Best movies like Manhattan Merengue
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
A realistic look at the life of a young immigrant man who comes to America with the hope of dancing on Broadway.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 42
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: independent film
Best tv shows and movies like Manhattan Merengue (1995):
Similar in 83%
Hard Contract (1969)
Plot Summary:
A cold hearted American hit man goes to Europe for 'one last score'. His encounter with a beautiful young woman casts self doubt on his lifeblood, and influences him to resist carrying out the contract.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 613
Genere: Drama, Mystery, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: neo noir, cerebral
Similar in 76%
In the Heights (2021)
Plot Summary:
The story of Usnavi, a bodega owner who has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic or staying in Washington Heights.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 51000
Genere: Drama, Musical, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 143 min
Plot tags: sincere, captivating, entertaining, anamorphic, visual, hispanic
Similar in 84%
The Outsiders (1986)
Plot Summary:
Based on the book written by author Pai Hsien-yung and first published in 1983 in Taiwan. A-Qing, a young student is discovered during sex by a night watchman, young A-Qing is beaten and expelled from home by his violent abusive father. In a public park in Taipei he is found by Yang (a middle-aged photographer), who introduces him to three other teenage boys--all abandoned by their families because they were gay. They form a kind of surrogate family. When A-Qing meets Wang Kei-Lung, he falls madly in love.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 76
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: Taiwan
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: queer cinema
Similar in 79%
Next Year in Jerusalem (1997)
Plot Summary:
The oldest son in an orthodox Jewish family is living at home (in Brooklyn) with his parents and younger brothers. He's being pressured by his parents to marry the girl they have chosen, (the daughter of a rabbi). But he is coming to the realization that he is gay. When he becomes reacquainted with a school hood friend that has moved into Greenwich Village and come out (at least to himself), our hero begins to come out to himself as well.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 130
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: independent film, queer cinema
Similar in 80%
Anatomy of Love (1972)
Plot Summary:
A young attractive widow has a one-night stand with a handsome architect. The couple soon starts a tumultuous relationship.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 142
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: Poland
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 75%
The Grasshopper (1970)
Plot Summary:
A British Columbia teenager dreams of show business but winds up as a call girl in Las Vegas.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 595
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: sexual, erotic, sensual, independent film, sentimental, touching, serious, realistic, entertaining, romantic drama
Similar in 89%
Love at First Dance (2018)
Plot Summary:
Hope is tasked with teaching Manhattan's former "Most Eligible Bachelor" how to dance for his extravagant, society wedding. But as the dance lessons progress, complications ensue when feelings begin to develop between student and instructor.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: romantic, light, feel good, humorous, entertaining, emotional
Similar in 89%
Bitter Sugar (1996)
Plot Summary:
A patriot (René Lavan) with a rebellious brother falls in love with a dissident's daughter (Mayte Vilán) in Castro's Cuba.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 643
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: Dominican Republic, USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: black and white, tense, serious, realistic, crying, inspirational, rough, sexy, thought provoking, intellectual
Similar in 83%
Cruel Game (2002)
Plot Summary:
The con is on when a gorgeous LA playboy tries to juggle four beautiful women and gets more than he bargained for. When a million bucks goes missing from the Yakuza, Japan's notorious mafia, the chase is on for the culprit. But in this tale of cross and double cross, no one is who they say they are and everyone's just in it for one thing -- get the money and get out.
IMDB Rating: 4.0
IMDB Votes: 143
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: sexy, surprise ending, suspense
Similar in 86%
Failan (2001)
Plot Summary:
After losing both her parents, Failan emmigrates to Korea to seek her only remaining relatives. Once she reaches Korea, she finds out that her relatives have moved to Canada well over a year ago. Desperate to stay and make a living in Korea, Failan is forced to have an arranged marriage through a match-making agency.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: romantic, touching, depressing, captivating, thought provoking, sad, romantic comedy, twisted, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 85%
The Simian Line (2000)
Plot Summary:
The Simian Line is an American improvisational film, released in 2001. When Katharine (Lynn Redgrave) throws a party on Halloween, a psychic called Arnita (Tyne Daly) predicts that one of the three couples present at the party will break up by the end of the year. The guests don't take her seriously. Arnita doesn't tell them that she can see a fourth couple at the party, the long dead Mae (Samantha Mathis) and Edward (William Hurt). As days go by, Katharine grows increasingly jealous of her lover Rick (Harry Connick, Jr.), and his flirting with her neighbor Sandra (Cindy Crawford). Sandra is married to Paul (Jamey Sheridan). Marta (Monica Keena) and Billy (Dylan Bruno) are rock musicians who live in the same building as Katharine.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 420
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: touching, humorous, semi serious, captivating, sex comedy, independent film, offbeat, realistic
Similar in 89%
Warm Summer Rain (1989)
Plot Summary:
Kate, a depressed thirty-something who unsuccessfuuly attempts suicide by slitting her wrists. Reflecting briefly upon her circumstance in the hospital, she realizes that nothing has been solved, whereupon she vacates the premises, wearing nothing but a hospital gown, a black coat, and flimsy sandals. Shortly thereafter, at a bus station, she requests from the attendant a bus ticket to wherever, with consideration to the limited funds she has to spare. The attendant insists on a destination, or even a direction - Kate spins about, points, and says, "that way". The story then evolves to include Barry Tubb, her love interest, who rekindles her will to live.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 487
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: realistic, independent film, sexual, sexy, erotic, serious
Similar in 90%
Honky (1971)
Plot Summary:
Black girl from rich family loves white boy from poor family.
IMDB Rating: 5.0
IMDB Votes: 148
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: grindhouse, independent film
Similar in 79%
Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue (1991)
Plot Summary:
Blue is a teenage girl who lives with her Jazz playing father Ham. Ham gets very sick and dies, and now Blue must support herself somehow. Elle, the headmistress at a brothel, talks her into living and working at her establishment. She decides to leave the business and lead a normal life. Elle is hellbent to see that she never has one.
IMDB Rating: 3.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: erotic, sexy, sensual, independent film, rough, serious, realistic, sexual, sexploitation film
Similar in 77%
One Last Dance (2003)
Plot Summary:
In the wake of tragedy, a renowed New York dance company is on the brink of collapse. After leaving the dance world for good, Travis, Chrissa, and Max are pulled in to resurrect the dance that shattered their careers. They have one last chance to save the company, re-connect with the passion and magic, and prove that miracles really can happen.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: Canada
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, romantic, sexy, independent film
Similar in 87%
The Cooler (2003)
Plot Summary:
(William H. Macy) works at a Las Vegas casino, where he uses his innate ability to bring about misfortune in those around him to jinx gamblers into losing. His imposing boss, Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin), is happy with the arrangement. But Bernie finds unexpected happiness when he begins dating attractive waitress Natalie Belisario (Maria Bello).
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 35000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: sexy, realistic, intense, neo noir, serious, offbeat, spiritual, controversial, comedy drama, independent film
Similar in 77%
Staying Alive (1983)
Plot Summary:
It's five years later and Tony Manero's Saturday Night Fever is still burning. Now he's strutting toward his biggest challenger yet - making it as a dancer on the Broadway stage.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 17000
Genere: Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: cult classic, serious, realistic, stylized, light, romantic, sexy, feel good, unusual plot structure, humorous
Similar in 77%
Ripe (1996)
Plot Summary:
When their abusive parents are killed in a car crash, twin sisters Rosie and Violet vow to run away to Kentucky in search of a better life. While on the road, the girls meet up with Pete, a drifter working as a grounds keeper on a derelict army base, who takes them in. While Violet falls for him, Rosie becomes increasingly angry and hostile, and the sisters' childhood bond is eventually destroyed forever.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: independent film, erotic, sexy, psychological, sincere, serious, realistic, disturbing, gloomy, sexual
Similar in 87%
Whirlygirl (2006)
Plot Summary:
After a run in with a hot exotic dancer one wintry night straight-laced prep school student James will find himself on the ride of his life. Risking his future he follows this mysterious woman to New York City - ditching school dodging cops and partying at hot nightclubs along the way.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: realistic, captivating, disturbing, light, sex comedy, serious, hot
Similar in 89%
London (2005)
Plot Summary:
London is a drug laden adventure that centers on a party in a New York loft where a young man is trying to win back his ex-girlfriend.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 25000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: talky, psychological, romantic, intense, atmospheric, serious, emotional, sexual, touching, mumblecore
Similar in 76%
A Better Life (2011)
Plot Summary:
A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while traveling across town to perform landscaping work for the city's wealthy landowners.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, realistic, sincere, thought provoking, inspirational, hood, independent film, romantic, captivating
Similar in 86%
Hester Street (1975)
Plot Summary:
Steven Keats plays a Russian emigre who prides himself on the way he's molded himself into a real Yankee in the USA, though the world he lives in, New York's Lower East Side in the late 19th century, is almost exclusively populated by other Jewish immigrants. When his wife (Carol Kane) finally arrives in the New World, however, she has a lot of assimilating to do. This causes the tension which drives the movie along, though it maintains a fairly light atmosphere most of the time.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: black and white, romantic, historically accurate, aesthetic, independent film, sentimental, touching, serious, captivating, emotional
Similar in 87%
After the Rain (1999)
Plot Summary:
Steph, an Afrikaner, struggles with his past and heritage in the new South Africa. When his girlfriend befriends a black South African man called Vusisizwe trouble brews.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 278
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: South Africa, USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, crying, tragic
Similar in 87%
Musical Chairs (2011)
Plot Summary:
When his dancer partner, Mia, lands in the hospital after an accident, Armando persuades her to train for an upcoming wheelchair ballroom dancing contest.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 338
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: emotional, sentimental, realistic, captivating, sincere, romantic, romantic drama, serious, hispanic
Similar in 78%
The Immigrant (2013)
Plot Summary:
In 1921 New York. an immigrant woman is tricked into a life of burlesque and vaudeville until a dazzling magician tries to save her and reunite her with her sister who is being held in the confines of Ellis Island.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 33000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, harsh, emotional, suspenseful, serious, captivating, period piece, costume drama, stylized, romantic
Similar in 89%
The Great Gatsby (1974)
Plot Summary:
Nick Carraway, a young Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, the nouveau riche Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby's circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 26000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 144 min
Plot tags: captivating, period piece, stylized, visual, serious, spiritual, social, realistic, crying, sentimental
Similar in 85%
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
Plot Summary:
Successful surgeon Tomas leaves Prague for an operation, meets a young photographer named Tereza, and brings her back with him. Tereza is surprised to learn that Tomas is already having an affair with the bohemian Sabina, but when the Soviet invasion occurs, all three flee to Switzerland. Sabina begins an affair, Tom continues womanizing, and Tereza, disgusted, returns to Czechoslovakia. Realizing his mistake, Tomas decides to chase after her.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 38000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 171 min
Plot tags: sexy, sensual, erotic, sexual, romantic, philosophical, art house, crying, existential, independent film
Similar in 75%
Chinese Box (1997)
Plot Summary:
The story of Hong Kong, from New Year's Day to June 30th, 1997, when the British left their colony and turned it over to the People's Republic of China.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: France, Japan, USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, independent film, sentimental, serious, realistic, contemplative, gloomy, philosophical, sexy, thought provoking
Similar in 90%
Two for the Seesaw (1962)
Plot Summary:
Jerry Ryan wanders aimlessly around New York after giving up his Nebrascan law practice. His wife asks for a divorce. He meets Gittel, a struggling dancer from Greenwich Village and they try to sort out their lives. An extended conversation piece with a static camera, but reflects the moral climate of the time.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: black and white, independent film, sentimental, touching, humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 90%
Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
Plot Summary:
Tita is passionately in love with Pedro, but her controlling mother forbids her from marrying him. When Pedro marries her sister, Tita throws herself into her cooking and discovers she can transfer her emotions through the food she prepares, infecting all who eat it with her intense heartbreak.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 19000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: Mexico
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: touching, sentimental, compassionate, romantic, sweet, emotional, melancholic, intense, atmospheric, sensual