If You Loved The Florida Project, You'll Need to See These Films

The Florida Project lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It’s more than just a film; it’s a visceral experience, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and sun-drenched landscapes juxtaposed with the stark realities of childhood poverty. If Moonee and Halley’s story resonated with you, if the film’s blend of innocence and hardship left an indelible mark, then this curated list is your compass for navigating similar cinematic terrain. These films, while diverse in setting and style, share The Florida Project‘s emotional core, its unflinching gaze at life on the margins, and its profound empathy for the overlooked.

Table of Contents

Echoes of Childhood: Seeing the World Through Young Eyes

The Florida Project masterfully captures the world through a child’s perspective, where imagination blossoms even in the face of adversity. These films offer similar glimpses into the lives of children navigating complex circumstances with resilience and a touch of magic.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Benh Zeitlin): Hushpuppy, a spirited six-year-old living in a Louisiana bayou community, confronts a world both magical and menacing. Like Moonee, she possesses an unwavering connection to her home and a fierce spirit that allows her to navigate the precariousness of her environment. The film’s blend of magical realism with gritty realism mirrors The Florida Project‘s unique aesthetic, suggesting that even amidst environmental and societal challenges, the power of childhood imagination can offer solace and hope. Where to watch: Check popular streaming services and rental platforms.
Capernaum (2018, Nadine Labaki): This emotionally challenging film follows Zain, a 12-year-old boy in Beirut who sues his parents for bringing him into a world of poverty and neglect. While the setting differs drastically from The Florida Project, Capernaum shares its raw intensity and focus on a child’s remarkable capacity to endure. Zain’s fight for agency echoes Moonee’s resourcefulness, highlighting the universal struggle for dignity and self-determination. Where to watch: Streaming availability may vary; check major platforms and consider independent film distributors.
Moonlight (2016, Barry Jenkins): This coming-of-age story chronicles Chiron’s journey through three defining chapters of his life in Miami. While not solely focused on childhood, Moonlight shares The Florida Project‘s sensitivity to the lasting impact of early experiences, particularly within marginalized communities. Chiron’s quiet strength in navigating poverty, prejudice, and self-discovery resonates with Moonee’s resilience. Where to watch: This acclaimed film is likely available on most major streaming services.

Families, Redefined: Bonds Forged in Challenging Circumstances

Traditional family structures often dissolve or are reimagined in the world of The Florida Project. Moonee’s found family at the Magic Castle motel highlights the importance of human connection in the face of adversity. These films explore similar themes of non-traditional families and the resilience of the human spirit in creating belonging where it might not otherwise exist.

Shoplifters (2018, Hirokazu Kore-eda): This Japanese film offers a poignant exploration of family, defined not by blood but by shared circumstance. An impoverished family in Tokyo resorts to shoplifting to survive, and when they take in a neglected young girl, they form an unconventional bond that challenges traditional notions of kinship. Like The Florida Project, Shoplifters raises profound questions about what constitutes a family and how love can flourish in unexpected places. Where to watch: Look for Shoplifters on streaming services with robust international film selections and consider art-house cinema platforms.
Tangerine (2015, Sean Baker): Returning to the distinctive vision of Sean Baker, Tangerine pulses with the electric energy of a Christmas Eve in Hollywood, following two transgender sex workers navigating their chosen family and the challenges of their lives. This film shares The Florida Project‘s deep empathy for marginalized communities, its vibrant, almost documentary-like style, and its focus on the families we create when traditional ties are strained or absent. Where to watch: Streaming availability varies; check prominent services and digital rental platforms.
Captain Fantastic (2016, Matt Ross): This film portrays a father raising his six children in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, isolated from mainstream society. When forced to re-enter the outside world, the family confronts the complexities of societal norms and the challenges of adapting to a different way of life. While the setting contrasts sharply with The Florida Project, Captain Fantastic explores similar themes of unconventional families and the search for belonging. Where to watch: Check major streaming services and rental options.

Life on the Fringes: Stories of Grit and Grace

The Florida Project doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of poverty. These films share that commitment to unflinching realism, showcasing the lives of individuals often overlooked with a blend of empathy and grace.

Red Rocket (2021, Sean Baker): Sean Baker’s darkly comedic and often unsettling film follows a washed-up porn star returning to his small Texas hometown. Like The Florida Project, Red Rocket offers a glimpse into the lives of those existing on the periphery, navigating hardship with a mix of desperation, resilience, and surprising moments of dark humor. Where to watch: Check current streaming releases and digital rental services.
American Honey (2016, Andrea Arnold): This vibrant road movie captures the restlessness andraw energy of youth. It follows a band of teenagers selling magazines door-to-door across Middle America, creating a microcosm of life on the economic fringes. Where to watch: Check multiple streaming services.
Wendy and Lucy (2008, Kelly Reichardt): This minimalist film portrays Wendy’s precarious journey across America with her close companion, Lucy. When her canine friend goes missing, Wendy’s already fragile existence begins to crumble. The film’s focus on subtle moments and everyday life echoes The Florida Project‘s attention to the quiet desperation that underpins many struggles. Where to watch: This film is potentially available on Criterion Channel or other platforms specializing in independent cinema.

The Human Spirit Endures: A Celebration of Resilience

These films, despite their differences, share a common thread with The Florida Project: they invite us to witness the world through the eyes of those on the margins. They remind us of the resilience of the human spirit, the unwavering power of hope, and the beauty that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances. These stories offer a potent reminder that empathy and understanding can bridge the gap between worlds and illuminate the shared humanity that binds us together. They offer a starting point for a deeper exploration of cinema’s power to reflect and reveal the complexities of human experience. What other films resonate with you in the same way as The Florida Project? Share your discoveries and expand the conversation.

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Turthledeep

Hi, I’m creator of Best App Review. As a tech enthusiast, I’m passionate about finding and sharing the best apps to help you work smarter, live better, and stay productive. Through honest reviews and hands-on testing, I aim to guide you in choosing the right tools for your needs. Let’s explore the world of apps together!