If you were captivated by the raw emotion and gripping storytelling of 'Night Comes On' (2018), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that share its themes of resilience, family struggles, and personal redemption. Whether you're looking for more indie gems or powerful character-driven narratives, this list has something for every fan of Jordana Spiro's poignant drama.

Precious (2009)
Description: A harrowing yet ultimately hopeful story of a young woman overcoming abuse and systemic neglect, focusing on her inner resilience and quest for self-worth.
Fact: The film's screenplay was adapted from the novel 'Push' by Sapphire, which was written in the protagonist's distinctive vernacular voice.


Fish Tank (2009)
Description: A gritty, unfiltered look at a teenage girl's turbulent life in a working-class British estate, capturing her anger, vulnerability, and fleeting moments of hope.
Fact: The film's lead actress, Katie Jarvis, was discovered by the director while she was arguing with her boyfriend at a train station.


Winter's Bone (2010)
Description: A tense, atmospheric drama about a young woman's relentless search for her missing father in a rural, poverty-stricken community, showcasing her quiet strength.
Fact: The film's stark realism was achieved by casting many local non-actors and filming in the actual Ozark region where the story is set.


Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Description: A magical realist tale of a young girl's fierce resilience and imagination as she confronts environmental and personal upheavals in her isolated community.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to achieve its distinctive, gritty visual style, and many of the cast members were non-professional actors from Louisiana.


Short Term 12 (2013)
Description: A deeply empathetic portrayal of troubled youth and the caregivers who support them, blending moments of heartbreak with unexpected warmth and humor.
Fact: The film was based on the director's own experiences working at a similar facility for at-risk teenagers.


The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)
Description: A candid and visually inventive exploration of a teenage girl's sexual awakening and emotional growth, set in 1970s San Francisco.
Fact: The film incorporates animated sequences to reflect the protagonist's vivid imagination and artistic aspirations.


American Honey (2016)
Description: A coming-of-age story that follows a young woman's journey of self-discovery and survival, set against the backdrop of economic hardship and fleeting moments of joy.
Fact: The film features a soundtrack entirely composed of diegetic music, with characters often singing along to songs playing in their environment.


Leave No Trace (2018)
Description: A quiet, introspective film about a father and daughter living off the grid, exploring themes of independence, trauma, and the struggle to belong.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'My Abandonment' by Peter Rock, which was inspired by a true story of a man and his daughter found living in a Portland park.


Moonlight (2016)
Description: A deeply emotional and visually stunning exploration of identity, masculinity, and vulnerability, told through the lens of a young Black man's life.
Fact: The film is divided into three acts, each representing a different stage of the protagonist's life, with three different actors portraying him.


The Florida Project (2017)
Description: A raw and poignant portrayal of childhood resilience amidst poverty, focusing on the perspective of a young girl navigating a harsh world with limited resources.
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 community.
