10 Movies and Shows Like The Florida Project (2017)

Description: While more mainstream, this film shares with 'The Florida Project' a focus on poverty and homelessness, particularly how it affects parent-child relationships. Both films show the resilience of children in difficult circumstances, though 'Happyness' takes a more inspirational approach compared to 'Florida Project's' naturalism.

Fact: Will Smith's real-life son Jaden plays his on-screen son. The misspelled title comes from a real daycare center sign Chris Gardner saw. Gardner's actual briefcase appears in the film.

Description: Like 'The Florida Project', 'Precious' offers an unflinching look at poverty and childhood trauma, though with more explicit violence. Both films feature remarkable young female protagonists navigating broken systems. The use of fantasy sequences in 'Precious' parallels 'Florida Project's' magical realist touches.

Fact: Gabourey Sidibe had never acted before her audition. Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry signed on as executive producers after seeing an early cut. Mo'Nique won an Oscar for her supporting role despite refusing to campaign.

Description: Like 'The Florida Project', this film examines economic desperation through a female perspective, featuring a remarkable performance by Melissa Leo. Both films use their harsh winter settings metaphorically and find moments of connection amidst struggle. The naturalistic style and focus on marginalized experiences are common elements.

Fact: Melissa Leo was paid just $100 a day during filming. The script was inspired by real-life smuggling across the US-Canada border. Director Courtney Hunt spent 7 years developing the project.

Description: This British drama shares with 'The Florida Project' an unflinching yet empathetic look at a troubled adolescent's life in poverty. Both films feature remarkable young female protagonists and use a naturalistic style to capture the complexity of their worlds. The films similarly balance moments of harsh reality with unexpected tenderness.

Fact: Lead actress Katie Jarvis was discovered arguing with her boyfriend at a train station. Michael Fassbender learned to breakdance for his role. Director Andrea Arnold shot the film in chronological order to help the young actress.

Description: This film shares with 'The Florida Project' a focus on a resilient young protagonist navigating adult problems in a marginalized community. Both films offer stark yet poetic portraits of rural poverty, with strong sense of place and community. Jennifer Lawrence's breakthrough performance parallels Brooklynn Prince's in 'Florida Project'.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence did all her own axe-throwing in the film. Many cast members were locals from the Ozarks region. The film's budget was just $2 million.

Description: This film shares with 'The Florida Project' a magical realist approach to depicting childhood poverty, seen through the eyes of a young protagonist. Both films feature strong performances by child actors and create immersive worlds that blend harsh realities with moments of wonder. The Southern setting and focus on marginalized communities are also common elements.

Fact: Quvenzhané Wallis was only 6 years old when cast, becoming the youngest Best Actress nominee in Oscar history. The film was shot in Louisiana with mostly non-professional actors. Director Benh Zeitlin spent years developing the project, which began as a stage production.

Description: Similar to 'The Florida Project', this film explores youth on the margins of society, capturing the restless energy and resilience of young people navigating difficult circumstances. Both films use a loose, episodic structure and feature remarkable performances by non-professional actors. The cinematography in both captures the beauty in ordinary moments.

Fact: Star Sasha Lane was discovered by director Andrea Arnold on a beach in Florida. The film was shot chronologically over 7 weeks across multiple states. Many scenes were improvised, with the cast living together during filming.

Description: Like 'The Florida Project', 'Tangerine' offers a vibrant, street-level portrait of marginalized characters in Florida, using vivid colors and naturalistic performances. Both films balance humor with pathos while depicting communities often ignored by mainstream cinema. The use of non-professional actors and location shooting creates an authentic atmosphere.

Fact: The entire film was shot on iPhone 5s smartphones. Lead actress Mya Taylor became the first transgender performer to win an Independent Spirit Award. Director Sean Baker discovered his two leads at a LGBT center in Hollywood.

Description: Like 'The Florida Project', 'Moonlight' explores themes of childhood, poverty, and resilience through a deeply personal lens. Both films use a naturalistic storytelling style and focus on marginalized communities, offering an intimate portrayal of their protagonists' struggles and small moments of joy. The visual aesthetics in both films are striking, with vibrant colors and a strong sense of place.

Fact: 'Moonlight' is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's semi-autobiographical play 'In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue'. It was the first LGBTQ+ film and the first film with an all-black cast to win the Best Picture Oscar. The film was shot in just 25 days with a budget of $

Description: While dealing with different demographics, both films share a poetic approach to depicting economic hardship and resilience. Like 'The Florida Project', 'Nomadland' blurs the line between documentary and fiction, featuring real people playing versions of themselves. Both films find beauty in unconventional lifestyles and American landscapes.

Fact: Frances McDormand lived in a van for months to prepare for her role. Many supporting cast members were real-life nomads. The film won Best Picture, Director, and Actress at the 2021 Oscars.