If you were captivated by the raw authenticity and emotional depth of The Worst Ones (2022), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its unflinching realism, complex characters, and thought-provoking narratives. Whether you loved its gritty portrayal of youth or its documentary-style storytelling, these recommendations will keep you engaged.

The Class (2008)
Description: A realistic depiction of life in a multicultural Parisian classroom, highlighting the challenges faced by both students and teachers. The film's documentary-like style and unscripted dialogue create an authentic, immersive experience.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Many of the students were non-actors, and their dialogues were improvised based on real-life experiences.


Fish Tank (2009)
Description: A stark portrayal of a troubled teenager's life in a working-class British estate, highlighting themes of isolation, rebellion, and the search for identity. The film's raw, documentary-like approach immerses viewers in the protagonist's turbulent world.
Fact: The lead actress, Katie Jarvis, was discovered arguing with her boyfriend at a train station. The film was shot in chronological order to maintain authenticity.


The Hunt (2012)
Description: A harrowing drama about the devastating effects of false accusations on a man's life, exploring themes of mob mentality and injustice. The film's tense, emotionally charged narrative reflects the fragility of social bonds.
Fact: Mads Mikkelsen won the Best Actor award at Cannes for his performance. The film sparked debates about moral panic and collective hysteria.


The Selfish Giant (2013)
Description: A bleak yet tender story of two boys struggling to survive in a deprived English town, grappling with poverty and fleeting moments of joy. The film's naturalistic style and focus on marginalized youth create a deeply affecting narrative.
Fact: The title is inspired by Oscar Wilde's fairy tale of the same name. The young leads were discovered in local schools and had no prior acting experience.


Girlhood (2014)
Description: A vibrant yet gritty coming-of-age story about a young Black girl navigating identity, friendship, and societal pressures in the suburbs of Paris. The film's intimate portrayal of adolescence is both tender and raw.
Fact: The film's title in French, 'Bande de Filles,' plays on the phrase 'Bande de Garçons' (gang of boys), subverting gender norms. Many scenes were shot in real housing projects to maintain authenticity.


American Honey (2016)
Description: A gritty, coming-of-age story that follows a group of young drifters as they navigate poverty, freedom, and fleeting connections. The film's loose, improvisational style and focus on youth alienation mirror the struggles of adolescence in precarious circumstances.
Fact: The film features a largely non-professional cast, and many scenes were improvised. It was shot in a road-trip style, with the crew traveling across the Midwest.


Mustang (2015)
Description: A powerful story of five sisters rebelling against the oppressive traditions of their conservative community. The film's focus on youthful defiance and the clash between freedom and control resonates deeply.
Fact: The director, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences. The film was Turkey's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.


The Florida Project (2017)
Description: This film captures the raw, unfiltered lives of marginalized children living on the fringes of society, focusing on their resilience and innocence amidst harsh realities. The storytelling is intimate and observational, often seen through the eyes of its young protagonists.
Fact: The film was shot on location in the actual motels near Disney World, adding to its authentic feel. Many of the child actors were non-professionals, discovered in the area.


Shoplifters (2018)
Description: A poignant exploration of an unconventional family surviving on the margins of society, blending warmth and hardship. The film delves into themes of love, survival, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Many of the film's emotional moments were unscripted, relying on the actors' instincts.


Capernaum (2018)
Description: A heartbreaking tale of a young boy suing his parents for bringing him into a world of neglect and poverty. The film's unflinching look at childhood suffering and resilience is both brutal and deeply moving.
Fact: The lead actor, Zain Al Rafeea, was a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon when he was cast. The film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.
