The Help is a period drama film directed and written by Tate Taylor and released in 2011. It is an inspiring adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel by the same name. It stars Emma Stone as Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, and Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson. All of whom give incredible performances that pack an emotional punch. In this period drama film, Phelan is an aspiring author who turns to two highly experienced African-American maids for insight into their life experiences with white families.
Also Read: Movies Like Parasite
For those looking for other movies like The Help, several depict the era faithfully and are full of captivating narratives. To help you find the perfect film, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best movies like The Help. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted comedy or a thought-provoking drama, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Quick Links
12 Best Inspirational Drama Movies Like The Help
-
The Kids Are All Right
Director: Lisa Cholodenko
Writers: Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg
Stars: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
The 2010 film The Kids Are All Right follows the story of two same-sex couples, Jules and Nic, raising their teenage children together. As the children get older, they become curious about their biological father and set out to find him. This leads to a meeting with Paul, who is initially hesitant to get involved with the family. However, he eventually forms a bond with the children and becomes a part of their lives.
It is a heartwarming story about family, love, and acceptance. It’s a must-see for anyone who is looking for a feel-good movie with a great plot.
-
Shéhérazade
Director: Jean-Bernard Marlin
Writers: Jean-Bernard Marlin, Catherine Paillé
Stars: Dylan Robert, Kenza Fortas, Idir Azougli
Genres: Drama, Romance, Thriller
It is a French drama film released in 2018. It tells the story of a young woman named Shéhérazade, who is sentenced to death after being accused of a crime she didn’t commit. While in prison, she befriends a fellow inmate named Safia, and together they hatch a plan to escape. The film follows their struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of the prison and their fight to clear Shéhérazade’s name.
The film has been lauded for its powerful story and strong performances by its two lead actresses. If you’re looking for a touching and thought-provoking drama, Shéhérazade is worth a watch.
-
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Director: Mark Herman
Writers: John Boyne, Mark Herman
Stars: Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Rupert Friend
Genres: Drama, War
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a 2008 historical drama film set in World War II, based on the novel of the same name by John Boyne.
The film tells the story of Bruno, an eight-year-old German boy whose family moves from Berlin to Auschwitz concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. He befriends a young Jewish boy named Shmuel, who is imprisoned in the camp.
Bruno’s innocence and Shmuel’s friendship help to humanize the horror of the Holocaust for the viewer. The film ends with a heart-wrenching twist that leaves the viewer contemplating the incomprehensible cruelty of the Nazi regime.
-
Win-Win
Director: Tom McCarthy
Writers: Tom McCarthy, Joe Tiboni
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Tambor
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sport
In the movie Win Win, Paul Giamatti plays Mike Flaherty, a small-time lawyer, and wrestling coach, as a second job. He is a struggling family man who finds himself in a difficult situation. Desperate for money, Mike agrees to take on the case of Leo Poplar, an older man who requires a guardian. However, when Leo’s grandson unexpectedly shows up, Mike is in a dilemma.
Mike soon realizes that the only way to keep Leo and his grandson happy is to rig the custody case in their favor. But as Mike’s scheme starts to unravel, he must decide whether to do what is suitable for his family or what is right for Leo. It is a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and doing the right thing.
-
Still Alice
Directors: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
Writers: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland, Lisa Genova
Stars: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart
Genre: Drama
Alice Howland, a linguistics professor at Columbia University, starts to forget words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, Alice and her family struggle to cope with the reality of her condition.
As the disease progresses, Alice becomes estranged from her family and friends. She eventually learns to accept her condition and finds comfort in her relationship with her husband, John. Together, they create new memories and cherish the ones they have from before Alice’s diagnosis.
Also Read: Boarding School Movies
The film follows Alice over the course of several years as she deals with her Alzheimer’s Disease. It is a moving and powerful story about love, family, and the strength of the human spirit.
-
The Visitor
Director: Tom McCarthy
Writer: Tom McCarthy
Stars: Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira
Genre: Drama
The film stars Richard Jenkins, hailing from Connecticut, as Walter Vale, a college professor who discovers his career and life has become meaningless. To change this, he starts attending conventions and teaching classes again, only to find his world turned upside down when he meets Tarek (Haaz Sleiman), a young Syrian musician, and Tarek’s girlfriend, Zainab (Danai Gurira). Over the course of a semester, the three forms an unlikely friendship that has life-changing consequences for them.
-
Pride
Director: Matthew Warchus
Writer: Stephen Beresford
Stars: Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West
Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama, History, Romance
Pride is a 2014 movie that tells the true story of how a group of gay and lesbian activists came to the aid of striking miners in Thatcher-era Britain. The group, which called themselves LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people, raised money to support the miners and their families during the long strike.
The movie follows the group as they travel to the small village of mining named Onllwyn in Wales to deliver the money. There, they face opposition from the miners, who are wary of outsiders and suspicious of the motives of the LGBT activists. But as the two groups get to know each other, they begin to understand and respect each other, ultimately forming a strong alliance.
Pride is a heartwarming story of solidarity and acceptance. It highlights the importance of standing up for what you believe.
-
Sunshine Cleaning
Director: Christine Jeffs
Writer: Megan Holley
Stars: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin
Genres: Comedy, Drama
In the 2008 film Sunshine Cleaning, Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) is a 30-something single mother who works as a full-time house cleaner. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her son Oscar (Jason Spevack). Her sister Norah (Emily Blunt) is a rebellious teenager constantly getting into trouble.
Rose could not earn enough money from her current job, so she took advice from her former high-school boyfriend, Mac. Mac has strong connections as a police officer, so he recommends a crime scene cleanup job. She then decides to start her own business with Norah, which they call “Sunshine Cleaning.” They begin by cleaning homes for people who have died and eventually expand their business to include crime scene cleanups.
Read: Best Dog Movies
The film follows Rose and Norah as they grow their business and deal with the ups and downs of their personal lives. Sunshine Cleaning is a heartwarming film about family, love, and overcoming adversity.
-
Jane Eyre
Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Writers: Moira Buffini, Charlotte Brontë
Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell
Genres: Drama, Romance
Themes of love, morality, religion, and social class are explored in Jane Eyre, a 2011 movie based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë. The story follows the life of Jane, an orphan hired as a governess by the wealthy Mr. Rochester. Jane and Mr. Rochester eventually fall in love, but Mr. Rochester’s dark secret complicates their relationship. The movie explores the challenges and obstacles that Jane and Mr. Rochester face in their relationship and ultimately ends with a happy resolution.
-
Lion
Director: Garth Davis
Writers: Saroo Brierley, Luke Davies
Stars: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara
Genres: Biography, Drama
The movie Lion is based on the true story of Saroo Brierley, who was separated from his family in India at a young age and adopted by an Australian couple. Saroo spends years trying to find his way back home, armed only with his memories and a few clues. Along the way, he learns about love, loss, and the meaning of family.
The story of Lion is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. If you are looking for a moving and inspiring film, check out Lion.
-
The Way
Director: Emilio Estevez
Writers: Emilio Estevez, Jack Hitt
Stars: Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger
Genres: Comedy, Drama
The Way is a 2010 American drama film produced, written, and directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen. The film’s storyline follows Thomas, a young American doctor. He travels to France to retrieve the ashes of his son, who died while crossing the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
While making the journey, Tom meets other pilgrims from all walks of life who struggle with their issues. As they walk the ancient path together, they form deep bonds of friendship and begin to see the world in a new light. By the time they reach the end of the journey, they have all been transformed by the experience.
-
Room
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Writer: Emma Donoghue
Stars: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Room is a 2015 movie about a mother and her five-year-old son held captive in a small room. The mother, played by Brie Larson, does everything she can to protect her son and keep him safe. The movie is a gripping tale of survival and hope, and it will leave you wondering what you would do in a similar situation.
Conclusion
If you liked The Help, you could watch one of these 12 movies. Each film on this list has a similar feel, theme, or plot. They are all worth watching and will provide you with hours of enjoyment. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy these great movies.
