Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Apr 18, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Variations on a Theme

If you loved Variations on a Theme, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Variations on a Theme.

View Review →
Advertisement
#1
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

1972★ 7.3

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

Middle-aged widow Beatrice Hunsdorfer and her daughters Ruth and Matilda are struggling to survive in a society they barely understand. Beatrice dreams of opening an elegant tea ro...

#2
The Visit

The Visit

1964★ 7.1

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

Carla Zachanassian had a child by Serge Miller as a teenager. When Serge refused to marry her, she was driven out of town. By her own wit and cunning, she has returned as a multi-m...

#3
Return

Return

2011★ 6.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Variations on a Theme 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....

#4
The River

The River

1984★ 6.3

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

Tom and Mae Garvey are a Tennessee farming couple battling violent floods to save their land. In addition to natural disasters, the Garveys fight to stop a selfish land developer a...

#5
Origin

Origin

2023★ 6.4

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

While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable personal loss and uncovers the beauty of human resilience....

#6
Farming

Farming

2018★ 6.2

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

Based on the writer/director's childhood, FARMING tells the story of a young Nigerian boy, 'farmed out' by his parents to a white British family in the hope of a better future. Ins...

Advertisement