Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Apr 15, 2026

10 Best Movies Like ESL: English as a Second Language

If you loved ESL: English as a Second Language, 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 ESL: English as a Second Language.

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#1
Sergio

Sergio

2020★ 6.6

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to ESL: English as a Second Language for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A sweeping drama set in the chaotic aftermath of the US invasion of Iraq, where the life of top UN diplomat Brazilian Sérgio Vieira de Mello hangs in the balance during the most tr...

#2
Walkaway Joe

Walkaway Joe

2020★ 6.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to ESL: English as a Second Language for fans of Drama. It captures a similar adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

A young boy named Dallas goes on a search for his pool-hustling father after he abandons their family. Dallas is determined to bring his father home when he meets Joe Haley, a drif...

#3
The Padre

The Padre

2018★ 5.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to ESL: English as a Second Language for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

American retired Judge Randall Nemes and his hired gun, Gaspar, track down a con man posing as a priest in a small Colombian town only to be thrown off-course by a scrappy 16-year-...

#4
Sky

Sky

2015★ 6.2

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to ESL: English as a Second Language for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A woman embarks on a journey alone across the United States after fleeing from her violent husband....

#5
Imperial Dreams

Imperial Dreams

2014★ 6.6

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to ESL: English as a Second Language for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A 21-year-old reformed gangster's devotion to his family and his future is put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Ang...

#6
Tigertail

Tigertail

2020★ 6.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to ESL: English as a Second Language 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....

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