15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Carol is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in its portrayal of a lesbian romance. Both films beautifully capture the longing and dance of love, focusing more on the emotional connection rather than physicality. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire takes place in the late 18th century on an isolated island in Brittany, Carol is set in 1950s New York. Despite the different time periods and settings, both films convey the power and danger of tender love through their cinematography. The glances between the potential lovers in both movies encapsulate the truth of their affections and the high-mindedness of their intentions. Additionally, both films feature outstanding performances from their lead actresses. Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel deliver captivating performances in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, while Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara shine in Carol.

Mi iubita, mon amour: Jeanne is going to celebrate her bachelorette party in Romania, where she meets Nino, which begins a passionate and timeless summer. This film is reminiscent of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" in the sense that both explore deep connections and intense emotions between their characters. While "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" focuses on the slow burn of a forbidden love affair through painting, "Mi iubita, mon amour" delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and family dynamics. The Romanian setting adds a unique flavor to the story, and the film beautifully captures the bitter-sweet rhythm of the relationships between the four French girls. Although the scenes in "Mi iubita, mon amour" may occasionally bump into each other, the genuine presentation and heartfelt storytelling make it a captivating watch.

The Hill Where Lionesses Roar takes a completely different approach compared to Portrait of a Lady on Fire. While the latter focuses on the slow-burning romance between two women in the late 18th century, the former presents a story about three young and free-spirited women who decide to escape their daily lives and form a gang. It's like going from a delicate, tender painting to a wild and rebellious collage. The Hill Where Lionesses Roar, directed by Luàna Bajrami, showcases the filmmaker's early talent, as she was only 20 or 21 years old when she made this great film. Although it might not have the same critical acclaim as Portrait of a Lady on Fire, it is still worth watching for its fresh perspective and the raw energy brought by the young cast.

Ammonite is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in its exploration of a passionate and forbidden love story. Both films beautifully capture the intensity and longing between two women who find themselves drawn to each other against societal norms. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire takes place on an isolated island in 18th century Brittany, Ammonite is set in 1840s England. The former revolves around a female painter who is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman, while the latter follows acclaimed fossil hunter Mary Anning and a young woman who develops a deep connection while convalescing by the sea. Both movies showcase stunning cinematography and evoke a sense of raw emotion through their captivating performances. However, while Portrait of a Lady on Fire delves into the ethereal and transformative nature of love, Ammonite, although a beautiful film, doesn't bring a completely new or original perspective to the table.

Honey is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in its exploration of unconventional relationships. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire depicts a lesbian romance set in the late 18th century, Honey delves into the world of euthanasia. Both films challenge societal norms and provide thought-provoking narratives. In Portrait of a Lady on Fire, the focus is on the passionate connection between two young women, while Honey explores the complex relationship between a young woman named Honey and Grimaldi, a middle-aged man seeking assistance with euthanasia. Despite their differences in time period and subject matter, both films delve into the depths of human emotions and desires. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire is celebrated for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, Honey offers a subtler approach, allowing viewers to form their own judgments on the ethics of euthanasia. If you enjoyed the beauty and intrigue of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Honey provides a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Euphoria. A difficult situation brings two distant brothers closer, giving them the opportunity to truly understand each other. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire beautifully captures the longing and dance of love, Euphoria explores the complexities of familial bonds. In both films, emotions run deep, but in different contexts. While the former portrays a lesbian romance set in 18th century Brittany, the latter dives into the struggles faced by two brothers. Despite their differences, both movies delve into the depths of human connection, portraying love in its various forms. So, if you've enjoyed the profound exploration of emotions in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Euphoria will take you on a different, yet equally captivating emotional journey.

How Not to Rescue a Princess is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in the sense that both movies explore the theme of portrait painting. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire beautifully captures the intensity and longing of a forbidden romance through the process of painting a wedding portrait, How Not to Rescue a Princess takes a more light-hearted approach. The Russian animated film follows three heroes on a mission to rescue the Prince of Kiev from an evil queen who seeks to regain her youth and beauty through magic. Despite the stark differences in genre and tone, both movies use the art of painting as a central element in their storytelling. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire captivates with its emotional depth and exploration of love, How Not to Rescue a Princess entertains with its comedic adventure and fantastical elements.

Water Lilies is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, taking us back to our teenage years and the complexities of first love. Both films explore themes of female desire and the exploration of sexuality, albeit in different ways. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire focuses on a slow-burning and passionate romance between two women in the 18th century, Water Lilies delves into the tumultuous dynamics of a love triangle among three adolescent girls. Despite their differences in time period and setting, both movies capture the intensity of young love and the longing for connection. Water Lilies, with its intimate atmosphere and talented young actresses, offers a glimpse into the delicate and transformative nature of teenage relationships. If you enjoyed the evocative and heartfelt portrayal of love in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Water Lilies provides a similarly captivating exploration of the complexities of desire and the longing for connection during this formative stage of life.

"Petite Maman" is reminiscent of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" in its ability to capture the beauty and complexity of human relationships. While the former movie explores the love between two potential lovers, the latter delves into the bond between a young girl and her newfound friend. Both films take a slow, deliberate pace to unfold their stories, allowing the audience to savor every moment and bask in the emotions. However, "Petite Maman" introduces a touch of fantasy into its otherwise realistic setting, creating a subtle but significant element that adds depth to the narrative. It beautifully portrays the bittersweet moments of life, acknowledging the presence of sadness and grief while still emanating an uplifting vibe. With its relatable themes surrounding parent-child relationships, this unique film is not only a nostalgic retrospection for adults but also an authentic reflection of reality for children.

A Decent Arrangement is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in its exploration of the complexities of love and relationships. Both movies revolve around the theme of arranged marriages, although they approach it from different cultural perspectives. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire takes place in 18th century France and focuses on the forbidden love between two women, A Decent Arrangement follows the journey of an Indian-American copywriter in modern-day India who is torn between an American woman and an Indian woman. Both films use subtle comedy and true-to-life drama to depict the challenges faced by their characters as they navigate cultural traditions and follow their hearts. However, A Decent Arrangement offers a unique perspective on India that is not commonly seen by Western audiences, providing an emotional story that resonates with anyone in search of their place in the world.

"Facing Mirrors" is a Persian film that takes us on a journey through Iran's restrictive society, where living as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is nothing short of a nightmare. The movie follows the paths of two individuals, Rana and Adineh, who are both trying to escape their complicated situations. Rana, driven by the need to support her family, and Adineh, a transgender man who is prevented from living as his true self by his family, find themselves on the same journey. As they embark on this shared experience, they get to know each other better.
While "Facing Mirrors" and "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" come from different countries and tackle different topics, they share a common thread: the exploration of forbidden love and the struggle against societal expectations. Both films delve into deep and complex emotions, capturing the longing and longing and the dance of love rather than focusing solely on physicality.

Honeymoon is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire as both films explore the theme of arranged marriage. While the first is a period drama set in 18th century France, the second takes a contemporary approach in an Indian setting. Portrait of a Lady on Fire delves deep into the emotional journey of two young women who slowly fall in love while the protagonist paints a wedding portrait. On the other hand, Honeymoon portrays the unexpected events and emotions that unfold during Praveen and Tejaswini's unplanned honeymoon after their arranged marriage. Both films offer a unique perspective on the complexities of arranged marriages, highlighting the unpredictability and transformative power of love. So, if you loved the exploration of arranged marriage in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Honeymoon provides a fresh and delightful take on the subject in a modern Indian context.

The Rebel Princess is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in its intense exploration of power play and court intrigue. Just like the slow, loving pace of the camera in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, The Rebel Princess takes its time to unfold the complex dynamics between the royals as they fight for a better kingdom. While the former is set in 18th century France and focuses on a lesbian romance, the latter is set in Imperial China and delves into the struggles for power and the intricacies of arranged marriages. Both movies captivate with their beautiful actors and actresses, stunning costumes, and impeccable set design. Although The Rebel Princess suffers from poor translation in its subtitles, it manages to offer a captivating viewing experience with its stellar performances and hauntingly beautiful music. If you enjoyed the longing and the dance of love in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, you'll find yourself engrossed in the captivating world of court intrigue and royalty in The Rebel Princess.

Chitchor: Geeta ends up with two suitors after her father goes to bring home a prospective groom and mistakenly picks up the wrong man. Paying tribute to Basu Chatterjee by watching his films. Watched Chitchor today. Beautiful romantic musical... A simple story flowing like a fresh stream... Amol Palekar and Zarina Wahab in a mild underplayed romance. Ravindra Jain and Yesudas providing mellifluous melodies for love soaked lines.... Kind of a cult movies of those middle cinema times... Absolute pleasure to watch.
"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" and "Chitchor" may seem worlds apart, but there's an intriguing connection between them. While the former is set in 18th century France and explores the complexities of a lesbian romance, the latter is a charming Indian film from the 1970s about a mistaken identity leading to a love triangle.

The Sword and the Brocade is reminiscent of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in its exploration of women's freedom and their pursuit of a life beyond societal expectations. While Portrait of a Lady on Fire focuses on a female painter in eighteenth-century Brittany who strives for artistic and personal independence, The Sword and the Brocade tells the story of Shiyi, a concubine's daughter in Ming Dynasty China, who dreams of using her embroidery skills to secure her freedom. Both movies delve into the themes of arranged marriages and the limitations imposed on women, showcasing their resilience and determination to break free from societal constraints. However, The Sword and the Brocade takes a historical approach, set in a Chinese court filled with intrigue and the challenges faced by women during that period. Despite their differences in time and cultural context, both movies provide compelling narratives that highlight the strength and agency of women in their respective worlds.