10 Films to Watch If You Loved Anora (2025)

Released on September 9, 1993, True Romance brings to screen a whirlwind tale of love and chaos. Directed by Tony Scott, the film features Clarence, who marries Alabama, a spirited call girl, then inadvertently drags them into a cocaine-laden escapade in Hollywood. This blend of romance and crime thrills the audience as they navigate the dangerous liaisons of love and greed. With an average rating of 4.2, it stands as a cult classic, offering a riveting screenplay by Quentin Tarantino and vivid performances by Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette.

The 1967 film Belle de Jour, released on May 24, unfolds the inner world of Séverine, a beautiful housewife leading a double life. This poignant narrative explores her clandestine afternoons at a high-class brothel under the alias 'Belle de Jour'. Director Luis Buñuel weaves a captivating exploration of fantasies clashing with reality while bravely addressing themes of desire and social constraint. Rendited by Catherine Deneuve, the protagonist's journey remains an evocative analysis of sexual freedom and societal taboos, capturing a 4-star rating.

Taking audiences to the bustling avenues of New York, Uncut Gems emerges as an intense narrative of high stakes. Released on August 30, 2019, this film showcases the dynamic performance of Adam Sandler as Howard, a jeweler whose relentless pursuit of the ultimate win spirals into a tense thriller. The Safdie Brothers create an electrifying atmosphere where each moment pulses with urgency, reflecting on high-stakes gambling’s mesmerizing allure. Holding an average rating of 3.8, the film is lauded for its gritty realism and narrative complexity.

In Poor Things, released on December 7, 2023, we are introduced to a tale that bends the boundaries of life and freedom. Reanimated by a maverick scientist, a young woman escapes societal norms with an adventurous lawyer. This compelling film charts her transformative journey across continents, resonating with a 3.8 average rating. Embarking on a narrative alluding to gothic revival, Emma Stone leads audiences through enlightenment akin to emancipation, while encouraging viewers to question conventional reality.

The timeless romantic comedy, Pretty Woman, debuted on March 23, 1990. This story captures the dynamic romance between Edward, a ruthless businessman, and Vivian, a free-spirited escort. Set against the luxurious backdrop of Los Angeles, it chronicles their unexpected connection and the societal hurdles they must overcome. Directed by Garry Marshall, with an iconic performance by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the film garners a 3.7 average rating, remaining eternally relevant in its depiction of love transcending class barriers.

Released on July 10, 2015, the vibrant indie film Tangerine offers a poignant exploration of life on the edge through the eyes of its trans characters. Sin-Dee Rella, a trans woman working the streets of Hollywood, is on a mission to discover the truth behind her boyfriend's infidelity, joined by her loyal friend Alexandra. Shot entirely on an iPhone, this film by Sean Baker immerses viewers in the colorful subcultures of Los Angeles and holds a 3.6 rating. It uniquely captures the raw realism and humanity of marginalized voices within the urban sprawl.

The film Closer, brought to theaters on December 3, 2004, dissects the complexities of relationships through intertwined lives. Starring a stellar cast including Julia Roberts and Jude Law, it tells the story of love, betrayal, and chance encounters. The film's 3.5 rating signifies its thoughtful dive into the layers of human connection, revealing emotions both raw and profound as experienced by four London strangers tethered by desire.

In Red Rocket, December 10, 2021, serves as the backdrop for Mikey Saber’s return to his roots in Texas. This narrative follows a washed-up porn star navigating the strained dynamics with his estranged family, intertwined with a new romance with Strawberry, a young donut shop worker. Directed by Sean Baker, this film, rated at 3.5, is a gritty depiction of the outskirts of the American dream, mirroring today's socioeconomic struggles.

Named aptly, Pleasure, directed by Ninja Thyberg, transports viewers to the adult film industry on October 8, 2021. The movie follows Linnéa, a young Swedish girl, as she navigates the turbulent landscape of Los Angeles in pursuit of a dream within an industry defined by exploitation. It garners a 3.4 rating for its candid storytelling, challenging preconceptions and presenting an unfiltered reflection on ambition and identity.

Romance and bureaucratic hurdles collide in the film Like Crazy, released on October 28, 2011. Starring Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, it dives into the whirlwind romance of Jacob and Anna, whose separation by immigration barriers tests the depths of young love. Earning a 3.1 rating, the film is a tender portrayal of love's endurance against formidable odds, capturing hearts with its poignant depiction of longing and connection across distances.