13 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Gone with the Wind

"The Friendly Persuasion" is a captivating film that explores the pacifist attitude of a Quaker family during the American Civil War. It delves into the conflicts that arise when their beliefs are put to the test. The movie beautifully captures the tender humor and reflection that permeates the story, while also showcasing spectacular battles and a sense of family life. The performances of Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire as the devout Quaker parents are commendable, and Anthony Perkins shines as the son torn between adhering to pacifism and fearing being seen as a coward. Directed by the masterful William Wyler, known for his expertise in various genres, "The Friendly Persuasion" is a good film that keeps the audience engaged. It is reminiscent of "Gone with the Wind" in its exploration of the impact of the Civil War, but it offers a unique perspective through the lens of the Quaker faith.

Aboard a ship bound for pre-WWII Germany, a diverse group of passengers embodies a microcosm of early 1930s society. This strange and offbeat morality tale, adapted from Katherine Anne Porter's novel, manages to captivate despite its characters never fully coming to life and the screenplay failing to capture the full potential of the novel. Ship of Fools can be best described as a multi-episode Grand Hotel at sea, with the love story between Simone Signoret and Oskar Werner taking center stage as the best-acted piece, despite its soap-opera-like overtones. Vivien Leigh, in her last film before her death, portrays a bitter American widow with a somewhat theatrical flair, but it is in the scene where she uses her shoe to beat Lee Marvin's drunken advances that she truly comes to life.

Tales of Little Women, released in 1987, is a captivating Japanese anime series that brings Louisa May Alcott's classic novel to life. Set in Concord, Massachusetts during the 1860s, the story follows the lives of the March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth - as they navigate the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world. With their father away fighting in the American Civil War, the girls are left at home with their outspoken mother, who defies societal norms.
While Gone with the Wind and Tales of Little Women are set in different countries and time periods, they share a common theme of strong-willed female protagonists who defy societal expectations. Scarlett O'Hara, the tempestuous Southern belle in Gone with the Wind, and Jo March, the passionate and independent-minded sister in Tales of Little Women, both challenge the norms of their respective societies.
However, the two movies differ in tone and style.

The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind in many ways. Both movies are set in the past, with The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit taking place after World War II and Gone with the Wind during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods. They both explore themes of love, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and society. However, while Gone with the Wind focuses on the grandeur of the Old American way of living and the turbulent romance between a sheltered Southern belle and a roguish profiteer, The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit delves into the ethical questions faced by an ex-soldier trying to support his family. It portrays the struggles of a middle-class couple dealing with financial difficulties and the protagonist's inner conflicts caused by his traumatic war experiences. The movie presents a realistic and humanistic perspective, highlighting the choices and sacrifices made by an insecure man haunted by his past.

Miracle in the Rain is a heartwarming movie that takes place during World War II in New York City. It tells the story of a lonely man and woman who meet on a rainy afternoon and embark on a wartime romance. While the movie might seem unrealistic in today's world, it's a delightful reminder of a simpler time. The film's unabashed appeals to sentimentality and its invocation of literal, unreconstructed religion may seem old-fashioned to some, but if you can appreciate the sweetness and tenderness of Hollywood's golden era, this movie is a must-watch. Miracle in the Rain may not have the same epic scope as Gone with the Wind, but it captures a similar essence of love and resilience in the face of adversity. So, if you're in the mood for a charming and nostalgic love story set against the backdrop of war, give Miracle in the Rain a chance.

"The Proud and Profane" is a movie set in the Pacific during WWII, where a Roman Catholic widow falls for a tough lieutenant colonel. While it may not reach the heights of "Gone with the Wind," this film still offers a captivating story of love and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of war. Deborah Kerr delivers a heartfelt performance as the grieving widow, trying to find solace and purpose in her life. William Holden, on the other hand, plays the hardened lieutenant colonel, whose tough exterior hides a vulnerable and conflicted soul. Unlike the epic scale of "Gone with the Wind," "The Proud and Profane" takes a more intimate approach, focusing on the personal journey of its characters. The chemistry between Kerr and Holden may not be as electric as in other films, but their interactions still provide moments of tension and tenderness. Thelma Ritter shines in her role as Kerr's supervisor, offering a dose of reality and wisdom.

A Farewell to Arms is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind in its portrayal of a passionate romance set amidst the backdrop of war. Both movies explore the complexities of love and the ways in which it can be tested in times of strife. However, while Gone with the Wind focuses on the American Civil War and the end of slavery, A Farewell to Arms takes place during World War I on the Italian front. The former showcases the societal changes brought about by war, while the latter delves into the horrors and sacrifices experienced by individuals caught in the midst of conflict. Despite their differences, both movies captivate audiences with their epic love stories and provide a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit. If you enjoyed Gone with the Wind, A Farewell to Arms offers a unique perspective on love and war that is worth exploring.

A Stranger in My Arms is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind because both movies belong to the Drama, Romance, and War genres. However, while Gone with the Wind is set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods, A Stranger in My Arms takes place after the Korean War. The plot of A Stranger in My Arms revolves around an Air Force pilot who meets the family of his navigator, who was killed in action. The movie uses flashbacks to depict the circumstances surrounding their ordeal after being shot down. On the other hand, Gone with the Wind focuses on a sheltered Southern belle and a profiteer who engage in a turbulent romance amidst the crumbling society of the Civil War era. Despite their different settings and storylines, both movies explore themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on individuals and society. If you enjoyed the epic and emotional journey of Gone with the Wind, A Stranger in My Arms offers a captivating portrayal of post-war experiences and the complexities of human relationships.

Fräulein, released in 1958, is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind. Both movies fall under the genres of Drama, Romance, and War. Fräulein, like Gone with the Wind, explores the aftermath of a war and the impact it has on the lives of its characters. However, while Gone with the Wind is set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods, Fräulein takes place in postwar Berlin. Fräulein also shares similarities with Gone with the Wind in terms of its complex characters and their relationships. In Fräulein, a Nazi's fiancee helps an escaped U.S. soldier, leading to a compelling romance that unfolds against the backdrop of a war-torn city. Despite the different time periods and settings, both movies skillfully capture the resilience and determination of their characters in the face of adversity.

The Hunters, released in 1958, is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind, the epic drama released in 1963. Both movies share the theme of war, but in different contexts. While Gone with the Wind takes place during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods, The Hunters is set during the Korean War. Despite the differing time periods, both films explore the complexities of human relationships amidst the chaos of war. In Gone with the Wind, the sheltered and manipulative Southern belle, Scarlet O'Hara, and the roguish profiteer, Rhett Butler, engage in a turbulent romance. Similarly, in The Hunters, two American pilots, Cleve Seville and Ed Pell, become bitter enemies over the same woman but must put aside their personal feud when confronted by deadly Chinese MIG fighter jets in battle. Both movies capture the intensity and emotional depth of their characters, showcasing the struggles and sacrifices they make in the face of adversity.

The Night Fighters (also known as A Terrible Beauty) is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind. Both films are set in the past and revolve around periods of great change and turmoil. While Gone with the Wind takes place during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods, The Night Fighters is set in 1941, during the time of the IRA's campaign coinciding with the planned German invasion of England. Both movies explore themes of war, love, and the impact of historical events on the lives of ordinary people. However, there are also notable differences between the two. Gone with the Wind is a grand epic, spanning over 4 hours, while The Night Fighters is a shorter film, clocking in at around 1.5 hours. Gone with the Wind is known for its lavish production and larger-than-life characters, while The Night Fighters takes a more subdued approach.

"The Americanization of Emily" is a delightful and thought-provoking film that captures the essence of war in a unique way. While it may not sing like Julie Andrews' more famous roles, it delivers profound statements about the futility of war and the politics that lead to it. James Garner shines as an American Naval Officer who knows how to enjoy life during wartime, but his perspective is challenged when he falls in love and is sent on a dangerous mission. The movie beautifully explores the complexities of romance amidst the chaos of war, much like "Gone with the Wind" did with the Civil War. However, unlike the sweeping epic of "Gone with the Wind," "The Americanization of Emily" takes a lighter approach by infusing comedy into its storytelling. It offers a refreshing and witty take on the subject matter, providing a different perspective while still capturing the complexities and emotions of war.

Seisaku's Wife is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind in terms of its genre, drama, romance, and war. However, the similarities end there. While Gone with the Wind portrays the struggles of a sheltered Southern belle and a roguish profiteer during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods in America, Seisaku's Wife takes us to the eve of the Russo-Japanese war at the beginning of the 20th century. Seisaku's Wife follows the story of Okane, a small-town girl who marries an old wealthy man to escape poverty. The movie explores her life and the challenges she faces in a society that despises her. The contrast between the two movies is striking. Gone with the Wind explores themes of honor, narcissism, and the end of slavery, while Seisaku's Wife delves into the obsessive love and the cultural elements of saluting the Emperor and the glorification of dying for one's country.

Ankara Express, released in 1970, is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind. While the two movies are set in different time periods and have different themes, they both explore the tumultuous nature of wartime romance. Gone with the Wind, set during the American Civil War, tells the story of a manipulative Southern belle and a roguish profiteer who find themselves in a passionate and turbulent romance as the society around them crumbles. Similarly, Ankara Express, set during World War II, follows the dangerous relationship between a German spy named Hilda and a Turkish major named Seyfi, as they work together on the Ankara Express operation. Both movies delve into the complexities of love and loyalty in the midst of war, with the protagonists navigating treacherous waters while their countries are at odds. However, Gone with the Wind is an epic drama that spans many years, while Ankara Express focuses on a specific operation.