10 Shows & Movies Like V.C. Andrews’ Dawn

Description: A powerful story of an abused black woman's journey to self-discovery and independence in the early 20th century South. Its themes of female empowerment, overcoming adversity, and the healing power of female relationships align closely with other narratives about women breaking free from oppression.

Fact: Steven Spielberg's first dramatic film. Whoopi Goldberg made her film debut in the lead role after being discovered by Quincy Jones.

Description: A gripping tale of a young girl navigating the foster care system after her mother's imprisonment, highlighting themes of toxic relationships, survival, and self-discovery. The story's dark undertones and exploration of flawed maternal figures align closely with the psychological and emotional complexities of similar works.

Fact: The film is based on Janet Fitch's debut novel, which was an Oprah's Book Club selection. It marked Alison Lohman's breakout role in Hollywood.

Description: This crime drama delves into trauma, guilt, and the long shadows cast by childhood events, much like narratives that explore deep psychological scars and their impact on adult lives. Its somber tone and examination of how past wounds shape present relationships resonate strongly with similar stories.

Fact: The film features Sean Penn's Oscar-winning performance. Clint Eastwood composed the film's haunting musical score himself.

Description: A haunting story about loss, grief, and the afterlife, told from the perspective of a murdered young girl watching over her family. Its blend of supernatural elements with raw human emotion and family drama creates a similar atmosphere of melancholy and unresolved tension.

Fact: Peter Jackson directed this adaptation, marking a departure from his big-budget fantasy films. The novel was a #1 New York Times bestseller for over a year.

Description: This film explores themes of female resilience, family secrets, and emotional healing, set against a backdrop of racial tension in the American South. Its focus on complex mother-daughter relationships and personal growth mirrors the emotional depth and coming-of-age struggles seen in similar narratives.

Fact: The novel it's based on spent over two years on the New York Times bestseller list. The film features an original song by Alicia Keys, which was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Description: Set during the civil rights movement, this film explores the complex relationships between black maids and their white employers in the South. Its focus on women finding their voices against societal constraints and its examination of racial and class tensions create a similar emotional landscape to other female-driven period dramas.

Fact: Octavia Spencer lost weight during filming to show her character's stress. The pie scene was filmed over 30 times, using real pies.

Description: This psychological thriller explores generational trauma, mental illness, and the dark secrets lurking beneath small-town surfaces. Its unflinching look at dysfunctional family dynamics and the lasting effects of childhood trauma aligns with the intense, character-driven narratives of similar works.

Fact: The series was shot on location in California, despite being set in Missouri. Gillian Flynn wrote both the novel and the screenplay adaptation.

Description: A story that peels back the perfect facades of wealthy families to reveal domestic violence, secrets, and complex female friendships. Its exploration of how women navigate trauma and societal expectations while maintaining appearances shares thematic similarities with other female-centric dramas.

Fact: The series was originally planned as a limited series but was renewed due to its popularity. The beach scenes were filmed at the actual Monterey coastline featured in the novel.

Description: A dystopian exploration of female oppression and resistance, where women navigate a patriarchal society that controls their bodies and choices. Its themes of female solidarity in the face of systemic abuse and its unflinching portrayal of women's struggles resonate with similar narratives about female resilience.

Fact: Margaret Atwood served as a consulting producer on the series. The iconic red costumes were inspired by Dutch Old Master paintings.

Description: This series examines motherhood, class divides, and the explosive consequences of buried secrets in a picture-perfect community. Its focus on how different women experience and express maternal love, along with its slow-burning tension, creates a similar dynamic to other family-centric psychological dramas.

Fact: Celeste Ng's novel was inspired by real events in her hometown of Shaker Heights. The series features an original song by Aretha Franklin that had never been released before.