If you were moved by the emotional depth and poignant storytelling of 'Close' (2022), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores films and series that capture the same themes of friendship, loss, and vulnerability, offering a heartfelt viewing experience for fans of Lukas Dhont's masterpiece.

The 400 Blows (1959)
Description: A seminal coming-of-age film that portrays the struggles of youth with raw honesty, focusing on a young boy's turbulent journey through adolescence.
Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily from director François Truffaut's own troubled childhood.


Boyhood (2014)
Description: A groundbreaking film that captures the passage of time and the nuances of growing up, filmed over 12 years with the same cast to authentically depict aging.
Fact: The production took 12 years to complete, with filming occurring for a few days each year to document the actors' real-life aging process.


The White Ribbon (2009)
Description: A chilling examination of childhood in a repressive society, where innocence is overshadowed by underlying cruelty and moral corruption.
Fact: The film is shot in black and white to emphasize its stark, haunting atmosphere and period setting.


Fish Tank (2009)
Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of a teenage girl's turbulent life, capturing raw emotions and the struggle for self-identity in a harsh environment.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to help the young lead actress, Katie Jarvis, naturally develop her character's emotional arc.


The Kid with a Bike (2011)
Description: A tender yet unsentimental story of a young boy's search for belonging and love, highlighting the fragility and resilience of childhood.
Fact: The film's young lead, Thomas Doret, had no prior acting experience before being cast in the role.


A Separation (2011)
Description: A deeply human drama that explores family dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the impact of decisions on relationships, told with emotional precision.
Fact: The film was the first Iranian movie to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.


The Hunt (2012)
Description: A harrowing exploration of innocence lost and the impact of false accusations, delving into themes of trust, community, and psychological trauma.
Fact: The film sparked intense debates in Denmark about child abuse allegations and the legal system's handling of such cases.


Mustang (2015)
Description: A poignant story of sisterhood and rebellion against oppressive societal norms, told through the eyes of young girls yearning for freedom.
Fact: The film was Turkey's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards and made the shortlist.


Moonlight (2016)
Description: A deeply emotional coming-of-age story that examines identity, vulnerability, and the complexities of human relationships through intimate storytelling.
Fact: The film is divided into three acts, each representing a different stage of the protagonist's life, and was shot in just 25 days.


The Florida Project (2017)
Description: Explores childhood innocence and resilience in the face of adversity, focusing on the perspective of a young protagonist navigating a challenging environment.
Fact: The film was shot on location at a real budget motel near Disney World, and many of the actors were non-professionals from the local area.
