If you loved the heartwarming and inspiring journey of Anne Shirley in 'Anne with an E,' you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that capture the same spirit of resilience, adventure, and coming-of-age charm. Whether you're drawn to historical dramas, strong female leads, or stories of self-discovery, these picks will keep you entertained and emotionally invested.

Pollyanna (1960)
Description: Features an optimistic young girl who transforms the lives of those around her with her positive outlook. The story's focus on hope, community, and the innocence of childhood aligns closely with the referenced title's themes.
Fact: The film was Disney's first major live-action hit. Hayley Mills won a special juvenile Academy Award for her performance.


The Sound of Music (1965)
Description: A musical about a governess who brings joy and music to a widower's seven children. The film's themes of family, love, and the beauty of the Austrian countryside create a similar emotional resonance.
Fact: The movie was filmed on location in Salzburg, Austria. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


Little House on the Prairie (1974)
Description: A heartwarming series about a family's life in the American frontier, emphasizing the values of hard work, love, and community. Its nostalgic portrayal of rural life and strong family dynamics are key similarities.
Fact: The series was based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical books. Many of the outdoor scenes were filmed in California's Simi Valley.


The Secret Garden (1993)
Description: Centers on a young orphan who discovers a hidden garden, symbolizing renewal and healing. The story's themes of resilience, imagination, and the transformative power of nature mirror the emotional journey of its protagonist.
Fact: The garden scenes were filmed in the stunning landscapes of Yorkshire, England. The film stays remarkably true to Frances Hodgson Burnett's original novel.


A Little Princess (1995)
Description: Focuses on a young girl's resilience and imagination as she navigates life in a strict boarding school. The film's magical realism and themes of hope and kindness are central to its appeal.
Fact: The movie was shot in Toronto, with elaborate sets designed to evoke early 20th-century New York. It's based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved novel.


Little Women (2019)
Description: A coming-of-age story set in the 19th century, focusing on the lives of young women navigating societal expectations, family bonds, and personal growth. The film's emphasis on strong female characters and its nostalgic, pastoral setting create a similar emotional tone.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Massachusetts, using many historic homes to maintain authenticity. It was the eighth adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel.


Heidi (2015)
Description: Tells the story of a young girl sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, where she finds joy and purpose. The film's picturesque setting and themes of family, freedom, and resilience resonate deeply.
Fact: This adaptation was shot in the breathtaking Swiss Alps, capturing the beauty of the natural landscape. It stays true to Johanna Spyri's classic novel.


Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938)
Description: Chronicles the adventures of a spirited young girl sent to live with her strict aunts. The story's charm lies in its protagonist's optimism and the rural, nostalgic setting.
Fact: Shirley Temple starred in this adaptation, which deviated significantly from the original book. The film was a major box office success.


Anne of Green Gables (1985)
Description: Follows an imaginative and spirited orphan who finds a new home and family. The narrative highlights themes of belonging, self-discovery, and the beauty of rural life, much like the referenced title.
Fact: The series was filmed on Prince Edward Island, the actual setting of Lucy Maud Montgomery's novels. It became a cultural phenomenon in Canada and beyond.


The Railway Children (2000)
Description: Follows three siblings who move to the countryside and befriend the local railway workers. The story's blend of adventure, innocence, and emotional depth creates a similar tone.
Fact: The film was a remake of the 1970 classic. The iconic railway scenes were filmed on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire.
