10 Movies & Shows Similar to Hilma (2022)

Description: This film about Michelangelo shares with 'Hilma' the theme of an artist's struggle against societal and personal challenges to create enduring art. Both films depict the tension between artistic vision and external expectations, with a focus on the creative process and the artist's dedication to their craft.

Fact: Charlton Heston played Michelangelo, and Rex Harrison played Pope Julius II. The film was based on Irving Stone's biographical novel. It was nominated for five Academy Awards.

Description: Like 'Hilma', 'Vincent & Theo' focuses on the relationship between an artist and their supporter, in this case, Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo. Both films highlight the emotional and financial struggles artists face, as well as the importance of having someone who believes in their work. The films also share a deep empathy for their subjects.

Fact: The film was directed by Robert Altman. Tim Roth played Vincent van Gogh. The film was originally made as a TV miniseries before being edited into a feature film.

Description: 'Basquiat' and 'Hilma' both explore the lives of artists who were ahead of their time and faced challenges in gaining recognition. Jean-Michel Basquiat's rise from graffiti artist to celebrated painter mirrors Hilma af Klint's journey from obscurity to posthumous acclaim. Both films also examine the intersection of art and identity.

Fact: The film was directed by Julian Schnabel, a fellow artist and friend of Basquiat. David Bowie played Andy Warhol in the film. Basquiat's work now sells for millions at auctions.

Description: 'Frida' shares similarities with 'Hilma' as both are biopics about groundbreaking female artists who challenged societal norms. Frida Kahlo's surreal and deeply personal art, much like Hilma af Klint's, was often overlooked during her lifetime. Both films delve into the artists' personal struggles and how these influenced their work, with a strong emphasis on their unique visual styles.

Fact: Salma Hayek, who played Frida Kahlo, was also one of the film's producers. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Makeup and Best Original Score. Frida Kahlo's life and art have become symbols of feminism and Mexican culture.

Description: Like 'Hilma', 'Pollock' is a biographical film about an influential artist, Jackson Pollock, whose abstract expressionist work revolutionized modern art. Both films explore the artist's creative process, personal demons, and the impact of their work on the art world. The films also share a focus on the visual representation of the artist's unique style.

Fact: Ed Harris, who directed and starred as Pollock, spent nearly a decade developing the film. Harris's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film used real Pollock paintings created specifically for the movie.

Description: 'Klimt' and 'Hilma' both depict artists who pushed the boundaries of traditional art, with Gustav Klimt's symbolism and Hilma af Klint's abstraction. Both films explore the artists' search for new forms of expression and their conflicts with the artistic establishment of their time. The films also share a lush, visually rich style.

Fact: John Malkovich played Gustav Klimt. The film was directed by Raúl Ruiz. Klimt's 'Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I' sold for a record $135 million in

Description: Similar to 'Hilma', 'The Danish Girl' tells the story of a person breaking societal boundaries—Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender confirmation surgery. Both films explore themes of identity, self-expression, and the struggle for acceptance, with a strong visual component that reflects the protagonist's inner world.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Lili Elbe. The film is based on David Ebershoff's novel, which is a fictionalized account of Lili's life. The real Lili Elbe's paintings were lost after her death.

Description: 'Seraphine' parallels 'Hilma' in its portrayal of a female artist, Séraphine de Senlis, who created art in obscurity and faced personal hardships. Both films highlight the artists' spiritual connection to their work and their late recognition. The films also share a quiet, contemplative tone that mirrors the artists' introspective natures.

Fact: Yolande Moreau won a César Award for her performance as Séraphine. The film won seven César Awards, including Best Film. Séraphine's work was discovered by German art collector Wilhelm Uhde.

Description: Similar to 'Hilma' (2022), 'Big Eyes' explores the life of a female artist, Margaret Keane, who struggles for recognition in a male-dominated art world. Both films highlight themes of artistic integrity, gender bias, and the personal sacrifices made for art. The visual aesthetics in 'Big Eyes' also focus on the artist's unique style, much like 'Hilma' does with Hilma af Klint's abstract paintings.

Fact: The film was directed by Tim Burton, known for his distinctive gothic and quirky style. Amy Adams won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Margaret Keane. The real Margaret Keane made a cameo appearance in the film.

Description: 'Loving Vincent' and 'Hilma' both celebrate the lives and works of pioneering artists through innovative visual storytelling. 'Loving Vincent' is the first fully painted animated feature, mirroring Van Gogh's style, while 'Hilma' uses visuals to bring Hilma af Klint's abstract art to life. Both films also explore the artists' posthumous recognition.

Fact: The film consists of 65,000 frames painted by 125 artists. It took nearly seven years to complete. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.