Dynamic Watchlist Hub: May 17, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Back to the South

If you loved Back to the South, 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 Back to the South.

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#1
Upstream

Upstream

2024★ 6.9

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

A moment of impulsiveness turns Gao Zhilei into a "stay-at-home" individual, but he never expected his life to take a turn in the opposite direction. A series of changes compel him...

#2
Buddha Mountain

Buddha Mountain

2011★ 6.9

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

In Chengdu, China, a retired female opera singer named Master Chang takes in a trio of young tenants into her boarding home. The tenants include a rock singer and a college student...

#3
September

September

1987★ 6.2

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

After a suicide attempt, Lane has moved into her country house to recuperate. Her best friend, Stephanie, has come to join her for the summer. Lane's mother, Diane, has recently ar...

#4
Caught by the Tides

Caught by the Tides

2025★ 6.8

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

Years after her boyfriend left her for the big city and promised to bring her there after he’s settled down, a Chinese woman sets out on a journey to be reunited with him....

#5
Return

Return

2011★ 6.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Back to the South 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....

#6
The Boys from Fengkuei

The Boys from Fengkuei

1983★ 7.2

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

Ah-Ching and his friends have just finished school in their island fishing village, and now spend most of their time drinking and fighting. Three of them decide to go to the port c...

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