If you enjoyed the raw and gritty storytelling of 'About Cherry' (2012), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same themes of self-discovery, struggle, and redemption. Whether you're drawn to indie dramas or character-driven narratives, this list will help you find your next favorite watch.

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Description: A harrowing tale of addiction and self-destruction, set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, with deeply emotional and tragic character arcs.
Fact: Nicolas Cage bought the rights to the novel the film is based on for his own salary, as he was determined to play the lead role.


The Players Club (1998)
Description: Delves into the gritty world of nightlife and stripping, highlighting the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by those trying to navigate a life of fast money and exploitation.
Fact: Ice Cube wrote and directed the film, which was inspired by his observations of the nightclub scene.


Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Description: A visceral and intense portrayal of addiction and its devastating effects on individuals and their relationships, using innovative cinematography to heighten the emotional impact.
Fact: The film's iconic score was composed by Clint Mansell and has been widely used in trailers and other media since its release.


The Cooler (2003)
Description: Set in the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas, it portrays characters trapped in cycles of luck, love, and desperation, with a melancholic yet hopeful tone.
Fact: William H. Macy's character was originally written for a much younger actor, but his performance convinced the filmmakers to cast him.


Thirteen (2003)
Description: A raw and unfiltered look at teenage rebellion, peer pressure, and the struggles of adolescence, with a focus on the darker side of growing up too fast.
Fact: Co-written by a 13-year-old Nikki Reed, who also starred in the film, drawing from her own experiences.


Shame (2011)
Description: Explores themes of addiction, self-destructive behavior, and the darker side of human desires, with a raw and unflinching portrayal of personal struggles.
Fact: The film was shot in just 25 days, and Michael Fassbender performed all of his own nude scenes.


The Bling Ring (2013)
Description: Examines the allure of fame, materialism, and the reckless behavior of youth, set in the glamorous yet hollow world of celebrity culture.
Fact: The film is based on real-life events involving a group of teenagers who burglarized the homes of several Hollywood celebrities.


American Honey (2016)
Description: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a nomadic, hard-partying lifestyle, exploring themes of freedom, youth, and the search for identity.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence over several months, with the cast and crew traveling across the Midwest to capture the authentic feel of the story.


Hustlers (2019)
Description: Focuses on the lives of strippers who turn to crime, blending themes of survival, friendship, and the pursuit of the American dream in a morally ambiguous setting.
Fact: The film is based on a true story reported in New York Magazine, and Jennifer Lopez trained with a professional pole dancer for months to prepare for her role.


The Florida Project (2017)
Description: Captures the lives of marginalized individuals living on the fringes of society, with a focus on childhood innocence amidst adult struggles and economic hardship.
Fact: Many of the child actors in the film were non-professionals, and their performances were largely improvised.
