WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After Poor Things
From Resurrection to Re‑Creation: Four Films That Redefine Love and Identity
If you loved the audacious, genre‑bending romp of Poor Things, you’ll find kindred spirits in four distinct yet thematically linked titles. The Substance brings a modern, body‑horror satire of celebrity culture; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind offers a poignant, memory‑bending love story; Shakespeare in Love revisits the theatrical romance of a historic era; and Portrait of a Lady on Fire delivers a lush, intimate portrait of forbidden desire. Together, they span the spectrum from fresh releases to timeless classics, each echoing the film’s blend of absurdist humor, feminist empowerment, and romantic adventure.
What ties these selections together is a shared fascination with reinvention—whether it’s a scientist resurrecting a woman, a celebrity chasing youth, lovers erasing each other from memory, a playwright crafting a new narrative, or a painter capturing a hidden love. All four films celebrate women at the center of transformative journeys, inviting audiences to question societal norms while reveling in lush storytelling. This curated quartet promises to satisfy viewers who crave both intellectual provocation and heartfelt romance, delivering the perfect follow‑up marathon for fans of Poor Things.
Why these movies are similar to Poor Things
Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
These recommendations branch out from Poor Things with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
The Substance
MOVIE • 2024
horror • science_fiction • thriller
Why Watch Next
The Substance offers a razor‑sharp satire of fame and aging, echoing Poor Things' blend of absurdist body transformation and female empowerment, making it a fresh, contemporary companion for fans of Lanthimos’ dark humor.
Overview
A fading celebrity decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
MOVIE • 2004
science_fiction • drama • romance
Why Watch Next
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind delves into love, identity, and the desire to rewrite one’s past, resonating with Poor Things' themes of self‑creation and liberation while delivering an emotionally resonant, critically adored experience.
Overview
Joel Barish, heartbroken that his girlfriend underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. However, as he watches his memories of her fade away, he realises that he still loves her, and may be too late to correct his mistake.
Shakespeare in Love
MOVIE • 1998
romance • history • comedy
Why Watch Next
Shakespeare in Love captures the theatrical romance of a bygone era, mirroring Poor Things' period‑flavored storytelling and its witty, genre‑bending romance, offering a beloved classic that still feels fresh.
Overview
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
MOVIE • 2019
drama • romance
Why Watch Next
Portrait of a Lady on Fire provides a meticulously crafted, audience‑celebrated tale of female desire and artistic freedom, aligning perfectly with Poor Things' focus on women’s agency and sensual awakening.
Overview
On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.
More shows and movies featuring actors from Poor Things
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to Poor Things.
Kinds of Kindness
MOVIE • 2024
Why It’s Relevant
This darkly comic anthology shares Poor Things' absurdist tone and satirical edge, offering a similarly quirky, thought‑provoking experience.
Bugonia
MOVIE • 2025
Why It’s Relevant
With its black‑comedy satire of power and paranoia, Bugonia mirrors the off‑kilter humor and social critique found in Poor Things.
Just Like Heaven
MOVIE • 2005
Why It’s Relevant
A whimsical fantasy‑romance where a ghostly woman haunts a living man, echoing Poor Things' playful blend of the uncanny and heartfelt romance.