Philomena is a heartwarming drama that explores the journey of a woman searching for her long-lost son. If you enjoyed this touching story, you might be on the lookout for other films that elicit similar emotions and themes. Below is a list of 20 movies like Philomena that you can dive into.

1. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

This charming film follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to India. Starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy, it beautifully combines humor with heartfelt moments.

2. The Theory of Everything

This biographical drama portrays the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his relationship with his first wife, Jane. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones deliver stunning performances that earned critical acclaim.

3. Lion

Based on a true story, Lion follows a young Indian boy who gets lost and is eventually adopted by an Australian couple. Years later, he sets out to find his biological family. Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman star in this emotional journey.

4. Brooklyn

This romantic drama tells the story of a young Irish immigrant navigating her new life in 1950s Brooklyn. Saoirse Ronan shines in the lead role, supported by Emory Cohen and Domhnall Gleeson.

5. The Hundred-Foot Journey

Helen Mirren stars in this delightful film about culinary rivalry and cultural integration. An Indian family opens a restaurant in a quaint French village, sparking a feud with the Michelin-starred eatery across the street.

6. The Imitation Game

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician who cracked the Enigma code during World War II. Keira Knightley co-stars in this gripping historical drama.

7. Room

Brie Larson delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this intense drama about a young woman held captive for years, and her eventual escape with her son. Jacob Tremblay’s portrayal of the young boy is equally compelling.

8. A Man Called Ove

This Swedish film centers on a grumpy old man who finds his solitary life disrupted by new neighbors. Rolf Lassgård’s performance brings both humor and depth to this touching story.

9. The Danish Girl

Eddie Redmayne stars as Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender reassignment surgery. Alicia Vikander co-stars in this poignant exploration of identity and love.

10. Still Alice

Julianne Moore delivers a powerful performance as a linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The film also stars Alec Baldwin and Kristen Stewart.

11. The Intouchables

This French film is based on the true story of an aristocrat who becomes a quadriplegic and hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver. Omar Sy and François Cluzet star in this uplifting tale of friendship.

12. The King’s Speech

Colin Firth stars as King George VI who struggles to overcome his stammer with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, played by Geoffrey Rush. This historical drama is both inspiring and heartwarming.

13. Spotlight

This gripping drama follows the Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team as they investigate cases of widespread child sex abuse in the Catholic Church. The ensemble cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams.

14. Hidden Figures

This inspirational film tells the true story of three African-American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe star.

15. Lady Bird

Saoirse Ronan stars as a high school senior navigating the trials and tribulations of adolescence in this coming-of-age drama. Laurie Metcalf co-stars as her strong-willed mother.

16. The Pursuit of Happyness

Will Smith stars in this inspiring true story of a homeless salesman who rises to success against all odds. His real-life son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son.

17. Slumdog Millionaire

Dev Patel stars in this rags-to-riches story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who competes on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The film won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

18. The Help

Set in the 1960s South, this film explores the lives of African-American maids working in white households. Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone deliver powerful performances.

19. The Blind Side

Sandra Bullock stars in this heartwarming true story about a wealthy family who takes in a homeless teenager, helping him achieve success in football. Quinton Aaron plays the young athlete, Michael Oher.

20. A Beautiful Mind

Russell Crowe stars as John Nash, a brilliant but troubled mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia. Jennifer Connelly co-stars in this compelling biographical drama.

These films offer a similar blend of emotional depth, inspiring true stories, and powerful performances that made Philomena so memorable. Enjoy exploring these cinematic treasures!