Cruella backdrop

Films like Cruella (2021)

Published: Mar 22, 2026

A selection of films similar to "Cruella" (2021), centered on strong and charismatic heroines and anti-heroines, struggles for influence and recognition, and conflicts with the system and injustice. The stories in this selection focus on female rivalry, tense relationships, and often trace the rise of vivid, complex, and iconic female characters. The closest matches include "The Devil Wears Prada," "I, Tonya," "Maleficent," "House of Gucci," and "The Favourite."

The Devil Wears Prada

1. The Devil Wears Prada

Drama Comedy
7.0

2006 · 1h 49min

Director: David Frankel

Young Andy dreams above all of becoming a professional journalist. To give her career a boost, she takes a job as the assistant to the very strict and demanding editor of one of the most popular fashion magazines, not yet knowing what challenges this job has in store for her.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Pacing, Humor, Conflict, Tropes

Notable differences: Tension (+13%)


I, Tonya

2. I, Tonya

Drama Comedy
7.5

2017 · 2h

United States

Director: Craig Gillespie

American figure skater Tonya is one step away from Olympic glory. To make sure it happens, there’s only one thing left: get rid of her rival—and Tonya will stop at nothing on her way to fame.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Humor, Pacing, Tropes, Themes

Notable differences: Bleakness (+33%), Darkness (+27%), Tension (+11%), Complexity (+25%)

Shared keywords

Rivalry, Competition


House of Gucci

3. House of Gucci

Drama Crime History
6.6

2021 · 2h 38min

United States, Canada

Director: Ridley Scott

A biographical story about the life of Maurizio Gucci, heir to the famous fashion house. One day he meets Patrizia, a young woman from a modest family who has always longed for a life of luxury. As a romance blossoms between them and they eventually marry, Patrizia becomes increasingly drawn into the inner workings of the family business, seeking greater power and wealth.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Tension, Tropes, Conflict

Notable differences: Bleakness (+27%), Darkness (+23%), Pacing (-12%), Humor (-25%)

Shared keywords

Rivalry, Ambition, Family, Family drama, Revenge, Orchestrated revenge


101 Dalmatians

4. 101 Dalmatians

Family Comedy
5.8

1996 · 1h 43min

Director: Stephen Herek

The villainous Cruella de Vil kidnaps 15 little Dalmatian puppies to make herself a fur coat. The puppies’ parents, Perdy and Pongo, soon discover that many more have fallen victim to her and set out on a journey to rescue the little ones.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Tropes, Setting


Molly's Game

5. Molly's Game

Drama Crime
7.4

2017 · 2h 20min

United States

Director: Aaron Sorkin

A biographical drama about a former skier whose athletic career comes to an end, leading her to open an underground poker club in Los Angeles. Among its visitors are billionaires, celebrities, and even members of the criminal underworld. Before long, Molly’s operation attracts the attention of the FBI.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Pacing, Tropes, Tone

Notable differences: Tension (+20%), Humor (-25%), Complexity (+20%)


The Favourite

6. The Favourite

History Comedy Drama
7.5

2018 · 2h

United States, Ireland

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

This historical drama follows court intrigue in England, where two servants of the ailing Queen Anne compete to become her chief favourite, seeking power, access to money, and influence over politics.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Humor, Tropes, Conflict

Notable differences: Bleakness (+33%), Darkness (+27%), Tension (+19%), Pacing (-12%), Complexity (+21%)

Shared keywords

Rivalry, Ambition, Revenge, Competition


The Dressmaker

7. The Dressmaker

Drama Comedy Western
7.0

2015 · 1h 58min

Australia, United Kingdom

Director: Jocelyn Moorhouse

Beautiful and talented dressmaker Tilly returns to her hometown, which she was once forced to leave because of a tragic incident for which she was unfairly blamed. While trying to reconcile with her ill mother, she also transforms the lives of local women through her talent for making dresses.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Tension, Tropes, Conflict

Notable differences: Bleakness (+37%), Darkness (+23%), Pacing (-12%), Humor (-15%)

Shared keywords

Family, Family drama, Revenge


Maleficent

8. Maleficent

Fantasy Adventure Action Family Romance
6.9

2014 · 1h 37min

United States

Director: Robert Stromberg

A young sorceress lives in a magical realm filled with wonder and fantastical creatures. But when she places her trust in a young man who later betrays her and brings destruction to her world, Maleficent’s heart turns to stone, and she becomes cold and ruthless. As the conflict with the human kingdom grows, she casts a terrible curse on a newborn princess.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Pacing, Conflict, Tropes

Notable differences: Humor (-35%)


After breaking up with the Joker, Harley Quinn finds herself drawn into a dangerous clash with Gotham crime boss Roman Sionis. When the city’s criminals begin hunting both Harley and a valuable diamond, she joins forces with four other women who also have personal scores to settle with Roman.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Tropes, Conflict


Joker

10. Joker

Crime Thriller Drama
8.3

2019 · 2h 2min

United States, Canada

Director: Todd Phillips

Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian, lives in a shabby apartment with his mother and suffers from mental disorders. Working as a clown, he faces cruelty from colleagues and random passersby every day, all too eager to humiliate him. After one such incident, he decides to respond with extreme violence.

Similarity

Closest characteristics: Tropes, Conflict

Notable differences: Bleakness (+53%), Darkness (+45%), Tension (+23%), Pacing (-18%), Humor (-42%), Violence (+37%), Complexity (+21%)

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About the movie Cruella (2021)

Cruella plot: Smart and resourceful orphan Estella lives on the streets and engages in petty scams together with her friends. With a talent for fashion and a refined sense of style, she one day gets the chance to work at the fashion house of a powerful and ruthless designer.

Keywords: Rivalry, Ambition, Family, Coming of age, Family drama, Self discovery, Revenge, Twist ending, Secret identity, Orchestrated revenge

Style characteristics: Pacing, Humor