14 Movies Similar to A Separation That You’ll Love

"A Separation" is a mesmerizing drama that will leave you captivated till the very end. If you loved the heart-wrenching decisions and emotional depth of this Iranian masterpiece, then get ready for a curated list of 14 equally compelling movies that will sweep you off your feet. From thought-provoking narratives to gripping performances, these films will take you on an unforgettable journey through the complexities of life and relationships.

1) Bomb: A Love Story

Bomb: A Love Story is reminiscent of A Separation due to its exploration of complex moral dilemmas and its portrayal of Iranian society. Both films delve into the intricacies of human relationships, presenting characters who are faced with difficult decisions that have far-reaching consequences. In A Separation, a married couple must choose between moving to another country to improve their child's life or staying in Iran to care for a parent with Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, Bomb: A Love Story revolves around the Tehran's Bombardment conditions in 1988, where the characters navigate the challenges of love amidst the backdrop of war. Both movies are beautifully crafted and showcase the talent of their respective casts, with Peyman Maadi and Leila Hatami delivering compelling performances in both films. While A Separation focuses on the theme of divorce and Alzheimer's disease, Bomb: A Love Story intertwines romance and war, creating a unique juxtaposition that highlights the beauty and tragedy of love during times of conflict.

Release date: December, 2018
IMDB Rating: 6.5

2) About Elly

About Elly, directed by Asghar Farhadi, is a captivating Iranian film that takes us on a journey with a group of friends on a holiday trip. The movie starts off seemingly light-hearted, but quickly takes a dark turn when one of the children almost drowns, resulting in the mysterious disappearance of Elly, a kindergarten teacher. Similar to A Separation, Farhadi's later work, About Elly delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of lies and half-truths. The film is a masterclass in acting, with the actors delivering realistic performances that make you forget they are acting at all. The children's fear and the adults' mounting stress are palpable, making the viewer fully immersed in the story. While the ending may not satisfy everyone, About Elly is a must-see for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema and want to explore the intricacies of human behavior.

Release date: January, 2010
IMDB Rating: 7.9

3) Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. is a hilarious and heartwarming film that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Just like A Separation, this movie explores the complexities of relationships, specifically the turmoil and emotional rollercoaster that comes with divorce. While A Separation takes a serious and thought-provoking approach, Crazy, Stupid, Love. adds a comedic twist to the mix. It follows the story of a middle-aged husband whose life is turned upside down when his wife asks for a divorce. Determined to regain his confidence, he befriends Jacob, who teaches him the art of picking up women at bars. This movie is reminiscent of A Separation because it delves into the struggles of marriage and the search for personal growth and fulfillment. However, Crazy, Stupid, Love. takes a lighter approach, infusing the story with humor and a feel-good factor that will have you laughing out loud.

Release date: September, 2011
IMDB Rating: 7.4

4) What Maisie Knew

What Maisie Knew is reminiscent of A Separation in its exploration of the effects of divorce on a young child. Both movies delve into the emotional turmoil experienced by children caught in the middle of their parents' bitter custody battles. However, while A Separation focuses on the difficult decision faced by a married couple to improve the life of their child, What Maisie Knew takes a more intimate approach, focusing on the young girl in New York City who becomes a casualty of her parents' ongoing conflict. What sets What Maisie Knew apart is its ability to capture the subtle nuances of the characters' emotions, providing a deeply felt and closely observed portrayal of the effects of divorce on a child. If you enjoyed the heartfelt exploration of family dynamics in A Separation, you will appreciate the intimate and poignant storytelling of What Maisie Knew.

Release date: May, 2013
IMDB Rating: 7.4

5) The Past

The Past captures the essence of A Separation, drawing you into its world with a similar depth and complexity. Just like in A Separation, The Past explores the intricacies of human relationships, delving into the aftermath of divorce and the impact it has on families. While A Separation takes place in Iran, The Past is set in France, but both movies tackle universal themes that transcend borders. Asghar Farhadi, the mastermind behind both films, weaves compelling narratives that keep you engaged from start to finish. The Past, much like its predecessor, is a thought-provoking drama filled with unexpected twists and surprises. It doesn't rely on flashy visuals or action scenes; instead, it captivates you with its storytelling prowess. The Past's ending is particularly intriguing, leaving you with lingering questions and sparking conversations long after leaving the cinema.

Release date: September, 2013
IMDB Rating: 7.7

6) Our Little Girl

Our Little Girl is a charming film that shares similarities with A Separation. Both movies explore the theme of marital problems, but they take different approaches. While A Separation delves into the complexities of divorce and Alzheimer's disease, Our Little Girl takes a lighthearted approach to the topic. Shirley Temple's character in Our Little Girl tries to mend her parents' broken marriage by running away, creating a heartwarming and comedic storyline. In contrast, A Separation tackles the difficult decision faced by a married couple - whether to move to another country for their child's future or stay in Iran to care for a parent with Alzheimer's. Despite the differences in tone and time, both movies offer an insightful look into the challenges and impact of marital problems. If you enjoyed A Separation, Our Little Girl provides a delightful and nostalgic perspective on a similar theme.

Release date: May, 1935
IMDB Rating: 6.3

7) Life and a Day

Life and a Day is reminiscent of A Separation because they are both Iranian dramas that explore complex family dynamics. While A Separation focuses on a married couple's difficult decision to either move to another country or care for a parent with Alzheimer's disease, Life and a Day centers around the fear and challenges faced by an indigent family when their youngest daughter gets married. Both movies delve into the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters and portray the struggles of everyday life in Iran. Although they tackle different key topics, A Separation with divorce and Alzheimer's disease, and Life and a Day with drug addiction and family separation, they both provide an intimate view into Iranian society. If you enjoyed the thought-provoking and sensitive portrayal of characters in A Separation, I recommend watching Life and a Day to gain further insight into the complexities of family relationships and the human experience in Iran.

Release date: March, 2016
IMDB Rating: 8.2

8) The Salesman

Release date: April, 2017
IMDB Rating: 7.7

9) The Snow on the Pines

The Snow on the Pines is reminiscent of A Separation in the way it explores complex personal dilemmas within Iranian society. While A Separation focuses on a couple's difficult decision between moving abroad for their child's sake or staying to care for an Alzheimer's-stricken parent, The Snow on the Pines follows a piano teacher who discovers her husband's infidelity and must choose between conforming to societal expectations or breaking tradition. Both films delve deep into the characters' emotional journeys, unraveling secrets and challenging their sense of identity. The Snow on the Pines, influenced by the realist social drama of Asghar Farhadi's A Separation, showcases a ripple effect within Iranian cinema. With believable performances and an intriguing plot, this film captivates the audience's attention, just like its predecessor.

Release date: April, 2013
IMDB Rating: 6.5

10) Helena from the Wedding

Helena from the Wedding is reminiscent of A Separation because both movies revolve around complex relationships and the unraveling of facades. However, while A Separation delves into the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by a married couple in Iran, Helena from the Wedding takes a comedic approach to explore the disintegration of a group of friends during a New Year's Eve party. A Separation offers a nuanced portrayal of its characters, with twists in the plot that present new moral dilemmas. On the other hand, Helena from the Wedding fails to captivate with its story and suffers from juvenile acting. Despite this, fans of A Separation might find some entertainment value in Helena from the Wedding, albeit with lowered expectations.

Release date: March, 2010
IMDB Rating: 4.6

11) Alternate Weeks (and Half the Vacation)

Alternate Weeks (and Half the Vacation): This French movie is reminiscent of A Separation in its exploration of the impact of divorce on a family. While A Separation focuses on a married couple's difficult decision to move to another country or care for a parent with Alzheimer's disease, Alternate Weeks (and Half the Vacation) follows the story of a 12-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother who live one week with their mother and the next with their father. Both movies delve into the emotional struggles and coping mechanisms of the children caught in the middle of their parents' separation. However, while A Separation is a profound and thought-provoking drama that delves into complex moral dilemmas, Alternate Weeks (and Half the Vacation) takes a lighter approach, showcasing the passing of seasons and the kids' experiences with school, holidays, and new friendships. It's a charming French film that offers a unique perspective on divorce and is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: July, 2009
IMDB Rating: 5.8

12) Titans

Titans is a drama series that takes us into the wealthy Williams family's secret-filled world in Hawaii. With divorce, illegitimate children, ex-spouses, alcoholism, and forbidden love, this show is a juicy guilty pleasure. It's like a steamy Aaron Spelling production, reminiscent of "Melrose Place" and "Beverly Hills 90210." Yasmine Bleeth leads a talented cast, including hunky Casper Van Dien and former Dallas babe Victoria Principal. The plot keeps you on your toes as Heather, the new wife of Richard, drops the bombshell that she's pregnant with Richard's son Chandler's child during their wedding. Talk about drama! The show also explores sibling rivalry, romances, and the complicated dynamics within the family. Titans is a fun and addictive series that will leave you craving more. So if you're a fan of scandalous secrets, steamy affairs, and wealthy family drama, Titans is the perfect show for you.

Release date: June, 2005
IMDB Rating: 5.9

13) Open House

Open House is like A Separation in that both movies explore the theme of divorce and its impact on the lives of the characters. However, while A Separation is a thought-provoking Iranian drama that delves deep into the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists, Open House takes a different approach. It combines elements of crime, drama, and thriller genres to create a tense and brutal story. The plot revolves around a couple on the verge of divorce who discover that a potential buyer of their house has become an uninvited guest. As the wife is held captive in the basement, the mysterious guest moves in upstairs, creating an atmosphere of fear and suspense. While A Separation focuses on the emotional complexities of divorce and family dynamics, Open House explores the darker side of human nature and the lengths people will go to in order to protect themselves. Despite their differences, both movies offer captivating narratives and engaging performances that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Release date: April, 2010
IMDB Rating: 4.3

14) Instant Star

Instant Star is reminiscent of A Separation in its exploration of the challenges faced by its characters. While A Separation deals with the difficult decision of a married couple to either move to another country or care for a deteriorating parent with Alzheimer's disease, Instant Star follows the story of a young girl who must balance the life of a normal teenager with that of a rising star in the music industry after winning a recording contract. Both movies delve into themes of personal sacrifice and the impact of life-altering choices. However, the similarities end there. A Separation is a poignant Iranian drama that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations, while Instant Star is a TV series that appeals to teenagers with its portrayal of fame, teen crushes, and friendships. So, if you're looking for a captivating series that captures the struggles and emotions of a young rising star, Instant Star is a must-see.

Release date: September, 2004
IMDB Rating: 7.5

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