10 Movies Like The Great Gilly Hopkins

Description: A touching coming-of-age story that deals with love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. It captures the innocence and emotional complexity of childhood experiences.

Fact: The film's iconic funeral scene was shot in one take to preserve the emotional intensity of the young actors' performances.

Description: A story of a young girl's unwavering spirit and imagination in the face of hardship, this film beautifully captures themes of hope, kindness, and the belief in magic within everyday life.

Fact: The movie is a remake of the 1939 film and was shot in Toronto, standing in for early 20th-century New York.

Description: This film celebrates intelligence, resilience, and the fight against injustice through the eyes of a gifted young girl. It shares a narrative of empowerment and the triumph of the underdog.

Fact: Danny DeVito directed the film and also played Matilda's father, making it a family affair with his wife, Rhea Perlman, co-starring.

Description: This film tells the story of an unlikely friendship that transforms the lives of two boys, highlighting themes of courage, acceptance, and the power of companionship to overcome personal struggles.

Fact: Based on the novel 'Freak the Mighty,' the movie was praised for its heartfelt portrayal of friendship and disability.

Description: Exploring themes of immortality, love, and the choices that define us, this movie presents a young girl's encounter with a family that lives forever, prompting deep reflections on life and mortality.

Fact: The story was first published as a novel in 1975 and has been adapted multiple times, including a Broadway musical.

Description: This film combines adventure with a deep narrative about redemption, family curses, and the importance of friendship. It follows a young protagonist uncovering secrets and overcoming adversity, much like a journey of self-discovery.

Fact: The movie stays remarkably faithful to the book, with the author, Louis Sachar, also writing the screenplay.

Description: Centered around a young girl who forms meaningful connections in a new town, this story highlights themes of friendship, healing, and the impact of kindness. It mirrors the journey of personal growth and emotional discovery.

Fact: The film is based on a Newbery Honor-winning book by Kate DiCamillo, and the dog who played Winn-Dixie was a rescue animal.

Description: A poignant tale of friendship and imagination, this movie delves into the emotional world of children dealing with loss and the power of creativity as a coping mechanism. It resonates with themes of childhood resilience and emotional depth.

Fact: The story was inspired by a real-life tragedy experienced by the author's son, and the film's young leads had no prior acting experience.

Description: This film follows four best friends navigating the challenges of growing up and apart during a summer apart, united by a pair of magical jeans. It emphasizes themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the transitions of adolescence.

Fact: The pants were designed to fit all four actresses perfectly, symbolizing the unbreakable bond between their characters.

Description: This film explores themes of family, belonging, and resilience through the eyes of a young girl navigating a difficult life situation. It shares a heartfelt narrative about finding love and acceptance in unexpected places.

Fact: The movie is based on the bestselling novel by Sue Monk Kidd and features a soundtrack rich in gospel and blues music, reflecting its Southern setting.