If you were moved by the emotional depth and powerful storytelling of 'Romulus, My Father' (2007), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores films and series that share themes of family, resilience, and personal struggle, offering a curated list for fans of this poignant Australian drama.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Description: A heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of a father's love and sacrifice, using humor and imagination to shield his son from the horrors of their reality.
Fact: Roberto Benigni, the director and lead actor, won the Academy Award for Best Actor, marking the first time a performer won for a non-English language role.


The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
Description: A moving exploration of loss, healing, and the search for maternal love, set in the racially charged American South during the 1960s.
Fact: The novel's author, Sue Monk Kidd, made a cameo appearance in the film as a church choir member.


The Kite Runner (2007)
Description: A poignant tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, set against the tumultuous backdrop of Afghanistan's history, highlighting the enduring impact of childhood experiences.
Fact: The film adaptation faced significant challenges during production in China due to its sensitive subject matter, leading to a last-minute relocation of filming to Western China.


The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Description: This film explores themes of resilience and the bond between a father and son amidst adversity, set against a backdrop of financial hardship and personal struggle.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, whose memoir inspired the screenplay. The misspelling of 'Happyness' in the title was intentional, taken from a mural Gardner saw in real life.


The Book Thief (2013)
Description: A story of resilience and the power of words, following a young girl's life in Nazi Germany as she finds solace in books and the relationships she forms.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Germany, with many of the sets meticulously recreated to reflect the historical period accurately.


The Road (2009)
Description: A harrowing yet tender story of a father and son's survival in a post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen lost significant weight for the role to authentically portray the character's struggle for survival in a desolate world.


The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)
Description: A touching narrative about innocence and friendship amidst the horrors of war, seen through the eyes of a child who remains unaware of the grim reality around him.
Fact: The film's ending was so emotionally powerful that it reportedly left audiences in stunned silence during early screenings.


The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Description: A tender and heartbreaking love story between two teenagers facing life-threatening illnesses, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.
Fact: The film's iconic bench scene in Amsterdam became a pilgrimage site for fans, leading the city to install a replica bench for visitors.


A Monster Calls (2016)
Description: A visually stunning and emotionally charged tale of a boy grappling with his mother's illness, using fantasy as a means to cope with his overwhelming grief.
Fact: The film's animation sequences were created by the same team behind 'The Impossible,' blending hand-drawn and computer-generated imagery.


Lion (2016)
Description: A deeply emotional journey of identity, family, and belonging, focusing on a young boy's separation from his roots and his eventual quest to reconnect with his past.
Fact: The film is based on the autobiographical book 'A Long Way Home' by Saroo Brierley. The young Saroo was played by Sunny Pawar, who had no prior acting experience.
