10 Movies and Shows Similar to Prick Up Your Ears (1987)

Description: Like 'Prick Up Your Ears', 'My Beautiful Laundrette' explores themes of homosexuality and societal norms in Britain, albeit in a different era. Both films are set against the backdrop of a changing British society and feature complex characters navigating their identities.

Fact: The film was written by Hanif Kureishi, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It was one of the first mainstream British films to depict a gay relationship between a white working-class boy and a British Pakistani. The film was initially made for television but was released in cinemas due to its critical acclaim.

Description: 'Maurice' shares with 'Prick Up Your Ears' a focus on homosexuality in Britain, though it's set in the Edwardian era. Both films deal with the struggles of gay men in societies that are hostile to their identities, and both are based on literary works (E.M. Forster's novel for 'Maurice' and John Lahr's biography for 'Prick Up Your Ears').

Fact: The film was directed by James Ivory, part of the renowned Merchant Ivory Productions. E.M. Forster wrote the novel in 1913-14 but stipulated it should not be published until after his death due to its homosexual themes. Hugh Grant made his film debut in 'Maurice'.

Description: 'Carrington' parallels 'Prick Up Your Ears' in its exploration of unconventional relationships and artistic circles in Britain. Both films are biographical and focus on the intersection of art, sexuality, and personal relationships.

Fact: The film stars Emma Thompson and Jonathan Pryce. It won the Jury Prize at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. The film is based on the biography 'Lytton Strachey' by Michael Holroyd.

Description: Like 'Prick Up Your Ears', 'Wilde' is a biographical film about a famous British writer (Oscar Wilde) who faced societal persecution for his homosexuality. Both films explore the tension between public persona and private life, and the consequences of living authentically in a repressive society.

Fact: Stephen Fry, who plays Wilde, was widely praised for his performance. The film covers Wilde's relationships with Lord Alfred Douglas and his wife Constance Lloyd. It was based on Richard Ellmann's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Wilde.

Description: 'Velvet Goldmine' shares with 'Prick Up Your Ears' a focus on flamboyant personalities and the exploration of sexual identity, set against the backdrop of British cultural history. Both films use non-linear storytelling to explore their subjects' lives.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the lives of David Bowie and Iggy Pop. It features early performances by Ewan McGregor and Christian Bale. The title is taken from a Bowie song, though none of his music is used in the film.

Description: 'The Hours' connects to 'Prick Up Your Ears' through its exploration of literary figures (Virginia Woolf) and themes of mental health, sexuality, and the creative process. Both films examine how personal struggles influence artistic output.

Fact: The film won Nicole Kidman an Academy Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf. It's based on Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film interweaves three stories from different time periods.

Description: Like 'Prick Up Your Ears', 'Capote' is a biographical film about a flamboyant writer (Truman Capote) whose personal life and sexuality were as notable as his literary achievements. Both films explore the relationship between an artist's life and work.

Fact: Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Oscar for his portrayal of Capote. The film focuses on Capote's research for 'In Cold Blood'. It was the first of two Capote biopics released within two years.

Description: 'Infamous' shares with 'Prick Up Your Ears' the theme of a flamboyant writer (again Truman Capote) navigating literary and social circles while dealing with his sexuality. Both films offer intimate portraits of complex creative figures.

Fact: Toby Jones plays Capote in this version. The film is based on George Plimpton's oral biography of Capote. It features Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee.

Description: 'Howl' connects to 'Prick Up Your Ears' through its focus on a groundbreaking writer (Allen Ginsberg) whose work challenged societal norms regarding sexuality and free expression. Both films blend biographical elements with the subject's creative work.

Fact: James Franco plays Allen Ginsberg. The film combines animation with live action to visualize Ginsberg's poem. It focuses on the 1957 obscenity trial of Ginsberg's publisher.

Description: 'A Single Man' resonates with 'Prick Up Your Ears' in its portrayal of gay life in mid-20th century Britain (though set in the US), with both films dealing with themes of love, loss, and societal constraints. Both feature meticulous attention to period detail.

Fact: It was fashion designer Tom Ford's directorial debut. Colin Firth received an Oscar nomination for his performance. The film is based on Christopher Isherwood's novel.