Best movies like The Annunciation
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
The Annunciation (in Hungarian: Angyali üdvözlet) is a Hungarian film directed by András Jeles in 1984, based on The Tragedy of Man (1861) by Imre Madách. When Adam (Péter Bocsor) and Eve (Júlia Mérő), having succumbed to Lucifer's temptation, are cast out of the Garden of Eden, Adam holds Lucifer (Eszter Gyalog) to his promise, reminding him that "You said I would know everything!". So Lucifer grants Adam a dream of the world to come. And what a bizarre dream: Adam becomes Miltiades in Athens; a knight called Tancred in Byzantium; Kepler in Prague; Danton in revolutionary Paris; and a nameless suitor in Victorian London. Guided by a deceptively sweet but ultimately contemptuous Lucifer, Adam confronts an endless procession of the horror of the human story ... rapists and concubines, betrayal and savagery, mindless cruelty and fanaticism.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 577
Genere: Drama
Country: Hungary
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, surreal, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, experimental, existential, art film, cult classic
Best tv shows and movies like The Annunciation (1984):
Similar in 87%
Soi Cowboy (2008)
Plot Summary:
This film concerns a Scandinavian gentleman who works in film, perhaps as a sort of financier/director/producer. He lives in Thailand with his Thai girlfriend, and most of the film is an exploration of that relationship. We also see her brother, and a gangster that he works for.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 223
Genere: Drama
Country: Thailand, UK
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, serious, realistic, suspenseful, experimental, offbeat, surreal, gloomy, sexual, neo noir
Similar in 84%
Electra, My Love (1974)
Plot Summary:
Reminiscent of the latter works of Bela Tarr, Miklos Jancso's "Beloved Electra" is comprised of a series of extremely slow and extremely long takes (there are just eight principal shots, each lasting an entire reel of film). More contemplative music video than conventional film, "Beloved Electra" is based on "Oresteia", a Greek myth written by Aeschylus, an ancient tragedian. The film stars Mari Toriocsik as Electra, a tortured woman who serves as a kind of metaphor for the people of Hungary and their historic suffering. She roams Jancso's landscape with a melancholic face, angry at Aegisztosz for conspiring with her mother to kill Agamemnon, her father.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 976
Genere: Drama
Country: Hungary
Duration: 70 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized
Similar in 75%
The Sea Wall (2008)
Plot Summary:
The film centers around a young French widow and her two adolescent children attempt to carve out a meager life for themselves by farming rice fields alongside the ocean in French Indo-China in the 1930's. Their efforts are hampered each year by the presence of the sea, which invariably floods the fields with saltwater and wipes out the crops. In desperation, the mother realizes that their only hope lies in the construction of a sea wall to prevent continued flooding, but the mother must cut a swath through the local bureaucracy in an almost Sisyphean attempt to make this happen. Meanwhile, her obstinate daughter, Suzanne, draws the romantic obsessions of a well-to-do Chinese gentleman, Monsieur Jo; though he could easily provide a way out, the possibility of a romantic relationship between Jo and Suzanne could just as easily fall prey to local racial prejudices that would damage or ruin the lives of both.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 858
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Cambodia, Belgium
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: sentimental, atmospheric, serious, realistic, semi autobiographical, stylized, sexual, sexy
Similar in 80%
Porcile (1969)
Plot Summary:
Two dramatic stories. In an undetermined past, a young cannibal (who killed his own father) is condemned to be torn to pieces by some wild beasts. In the second story, Julian, the young son of a post-war German industrialist, is on the way to lie down with his farm's pigs, because he doesn't like human relationships.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: Italy, France
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: disturbing, controversial, experimental, erotic, art house, art film, cult classic, avant garde, atmospheric, clever
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Stations of the Cross (2014)
Plot Summary:
Maria finds herself caught between two worlds. At school this 14-year-old girl has all the typical teenage interests, but when she’s at home with her family she follows the teachings of the Society of St. Pius XII and their traditionalist interpretation of Catholicism. Everything that Maria thinks and does must be examined before God. And since the Lord is a strict shepherd, she lives in constant fear of committing some misconduct.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama
Country: Germany, France
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, suspense, melancholic, art house, spiritual, surreal, disturbing, crying, sincere
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Story of Judas (2015)
Plot Summary:
A man ascends a barren summit. It is Judas, come to collect Jesus and carry him down the mountain on his back, joking and panting as he does so. After bathing in the river and taking part in a henna ceremony, Jesus leaves for Jerusalem. Judas is concerned for his friend’s safety, since the Roman occupiers look upon the prophet as an insurgent.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 223
Genere: Drama
Country: France
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, serious, captivating, biblical, realistic
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Wild Flower (1993)
Plot Summary:
The Benedetti family's wealth comes from gold stolen from the French army during the 18th century. When Jean (Michael Vartan), the lieutenant guarding the coins -- and lover of Elisabette Benedetti (Galatea Ranzi) -- is executed for a crime he did not commit, Elisabette curses the family. Bad luck travels from generation to generation. As the latest Benedettis tell their children about their eccentric grandfather, the children worry that the family curse will be passed on.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: Italy, France, Germany
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: serious, emotional, realistic, saga
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Birdsong (2008)
Plot Summary:
The Three Wise Kings travel in search of the Messiah, with unexpected obstacles on the way.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 604
Genere: Drama
Country: Spain
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: serious, sincere, captivating, slow cinema, contemplative, aesthetic, realistic, biblical
Similar in 83%
Steppenwolf (1974)
Plot Summary:
In the bourgeois circles of Europe after the Great War, can anything save the modern man? Harry Haller, a solitary intellectual, has all his life feared his dual nature of being human and being a beast. He's decided to die on his 50th birthday, which is soon. He's rescued from his solipsism by the mysterious Hermine, who takes him dancing, introduces him to jazz and to the beautiful and whimsical Maria, and guides him into the hallucinations of the Magic Theater, which seem to take him into Hell. Can humour, sin, and derision lead to salvation?.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: Switzerland, UK, France, Italy, USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: surreal, existential, philosophical, depressing, manga, esoteric, cult classic, independent film, mystic, psychological
Similar in 78%
A Story of David: The Hunted (1960)
Plot Summary:
Directed by Bob McNaught. King Saul of Israel is jealous of the fame and adoration of David, who long ago slew Goliath and brought victory to Saul's armies. Now Saul, egged on by his Edomite counselor Doeg, attempts to have David killed. Saul's son, and David's best friend, Jonathan, conspires to help David, who is reluctant to fight back against his own people the Israelites.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 159
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, Israel
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: independent film, bleak, epic, serious, captivating, realistic, biblical
Similar in 78%
What Is It? (2005)
Plot Summary:
What Is It? is the name of a 2005 experimental film written, starring, funded and directed by Crispin Glover. As of 2008, the film has only been shown at independent theaters, typically accompanied by a question and answer session, slideshow and meet-and-greet/autograph signing with Glover.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 945
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 72 min
Plot tags: surreal, atmospheric, serious, avant garde, controversial, psychotronic, intelligent, independent film, offbeat, realistic
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Last Days in the Desert (2015)
Plot Summary:
On his way out of the wilderness, Jesus struggles with the Devil over the fate of a family in crisis, setting himself up for a dramatic test.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: biblical, atmospheric, serious, contemplative, stylized, independent film, fable
Similar in 76%
Joseph and Mary (2016)
Plot Summary:
When loved ones are murdered, Elijah’s beliefs are compromised as he considers revenge. But a visit with Joseph and Mary may offer a new perspective.
IMDB Rating: 3.7
IMDB Votes: 288
Genere: Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: biblical, sincere, uplifting, thought provoking, serious, realistic
Similar in 85%
Electricity (2014)
Plot Summary:
A woman leaves her seaside hometown to search for her long-lost brother, experiencing hallucinations brought on by her epilepsy during her trip.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 904
Genere: Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: surreal, psychological, atmospheric, captivating, inspirational, mind bending, psychedelic, social, independent film, touching
Similar in 75%
The Man Who Sleeps (1974)
Plot Summary:
In this French tour-de-force a young student decides to have no more interaction with the world than is needed to minimally sustain life. His increasingly automaton-like behavior is coupled with a strange clarity of insight about the world around him. His inner musings as he wanders the luminous streets of Paris are narrated in the form of an unwritten diary by Ludmila Mikael.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Tunisia
Duration: 77 min
Plot tags: art house, experimental, existential, surreal, contemplative, depressing, poetic, philosophical, artsy, anthology
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The Hedgehog (2009)
Plot Summary:
Paloma is a serious and highly articulate but deeply bored 11-year-old who has decided to kill herself on her 12th birthday. Fascinated by art and philosophy, she questions and documents her life and immediate circle, drawing trenchant and often hilarious observations on the world around her. But as her appointment with death approaches, Paloma finally meets some kindred spirits in her building's grumpy janitor and an enigmatic, elegant neighbor, both of whom inspire Paloma to question her rather pessimistic outlook on life.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Italy
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: psychological, contemplative, sentimental, realistic, inspirational, captivating, aesthetic, surprise ending, thought provoking, breathtaking
Similar in 79%
Querelle (1982)
Plot Summary:
Here is the story of a beautiful, proud and tough loner, a sailor named Querelle, whose commanding officer Seblon worships and desires him from afar. Querelle turns on his drugs-smuggling partner and murders him. He then goes to a notorious brothel run by the rapacious Lysiane, who leads Querelle into his first homosexual encounter. Then, Querelle has become vulnerable and soft, and soon the once powerful object of passion comes to belong to Seblon.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama
Country: West Germany, France
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: sexual, controversial, erotic, sexy, art house, stylized, emotional, twist ending, sensual, erotic drama
Similar in 81%
The Nun (2013)
Plot Summary:
Suzanne Simonin describes her life of suffering in letters. As a young woman she is sent to a convent against her will. Since her parents cannot afford the dowry required for a marriage befitting her rank they decide she must instead become a nun. Although a kind and understanding Mother Superior helps her to learn the convent’s daily routine, Suzanne’s desire for freedom remains unabated. When the Mother Superior dies, Suzanne finds herself faced with reprisals, humiliation and harassment at the hands of the new Abbess and the other Sisters. For many years, Suzanne is subjected to bigotry and religious fanaticism. (Berlinale.de).
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Germany, Belgium
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, atmospheric, serious, psychological, erotic, sincere, independent film, period drama
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The Nun (1966)
Plot Summary:
In eighteenth-century France, a girl is forced against her will to take vows as a nun. Three mothers superior treat her in radically different ways, ranging from maternal concern, to sadistic persecution, to lesbian desire.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: France
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: art house, sensual, historical drama, atmospheric, thought provoking, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, controversial
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All Good Children (2010)
Plot Summary:
After experiencing a tragedy, Irish brothers Dara and Eoin move to rural France, where they become friends with young Bella, whose beauty and charm bewitches the emotionally unstable Dara.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 285
Genere: Drama
Country: Ireland, UK, Belgium, France
Duration: 81 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, serious, realistic, psychological, captivating, tense, sincere, gloomy
Similar in 83%
The Rocket (2013)
Plot Summary:
Set against the lush backdrop of rural Laos, this spirited drama tells the story of scrappy ten-year-old Ahlo, who yearns to break free from his ill-fated destiny. After his village is displaced to make way for a massive dam, Ahlo escapes with his father and grandmother through the Laotian outback in search of a new home. Along the way, they come across a rocket festival that offers Ahlo a lucrative but dangerous chance to prove his worth.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: Australia, Thailand, Laos
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, sincere, touching, serious
Similar in 89%
Post Tenebras Lux (2012)
Plot Summary:
Juan and his urban family live in the Mexican countryside, where they enjoy and suffer a world apart. And nobody knows if these two worlds are complementary or if they strive to eliminate one another.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama
Country: Mexico, France, Netherlands, Germany
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: realistic, atmospheric, serious, experimental, psychological, psychedelic, surreal, captivating, slow cinema, philosophical
Similar in 81%
Without Destination (2002)
Plot Summary:
Sin Destino follows the life of a 15 year old Mexican boy, Francisco, as he struggles to survive on the streets. His primary source of income is money raised by prostituting himself to men for sex, and the film implies that this learned behaviour has arisen as a result of a contact with a single man when Francisco was 9 years old. This man, Sebastien, is an "artist" who initially claimed to want to photograph the boy, but it is clear that their relationship at one time extended far beyond that of photographer/model.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 220
Genere: Drama
Country: Mexico
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: disturbing, psychological, atmospheric, rough, bleak, serious, realistic, surreal, gloomy, sexual
Similar in 75%
Kisses (2008)
Plot Summary:
Two kids, Dylan and Kylie, run away from home at Christmas and spend a night of magic and terror on the streets of inner-city Dublin.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: Ireland, Sweden
Duration: 72 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, touching, realistic, atmospheric, serious, captivating, stylized, teen, contemplative
Similar in 79%
Pelle the Conqueror (1987)
Plot Summary:
The end of the 19th century. A boat filled with Swedish emigrants comes to the Danish island of Bornholm. Among them are Lasse and his son Pelle who move to Denmark to find work. They find employment at a large farm, but are treated as the lowest form of life. Pelle starts to speak Danish but is still harassed as a foreigner. But none of them wants to give up their dream of finding a better life than the life they left in Sweden.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Drama
Country: Denmark, Sweden
Duration: 157 min
Plot tags: emotional, atmospheric, meditative, disturbing, compassionate, touching, serious, stylized, depressing, sad
Similar in 79%
Abandoned (2001)
Plot Summary:
Áron is a happy child in his family. But at some point things take a different turn, and his mother starts to lose her health rapidly. As this happens, the man in charge decides what's best for Áron without consulting the young boy's opinion, and the boy finds himself thrown out of his warm home into an orphanage in the woods. He's utterly displeased by what's happening, without knowing he has yet to face much worse. After a hard time getting over the harrassment of his classmates and being accepted as one of them, another obstacle on the way to his peace of mind faces him: His obnoxious teachers. He has no intention of being bad, but it's beyond his ability to blend into the revolting place he's in. The nasty treatment of the teaching crew gets the better of him, and he's not all that calm and passive anymore. But that leads into unpleasant events which Áron himself wouldn't want.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 610
Genere: Drama
Country: Hungary
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: sincere, uplifting, touching, serious, art house, bleak, emotional, realistic
Similar in 78%
Jess + Moss (2011)
Plot Summary:
Jess, age 18, and Moss, age 12 are second cousins in the dark-fire tobacco fields of rural Western Kentucky. Without immediate families that they can relate to, and lacking friends their own age, they only have each other. Over the course of a summer they venture on a journey exploring deep secrets and hopes of a future while being confronted with fears of isolation, abandonment and an unknown tomorrow.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 980
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, realistic, contemplative, stylized, psychological, captivating, teen, aesthetic, sincere, touching
Similar in 87%
Mary, Mother of Jesus (1999)
Plot Summary:
Mary, Mother of Jesus is a 1999 made-for-television Biblical film that retells the story of Jesus through the eyes of Mary, his mother.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: biblical, sincere, uplifting, thought provoking, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 88%
The Garden (1990)
Plot Summary:
A nearly wordless visual narrative intercuts two main stories and a couple of minor ones. A woman, perhaps the Madonna, brings forth her baby to a crowd of intrusive paparazzi; she tries to flee them. Two men who are lovers marry and are arrested by the powers that be. The men are mocked and pilloried, tarred, feathered, and beaten. Loose in this contemporary world of electrical-power transmission lines is also Jesus. The elements, particularly fire and water, content with political power, which is intolerant and murderous.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, Germany, Japan
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, serious, realistic, art house, disturbing, cult classic, experimental, independent film, clever, offbeat
Similar in 76%
The Gopher (1970)
Plot Summary:
El Topo decides to confront warrior Masters on a trans-formative desert journey he begins with his 6 year old son, who must bury his childhood totems to become a man. El Topo (the mole) claims to be God, while dressed as a gunfighter in black, riding a horse through a spiritual, mystical landscape strewn with old Western movie, and ancient Eastern religious symbols. Bandits slaughtered a village on his path, so El Topo avenges the massacred, then forcibly takes their leader's woman Mara as his. El Topo's surreal way is bloody, sexual and self-reflective, musing of his own demons, as he tries to vanquish those he encounters.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 31000
Genere: Drama, Western
Country: Mexico
Duration: 125 min
Plot tags: surreal, psychedelic, disturbing, allegory, experimental, cult classic, controversial, bloody, art house, stylized