Do you love stories that touch your heart and make you think? If you enjoyed The Help, you’re in for a treat! We’ve found eight hidden gems that are movies like The Help you’ll surely love. These films contain powerful stories, inspiring characters, and important messages. Let’s dive in!
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Why The Help Is So Special
The Help is a movie that shows us brave women’s lives during the 1960s in Mississippi. It discusses friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right. The film made many people think about history and how we treat others. Keep reading if you’re looking for more movies like The Help for inspiration!
8 Hidden Gems: Movies Like The Help
1. Hidden Figures
Summary: Hidden Figures tells the story of three brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA in the 1960s. These women faced many challenges but played a big role in sending the first American astronaut into space.
Details: The movie stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. Directed by Theodore Melfi, it was released in 2016 and runs for 2 hours and 7 minutes.
Income and Ratings: Hidden Figures earned over $236 million worldwide. It has a rating of 7.8 on IMDb and was praised by critics.
Where to Watch: Stream Hidden Figures on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Why You Should Watch: This film shows how determination and intelligence can break barriers. It’s a fantastic movie comparable to The Help that will inspire you.
2. The Color Purple
Summary: This movie follows the life of Celie, a young African-American girl in the early 1900s, as she faces hardships and fights for her happiness over many years.
Details: Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Color Purple stars Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover. It was released in 1985 and is 2 hours and 34 minutes long.
Income and Ratings: The film made over $142 million worldwide. It has a 7.8 rating on IMDb.
Where to Watch: The Color Purple on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Why You Should Watch: This historical drama, like The Help, shows strength and hope. It’s a powerful story that you won’t forget.
3. The Butler
Summary: The Butler tells the story of Cecil Gaines, who served as a butler in the White House for eight presidents, witnessing major events in American history.
Details: Released in 2013, the movie stars Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey. Lee Daniels directed it, running for 2 hours and 12 minutes.
Income and Ratings: It earned over $176 million worldwide and has a 7.2 rating on IMDb.
Where to Watch: The Butler is available on Netflix and Hulu.
Why You Should Watch: This film offers a unique look at history through one man’s eyes. It’s a film similar to The Help that blends personal stories with big events.
4. Selma
Summary: Selma depicts the true story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights through a historic march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Details: Directed by Ava DuVernay, the movie stars David Oyelowo. It was released in 2014 and is 2 hours and 8 minutes long.
Income and Ratings: The film made over $66 million globally and has a 7.5 rating on IMDb.
Where to Watch: Stream Selma on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
Why You Should Watch: Selma is a moving story about bravery and change. It’s one of the best movies, like The Help for Understanding History.
5. Freedom Writers
Summary: This movie tells the story of a young teacher, Erin Gruwell, who inspires at-risk students to learn tolerance and pursue education beyond high school.
Details: Released in 2007, it stars Hilary Swank and is directed by Richard LaGravenese. The runtime is 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Income and Ratings: Freedom Writers earned over $43 million worldwide and has a 7.5 rating on IMDb.
Where to Watch: The movie is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Why You Should Watch: It’s an inspiring film about making a difference. This is a must-watch if you like movies like The Help for inspiration.
6. The Secret Life of Bees
Summary: Set in 1964, this is the story of a young girl named Lily who escapes her troubled life by running away with her caregiver to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother’s past.
Details: Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film stars Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Hudson. It was released in 2008 and runs for 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Income and Ratings: The movie made over $39 million worldwide and has a 7.2 rating on IMDb.
Where to Watch: You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
Why You Should Watch: This film is about family and self-discovery. It’s a wonderful movie comparable to The Help.
7. Loving
Summary: Loving tells the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who fought against Virginia’s laws prohibiting interracial marriage.
Details: Released in 2016, it stars Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga. Jeff Nichols directed the movie for 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Income and Ratings: The film earned over $12 million worldwide and has a 7.0 rating on IMDb.
Where to Watch: Loving is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Why You Should Watch: It’s a beautiful story about love and courage. This historical drama, like The Help, highlights an important part of history.
8. The Long Walk Home
Summary: This movie focuses on two women during the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott—a white housewife and her African-American maid—as they understand each other’s struggles.
Details: Directed by Richard Pearce, it stars Sissy Spacek and Whoopi Goldberg. Released in 1990, the runtime is 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Income and Ratings: The film made over $4 million and has a 7.3 rating on IMDb.
Where to Watch: Stream it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
Why You Should Watch: The Long Walk Home is a touching film about friendship and change. It’s a hidden gem among films similar to The Help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes these movies like The Help?
A: These movies share themes of courage, friendship, and standing up for what’s right. They are set in historical times and show strong characters overcoming challenges.
Q: Are these movies suitable for family viewing?
A: Many of these films deal with important and serious topics. It’s good to check the ratings and watch them with older kids to discuss the themes.
Q: Where can I find these movies?
A: Most movies are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu.
Q: Why should I watch historical dramas like The Help?
A: They entertain and teach us about important events and people in history. They can inspire and make us think about the world.
Q: Are there other films similar to The Help?
A: Yes! There are many wonderful movies out there. These 8 are great starts but feel free to explore more.
Summary Table
| Movie Title | Release Year | Main Actors | IMDb Rating | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Figures | 2016 | Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe | 7.8 | Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu |
| The Color Purple | 1985 | Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey | 7.8 | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
| The Butler | 2013 | Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey | 7.2 | Netflix, Hulu |
| Selma | 2014 | David Oyelowo | 7.5 | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix |
| Freedom Writers | 2007 | Hilary Swank | 7.5 | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
| The Secret Life of Bees | 2008 | Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah | 7.2 | Amazon Prime Video, Hulu |
| Loving | 2016 | Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga | 7.0 | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
| The Long Walk Home | 1990 | Sissy Spacek, Whoopi Goldberg | 7.3 | Amazon Prime Video |
Discover These Films Today!
These movies like The Help offer amazing stories that will touch your heart. They’re full of strong characters and important messages. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these incredible films!
