17 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Capernaum

Kusçu is reminiscent of Capernaum in its exploration of difficult themes and captivating performances. While Capernaum delves into the harsh realities of poverty and neglect in Lebanon, Kusçu takes us on a gripping adventure filled with flashbacks, revenge, and a heartfelt story. Both films touch on the importance of family relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. However, Capernaum stands out with its powerful narrative and thought-provoking social commentary, while Kusçu shines through the exceptional performance of Cüneyt Arkin, the biggest and most famous actor in Turkish Movies. So, if you're looking for an extraordinary film that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves a lasting impact, Capernaum is a must-watch. And if you're a fan of Cüneyt Arkin or enjoy captivating dramas, Kusçu is definitely worth your time.

3000 Nights is reminiscent of Capernaum in its exploration of the harsh realities faced by individuals in oppressive environments. While Capernaum focuses on a 12-year-old boy's struggle within the Lebanese prison system, 3000 Nights tells the story of a young Palestinian schoolteacher who gives birth to her son in an Israeli prison. Both films shed light on the resilience and determination of their protagonists, who fight against the odds to protect their children and maintain hope. However, while Capernaum delves into the issue of poverty and neglect, 3000 Nights delves into the political tensions and injustices faced by Palestinian political prisoners. Despite their differences, both films offer powerful portrayals of strength and the human spirit, making them essential viewing for those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

The Flower in Prison is a Korean historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty era. Although it is quite different from Capernaum, it shares similarities in terms of the prison setting and the exploration of poverty. While Capernaum focuses on the harsh realities faced by children living in squalor, The Flower in Prison takes a historical approach, following the life of Ok-Nyeo, who was born in prison and belongs to a group that helps people in the realm of law. Both movies shed light on the struggles faced by individuals within the confines of a prison, whether it be a physical or societal one. However, The Flower in Prison offers a unique perspective by combining elements of social commentary and a Korean historical setting, which adds depth and richness to the story. If you enjoyed Capernaum's exploration of poverty and its impact on individuals, you should definitely give The Flower in Prison a watch to experience a different take on similar themes in a captivating historical context.

El hijo de nadie ("The Son of Nobody") is a Mexican film released in 1946 that shares some similarities with Capernaum. Both movies fall under the drama genre and touch on themes of poverty and the consequences of societal neglect. While Capernaum tells the story of a 12-year-old boy suing his parents for neglect while serving a 5-year sentence for a violent crime, El hijo de nadie revolves around the life of the son of a poor shoemaker who gets arrested and sent to prison. Both films showcase the struggles faced by marginalized individuals and the harsh realities they endure. However, the two movies differ in their settings and time periods. Capernaum is set in present-day Lebanon, shedding light on the plight of children in the Middle East, while El hijo de nadie takes place in Mexico in the 1940s, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by the working class during that era.

My Brothers Dream Awake is reminiscent of Capernaum in its exploration of the lives of young individuals in challenging circumstances. While Capernaum follows a 12-year-old boy serving a sentence for a violent crime, My Brothers Dream Awake tells the story of two brothers who have been in a juvenile prison for a year, dreaming of a better future. Both movies shine a light on the struggles and dreams of these young protagonists, showcasing the harsh realities they face. However, where Capernaum is set in Lebanon and delves into issues of poverty and neglect, My Brothers Dream Awake takes place in Chile and focuses on the lives of adolescents in a juvenile correctional facility. Despite their differences, both films tackle important social issues with emotional depth and authenticity. If you enjoyed the heartfelt storytelling of Capernaum, you should definitely watch My Brothers Dream Awake for its poignant portrayal of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Clemency is reminiscent of Capernaum because both movies delve into the dark and complex world of the criminal justice system. While Capernaum focuses on a 12-year-old boy's struggle for justice and survival in the midst of poverty and neglect, Clemency explores the psychological and emotional toll that executing death row inmates takes on a prison warden. Both films shed light on the human cost of these systems and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved. However, while Capernaum is an epic and emotionally charged journey that spans multiple years, Clemency takes a more introspective and focused approach, zooming in on the internal conflict of the protagonist. Despite their differences, both movies serve as powerful reminders of the importance of compassion and empathy in the face of adversity.

Baba is a classic Turkish film that shares similarities with Capernaum. Both movies revolve around the themes of poverty and family relationships. In Capernaum, a 12-year-old boy sues his parents for neglect while serving a prison sentence for a violent crime. Similarly, in Baba, a father is willing to take the blame for a murder committed by his landlord's son in exchange for support for his family. Both films depict the struggles faced by individuals who are trapped in their circumstances and make sacrifices for their loved ones.
Despite their similarities, Capernaum and Baba differ in their settings and tones. Capernaum is set in Lebanon, showcasing the harsh realities faced by children living in squalor in the Middle East. The film uses real-life Syrian refugees and children who have experienced similar circumstances, adding an authentic touch to the narrative. On the other hand, Baba is set in Turkey, shedding light on the societal conflicts and disparities within the country.

The Origin of Evil is a captivating film that bears resemblance to Capernaum in its exploration of family dynamics and societal issues. While Capernaum delves into the struggles of a young boy growing up in poverty, The Origin of Evil focuses on a woman on the brink of financial collapse attempting to reconnect with her wealthy father and his new family. Both movies shed light on the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of socio-economic disparities. However, they differ in their tones and settings. Capernaum, set in Lebanon, takes a raw and gritty approach, depicting the harsh realities of life in squalor. In contrast, The Origin of Evil, set in France, leans more towards a dramatic thriller, exploring themes of scamming, envy, and mistrust within an affluent family. While Capernaum tugs at your heartstrings, The Origin of Evil keeps you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful narrative.

The Con Artist is reminiscent of Capernaum in its portrayal of characters who are trying to escape their troubled pasts. While Capernaum tells the heartbreaking story of a young boy who sues his neglectful parents while serving a prison sentence, The Con Artist follows an ex-convict whose plan to go straight is foiled by a loan shark who manipulates him into one last heist. Both films explore the themes of redemption and the struggle to break free from a life of crime. However, the similarities end there. Capernaum is a powerful drama that delves deep into the harsh realities of poverty and child neglect, while The Con Artist takes a lighter approach with elements of comedy and romance. Despite their differences, The Con Artist is worth a watch for those who enjoyed Capernaum and are looking for a more lighthearted take on the theme of second chances.

7 Prisoners is reminiscent of Capernaum. Both movies delve into the harsh realities of society and explore themes of poverty, injustice, and the struggle for survival. While Capernaum focuses on the heartbreaking story of a 12-year-old boy who sues his parents for neglect while serving a prison sentence, 7 Prisoners follows the journey of an 18-year-old named Mateus who accepts a job in a junkyard in São Paulo to provide a better life for his family but becomes trapped in the dangerous world of human trafficking. Both films shed light on the plight of marginalized individuals and expose the flaws in the systems that perpetuate their suffering. However, 7 Prisoners takes a more raw and realistic approach, presenting a three-dimensional portrayal of its characters and painting a stark picture of the labor slavery issue in Brazil.

R
"R" is reminiscent of "Capernaum" in its exploration of life within the confines of a prison. While "Capernaum" focuses on a 12-year-old boy serving a sentence and suing his neglectful parents, "R" introduces us to Rune, a cocky and good-looking young man imprisoned for violent assault. Both films delve into the parallel world of prison, where survival depends on learning the rules, honor, and obligations that govern this microcosm. However, "R" adds a twist by introducing Rachid, a young Muslim prisoner who becomes Rune's friend, challenging the racial stratifications among inmates. With its breathtaking, raw, and intense portrayal of life behind bars, "R" is a captivating movie that deserves a big audience. So if you enjoyed the gritty realism and emotional depth of "Capernaum," "R" is a must-watch that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

"Stronger Than Blood" is reminiscent of "Capernaum" in its exploration of the struggles faced by young characters in difficult circumstances. While "Capernaum" focuses on a 12-year-old boy serving a prison sentence and suing his parents for neglect, "Stronger Than Blood" follows Tommy, a young man fresh out of juvenile prison who is determined to stay away from drugs. Both films depict the harsh realities faced by their protagonists and their attempts to break free from their challenging situations. However, "Capernaum" delves into themes of poverty and the impact on family dynamics, while "Stronger Than Blood" delves into the world of crime and the friendship between Tommy and his best friend Sule. Despite their differences, both films offer powerful narratives that shed light on the resilience and determination of young individuals in the face of adversity.

Gatao: The Last Stray is reminiscent of Capernaum in its exploration of the harsh realities of life. While Capernaum focuses on the struggles of a 12-year-old boy in Lebanon, Gatao: The Last Stray delves into the underworld of gangsters and mafia in Taiwan. Both films shine a light on the dark corners of society, revealing the desperation and resilience of their characters. However, while Capernaum captivates with its emotional depth and thought-provoking social commentary, Gatao: The Last Stray offers a mix of action, crime, drama, and romance. It combines thrilling moments with a love story, creating a unique blend of genres. If you enjoyed the raw and powerful storytelling of Capernaum, Gatao: The Last Stray provides a fresh perspective infused with adrenaline-pumping action and a touch of romance.

Great Freedom takes us back in time to post-war Germany, just like Capernaum transported us to a present-day Lebanon. While the first film explores the harsh realities of a 12-year-old boy's life in poverty and neglect, the second delves into the struggles faced by Hans, who is repeatedly imprisoned under Paragraph 175, which criminalizes homosexuality. Both films shed light on the oppressive systems that restrict freedom, but in different contexts. Capernaum presents the heart-wrenching story of a child fighting against his parents' neglect, while Great Freedom examines the long-lasting consequences of homophobia in post-war Germany. Both films are powerful and emotionally charged, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. If you were moved by Capernaum, Great Freedom will provide a thought-provoking exploration of another form of oppression and resilience.

Napoli, Napoli, Napoli is a captivating film set in Naples, Italy, which shares similarities with Capernaum. Both movies delve into the lives of people trapped in poverty and facing harsh realities. While Capernaum focuses on a young boy's struggle and his legal battle against neglectful parents, Napoli, Napoli, Napoli takes a different approach. It combines documentary-style interviews with fictionalized accounts of true stories to paint a chaotic and bitter picture of the city. The director, Abel Ferrara, narrates the film and explores the dark side of Naples through the experiences of a young woman named Lucia and two local men, Sebastiano and Ciccio. The interviews with locals and inmates of a men's and women's prison provide insight into the poverty and crime-ridden nature of the city. While both films tackle similar themes, Napoli, Napoli, Napoli offers a unique perspective by blending reality and fiction, giving a raw portrayal of Naples that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Shelter in Solitude: Comedy, crime, and drama? all beautifully weaved together to tell a tale of lockdown, incarceration, friendship, family, faith, and so much more. It's really satisfying to begin seeing films that take place deep in the pandemic. And to see these characters surviving the very thing we've all just been through while also telling a story that goes beyond politics, beyond the expected, is just really enjoyable and exciting. Siobhan Fallon Hogan and cast give fantastic, authentic performances that shouldn't be missed. Something like Dancer in the Dark meets Monster's Ball, this film is highly recommended for all. While Shelter in Solitude may seem different from Capernaum at first glance, the two share a common thread of exploring the human condition under difficult circumstances. While Capernaum delves into the struggles of a young boy in Lebanon's poverty-stricken environment, Shelter in Solitude takes place during the pandemic, showcasing the survival and resilience of its characters.

The Paperboy is reminiscent of Capernaum in its exploration of crime and the justice system, albeit in a different setting. While Capernaum tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who sues his parents for neglect while serving a prison sentence, The Paperboy follows a reporter who returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate. Both movies delve into the dark underbelly of society, showcasing characters whose lives are intertwined with crime and its consequences. However, while Capernaum focuses on the struggle of a young boy and the harsh realities of poverty, The Paperboy delves into the murky world of swamp trash characters and the mysteries surrounding them. The performances in both movies are exceptional, with Capernaum featuring extraordinary acting from a young boy and a baby, and The Paperboy showcasing the talents of Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, and John Cusack.