Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Apr 20, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Dawning

If you loved Dawning, 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 Dawning.

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#1
Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun

1987★ 7.5

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

Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who lo...

#2
The Children of Huang Shi

The Children of Huang Shi

2008★ 6.7

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

About young British journalist, George Hogg, who with the assistance of a courageous Australian nurse, saves a group of orphaned children during the Japanese occupation of China in...

#3
Goodnight, Mister Tom

Goodnight, Mister Tom

1998★ 6.8

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

A shy and quiet World War II evacuee is housed by a disgruntled old man, and they soon develop a close bond....

#4
Kensuke's Kingdom

Kensuke's Kingdom

2024★ 7.2

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

A young boy and his family set off on a sailing trip of a lifetime until a violent storm erupts, sweeping Michael and his dog overboard. After washing up on a remote island, terrif...

#5
In the Heat of the Sun

In the Heat of the Sun

1994★ 7.8

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

Beijing, 1970s. The Cultural Revolution has driven most adults to the provinces leaving 14-year-old Monkey and his pals have free reign over the city. They hang around, get up to n...

#6
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

1958★ 6.8

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

All her life, Englishwoman Gladys Aylward knew that China was the place where she belonged. Not qualified to be sent there as a missionary, Gladys works as a domestic to earn the m...

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