The Breadwinner is a poignant animated drama that delves deep into the struggles of a young girl in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. If you were moved by its powerful storytelling and breathtaking animation, here are 14 movies that will resonate with you in similar ways. These films span various genres but share a common thread of compelling narratives and strong characters.
1. Persepolis
Persepolis is an animated biographical drama that tells the story of Marjane Satrapi, a young girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The film, based on Satrapi’s graphic novel, stars Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve.
2. Grave of the Fireflies
This heart-wrenching animated drama from Studio Ghibli portrays the struggles of two siblings in post-World War II Japan. Directed by Isao Takahata, it features the voices of Tsutomu Tatsumi and Ayano Shiraishi.
3. Wadjda
Wadjda is a groundbreaking Saudi Arabian drama about a young girl who dreams of owning a bicycle. Directed by Haifaa al-Mansour, the film stars Waad Mohammed and Reem Abdullah.
4. The Secret of Kells
This animated fantasy film follows a young boy in a medieval Irish monastery who embarks on an adventure to complete a magical book. Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, it features the voices of Evan McGuire and Brendan Gleeson.
5. Song of the Sea
Another gem from Tomm Moore, Song of the Sea is an enchanting animated film about a young boy and his sister who discover she is a selkie. The film stars David Rawle and Brendan Gleeson.
6. Ernest & Celestine
This charming French-Belgian animated film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a bear and a mouse. Directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, and Benjamin Renner, it features the voices of Forest Whitaker and Mackenzie Foy.
7. The Kite Runner
Based on Khaled Hosseini’s novel, this drama follows the friendship of two boys in Afghanistan torn apart by betrayal and the Soviet invasion. Directed by Marc Forster, it stars Khalid Abdalla and Atossa Leoni.
8. My Neighbor Totoro
This beloved Studio Ghibli film tells the story of two young sisters who befriend magical creatures in rural Japan. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, it features the voices of Noriko Hidaka and Chika Sakamoto.
9. A Separation
This Iranian drama explores the complexities of a family facing difficult decisions about divorce and caregiving. Directed by Asghar Farhadi, it stars Leila Hatami and Peyman Moaadi.
10. The Boy and the Beast
This Japanese animated adventure follows a young orphan who becomes the apprentice of a beast in a fantastical world. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, it features the voices of Aoi Miyazaki and Shota Sometani.
11. The Wind Rises
This historical drama from Studio Ghibli tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes during World War II. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, it stars Hideaki Anno and Miori Takimoto.
12. The Red Turtle
A co-production between Studio Ghibli and Wild Bunch, this animated film tells the story of a man stranded on a deserted island who encounters a mysterious red turtle. Directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit, it features no dialogue.
13. The Prophet
Based on Kahlil Gibran’s book, this animated film weaves together several of his poetic essays with a narrative about a young girl and her friendship with a poet. Directed by Roger Allers, it stars Liam Neeson and Salma Hayek.
14. The Little Prince
This animated adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic tale follows a young girl who discovers the story of the Little Prince through her eccentric neighbor. Directed by Mark Osborne, it stars Jeff Bridges and Mackenzie Foy.
These films offer a mix of stunning animation, thought-provoking themes, and memorable characters, much like The Breadwinner. Dive into these stories and let them transport you to different worlds and experiences.
