WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After Cruella
Beyond the Black Collar: Four Films That Dress Up Rebellion
From the streets of 1970s London to the glittering runways of high fashion, Disney’s Cruella has sparked a craving for stories that blend style, mischief, and a dash of rebellion. To satisfy that appetite, we’ve assembled a quartet of titles that span the spectrum: the freshly released family romp Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, the beloved 80s cult classic Labyrinth, the timeless fashion satire Zoolander, and the blockbuster Barbie, each offering a distinct flavor of the same daring spirit.
Whether you’re drawn to the punk‑rock swagger of Estella’s ascent, the surreal maze of a teenage heroine, the razor‑sharp parody of the fashion industry, or the playful critique of a plastic perfectionist world, these picks deliver a shared promise: bold characters, vibrant visual worlds, and a rebellious heart that will keep fans of Cruella glued to the screen.
Why these movies are similar to Cruella
In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
These recommendations branch out from Cruella with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie
MOVIE • 2025
family • comedy • adventure
Why Watch Next
A brand‑new adventure that captures the whimsical spirit of a youthful protagonist on a daring quest, offering the same mischievous energy that drives Estella’s rise in Cruella.
Overview
Gabby heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi to the urban wonderland of Cat Francisco. But when Gabby's dollhouse, her most prized possession, ends up in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera, Gabby sets off on an adventure through the real world to get the Gabby Cats back together and save the dollhouse before it's too late.
Labyrinth
MOVIE • 1986
adventure • family • fantasy
Why Watch Next
An audience‑beloved 80s fantasy where a teen heroine navigates a surreal maze, echoing Cruella’s blend of rebellion, style, and coming‑of‑age transformation.
Overview
Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah, a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King. Guarding his castle is the labyrinth itself, a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers.
Zoolander
MOVIE • 2001
comedy
Why Watch Next
A comedy staple that lampoons the fashion world with outrageous characters, mirroring Cruella’s tongue‑in‑cheek take on haute couture and villainy.
Overview
Clear the runway for Derek Zoolander, VH1's three-time male model of the year. His face falls when hippie-chic Hansel scooters in to steal this year's award. The evil fashion guru Mugatu seizes the opportunity to turn Derek into a killing machine. It's a well-designed conspiracy and only with the help of Hansel and a few well-chosen accessories like Matilda can Derek make the world safe for male models everywhere.
Barbie
MOVIE • 2023
comedy • adventure
Why Watch Next
The modern, audience‑favored Barbie flips fantasy and reality, delivering the same witty social commentary and stylish rebellion that made Cruella a hit.
Overview
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
More shows and movies featuring actors from Cruella
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to Cruella.
Bugonia
MOVIE • 2025
Why It’s Relevant
This darkly comic satire shares Cruella's stylish rebellion and edgy tone, offering a similarly flamboyant critique of power.
Nanny McPhee
MOVIE • 2006
Why It’s Relevant
This whimsical, fashion‑forward fantasy shares Cruella's stylish visual flair and darkly comic tone, while showcasing Emma Thompson’s commanding presence as the magical Nanny.
La La Land
MOVIE • 2016
Why It’s Relevant
A visually vibrant musical that, like Cruella, blends romance with ambition and showcases Emma Stone’s charismatic, larger‑than‑life performance.
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
MOVIE • 2022
Why It’s Relevant
A sharply funny, character‑driven comedy that mirrors Cruella’s bold, rebellious spirit and benefits from Thompson’s standout, critically‑acclaimed performance.
