10 Must-Watch Drama Movies Similar to My Brilliant Friend

We Couldn't Become Adults: Prodded by a friend request, a forty-something recalls his past relationships from the 90s onward, looking for his vanished hopes and dreams. This movie speaks to a lot of people in their adult years going through horrible work and trying to survive on a day-to-day basis in dead-end jobs and always thinking that they could be great if they ever had the time or resources to pursue their passion. It is an excellent film and, without spoiling anything, it is aimed at a certain audience. It's a slow film that has a nonlinear plot structure and is entirely about human emotions, what love means, and growing up. It's the kind of movie you have to watch at a certain point in life to get, but when you do, it's really good and works as if it was based on you. If you're a jaded adult who wishes they could do something with their life, then watch the film.

Everything Else is reminiscent of My Brilliant Friend in its exploration of friendship and the complexities of human relationships. While My Brilliant Friend takes place in 1950s Naples and follows the lifelong friendship of two girls, Everything Else is set in present-day Madrid and revolves around a group of thirtysomethings trying to find their place in life. Both series delve into the themes of friendship and the challenges that come with it, but they do so in different contexts and time periods. My Brilliant Friend captures the intensity and authenticity of emotions, with exceptional acting and a compelling adaptation of Elena Ferrante's novel. On the other hand, Everything Else falls short in terms of continuity and engaging the viewer, as scenes seem randomly put together. Despite this, Everything Else offers a fresh perspective on friendship and the struggles faced by individuals in modern society.

Hold Tight is reminiscent of My Brilliant Friend in its exploration of friendship and the impact it has on people's lives. Both series delve into the complexities and nuances of the bonds between friends, showcasing the profound influence they can have on each other. While My Brilliant Friend is set in Naples during the 1950s and follows the lifelong friendship of two girls, Hold Tight takes place in an affluent Warsaw suburb and revolves around a young man who goes missing after his friend's death. Both series skillfully intertwine friendship with broader themes such as love, danger, and the unraveling of secrets. However, Hold Tight takes a different approach by adding elements of crime, mystery, and thriller genres, which add an extra layer of suspense and intrigue. Despite their differences, both series captivate viewers with their compelling storytelling, strong performances, and rich character development.

Heartbreak High is a fresh take on the classic Hartley High, set 20 years later. This series follows Amerie and her new friends, Quinni and Darren, as they navigate love, sex, and heartbreak while trying to repair Amerie's reputation. The show explores themes such as high school drama, friendship, romance, and LGBTQ+ issues. I was pleasantly surprised by this series and found myself invested in the story. The acting was great, the storyline was well-crafted, and the writing was pretty ace. The characters were well-developed and interesting, even though some of them annoyed me at times. Overall, Heartbreak High was fun, emotional, and surprising. If you enjoyed My Brilliant Friend, you should definitely give Heartbreak High a watch for its captivating storyline and relatable characters.

Antares is a series that reminds me of My Brilliant Friend in some ways. Both shows explore the themes of friendship and love, taking place in different countries and time periods. While My Brilliant Friend is set in Naples during the 1950s, Antares unfolds in a contemporary setting in Indonesia. The main characters in both series encounter unexpected circumstances that test their relationships and teach them valuable life lessons. My Brilliant Friend captivates viewers with its deep emotions and exceptional acting, while Antares promises epic visuals and a touch of humor. If you enjoyed the intensity and authenticity of My Brilliant Friend, you'll be excited to dive into Antares and discover the value of trust, friendship, and true love in this Indonesian love story.

That '90s Show takes us back to the nostalgic era of the 1990s, much like My Brilliant Friend transports us to Naples in the 1950s. While the two series differ in their genres, with My Brilliant Friend being a drama and That '90s Show a comedy-drama-romance, they both capture the essence of a specific time period and explore the dynamics of friendship. In My Brilliant Friend, we witness the lifelong friendship and conflicts between two girls, while in That '90s Show, we follow Leia Forman as she connects with a new generation of kids in Point Place, Wisconsin. Both series excel in creating relatable characters and compelling storylines that keep us engaged. So, if you're looking for a trip down memory lane with a touch of heartwarming nostalgia, That '90s Show is definitely worth a watch.

Vice Versa is a delightful series that transports a famous actor and a university graduate into an unfamiliar universe with different bodies. To return to their lives, they must find their "portkey" - a soulmate who can help them. While reminiscent of My Brilliant Friend in terms of its focus on friendship and the challenges faced by its characters, Vice Versa takes a unique twist with the body swap concept. The series offers surprises, twists, and turns, along with heartwarming moments and romance. However, the main couple lacks chemistry, and Jimmy's (Tan/Puen) acting falls short, especially in kissing scenes. On the other hand, Sea (Tess/Talay) delivers a delightful performance, carrying the movie with his acting skills. The series also suffers from blatant product placement, which can be distracting. Despite these flaws, Vice Versa's initial idea, script, and supporting cast make it worth watching, particularly for fans of the genre.

Please Like Me is reminiscent of My Brilliant Friend in its exploration of complex relationships and personal growth. While My Brilliant Friend delves into the lifelong friendship and conflicts between two girls in Naples during the 1950s, Please Like Me follows twenty-something Josh as he navigates his first decade of adulthood, including coming to terms with his sexuality after being dumped by his girlfriend. Both series are emotionally resonant and offer a deep understanding of human experiences. However, Please Like Me infuses humor into its storytelling, using quirky relationships and relatable quirks to create a joyful and entertaining viewing experience. With its well-executed improv scenes and an enthusiastic cast, the show effortlessly balances comedy and drama, reminiscent of Arrested Development meets generation Y. If you enjoyed the heartfelt exploration of friendship and personal growth in My Brilliant Friend, you'll find Please Like Me to be a delightful and relatable series that tackles similar themes with humor and charm.