If you were captivated by the intense drama and emotional depth of *Phaedra* (1962), you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores gripping tales of forbidden love, tragic passion, and complex relationships that echo the themes of this classic masterpiece. Whether you're a fan of Greek tragedy adaptations or modern melodramas, this list has something to enthrall you.

Black Orpheus (1959)
Description: A modern retelling of a Greek myth set in a vibrant, rhythmic world, blending tragedy with music and dance, exploring love and loss.
Fact: The film's soundtrack, featuring samba and bossa nova, became internationally famous and won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.


L'Avventura (1960)
Description: A modernist narrative that explores alienation, existential ennui, and the elusive nature of human connection, set against striking landscapes.
Fact: The film's unconventional structure and ambiguous ending initially baffled audiences but later cemented its status as a masterpiece.


La Notte (1961)
Description: A contemplative drama about the disintegration of a relationship, characterized by long, introspective scenes and a pervasive sense of disillusionment.
Fact: The film's minimalist dialogue and emphasis on visual storytelling create a haunting, almost poetic atmosphere.


Antigone (1961)
Description: A Greek tragedy exploring themes of fate, defiance, and moral conflict, with a strong female protagonist caught in a web of political and personal turmoil.
Fact: Based on Sophocles' ancient play, this adaptation retains the stark, dramatic intensity of the original, emphasizing the clash between individual conscience and state law.


L'Eclisse (1962)
Description: A visually striking meditation on love, isolation, and the ephemeral nature of human connections, featuring stark, modernist compositions.
Fact: The film's final seven-minute sequence, devoid of characters, is a bold cinematic experiment in conveying absence and silence.


8½ (1963)
Description: A self-reflexive exploration of artistic creation, blending reality and fantasy to depict the inner turmoil of a filmmaker.
Fact: The film's title refers to the number of films its director had completed up to that point, including collaborations and short films.


The Birds (1963)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into unexplained phenomena and human vulnerability, creating an atmosphere of creeping dread and existential unease.
Fact: The bird attacks were achieved using a combination of trained birds, mechanical props, and clever editing, making the scenes terrifyingly realistic.


The Leopard (1963)
Description: A historical epic that examines the decline of aristocracy and the passage of time, filled with lush visuals and a melancholic tone.
Fact: The film's grand ball scene, lasting nearly 45 minutes, is renowned for its opulent set design and meticulous attention to period detail.


Juliet of the Spirits (1965)
Description: A surreal exploration of a woman's inner life, blending fantasy and reality to depict her emotional and psychological struggles.
Fact: This was the first color film by its director, using vivid, dreamlike visuals to enhance its mystical and introspective tone.


Iphigenia (1977)
Description: Another Greek tragedy focusing on sacrifice, familial duty, and the intersection of personal desires with divine will, featuring a powerful female lead.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Greece, using natural landscapes to enhance the mythic and timeless quality of the story.
