small-town backdrop

Movies with small-town vibe

Irresistible

1. Irresistible

Comedy Drama Political Drama Satire
6.3
20201h 42min

Overview

A Democratic political consultant helps a retired Marine colonel run for mayor in a small, conservative Wisconsin town.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Leadership under scrutiny, Rural urban divide, Satirical political critique, Grassroots fundraising pressure, Local political maneuvering

Available on

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

Waitress

2. Waitress

Drama Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy Awkward Comedy
7.0
20071h 45min

Overview

A small town waitress stuck in a lousy marriage finds love when an exciting out-of-towner enters her life.

Themes

Economic dependence and escape, Illicit relationship and consequences, Domestic abuse and autonomy, Female friendship and solidarity, Creative coping through work, Dream pursuit and risk

Available on

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

The Rookie

3. The Rookie

Drama Family Underdog Sports
6.9
20022h 7min

Overview

Jim Morris never made it out of the minor leagues before a shoulder injury ended his pitching career twelve years ago. Now a married-with-children high-school chemistry teacher and baseball coach in Texas, Jim's team makes a deal with him: if they win the district championship, Jim will try out with a major-league organization. The bet proves incentive enough for the team, and they go from worst to first, making it to state for the first time in the history of the school. Jim, forced to live up to his end of the deal, is nearly laughed off the try-out field--until he gets onto the mound, where he confounds the scouts (and himself) by clocking successive 98 mph fastballs, good enough for a minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Jim's still got a lot of pitches to throw before he makes it to The Show, but with his big-league dreams revived, there's no telling where he could go.

Themes

Financial strain, Dream pursuit under pressure, Community support and doubt, Ambition vs family, Responsibility and opportunity, Parental approval tensions

Available on

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