Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Apr 14, 2026

10 Best Movies Like California

If you loved California, 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 California.

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#1
What Maisie Knew

What Maisie Knew

2013★ 7.1

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

In New York City, a young girl is caught in the middle of her parents' bitter custody battle....

#2
Return

Return

2011★ 6.4

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

Back from a tour of duty, Kelli struggles to find her place in her family and the rust-belt town she no longer recognizes....

#3
Skin

Skin

2009★ 6.4

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

Based on the true story of a black girl who was born to two white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era....

#4
Tigertail

Tigertail

2020★ 6.7

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

A man reflects on the lost love of his youth and his long-ago journey from Taiwan to America as he begins to reconnect with his estranged daughter....

#5
Bastard Out of Carolina

Bastard Out of Carolina

1996★ 7.2

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

A poor, struggling South Carolinian mother and daughter face painful choices with their resolve and pride. Bone, the eldest daughter, and Anney her tired mother, grow both closer a...

#6
The Kindness of Strangers

The Kindness of Strangers

2019★ 6.3

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

Clara and her two sons escape from her abusive husband with little more than their car and plan to start over in New York. After the car towed away, the family meets Alice, who get...

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