14 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Autumn Sonata

Cries & Whispers is a haunting and emotionally charged film that transports you to early twentieth-century Sweden, just like Autumn Sonata. While both movies delve into the complexities of family relationships, Cries & Whispers takes it a step further by exploring the deep-seated emotions and long-repressed feelings that arise when a woman dying of cancer is visited by her two sisters. The film beautifully captures the silence that pervades the characters' interactions, emphasizing the difficulties they face in truly connecting with each other. As with Autumn Sonata, the cinematography in Cries & Whispers is stunning, with a particular focus on the color red, which symbolizes the intensity of the emotions bubbling beneath the surface. The performances by the cast, including Liv Ullmann in both films, are exceptional, drawing you into the characters' inner turmoil.

"Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets" is a captivating and trippy film that shares some similarities with "Autumn Sonata." Both movies fall under the Drama and Music genres, but that's where their similarities end. While "Autumn Sonata" explores the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional family and the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, "Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets" takes a more psychedelic and energetic approach. The Japanese New Wave influence is evident in the inter-cutting of the angst-ridden teen's journey with vibrant and surreal vignettes. The use of color and the playful manipulation of media make this film a visual treat. Additionally, the music in "Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets" is a standout, adding depth and capturing the essence of the era.

Scenes from a Marriage is reminiscent of Autumn Sonata in its exploration of the complexities of marriage and the emotional turmoil that can arise within a relationship. Both films delve into the themes of marital discord, infidelity, and the consequences of unfulfilled desires. However, while Autumn Sonata focuses on the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, Scenes from a Marriage takes a broader approach, chronicling the ups and downs of Marianne and Johan's marriage over the course of many years. The two films share a similar sense of intimacy, with intense dialogue-driven scenes that allow the characters' emotions to take center stage. Liv Ullmann's performance in both movies is exceptional, showcasing her ability to convey raw emotion through her eyes and facial expressions. While Autumn Sonata is a more compact and focused narrative, Scenes from a Marriage unfolds over a longer runtime, allowing for a deeper exploration of the complexities of marriage and the impact of divorce.

"Jackal of Nahueltoro" is reminiscent of "Autumn Sonata" in its exploration of dysfunctional families and the consequences of neglect. While "Autumn Sonata" delves into the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, "Jackal of Nahueltoro" tells the true story of an illiterate murderer who reflects on his actions before his death. Both movies shed light on the dark aspects of human nature and the impact of past experiences on present behavior. However, "Jackal of Nahueltoro" stands out with its raw portrayal of poverty and violence in Chile, showcasing the effects of a flawed system that both improves and ultimately destroys a human being. The cinematography and editing work in "Jackal of Nahueltoro" are commendable, leaving indelible images in the viewer's mind. Nelson Villagra's performance is exceptional and unforgettable, making it one of the best in Chilean cinema.

"Bawarchi" is a delightful comedy that shares some similarities with "Autumn Sonata". Both films revolve around dysfunctional families, but where "Autumn Sonata" takes a serious and intense approach, "Bawarchi" infuses humor and light-heartedness. While "Autumn Sonata" explores the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, "Bawarchi" focuses on a dysfunctional middle-class family. The central characters in both movies, the servant in "Bawarchi" and the concert pianist in "Autumn Sonata," bring about a transformative effect on the families they serve. However, the servant in "Bawarchi" brings a unique twist to the story by being multi-talented and seemingly too good to be true. With its simple yet meaningful story, fantastic dialogues, and surprise voice-over by "Big B" himself, "Bawarchi" is an absolute must-watch for the entire family.

"The Baby" takes us on a wild and twisted ride into the eccentric world of the Wadsworth Family. Just like in "Autumn Sonata," we have a dysfunctional family at the center of the story. However, while "Autumn Sonata" explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the consequences of neglect, "The Baby" takes dysfunction to a whole new level. Instead of a talented pianist, we have an adult son with the mental capacity of an infant. Imagine the chaos that ensues when a social worker, still grieving the loss of her architect husband, enters this psychedelic universe. While "Autumn Sonata" is a somber and introspective drama, "The Baby" adds a touch of horror and thriller elements to keep us entertained. So, if you enjoyed the family drama in "Autumn Sonata" and are up for a bizarre twist, "The Baby" is the perfect movie to watch next.

"Ordinary People" is reminiscent of "Autumn Sonata" in its exploration of dysfunctional families and the emotional strain it puts on its characters. Both movies delve into the complexities of family dynamics, highlighting the strained relationships and the impact it has on each family member. While "Autumn Sonata" focuses on the mother-daughter estrangement and the neglectful nature of the mother, "Ordinary People" centers around the guilt-ridden younger son and the distant, unemotional mother.
The similarities between these movies lie in their raw and powerful performances, particularly by the female leads. In "Autumn Sonata," Ingrid Bergman portrays a selfish and elegant mother, while Liv Ullmann delivers an intense and emotionally charged performance as the resentful daughter. Similarly, in "Ordinary People," Mary Tyler Moore captivates the audience with her powerful portrayal of a cold and distant wife who struggles to show affection towards her son, played brilliantly by Timothy Hutton.

Raging Bull is a movie that reminds me a lot of Autumn Sonata. While Autumn Sonata explores the themes of child neglect, dysfunctional family, and mother-daughter estrangement, Raging Bull delves into jealousy, marriage crisis, and domestic violence. Both films portray characters who are consumed by their own demons, with Autumn Sonata focusing on a devoted wife visited by her neglectful mother, and Raging Bull delving into the life of a boxer whose violence inside the ring spills into his personal life. The main characters of both movies are driven by their emotions, whether it be resentment and regret in Autumn Sonata or male rage and a severe inferiority complex in Raging Bull. The performances in both films are outstanding, with Liv Ullmann and Ingrid Bergman delivering powerful portrayals in Autumn Sonata, and Robert De Niro showcasing his brilliance as Jake La Motta in Raging Bull.

Suburbia is a movie that brings to mind the essence of Autumn Sonata. While Autumn Sonata delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional family and the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, Suburbia explores the theme of being an outsider and finding solace in a group of outcasts. Both films touch upon the idea of forming unconventional families and seeking companionship in unlikely places. However, Suburbia takes a different approach, presenting its story through the lens of punk rockers in a suburban setting, while Autumn Sonata focuses on the world of a successful concert pianist and her devoted wife. Despite their distinct settings and genres, both movies offer a powerful portrayal of human emotions and the longing for connection. If you enjoyed the thought-provoking exploration of relationships in Autumn Sonata, Suburbia provides a fresh perspective with its punk rock backdrop and unique characters.

The Hotel New Hampshire is reminiscent of Autumn Sonata because both films explore dysfunctional families and the challenges they face. However, while Autumn Sonata focuses on the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, The Hotel New Hampshire takes a more lighthearted approach, showcasing a family that perseveres through various disasters. The Hotel New Hampshire stands out with its wonderful assortment of oddball characters and its European flair. The film is funny, sad, emotional, and insightful, keeping viewers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. With a fantastic cast that includes Rob Lowe and Jodie Foster, The Hotel New Hampshire is a delightful journey through the lives of eccentric individuals. So, if you enjoyed Autumn Sonata and want to experience a different kind of family drama with a touch of comedy, don't miss The Hotel New Hampshire.

Nothing in Common is a movie that might remind you of Autumn Sonata. While Autumn Sonata is a serious drama that delves into complex family dynamics and emotional struggles, Nothing in Common takes a lighter approach with a mixture of comedy, drama, and romance. Both films explore dysfunctional families and the impact of strained relationships, but they do so in different ways. Autumn Sonata focuses on a mother and daughter's estrangement and the consequences of neglect, while Nothing in Common revolves around a successful advertising executive whose life is turned upside down when his parents end their longtime marriage. While Autumn Sonata is a critically acclaimed film from the renowned Ingmar Bergman, Nothing in Common has a more lighthearted feel and showcases the talents of Tom Hanks and the late Jackie Gleason. If you enjoyed the emotional depth of Autumn Sonata but want a more comedic take on family dynamics, Nothing in Common is worth a watch.

Some Girls is reminiscent of Autumn Sonata in its exploration of dysfunctional families and complicated relationships. While Autumn Sonata delves into the strained mother-daughter dynamic, Some Girls takes a comedic approach to depict a boyfriend's visit to his girlfriend's eccentric family. Both movies touch on themes of family dysfunction, but in very different ways. Autumn Sonata is a serious drama that delves into the emotional complexities of its characters, while Some Girls presents a lighthearted comedy that uses humor to explore the awkwardness and quirks of family interactions. While Autumn Sonata is a critically acclaimed film with a higher average rating, Some Girls offers a unique perspective on family dynamics with its mix of comedy, drama, fantasy, and romance.

Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani is a delightful comedy-drama that shares some similarities with the classic Autumn Sonata. While the two films may seem worlds apart at first glance, they both delve into the complexities of family dynamics and showcase the struggles that arise within these relationships. Autumn Sonata explores the strained bond between a devoted wife and her successful concert pianist mother, while Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani focuses on the lives of Dhanraj and his family, where suspicion of adultery and a controlling wife add layers of drama. Despite the differences in genre, the underlying themes of dysfunctional families and the consequences of neglect are ever-present in both films. Where Autumn Sonata captivates with its intense emotional depth, Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani charms with its lighthearted humor and endearing characters. If you enjoyed Autumn Sonata's exploration of family dynamics, Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani offers a refreshing take on the subject with its comedic flair.

Amrit is a movie that will remind you of Autumn Sonata in some ways. Both films explore the complexities of family relationships and the struggles faced by individuals within dysfunctional families. However, while Autumn Sonata focuses on the strained mother-daughter dynamic and the consequences of neglect, Amrit delves into the ill-treatment faced by widowed Amrit and Kamala at the hands of their respective children. The two find solace in each other's company and decide to separate from their families to spend their lives together. While Autumn Sonata is a Swedish drama with a touch of music, Amrit is an Indian drama that showcases the remarkable acting skills of Rajesh Khanna in a different and powerful way. So, if you enjoyed the emotional depth and powerful performances of Autumn Sonata, you should definitely give Amrit a watch to witness Rajesh Khanna's extraordinary talent and experience the social reality of an average Indian family.