realistic backdrop

Movies with realistic vibe

The Return

1. The Return

History Drama Adventure Historical Event Historical Drama
6.3
20241h 56min

Overview

After twenty years away, Odysseus washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable. The king has finally returned home, but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.

Themes

Loyalty under siege, Succession pressure, Deception and recognition, Duty and marriage, Kingdom decline

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

That Christmas

2. That Christmas

Animation Comedy Family Fantasy Adventure
6.8
20241h 31min

Overview

It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans — including Santa's.

Themes

Appearance vs reality, Duplicity via identical spaces, Fragile trust under pressure, Deception through alibis, Past crime haunting present, Unreliable testimony dynamics

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Maria

3. Maria

History Drama Music Biographical History Historical Drama
6.4
20242h 4min

Overview

Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity and life.

Themes

Paris memory, Opera singer pressure, Period drama tension, Female protagonist conflict, Surrealism disorientation, Historical scrutiny

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Queer

4. Queer

Drama Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.4
20242h 18min

Overview

In 1950s Mexico City, William Lee, an American ex-pat in his late forties, leads a solitary life amidst a small American community. However, the arrival in town of Eugene Allerton, a young student, stirs William into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone.

Themes

Loneliness and connection, Desire versus distance, Surreal perception and telepathy, Addiction and dependence, Identity and embodiment, Boundaries of intimacy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Dear Santa

5. Dear Santa

Comedy Fantasy Dark Comedy Supernatural Fantasy
5.4
20241h 48min

Overview

Likeable 6th grader Liam writes to Santa asking him to prove that he's real. But Liam is dyslexic and accidentally sends his letter to Satan instead, who shows up at Liam's house, excited to have his first fanboy letter and wanting a little of Liam's soul.

Themes

Deception and trust, Temptation and consequence, Grief and resilience, Unintended consequences, Family dynamics under stress, Dyslexic perspective

Available on

Amazon Video
fuboTV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Moana 2

6. Moana 2

Family Comedy Adventure Animation Fantasy
6.3
20241h 40min

Overview

After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana journeys alongside Maui and a new crew to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced.

Themes

Resilience through alliance, Ancestral call to voyage, Crew interdependence, Oceanic responsibility, Stewardship of seas, Expectations vs action

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Meet Me Next Christmas

7. Meet Me Next Christmas

Romance Comedy Romantic Comedy Ensemble Comedy
5.5
20241h 45min

Overview

On a quest to reconnect with the man of her dreams, Layla races across New York City to find a ticket to a sold-out Pentatonix Christmas Eve concert.

Themes

Romantic pressure under scrutiny, Celebratory authenticity in love, Economic bargaining for access, Loving amid deception, Hopeless romantic longing, Performative attraction through gesture

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A Real Pain

8. A Real Pain

Comedy Drama Buddy Comedy Family Drama
7.0
20241h 30min

Overview

Mismatched cousins David and Benji reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the pair's old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

Themes

Trauma and resilience, Intergenerational tension, Humor as coping, Family history identity, Memory tourism ethics, Heritage and memory

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Small Things Like These

9. Small Things Like These

Drama History Historical Drama Social History
6.7
20241h 39min

Overview

In 1985, while working as a coal merchant to support his family, Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers truths of his own; forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.

Themes

Convent influence and complicity, Coal driven family economy, Barbershop community ties, Catholicism institutional control, Small town secrecy pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Blitz

10. Blitz

War Drama History World War II Historical Drama
6.2
20242h

Overview

In World War II London, nine-year-old George is evacuated to the countryside by his mother, Rita, to escape the bombings. Defiant and determined to return to his family, George embarks on an epic, perilous journey back home as Rita searches for him.

Themes

Race and belonging, Family endurance under siege, Multiethnic shelter solidarity, Labor and protest, Prejudice and resilience, Evacuation and return

Available on

Apple TV
Apple TV Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.