changed his life. He was at the right place at the right time. Barabbas was one of the most mysterious figures mentioned in The Four Gospels. He was a man who made every bad decision you can think of. He lived the life of a common street thug. He was ultimately sentenced to death for his crimes, and though an.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 52
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: christian film
Similar in 80%
Greendale (2003)
Plot Summary:
Neil Young's "musical novel", telling the story of a family, the murder of a cop and the evolution of a young girl named Sun Green. This is not a concert film. YOung himself shot actors on locations on his native Northern California home turf to craete his Greendale, a rural town that is a microcosm of a world in crisis. There is lots of music featured by Young and Crazy Horse. Special bonus features include "Making of" with brand new interviews with Neil and the cast; also 3 live performances of "Greendale" songs, more.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 446
Genere: Musical, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, experimental, captivating, independent film, offbeat, biting, suspense
Similar in 78%
Cremaster 5 (1997)
Plot Summary:
Cremaster 5 (55 min, 1997) is a five-act opera (sung in Hungarian) set in late-ninteenth century Budapest. The last film in the series, Cremaster 5 represents the moment when the testicles are finally released and sexual differentiation is fully attained. The lamenting tone of the opera suggests that Barney invisions this as a moment of tragedy and loss. The primary character is the Queen of Chain (played by Ursula Andress). Barney, himself, plays three characters who appear in the mind of the Queen: her Diva, Magician, and Giant. The Magician is a stand-in for Harry Houdini, who was born in Budapest in 1874 and appears as a recurring character in the Cremaster cycle.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 764
Genere: Musical, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 55 min
Plot tags: experimental, independent film, atmospheric, mind bending, offbeat, epic, serious, surreal, stylized, sexual
Similar in 84%
Wild in the Country (1961)
Plot Summary:
A troubled young man discovers that he has a knack for writing when a counselor encourages him to pursue a literary career.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: retro, realistic, semi serious, psychotronic
Similar in 89%
Lost in the Stars (1974)
Plot Summary:
Musical from the American Film Theatre series, based on the play Cry The Beloved Country.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 136
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic
Similar in 90%
Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (2018)
Plot Summary:
The award-winning show is re-imagined as a live concert event, featuring an all-star cast of recording artists, set during the last week of Jesus' life as he deals with betrayal, love and jealousy, and told from the perspective of Judas.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, captivating
Similar in 88%
Fast Forward (1985)
Plot Summary:
Eight young people from Ohio who are dancers, come to New York, to compete in a major talent competition. But when they get there, they learn that they have to wait some time before they take part in it. So they try to do their best to survive in the Big Apple before competition, and get some lessons about the real World.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 772
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, realistic, stylized, semi serious, campy, cult film
Similar in 80%
Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)
Plot Summary:
Based on Verdi's (Bizet's not Verdi's) classic opera and its all African American musical counterpart Carmen Jones, Carmen a Hiphopera is a modern retelling of the story of the tragic gypsy Carmen. The setting has been taken from the hots streets of Barcelona and is now in scorching urban Philadelphia. This time Carmen Brown is an aspiring actress who in her own words 'leaves the whole town speechless.' Her sultry looks and carefree confidence attract the attention of everyone from crooked cop Luietenant Miller to famous rapper Blaze. However Carmen has eyes on the one man she can't have- Seargeant Derrick Hill who is engaged. Yet nothing stops Carmen Brown getting what she wants- except perhaps a trip to LA and an ominous tarot cards prophecy.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: captivating, serious, realistic, stylized, black cinema
Similar in 79%
Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench (2009)
Plot Summary:
After connecting with the shy Madeline, a jazz trumpeter embarks on a quest for a more gregarious paramour, but through a series of twists and turns punctuated by an original score, the two lovers seem destined to be together.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, feel good, sentimental, serious, realistic, mumblecore, black and white, stylized, independent film, weird
Similar in 75%
Blue Valley Songbird (1999)
Plot Summary:
Country singer Leana Taylor (Dolly Parton) struggles to escape from her controlling manager/boyfriend Hank (John Terry) as well as her troubled past. After turning to her guitarist (Billy Dean), Leanna finally faces her past, including her estranged mother and the death of her father. Through flashbacks, Leana deals with her past as she attempts to move her life forward and begin a recording career.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 346
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, entertaining
Similar in 85%
Sunday School Musical (2008)
Plot Summary:
Two competing groups of high school students must rally together and enter a song and dance competition in order to save their church from closing.
IMDB Rating: 2.4
IMDB Votes: 867
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: humorous, mockbuster, exciting, light, feel good, christian film, realistic, semi serious, teen comedy
Similar in 80%
Go for It! (2011)
Plot Summary:
Carmen is a good student with a bad attitude who lives for dancing in the underground clubs of Chicago. She yearns to be 'somebody' but is afraid to believe in herself. Her immigrant Mexican, working-class parents want her to stay in school and get an education, so she attends junior college while working at a grocery store. Carmen's professor catches her performing one day in the neighborhood and challenges her to audition to a formal dance school in California. She gets into a fight with her chaotic family and runs away to her best friend Gina's place only to find out Gina's been getting beat up by her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Carmen's boyfriend, Jared wants her to commit and move in with him. Pulled apart in every direction, her dream of dancing fades. Can Carmen overcome her fears and take the biggest chance of her life, or will she succumb to her self-doubt?.
IMDB Rating: 3.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: touching, realistic, uplifting, serious, captivating, emotional, teen, independent film
Similar in 80%
Make It Happen (2008)
Plot Summary:
Embarking on a journey to fulfill her dreams as a dancer, a young girl discovers a new style of dance that will prove to be the source of both conflict and self-discovery.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: sexy, teen, light, inspirational, uplifting, feel good, captivating, entertaining, erotic, cute
Similar in 75%
Krisha (2015)
Plot Summary:
Krisha returns for Thanksgiving dinner after ten years away from her family, but past demons threaten to ruin the festivities.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: serious, psychological, touching, realistic, independent film, dark, mumblecore, spooky, gloomy, tragicomedy
Similar in 84%
Battlefield America (2012)
Plot Summary:
A young businessman hires an instructor to turn a group of misfit kids into a team on the underground dance competition circuit.
IMDB Rating: 2.6
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: realistic, inspirational, psychological, captivating, exciting, serious
Similar in 82%
A Mother's Prayer (2009)
Plot Summary:
A Mother's Prayer, starring Robin Givens (Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys), Johnny Gill (legendary R&B singer), Shirley Murdock (Man of Her Dreams) and Jermaine Crawford (HBO's The Wire), tells the compelling, heartwarming tale of family members torn apart by their individual struggles. The only thing that can truly bring the family back together is a mother's dying wishes. With a lot of love, this family is about to learn the true meaning of the saying: the family that prays together stays together. Come along on an emotional journey through song, laughter and triumph.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 53
Genere: Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, serious, emotional, realistic, captivating