Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Mar 12, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Joel

If you loved Joel, 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 Joel.

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#1
Ema

Ema

2019★ 6.7

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

Ema is a magnetic and impulsive dancer in a reggaeton troupe. Her toxic marriage to choreographer Gastón is beyond repair, following a decision to give up on their adopted child Po...

#2
True Mothers

True Mothers

2020★ 7.4

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

After suffering through a long and unsuccessful series of fertility treatments, Satoko and her husband Kiyokazu make the decision to adopt a child. Six years after adopting a boy t...

#3
In Safe Hands

In Safe Hands

2018★ 7.4

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

Théo is given up for adoption by his biological mother on the very day he is born. After this anonymous birth, the mother has two months to change her mind… Or not. The child welfa...

#4
A Girl Returned

A Girl Returned

2021★ 7.3

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

A 13 years old girl is forced to go living with another family for reasons unknown....

#5
All to Play For

All to Play For

2023★ 6.4

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

Sylvie lives with her two children whom she’s raising on her own. One evening, there’s an accident, and her youngest son is removed from her care. Sylvie must subsequently fight to...

#6
A California Christmas: City Lights

A California Christmas: City Lights

2021★ 6.6

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Joel for fans of Drama. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

Follows Callie and Joseph one year after they fell in love, now running a dairy farm and winery, but their romance is threatened when business and family obligations call Joseph ba...