Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Apr 19, 2026

10 Best Movies Like A Violent Desire for Joy

If you loved A Violent Desire for Joy, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for A Violent Desire for Joy.

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#1
Vanquish or Die

Vanquish or Die

2023★ 6.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to A Violent Desire for Joy for fans of History. It captures a similar adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

1793, French Revolution. For three years now, Charette, a young man retired from the Royal Navy, has been back home. In the country, the anger of the peasants rumbles: they call on...

#2
The Song of Bernadette

The Song of Bernadette

1943★ 7.1

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to A Violent Desire for Joy for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

In 1858 Lourdes, France, adolescent peasant Bernadette has a vision of "a beautiful lady" in the Massabielle grotto - the townspeople assume this lady to be the Virgin Mary. Pompou...

#3
A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities

1935★ 6.8

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to A Violent Desire for Joy for fans of Drama & History. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Set against the conditions leading up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror, French doctor Alexandre Manette serves an 18-year imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris, fol...

#4
Angelique

Angelique

1964★ 6.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to A Violent Desire for Joy for fans of History. It captures a similar heartwarming atmosphere.

In 17th-century France, beautiful country maiden Angélique marries wealthy neighbor Jeoffray de Peyrac out of convenience, but eventually, she falls in love with him. So when Jeoff...

#5
Les Misérables

Les Misérables

1982★ 6.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to A Violent Desire for Joy for fans of Drama & History. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean fi...

#6
The Return of Martin Guerre

The Return of Martin Guerre

1982★ 6.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to A Violent Desire for Joy for fans of Drama & History. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Village of Artigat, southern France, summer 1542, during the reign of Francis I. Martin Guerre and Bertrande de Rols marry. A few years later, accused of having committed a robbery...

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