10 Must-Watch Movies Like Emilia Pérez | Similar-List

The 2024 cinematic marvel Emilia Pérez defied conventions, weaving crime, legal drama, and musical genres into a narrative of identity, transformation, and empowerment. Directed by the visionary Jacques Audiard and featuring stellar performances by Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, the film entertained and resonated with its powerful exploration of gender identity and reinvention.

At the heart of the story is a cartel leader’s journey to escape her past and embrace a new life as "Emilia Pérez," a transformation guided by the courage of self-discovery and a lawyer’s unyielding support. For audiences captivated by the story's themes and style, here are ten films that offer similar depth, daring, and emotional resonance.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: Exploring the Intensity of Sicario

Director: Denis Villeneuve

For fans of Emilia Pérez seeking a gripping exploration of crime within the Mexican drug trade, Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario (2015) stands as a tension and moral complexity masterclass. The film delves deep into the shadowy operations of a black-ops team assigned to dismantle a powerful drug cartel. With the help of another cartel’s resources, the narrative unfolds through a harrowing journey into the blurred lines of justice and corruption.

What sets Sicario apart is its raw, unflinching portrayal of the human cost of the drug war, echoing the darker undertones of Emilia Pérez. While Sicario lacks the uplifting musical elements of Emilia Pérez, its intense atmosphere and moral ambiguity resonate deeply with audiences who were captivated by the opening scenes of Audiard’s genre-blending masterpiece.

The characters in Sicario mirror those in Emilia Pérez through their layered portrayals of strength, vulnerability, and ethical dilemmas. From Emily Blunt’s portrayal of an idealistic FBI agent navigating the moral dilemma of justice to Benicio del Toro’s enigmatic hitman, the film captures the complexity of individuals operating within a brutal system.

Sicario became a cultural touchstone, spawning the equally intense sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), which expanded the narrative’s scope while retaining its signature grit.

For viewers drawn to the high-stakes tension and ethical gray zones explored in Emilia Pérez, Sicario offers an unmissable cinematic experience that dives even deeper into the intricacies of cartel dynamics and the cost of survival in a relentless world.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: The Heartfelt Transformation in Mrs. Doubtfire

Director: Chris Columbus

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) offers a heartwarming and comedic take on personal identity and disguise. Directed by Chris Columbus, this family favorite tells the story of Daniel Hillard, a loving but unconventional father who dons the persona of an elderly British housekeeper to stay close to his children after a divorce.

While Mrs. Doubtfire leans heavily into humor and heartfelt family dynamics, its exploration of disguise as a means of transformation shares a thematic link with Emilia Pérez's journey. Robin Williams’ performance as Daniel and the endearing Mrs. Doubtfire is a masterclass in character evolution, blending slapstick comedy with moments of genuine emotional depth.

Unlike the crime-laden narrative of Emilia Pérez, Mrs. Doubtfire approaches transformation with a lighter tone. However, it still resonates with audiences by emphasizing the lengths people will go to for love and connection. Its portrayal of identity as both a shield and a revelation mirrors the nuanced exploration of self in Emilia Pérez.

What makes Mrs. Doubtfire particularly timeless is its balance of laughter and sincerity. It tackles difficult themes like separation, parenting, and acceptance with grace and humor. The film leaves viewers reflecting on the ways we adapt and grow when faced with life’s challenges—much like the journey Emilia Pérez herself undertakes.

For those who appreciate the emotional core of Emilia Pérez, Mrs. Doubtfire offers a lighter, family-friendly story of transformation and resilience that still packs a powerful emotional punch.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: The Bold Vision of Annette

Director: Leos Carax

For those drawn to the daring genre fusion and emotional intensity in Emilia Pérez, Annette (2021) emerges as a must-see film that pushes cinematic boundaries similarly. Directed by the visionary Leos Carax, this musical drama unfolds an avant-garde love story about a provocative opera singer and his wife. This world-renowned actress navigates a complex and tumultuous relationship together.

What sets Annette apart is its unique combination of surrealism, dark themes, and music—a thematic and stylistic parallel to Emilia Pérez. While Emilia Pérez uses music as a storytelling vehicle to underscore themes of identity and transformation, Annette incorporates a haunting, operatic score composed by the band Sparks, blending musical numbers with intense drama to amplify the emotional experience. This genre-blending approach captures the same sense of unexpectedness that makes Emilia Pérez compelling.

Like Emilia Pérez, Annette explores themes of transformation, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships. The central character, Annette, is a child prodigy born into an unusual and troubled marriage, while the other central figure, Henry, struggles with his demons in the spotlight. As their lives unravel, the audience is taken on a visually striking and musically charged ride, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy become increasingly blurred.

The film's dark and sometimes unsettling atmosphere mirrors Emilia Pérez's exploration of human resilience and reinvention, but Annette does so with a more fantastical, almost operatic tone. The way both films utilize music as a tool for emotional depth creates an unforgettable viewing experience, marking them both as bold examples of how to push the envelope in contemporary cinema.

If you were captivated by Emilia Pérez's blending of crime, identity, and music, Annette will provide another unforgettable exploration of the powerful intersection between drama and musical storytelling. Both films refuse to conform to traditional genres, offering viewers a fresh perspective on cinema's transformative power.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: Exploring the Dark Musical World of Joker: Folie à Deux

Director: Todd Phillips

For fans of Emilia Pérez’s unique blend of crime and musical elements, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) offers a fascinating cinematic experience that echoes many of the same themes and stylistic choices. Directed by Todd Phillips, this sequel to the 2019 Joker film takes its predecessor's psychological and sociopolitical exploration even further, weaving in musical elements to amplify its dark, twisted narrative.

In Joker: Folie à Deux, Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, the troubled man who becomes the infamous Joker, while Lady Gaga joins the cast as his love interest, Harley Quinn. What makes Folie à Deux particularly compelling for viewers who loved Emilia Pérez is the way the film combines its crime-focused, gritty narrative with unexpected musical sequences. Just as Emilia Pérez uses its music to underscore the emotional journey of its central character, Folie à Deux amplifies its psychological tension through striking musical numbers, transforming a story of societal collapse and personal chaos into a hauntingly theatrical experience.

The film delves deep into themes of madness, identity, and social alienation, much like Emilia Pérez explores transformation and the construction of a new self. The contrast between the rawness of the crime world and the surrealism of the musical scenes in Folie à Deux mirrors Emilia Pérez's juxtaposition of legal drama and vibrant musical storytelling. Both films use the medium of music to deepen their exploration of character psychology, layering additional emotional complexity and tension onto their already dark narratives.

Moreover, Joker: Folie à Deux offers a similarly divisive and provocative tone. Like Emilia Pérez, which combines elements of crime and trans identity, Folie à Deux challenges conventional narratives and explores the relationship between society’s outcasts and their personal journeys of reinvention. The film’s surreal sequences, amplified by Gaga's electrifying performance, create an unsettling yet mesmerizing atmosphere, making it a perfect match for viewers who appreciate Emilia Pérez’s willingness to break boundaries in both genre and storytelling.

If you found the emotional depth, genre-bending experimentation, and complex character arcs in Emilia Pérez captivating, Joker: Folie à Deux will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. Both films offer a dark, immersive look at the complexities of identity and transformation, framed by powerful, unforgettable musical moments that elevate their stories beyond mere drama.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: The Complex Tensions of The Sisters Brothers

Director: Jacques Audiard

For those captivated by Emilia Pérez's combination of crime, personal transformation, and dark humor, The Sisters Brothers (2018) offers a similarly layered and emotionally rich cinematic experience. Directed by Jacques Audiard, who also helmed Emilia Pérez, this Western crime-comedy deftly mixes humor, violence, and existential reflection, much like Audiard’s recent work.

Set in the late 1800s during the California Gold Rush, The Sisters Brothers follows two hired guns, Charlie and Eli Sisters, played by John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix. As the brothers travel across the rugged frontier to find and kill a target, they encounter moral dilemmas, complex relationships, and conflicts. The film’s tone is dark yet peppered with absurd humor, much like the tonal balance found in Emilia Pérez's exploration of serious themes through moments of fun and transformation.

Much like Emilia Pérez's plot, which centers on the personal reinvention of a cartel leader, The Sisters Brothers explores the idea of identity and the struggle for self-determination. Eli, in particular, wrestles with his violent past and the possibility of a different future, echoing the transformative journeys seen in Emilia Pérez. The film’s philosophical undertones—questions of fate, loyalty, and redemption—parallel the introspective journey of Emilia Pérez, where characters confront their identities, past actions, and future paths.

The Sisters Brothers' richness lies not only in its exploration of its central characters but also in its visual and narrative style. Audiard’s distinctive directorial touch is present in every frame, offering a unique take on the Western genre. The film’s stunning cinematography and pacing pull you into the unpredictable, often brutal world the characters navigate. In this way, The Sisters Brothers mirrors Emilia Pérez's ability to create immersive worlds where genre boundaries are blurred and the personal and the universal collide.

For fans of Emilia Pérez, who enjoyed the dark comedy, complex character dynamics, and the exploration of transformation, The Sisters Brothers offers a similarly enthralling experience. Both films, directed by Audiard, tackle themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of the human condition in thought-provoking and engaging ways.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: The Intense Crime Drama of A Prophet

Director: Jacques Audiard

For fans of Emilia Pérez, who are drawn to complex crime narratives, A Prophet (2009) is an essential watch. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this gripping French crime drama delves into the world of crime, survival, and identity, themes that resonate deeply with the transgressive and transformative elements in Emilia Pérez.

In A Prophet, the story centers on Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim), a young, illiterate man sent to a French prison and must navigate the brutal underworld while simultaneously trying to find his place within it. As Malik’s journey unfolds, he becomes entangled in the prison’s dangerous power structures, and his struggle for survival is marked by his internal battle to retain his humanity. Like Emilia Pérez, which explores a character’s radical transformation, A Prophet focuses on Malik’s evolution from a naive outsider to a formidable player within the criminal world.

Much like the themes of reinvention and self-discovery in Emilia Pérez, A Prophet showcases how external forces and internal struggles shape identity. The film paints a stark, powerful picture of how survival in such an unforgiving environment often requires the shedding of old selves and the adoption of new, sometimes morally ambiguous identities. This resonates with Emilia Pérez's exploration of transformation, where the protagonist must navigate the dangerous waters of both personal identity and the broader criminal world.

Audiard’s meticulous storytelling in A Prophet is rich with social commentary, delving into themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of violence, much like Emilia Pérez's exploration of crime and moral conflict. Both films confront the grey areas of human nature, showing that transformation is rarely a straightforward process but rather an ongoing battle with personal and societal expectations. Just as Emilia Pérez weaves music and legal drama into its crime-laden narrative, A Prophet blends hard-hitting realism with deep psychological exploration, creating a compelling and immersive experience for the viewer.

For those who appreciated Emilia Pérez's intense character-driven storytelling and its exploration of identity under extreme circumstances, A Prophet offers a similarly powerful portrayal of personal transformation, survival, and the complexities of life within a criminal system. Both films highlight Audiard’s skill in blending human drama with criminal elements to craft deeply engaging narratives that resonate long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a film that combines tension, character depth, and a transformative journey, A Prophet should be at your list.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: The Raw and Vibrant World of Tangerine

Director: Sean Baker

If Emilia Pérez captivated you with its bold narrative and exploration of identity, Tangerine (2015) is a must-watch. Directed by Sean Baker, this film offers a raw and unapologetic portrayal of life on the fringes of society, echoing many of the same themes of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation seen in Emilia Pérez.

Tangerine follows Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor), two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles, as they embark on a quest to find Sin-Dee’s cheating boyfriend. Shot entirely on an iPhone, the film presents a vibrant, kinetic portrait of the city's underbelly, offering a fresh and authentic perspective on the lives of marginalized communities. This groundbreaking film shares with Emilia Pérez its commitment to telling stories often overlooked, amplifying voices rarely heard in mainstream cinema.

Much like the transformative journey at the heart of Emilia Pérez, Tangerine is about the strength and resilience of individuals fighting to redefine their lives. Both films' characters grapple with personal reinvention — Sin-Dee is determined to confront her lover’s betrayal, while Emilia Pérez is on a journey of self-discovery through her transition. Both stories are deeply rooted in identity and the internal conflicts that arise when the world doesn’t always accept or understand the changes happening within.

One striking similarity between Tangerine and Emilia Pérez is the way both films handle the complexity of trans identities. In Tangerine, Sin-Dee and Alexandra navigate their lives in a world that constantly challenges their authenticity, much as Emilia Pérez’s central character faces the societal and personal struggles associated with living as a woman after transitioning. Both films tackle the challenges of self-empowerment, dignity, and survival in a world that isn’t always kind to those who deviate from societal norms.

While Tangerine is often gritty and humorous, it never loses its sensitivity to its characters' emotional lives. Similarly, Emilia Pérez’s mix of crime, legal drama, and musical elements presents moments of levity amidst its more serious themes. Both films balance humor and rawness in a way that feels refreshing and realistic, making the characters' struggles feel authentic and deeply human.

Tangerine offers a similarly bold and compelling narrative. Both films use unconventional storytelling techniques and unflinching depictions of marginalized communities to create cinema that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating. If you’re drawn to movies that challenge genre boundaries and bring unheard voices to the forefront, Tangerine is an essential addition to your watchlist.

Movies Like Emilia Pérez: Embracing Queer Expression in The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Director: Jim Sharman

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) offers a similarly bold and unapologetic exploration of individuality and queer expression. Directed by Jim Sharman, this cult classic has become synonymous with the LGBTQ community, much like Emilia Pérez, who has found a place within discussions on trans representation and gender fluidity. Both films challenge traditional notions of gender and identity, offering a fresh perspective on transformation, acceptance, and self-expression.

At the heart of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the flamboyant and gender-bending character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist from another planet who revels in defying societal norms. Much like Emilia Pérez's protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery leads her to assume a new identity, Frank-N-Furter embodies the power of reinvention. The film’s narrative, full of eccentric characters, dazzling performances, and memorable musical numbers, reflects the same rebellious spirit seen in Emilia Pérez, where internal or external transformation is celebrated.

Both films mix humor and drama to explore the fluidity of identity. In The Rocky Horror Picture Show, this is done through campy, over-the-top performances that embrace humor and absurdity while delivering potent social commentary on the rigidity of gender roles and the beauty of self-expression. Similarly, Emilia Pérez uses the genre of musical drama to juxtapose dark, intense themes with moments of levity, ensuring that even the most severe reflections on gender, identity, and reinvention are balanced with moments of joy and self-liberation.

Another striking similarity between The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Emilia Pérez is their exploration of the social outsider. Both films place their protagonists in positions where they must navigate and challenge the confines of a judgmental society. In Emilia Pérez, the character's struggle with societal expectations around gender and identity echoes Frank-N-Furter’s defiance of societal norms and expectations. Both characters redefine their identities, finding strength and authenticity through their willingness to break free from societal conventions.

Beyond the thematic parallels, both films are visually and stylistically bold, using vivid imagery and striking visuals to underscore their unconventional storytelling. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is known for its extravagant costumes, vibrant set design, and catchy, iconic songs like "Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite," which have become synonymous with the film’s lasting cultural impact. Similarly, Emilia Pérez uses its musical numbers and creative direction to highlight the emotional and personal stakes of the characters, reinforcing the themes of transformation and reinvention.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show presents a more surreal, fantastical take on similar themes, celebrating the unconventional and a challenge to societal norms. With its unapologetic embrace of camp, humor, and queer identity, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an essential watch for anyone looking to dive deeper into films that push the boundaries of storytelling and redefine the very notion of identity. Whether through music, outrageous performances, or characters breaking free from societal conventions, The Rocky Horror Picture Show invites viewers to celebrate the boldness of being unapologetically themselves—just as Emilia Pérez does.

Kinky Boots: A Celebration of Transformation and Acceptance in the Same Spirit as Emilia Pérez

Director: Julian Jarrold

If you were moved by the story of self-discovery and defiance of societal norms in Emilia Pérez, Kinky Boots (2005) will strike a similar chord with its powerful narrative of transformation, acceptance, and breaking down barriers. Directed by Julian Jarrold, Kinky Boots follows the unlikely partnership between a struggling shoe factory owner, Charlie, and a flamboyant drag queen named Lola. Together, they set out to create a line of high-heeled boots designed for men, challenging both their prejudices and the conservative expectations of their community.

Much like Emilia Pérez, Kinky Boots places transformation at the heart of its story. Charlie, who initially feels constrained by tradition and expectation, is evolving alongside Lola, whose defiant, unapologetic approach to life challenges everyone around her, including Charlie. Similarly, Emilia Pérez explores the personal journey of reinvention, with the cartel leader Emilia undergoing a dramatic transformation into her new identity with the help of a dedicated lawyer. Both films center around empowerment through self-expression and embracing one's true identity, no matter how society views it.

Another powerful parallel between these two films lies in their focus on LGBTQ representation and the way they celebrate unconventional expressions of identity. Lola, much like Emilia Pérez’s protagonist, embodies the fluidity of gender identity. Kinky Boots delves into issues of prejudice, acceptance, and the impact of breaking down gender norms, especially in an industry that is traditionally rigid and conservative. The film’s uplifting message is rooted in the idea that embracing diversity—whether in the form of gender, sexuality, or personal reinvention—leads to not only personal growth but also a more inclusive, compassionate world. Similarly, Emilia Pérez is a bold commentary on societal limitations, offering a fresh perspective on gender identity through its musical and dramatic narrative.

Both films also use humor to explore deeper, often challenging themes. Kinky Boots balances its serious messages with comedic moments that bring lightness to what could otherwise be a heavy subject matter. This mixture of humor and heartwarming moments mirrors the tone of Emilia Pérez, where even the darker, more dramatic scenes are often lightened by the film’s unexpected bursts of musical expression. The musical numbers in Kinky Boots, such as the empowering anthem “Raise You Up,” capture a spirit of celebration and self-affirmation that aligns well with Emilia Pérez’s transformative and emotionally resonant musical moments.

The visual aspects of Kinky Boots also share similarities with Emilia Pérez, particularly in their use of performance and costume to reinforce the themes of identity and transformation. Lola’s extravagant costumes and larger-than-life persona starkly contrast with the conservative world she finds herself in, and by creating these bold, beautiful boots, both characters can express their inner selves. Likewise, Emilia Pérez employs vivid visual storytelling to highlight the protagonist’s journey of reinvention, with costume changes and musical sequences used to symbolize shifting identities.

Kinky Boots explores the transformative power of self-acceptance and the importance of forging your path, even if it means going against the grain. Much like Emilia Pérez, it celebrates personal growth and the breaking down societal walls to create a space where everyone can feel empowered to live their truth. For fans of Emilia Pérez, Kinky Boots offers another heartening and deeply inspiring look at how embracing individuality can change lives and entire communities. It’s a film about finding strength through adversity and learning that, together, we can all raise each other up.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch: A Bold Exploration of Identity and Transformation, Just Like Emilia Pérez

Director: John Cameron Mitchell

Directed by John Cameron Mitchell, this cult classic musical explores themes similar to self-discovery, societal rejection, and the pursuit of authenticity. Like Emilia Pérez, Hedwig and the Angry Inch uses music and drama as vehicles for personal transformation, telling the story of Hedwig, a transgender rock singer navigating the complexities of love, loss, and identity.

Much like Emilia Pérez, Hedwig and the Angry Inch focus on identity's fluidity. Hedwig’s journey is one of reinvention as she embarks on a quest for self-acceptance while grappling with the emotional and physical scars of a botched gender reassignment surgery. Her music is the medium through which she reclaims her narrative and fights for authenticity, much like Emilia Pérez’s protagonist, who reinvents herself after a tumultuous past in the Mexican cartel world. Both characters embody a powerful message of resilience and reinvention, showing that identity is not fixed but something that can be shaped and redefined.

The connection between Emilia Pérez and Hedwig and the Angry Inch is especially strong regarding their musical elements. In Emilia Pérez, music is used as an emotional outlet, with captivating numbers that convey the emotional depth of the characters’ struggles and triumphs. Similarly, Hedwig and the Angry Inch uses rock and punk music as a backdrop for its narrative, with songs like "Tear Me Down" and "Midnight Radio" channeling Hedwig’s emotional and personal turmoil. The raw power of music in both films is a central tool for expressing the internal conflicts that shape the characters' transformations.

At its core, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is about accepting oneself and finding the courage to stand tall, regardless of societal expectations or rejection. This theme aligns closely with Emilia Pérez, where the protagonist’s transformation is fueled by a desire for personal reinvention and the need to find acceptance in a world that views her as an outsider. Both films explore the tension between societal judgment and personal authenticity, using each character’s journey to speak to broader themes of resilience, freedom, and self-expression.

The visual storytelling in Hedwig and the Angry Inch also draws parallels to Emilia Pérez. The film's extravagant costumes, vibrant stage performances, and striking imagery are essential to conveying Hedwig's character's emotional and psychological layers. This visual approach is reminiscent of Emilia Pérez, where transformation is reflected in the narrative and the visual presentation, such as Emilia’s evolving look and the dramatic staging of her musical moments. In both films, the external transformation mirrors the internal journey, allowing the audience to see, feel, and experience the character's emotional evolution.

Another notable similarity is the sense of liberation that both characters ultimately achieve. In Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hedwig is empowered by embracing her identity and sharing her story. Emilia Pérez finds her power through her transformation from cartel leader to a woman on a mission to redefine herself. Though stylistically different, these films emphasize the importance of breaking free from past identities and societal constraints to create a more authentic and empowered version of oneself.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a musical film and an important cultural touchstone in LGBTQ cinema, much like Emilia Pérez challenges traditional gender roles and explores the intersections of identity, power, and reinvention. Both films stand as powerful declarations of the need for self-expression and the freedom to define one's identity, regardless of external pressures or societal expectations.

If you loved the transformative storytelling of Emilia Pérez, Hedwig and the Angry Inch will leave you equally inspired. Both films combine humor, heart, and music to tell profound stories of personal evolution and the search for belonging. They offer unforgettable performances, deeply resonant themes, and a compelling message celebrating self-expression's beauty and strength.

The movies on this list reflect the daring creativity that defines Emilia Pérez. From genre-blending narratives to poignant explorations of identity and transformation, these films offer audiences a chance to experience the same emotional resonance and bold storytelling.

For fans of Emilia Pérez, these recommendations provide a pathway to discover films that challenge conventions and celebrate diversity. Each title invites viewers to immerse themselves in stories that inspire, entertain, and redefine what cinema can achieve.

Emilia Pérez has left an indelible mark on modern cinema with its fearless embrace of underrepresented voices and innovative storytelling. Its legacy encourages us to seek stories that push boundaries and celebrate the limitless possibilities of film.