Loved The Florida Project? 20 Unforgettable Movies Like It You Need to Watch
Have you ever driven past those colorful, slightly worn-down motels near big tourist attractions and wondered about the stories unfolding inside? What’s life like for the families living just a stone’s throw away from the ‘happiest place on earth’, yet worlds apart from the fantasy? Sean Baker’s incredible film, The Florida Project, pulled back the curtain on one such world, showing us the vibrant, chaotic, and often difficult life of a little girl named Moonee living in the shadow of Disney World.
If that film touched your heart and left you wanting more stories told with similar honesty and raw beauty, you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving into 20 Movies Like The Florida Project that capture that same spirit of resilience, childhood wonder amidst hardship, and life on the fringes.
The Florida Project gave us a unique look at childhood poverty through Moonee’s bright, mischievous eyes. It didn’t shy away from the tough realities her mother Halley faced, but it also celebrated the moments of joy, friendship, and imagination that kids can find anywhere. The films on this list share that focus on real people and their struggles, often using a natural, almost documentary-like style. Get ready to discover some powerful, moving, and unforgettable Movies Like The Florida Project.
Table of Contents
American Honey (2016)
Imagine hitting the road with nothing but a backpack and a van full of restless teenagers, selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door across the American Midwest. That’s the journey Star, an 18-year-old from a troubled home, embarks on when she impulsively joins a traveling sales crew led by the tough Krystal and charismatic Jake. American Honey paints a sprawling picture of youthful freedom, economic desperation, and the search for belonging among a group living on the edges of society. It’s a long, immersive ride filled with hazy parties, fleeting connections, hard work, and the complex dynamics of this makeshift family chasing a piece of the American dream, one sale at a time.
This film feels like a spiritual sibling to The Florida Project. Both movies explore the lives of young people navigating poverty and instability in contemporary America, finding moments of joy and connection amidst challenging circumstances. Director Andrea Arnold, much like Sean Baker, uses a roaming, naturalistic camera style that makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. It shares that focus on marginalized youth, a specific subculture, and the bittersweet mix of hope and hardship, making it one of the essential Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Max | Subscription |
| Max Amazon Channel | Subscription via Amazon |
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Fandango At Home | Rent / Buy |
| Microsoft Store | Rent / Buy |
Tangerine (2015)
Hold onto your hats for a whirlwind Christmas Eve on the sun-baked, less-glamorous streets of Hollywood. Tangerine, famously shot entirely on iPhones, follows Sin-Dee Rella, a transgender sex worker just released from a short prison stint. When her best friend Alexandra lets slip that Sin-Dee’s boyfriend and pimp, Chester, has been cheating on her – with a cisgender woman, no less – Sin-Dee storms through Tinseltown on a furious, funny, and surprisingly touching mission to find them both and confront the truth. The story unfolds with incredible energy, capturing the raw, chaotic, and vibrant lives of characters rarely seen on screen with such honesty and humor.
Directed by Sean Baker before he made The Florida Project, Tangerine showcases his signature style. It focuses intensely on a specific marginalized community, using non-professional actors alongside experienced ones to create an authentic, ground-level view of their world. Like The Florida Project, it uses vibrant colors, handheld camerawork (even more evident here due to the iPhones), and finds humanity and humor in difficult situations without judgment. It’s a perfect example of the type of raw, energetic, and empathetic filmmaking that makes Movies Like The Florida Project so compelling.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Note: Check current listings | Often available on Kanopy, Hoopla, or for Rent/Buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV. |
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Step into the magical, fragile world of Hushpuppy, a fearless six-year-old girl living with her ailing, tough-love father, Wink, in a remote Louisiana bayou community known as “The Bathtub.” Separated from the rest of the world by a levee, their unique way of life is threatened by epic storms and Wink’s declining health. As the waters rise and prehistoric creatures called Aurochs seem to awaken from melting ice caps (seen through Hushpuppy’s vivid imagination), she must learn to survive and understand the delicate balance of nature, community, and family in her rapidly changing world.
This film shares The Florida Project‘s powerful focus on a child’s perspective amidst poverty and environmental precarity. Hushpuppy, like Moonee, possesses an incredible resilience and interprets her challenging world through a lens of wonder and fierce independence. Both films are set in unique, geographically specific communities on the fringes of mainstream America and explore unconventional parent-child relationships. While Beasts leans more into magical realism, its core themes of survival, community strength, and viewing hardship through a child’s eyes make it a key title for those seeking Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Fandango At Home | Rent / Buy |
| Microsoft Store | Rent / Buy |
| Spectrum On Demand | Rent |
Fish Tank (2009)
Meet Mia, a volatile and isolated 15-year-old girl living in an Essex council estate in the UK. She clashes constantly with her mother and younger sister, finding her only real outlet in practicing hip-hop dancing alone in an empty flat. Her bleak world is suddenly electrified by the arrival of her mother’s charming new boyfriend, Connor. He pays attention to Mia, encourages her dancing, and offers a glimpse of kindness and stability she desperately craves. But as their bond deepens, the lines blur, leading to a complex and potentially dangerous situation that forces Mia to confront harsh realities.
Like The Florida Project, Fish Tank offers an unflinching, naturalistic look at life in low-income housing, focusing on a fiery young female protagonist navigating a difficult environment. Director Andrea Arnold (who also directed American Honey) uses handheld cameras and a raw visual style to immerse the viewer in Mia’s world. Both films explore complex family dynamics, particularly challenging mother-daughter relationships, and the yearning for escape or something more, seen through the eyes of youth. It’s a powerful slice-of-life drama that resonates with the themes found in Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Disney+ (UK) | Subscription |
| MUBI (UK) | Subscription |
| BFI Player Amazon Channel (UK) | Subscription via Amazon |
| Curzon Amazon Channel (UK) | Subscription via Amazon |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy |
| Note: Availability varies by region | Check local listings |
Capernaum (2018)
This staggering Lebanese drama tells the story of Zain, a streetwise 12-year-old boy living in the slums of Beirut. Facing unimaginable poverty and neglect, Zain makes the shocking decision to sue his parents for the “crime” of having given him life. Through flashbacks, we see the harsh realities that led him to this point: caring for undocumented toddlers, escaping his abusive family, navigating the dangerous city streets, and experiencing moments of kindness amidst overwhelming despair. The film is a heartbreaking and powerful portrayal of childhood survival against impossible odds.
Capernaum shares The Florida Project‘s intense focus on a child protagonist enduring extreme poverty. Both films use a realistic, almost documentary-like style, casting non-professional actors (Zain Al Rafeea, who plays Zain, was a Syrian refugee) to bring an incredible layer of authenticity. We see the world through the child’s eyes, witnessing their resilience, resourcefulness, and the moments of connection they forge in bleak circumstances. The raw portrayal of social issues and the fight for dignity make Capernaum a profoundly moving film for those looking for powerful Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy |
| Cineplex (Canada) | Rent / Buy |
| Note: Check local listings | Availability varies by region |
Shoplifters (2018)
In a cramped Tokyo apartment, a group of people live together, bound not by blood but by necessity and affection. Osamu and his wife Nobuyo work low-paying jobs, supplemented by Osamu and young Shota’s skilled shoplifting. They take in Yuri, a neglected little girl they find shivering on a balcony. This unconventional family unit survives on the margins, sharing meals, small joys, and secrets. But when an unforeseen incident brings them to the attention of the authorities, the fragile bonds holding them together are tested, forcing them to confront what truly makes a family.
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Palme d’Or winner shares thematic DNA with The Florida Project. Both films explore poverty and unconventional family structures with immense empathy. They focus on the daily lives and small moments of connection between characters living on the fringes of society. We see the world, in part, through the eyes of the children (Shota and Yuri), witnessing their innocence and adaptation to difficult circumstances. The non-judgmental portrayal of morally ambiguous survival methods and the deep dive into what constitutes family make Shoplifters a beautiful, poignant choice for fans of Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Peacock Premium | Subscription |
| Mangolia Selects Amazon Channel | Subscription via Amazon |
| Hoopla | Free with Library Card |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent / Buy |
| Fandango At Home | Rent / Buy |
Ratcatcher (1999)
Set in Glasgow during the 1973 binmen’s strike, Ratcatcher follows 12-year-old James Gillespie. Living in a rundown housing scheme piled high with rubbish bags, James is haunted by guilt over a neighborhood tragedy he feels responsible for. He finds solace in his friendships, particularly with the quirky Kenny and the older, vulnerable Anne Margaret, and dreams of escaping to a new housing development being built on the edge of town. The film captures the grimness of his surroundings but also the fleeting moments of childhood wonder and the desperate hope for a better future.
Lynne Ramsay’s debut film is a masterclass in atmospheric realism, much like The Florida Project. It centers on a child’s perspective within a deprived community, showing how children process trauma and find ways to play and dream even in bleak environments. Both films have a strong sense of place, using their setting almost as a character. The focus on quiet observation, the naturalistic performances, and the blend of harsh reality with lyrical moments of escape make Ratcatcher a powerful, poetic companion piece for viewers seeking Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Max | Subscription |
| Max Amazon Channel | Subscription via Amazon |
| Criterion Channel | Subscription |
Wendy and Lucy (2008)
Wendy is traveling to Alaska with her beloved dog, Lucy, hoping to find lucrative work in a cannery. Her old Honda Accord is packed with all her belongings. When her car breaks down in a small Oregon town and a moment of desperation leads her to shoplift dog food, she is arrested. After paying her fine, she returns to find Lucy gone. The film follows Wendy’s increasingly desperate and quiet search for her missing companion, navigating the kindness and indifference of strangers while facing the harsh reality of her dwindling resources and precarious situation.
Directed by Kelly Reichardt, Wendy and Lucy shares The Florida Project‘s focus on economic hardship and life on the margins, although with a quieter, more minimalist tone. It portrays the vulnerability of individuals living paycheck to paycheck (or less) and how quickly things can unravel. Like Sean Baker’s film, it observes its protagonist’s struggles with empathy and without melodrama, highlighting the small interactions and systemic obstacles faced by those without a safety net. It’s a subtle yet devastating look at poverty and resilience, fitting for those searching for thoughtful Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Note: Check current listings | Often available on Criterion Channel, Kanopy, or for Rent/Buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV. |
Winter’s Bone (2010)
In the impoverished, meth-ravaged landscape of the Missouri Ozarks, 17-year-old Ree Dolly is the sole caregiver for her two younger siblings and mentally ill mother. When the local sheriff informs her that her absent father put their house up as collateral for his bail bond and has subsequently disappeared, Ree must find him – dead or alive – before they lose everything. Her quest forces her to navigate a dangerous network of tight-lipped relatives and local criminals, bound by codes of silence and violence, testing her resilience and courage to the absolute limit.
This gritty, atmospheric drama features a tough, resourceful young female protagonist forced into adult responsibilities due to poverty and family dysfunction, echoing elements of Halley’s (and Moonee’s) situation in The Florida Project. Both films are deeply rooted in specific, often overlooked American settings and explore the harsh realities faced by those living in deep poverty. Winter’s Bone has a thriller element, but its core is a naturalistic portrayal of a community and a young woman’s desperate fight for survival, making it a compelling choice for those looking for Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Note: Check current listings | Often available on Max, Hulu, or for Rent/Buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV. |
Leave No Trace (2018)
Will, a veteran suffering from PTSD, and his teenage daughter, Tom, live an idyllic, isolated life off the grid in a vast public park in Portland, Oregon. They are self-sufficient, deeply connected to nature and each other. However, their hidden existence is disrupted when they are discovered by authorities and placed into social services. Forced to adapt to a more conventional life with housing and school, Tom begins to cautiously embrace community, while Will struggles, feeling trapped and yearning for the wilderness, creating a rift between father and daughter.
Like The Florida Project, Leave No Trace explores an unconventional parent-child relationship existing outside societal norms. Both films focus on characters living on the periphery, though for different reasons (poverty vs. trauma/choice). Director Debra Granik (who also directed Winter’s Bone) employs a quiet, observational style, focusing on the deep bond between parent and child and the challenges they face when interacting with the ‘normal’ world. The empathy for its characters and the naturalistic portrayal of their unique way of life connect it strongly to the feel of Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix (UK) | Subscription |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy |
| Sky Store (UK) | Rent / Buy |
| Note: Availability varies by region | Check local listings |
The Rider (2017)
Brady Blackburn, a young cowboy and rising rodeo star living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, suffers a near-fatal head injury during a competition. Doctors tell him he can no longer ride or compete, forcing him to confront a future without the only life and identity he has ever known. The film follows Brady as he struggles with his recovery, his relationships with his friends (many playing versions of themselves), his autistic sister, and his gambling father, searching for a new sense of purpose in a world where riding defined him.
Directed by Chloé Zhao (before Nomadland), The Rider blends fiction and reality, casting non-professional actors to tell a story rooted in their own experiences. This hyperrealistic approach mirrors Sean Baker’s methods. Like The Florida Project, it offers an intimate, empathetic portrait of individuals living in a specific, often unseen American community, grappling with limited opportunities and life-altering circumstances. The focus on identity, resilience, and the quiet dignity of its characters facing difficult truths makes it a poignant film for those seeking Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Note: Check current listings | Often available for Rent/Buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, Vudu. |
Nomadland (2020)
Following the economic collapse of her company town in rural Nevada, Fern, a woman in her sixties, packs her van and sets off on the road, exploring a life outside conventional society as a modern-day nomad. She travels the American West, picking up seasonal work (including at an Amazon fulfillment center), connecting with fellow nomads, and finding community and solitude under vast landscapes. The film, based on Jessica Bruder’s non-fiction book, blends fictional storytelling with real nomads playing versions of themselves, painting a portrait of resilience, loss, and finding meaning after the American Dream falters.
Directed by Chloé Zhao, Nomadland shares The Florida Project‘s interest in people living on the economic margins of America. Both films utilize non-professional actors to enhance authenticity and offer a compassionate, non-judgmental look at unconventional lifestyles born from necessity or choice. While Fern is older than Moonee or Halley, the film captures a similar spirit of finding community and moments of grace amidst precarity. Its observational style and focus on overlooked lives make it resonate strongly with Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Hulu (US) | Subscription |
| Disney+ (International) | Subscription |
| Note: Check current listings | Also available for Rent/Buy. |
Minari (2020)
In the 1980s, the Korean-American Yi family moves from California to rural Arkansas in pursuit of Jacob’s dream: starting a farm to grow Korean produce. His wife, Monica, is skeptical of the remote location and their rickety trailer home, worrying about their children, Anne and David (who has a heart condition). Jacob pours everything into the farm, while Monica seeks connection at a local church. Their lives are further complicated, and enriched, by the arrival of Monica’s unconventional, foul-mouthed, but loving mother from Korea. The film follows their struggles and triumphs as they try to build a life and find their own American dream.
While set in a different era and focusing on the immigrant experience, Minari shares The Florida Project‘s themes of family resilience in the face of economic struggle. It beautifully captures life from a child’s perspective (young David), showing his observations and experiences within the family’s challenging new environment. Like The Florida Project, it balances hardship with moments of humor, tenderness, and keen observation of family dynamics and the pursuit of stability. It’s a deeply human story that aligns with the spirit of Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Crave (Canada) | Subscription |
| iciTouTV (Canada) | Subscription |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy |
| Cineplex (Canada) | Rent / Buy |
| Microsoft Store | Rent / Buy |
| Note: Check US/UK availability | Often on Netflix or for rent/buy. |
Boyhood (2014)
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is an epic yet intimate look at growing up. It follows Mason Jr. from age 6 to 18, capturing the ordinary and extraordinary moments of his childhood and adolescence in Texas. We see him navigate his parents’ divorce, relocations, new schools, changing family dynamics (including difficult stepfathers), first loves, and the gradual formation of his identity. It’s less about dramatic plot points and more about the flow of time and the small, significant experiences that shape a life.
While not focused on poverty to the same extent, Boyhood shares The Florida Project‘s naturalistic, slice-of-life approach and its deep focus on childhood and the passage of time. Both films feel incredibly authentic, capturing the feeling of specific moments in a young person’s life. We see the world through Mason’s evolving perspective, much like we see Moonee’s world. The observational style and emphasis on character development over tight plotting make Boyhood a fascinating, though tonally different, film for those who appreciate the realism in Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| MUBI | Subscription |
| Sundance Now | Subscription |
| MUBI Amazon Channel | Subscription via Amazon |
| Note: Check local listings | Availability varies. |
Short Term 12 (2013)
Grace is a dedicated young supervisor at Short Term 12, a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. She connects deeply with the kids in her care, navigating their volatile emotions and troubled pasts with compassion and toughness, alongside her supportive long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason. But Grace’s own troubled history surfaces when a new arrival, Jayden, forces her to confront unresolved trauma from her own childhood. The film explores the challenges and rewards of caring for vulnerable youth while dealing with personal demons.
This film shares The Florida Project‘s empathetic portrayal of troubled childhoods and the adults trying to help, albeit from the caregiver’s perspective. It offers a raw, realistic look at the lives of young people facing difficult circumstances, capturing moments of resilience, connection, and heartbreak within the institutional setting. Like The Florida Project, it features incredibly naturalistic performances and finds humanity in tough situations without resorting to easy sentimentality. The focus on resilience and the impact of childhood trauma makes it a powerful watch for fans of Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Subscription |
| FuboTV | Subscription |
| Peacock Premium | Subscription |
| Philo | Subscription |
| Fandor | Subscription |
| Fandor Amazon Channel | Subscription via Amazon |
| The Roku Channel | Free with Ads |
| Fandango at Home Free | Free with Ads |
| Pluto TV | Free with Ads |
| Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads | Free with Ads (if option available) |
Red Rocket (2021)
Mikey Saber, a charismatic but washed-up porn star, returns to his small Texas hometown with barely anything to his name. He crashes with his estranged wife Lexi and her mother, charming his way back into their lives while dreaming of a return to glory. His plans get complicated when he meets Strawberry, a rebellious 17-year-old working at the local donut shop, whom he sees as his ticket back to the adult film industry. The film follows Mikey’s manipulative schemes and infectious energy as he disrupts the lives of everyone around him.
Another gem from Sean Baker, Red Rocket shares the director’s signature focus on flawed, magnetic characters living on the fringes of American society. Like The Florida Project and Tangerine, it’s set in a specific, non-glamorous location (Texas City) and uses a vibrant, sun-drenched visual style. While Mikey is an adult protagonist, the film explores themes of economic desperation, morally ambiguous choices, and the pursuit of dubious dreams with the same non-judgmental, immersive approach found in Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Pluto TV | Free with Ads |
| Xumo Play | Free with Ads |
| Plex | Free with Ads |
| Fandango at Home | Rent / Buy |
| Prime Video | Rent / Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Note: Check other subscription services | Might be on Showtime/Paramount+ |
Honey Boy (2019)
Based on Shia LaBeouf’s own experiences, Honey Boy tells the story of Otis, a young actor, across two timelines. We see him as a child star living in a motel and navigating a fraught, often abusive relationship with his controlling, ex-rodeo clown father, James. Simultaneously, we see an older Otis in court-ordered rehab, forced to confront the childhood trauma and anger stemming from that relationship. The film is a raw, vulnerable exploration of father-son dynamics, addiction, recovery, and the scars left by a difficult upbringing in the entertainment industry.
This film connects to The Florida Project through its setting (a motel) and its focus on a complex, often damaging parent-child relationship viewed partly through the child’s eyes. Both films explore how children cope with instability and adult problems, finding moments of connection amidst the pain. While Honey Boy deals more explicitly with abuse and trauma recovery, its raw emotional honesty and naturalistic performances resonate with the authentic feel of Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Subscription |
| Note: Availability varies by region | Check local listings |
Precious (2009)
In 1987 Harlem, Claireece “Precious” Jones is a 16-year-old girl who is overweight, illiterate, and pregnant with her second child by her own father. She endures relentless physical, mental, and sexual abuse from her terrifying mother, Mary. Facing expulsion from public school, Precious is offered a chance to enroll in an alternative school, “Each One Teach One.” There, with the help of a patient teacher, Ms. Rain, and supportive classmates, Precious slowly begins to find her voice, learn to read and write, and imagine a future beyond her traumatic circumstances.
Precious is a harrowing but ultimately hopeful story that shares The Florida Project‘s focus on resilience amidst extreme adversity and poverty. Both films center on young Black female characters facing immense systemic and personal challenges. While Precious deals with darker, more explicit themes of abuse, it shares that core of finding strength and moments of grace in the bleakest situations. The powerful performances and unflinching look at social issues make it a significant film for viewers interested in Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Plex | Free with Ads |
| Fandango at Home | Rent / Buy |
| Prime Video | Rent / Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Note: Check other services | Might be on Tubi or Pluto TV. |
Moonlight (2016)
Told across three defining chapters in his life, Moonlight follows Chiron, a young Black man growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. As a shy, withdrawn child (nicknamed “Little”), he navigates bullying and his mother’s growing drug addiction, finding unexpected guidance from a local drug dealer, Juan, and his girlfriend Teresa. As a teenager, Chiron grapples with his identity and burgeoning sexuality amidst violence and peer pressure. Finally, as an adult (“Black”), he has built a tough exterior that masks his enduring vulnerability and search for connection.
Barry Jenkins’ Best Picture winner shares The Florida Project‘s sensitive, lyrical portrayal of childhood and youth in a specific Florida community marked by poverty and struggle. Both films explore themes of identity formation, challenging parent-child relationships (particularly with mothers struggling with addiction), and the search for tenderness and connection in harsh environments. Moonlight‘s observational style, stunning cinematography, and deep empathy for its central character resonate strongly with the qualities found in Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Max | Subscription |
| Max Amazon Channel | Subscription via Amazon |
| Amazon Video | Rent / Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Fandango At Home | Rent / Buy |
| Plex | Rent / Buy (May vary) |
| Spectrum On Demand | Rent |
Mid90s (2018)
Set in Los Angeles during the mid-1990s, this film follows Stevie, a lonely 13-year-old struggling with a troubled home life, including an aggressive older brother. Seeking escape and belonging, Stevie falls in with a crew of older skateboarders he meets at a local skate shop. Desperate to be accepted, he dives headfirst into their world of skating, partying, and navigating the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and risky behavior. The film captures the raw energy, anxieties, and camaraderie of adolescence and finding your tribe.
Jonah Hill’s directorial debut shares The Florida Project‘s focus on youth finding connection and forming makeshift families outside of traditional structures. Both films capture the feeling of a specific time and place (90s LA skate culture vs. present-day Orlando motels) with authenticity. We see Stevie, like Moonee, observing and participating in the sometimes reckless behavior of older kids/adults as he tries to fit in and navigate his world. The naturalistic dialogue, focus on character moments, and exploration of coming-of-age on the fringes make Mid90s a relevant watch for fans of Movies Like The Florida Project.
| Streaming Platform | Link / Availability |
|---|---|
| Kanopy | Free with Library Card |
| Apple TV | Rent / Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent / Buy |
| Fandango At Home | Rent / Buy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes The Florida Project so special?
The Florida Project stands out because of its unique perspective. It shows life on the margins of society, specifically childhood poverty, through the bright, unfiltered eyes of its young protagonist, Moonee. Director Sean Baker doesn’t shy away from the hardships but also captures the joy, resilience, and imagination of childhood existing right next door to a symbol of manufactured happiness (Disney World). Its realistic style, incredible performances (especially from Brooklynn Prince and Willem Dafoe), and vibrant look make it feel incredibly authentic and moving. It stays true to its characters and their world.
Are Movies Like The Florida Project based on true stories?
Some are directly based on true stories or real experiences (like Honey Boy, The Rider, Nomadland), while others are fictional but heavily inspired by real-life situations, extensive research, and often use non-professional actors to add authenticity (like The Florida Project itself, Tangerine, Capernaum). They aim for social realism, reflecting the genuine struggles and lives of people in specific communities or circumstances.
Why do these films focus on difficult subjects like poverty?
These films often aim to shine a light on overlooked communities and social issues. By focusing on subjects like poverty, marginalization, and difficult childhoods, filmmakers can foster empathy and understanding. They challenge viewers to see the humanity and complexity in situations they might otherwise ignore or stereotype. These stories highlight resilience, the search for dignity, and the universal need for connection, even in the toughest circumstances. Films like The Florida Project show that important, vibrant stories exist everywhere, not just in privileged settings.
Where can I watch The Florida Project?
Streaming availability changes, but The Florida Project frequently appears on platforms like Netflix or Showtime. It’s also usually available to rent or buy on digital platforms such as:
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies
- Fandango At Home (formerly Vudu)
- Check your local library’s streaming services like Kanopy or Hoopla as well.
What other movies has Sean Baker directed?
Besides The Florida Project, Tangerine, and Red Rocket (all mentioned above), Sean Baker is known for other independent films that often focus on marginalized characters and communities with a realistic style. His earlier works include Take Out (co-directed with Shih-Ching Tsou), Prince of Broadway, and Starlet.
Find Your Next Favorite Slice-of-Life Story
Exploring Movies Like The Florida Project opens up a world of cinema that is raw, real, and deeply human. These films might take you to the outskirts of Orlando, the bayous of Louisiana, the council estates of England, or the highways of the American West, but they all share a commitment to showing life as it’s lived, especially for those on the fringes. They remind us that even in difficult circumstances, there’s room for resilience, connection, and moments of undeniable beauty. So, grab some popcorn (or maybe some motel-scavenged pizza, in the spirit of Moonee) and dive into these incredible stories. You’re sure to find something that moves you.
