Are you captivated by tales of lavish parties, forbidden love, and the glittering allure of a bygone era? Did the tragic romance and extravagant lifestyle depicted in “The Great Gatsby” leave you yearning for more? If so, you’re in the right place! We’re diving into a world of similar stories, exploring movies like The Great Gatsby that capture the same essence of romance, wealth, and societal commentary. Get ready to add these cinematic gems to your watchlist!
20 Best Movies Like The Great Gatsby You Need to Watch Now
This list explores 20 captivating movies that share thematic and stylistic similarities with “The Great Gatsby.” Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling visuals, the complicated relationships, or the critique of societal values, you’re sure to find something to love in these recommendations. These movies explore similar themes, from tragic romances to the perils of ambition, echoing the spirit of the original classic. Each movie offers its own unique perspective on wealth, love, and the human condition, much like the stories portrayed in the original movie.
Official Movie: The Great Gatsby (2013)
Before we explore the cinematic universe, let’s revisit the source of our inspiration! Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” brought the roaring twenties to life with vibrant visuals, a modern soundtrack, and stellar performances. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jay Gatsby is iconic, capturing the character’s charm, ambition, and underlying vulnerability. The film beautifully depicts the lavish parties, the forbidden romance with Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan), and the tragic consequences of chasing an illusion. This movie and its themes about the american dream is a landmark.
What makes it so special?
The movie’s appeal lies in its exploration of themes like wealth, class, love, and the American Dream. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy, fueled by his amassed fortune, highlights the corrupting influence of money and the illusion of achieving happiness through material possessions. The film also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living in the past and the impossibility of recreating a lost love. The vibrant visuals, coupled with the tragic narrative, make “The Great Gatsby” a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Movies Like The Great Gatsby
Now, let’s embark on a cinematic adventure! Here are 20 movies that will transport you to worlds of romance, drama, and societal intrigue, mirroring the captivating spirit of “The Great Gatsby.”
1. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Summary: Set in the vibrant and bohemian world of the Moulin Rouge in Paris, this musical romance tells the story of Christian, a young poet, and Satine, a dazzling courtesan. Their passionate love affair is threatened by societal expectations and Satine’s fatal illness. This is a very good movie with lots of similar elements.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: Both films explore the themes of love and obsession within a decadent and visually stunning setting. Christian’s unwavering devotion to Satine echoes Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy, highlighting the destructive power of idealized love. The use of vibrant visuals, music, and theatricality further connects the two movies.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Hulu | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
2. Anna Karenina (2012)
Summary: This adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel follows Anna Karenina, a married aristocrat in 19th-century Russia, who enters into a passionate and scandalous affair with Count Vronsky. The film explores the themes of love, adultery, and social ostracism.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: Both stories delve into the complexities of forbidden love within a rigid social hierarchy. Anna’s pursuit of passion, despite the societal consequences, mirrors Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy. Both characters face social judgment and ultimately suffer tragic fates as a result of their choices. The visual opulence and focus on societal expectations further connect these two movies.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rental/Purchase |
3. Atonement (2007)
Summary: A young girl’s lie ruins the lives of her older sister and her sister’s lover during World War II. The film explores the themes of guilt, regret, and the lasting consequences of our actions.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: Both films explore the themes of lost love and the destructive power of miscommunication and societal expectations. Robbie’s separation from Cecilia due to Briony’s lie mirrors the obstacles that keep Gatsby and Daisy apart. The themes of regret and the inability to undo the past are central to both narratives.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Hulu | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
4. Bright Star (2009)
Summary: This biographical drama tells the story of the passionate and tragic love affair between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne in the early 19th century.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: “Bright Star” shares the theme of tragic romance and the fleeting nature of happiness. The passionate and somewhat forbidden love between Keats and Fanny mirrors the intensity of Gatsby’s feelings for Daisy. Both stories are steeped in a sense of longing and the realization that true love can be elusive.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Tubi | Free with ads |
5. The Age of Innocence (1993)
Summary: Set in 1870s New York, this film follows Newland Archer, a man engaged to a respectable socialite, who finds himself drawn to her unconventional cousin, Countess Olenska. The film explores the themes of societal constraints, forbidden love, and the sacrifices we make for duty.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: This movie like The Great Gatsby explores the suffocating power of societal expectations and the impossibility of pursuing true love when bound by social obligations. Newland’s internal conflict between his duty and his desire for Countess Olenska mirrors Gatsby’s struggle to win back Daisy within the constraints of their social circumstances.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Paramount+ | Subscription |
6. Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Summary: In pre-revolutionary France, a manipulative marquise and her former lover engage in a game of seduction and betrayal, with devastating consequences.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: This movie shares the themes of societal corruption, moral decay, and the destructive power of wealth and influence. The manipulative characters and their pursuit of pleasure echo the moral ambiguity present in “The Great Gatsby.” The film also explores the consequences of living in a world where appearances are valued above all else.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Starz | Subscription |
7. The Aviator (2004)
Summary: This biographical drama follows the life of Howard Hughes, a wealthy and eccentric aviation pioneer, as he pursues his dreams and battles his inner demons.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: Both films explore the themes of ambition, wealth, and the corrupting influence of power. Hughes’s relentless pursuit of his goals, driven by his vast fortune, mirrors Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy. Both characters are ultimately undone by their obsessions and the pressures of their extraordinary lives. The movie explores these themes beautifully.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Subscription |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Paramount+ | Subscription |
8. Marie Antoinette (2006)
Summary: This stylish and controversial film offers a modern take on the life of Marie Antoinette, the young queen of France, as she navigates the complexities of court life and the growing discontent of her people.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: The film explores the themes of excess, privilege, and the detachment of the wealthy from the realities of the world. Marie Antoinette’s lavish lifestyle and her ignorance of the suffering of her subjects mirror the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy elite in “The Great Gatsby”. The movie explores these themes.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Hulu | Subscription |
9. The Painted Veil (2006)
Summary: A British doctor and his wife, who are unhappily married, travel to a remote village in China to combat a deadly epidemic. As they face hardship and tragedy, they begin to find love and understanding.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: This film, like “The Great Gatsby,” explores the themes of love, regret, and the transformative power of adversity. Kitty’s initial dissatisfaction with her marriage and her search for passion outside of it echo Daisy’s yearning for something more than her comfortable but unfulfilling life with Tom.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Tubi | Free with ads |
10. The Duchess (2008)
Summary: Based on the life of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, this film tells the story of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who seeks solace in social pursuits and a passionate affair.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: “The Duchess” shares the themes of societal constraints, unhappy marriages, and the search for love and fulfillment within a rigid social structure. Georgiana’s unhappy marriage and her longing for love echo Daisy’s situation in “The Great Gatsby.”
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Hulu | Subscription |
11. Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Summary: A young William Shakespeare, struggling with writer’s block, finds inspiration and love in an affair with a beautiful woman who is secretly acting on the stage, which was forbidden for women at the time.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: Both films explore the themes of love, illusion, and the power of art to transcend reality. Shakespeare’s passionate affair with Viola, which inspires his writing, mirrors Gatsby’s idealized love for Daisy. The film also explores the theatricality of life and the ways in which we create our own realities.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Max | Subscription |
12. Remains of the Day (1993)
Summary: A butler who dedicated his life to service reflects on his past and the choices he made, realizing that he sacrificed his personal happiness and the possibility of love for duty.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: While not a romance in the traditional sense, “Remains of the Day” explores the themes of regret, lost opportunities, and the consequences of living a life dictated by societal expectations. Stevens’s inability to express his love for Miss Kenton mirrors the barriers that prevent Gatsby and Daisy from being together.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Criterion Channel | Subscription |
13. Casino (1995)
Summary: This Martin Scorsese film tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a gambling expert who is asked to oversee a casino in Las Vegas, and his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Ginger, and his volatile friend, Nicky Santoro.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: “Casino” shares the themes of wealth, corruption, and the destructive nature of the American Dream. Ace’s ambition and his pursuit of wealth in the world of gambling mirror Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy. The film also explores the dark underbelly of success and the moral compromises that people make in pursuit of it.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Showtime | Subscription |
14. Legends of the Fall (1994)
Summary: This epic saga tells the story of three brothers living in the Montana wilderness in the early 20th century and their experiences with love, war, and loss.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: “Legends of the Fall” explores the themes of love, loss, and the destructive power of the past. Tristan’s passionate and ultimately tragic relationship with Susannah mirrors Gatsby’s idealized love for Daisy. The film also examines the impact of societal changes and the loss of innocence.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Netflix | Subscription |
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Summary: This film tells the story of Chiyo, a young girl who is sold into a geisha house and endures hardship and training to become a successful geisha named Sayuri.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: While set in a different cultural context, “Memoirs of a Geisha” explores the themes of societal expectations, the pursuit of love, and the sacrifices we make for our dreams. Sayuri’s longing for the Chairman and her determination to achieve her goals mirror Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy. The film also examines the artificiality and performance inherent in societal roles.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Hulu | Subscription |
16. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Summary: Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, this film depicts the rise and fall of a stockbroker who amasses a fortune through illegal activities and indulges in a life of excess and debauchery.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: This movie like The Great Gatsby explores the themes of wealth, excess, and the corrupting influence of money. Belfort’s relentless pursuit of wealth and his extravagant lifestyle mirror the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy elite in “The Great Gatsby.” The film also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Paramount+ | Subscription |
17. Titanic (1997)
Summary: A young woman from a wealthy family falls in love with a poor artist aboard the ill-fated Titanic.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: Titanic shares the themes of love, class differences, and tragic loss. Rose and Jack’s forbidden romance, challenged by societal expectations, mirrors the obstacles that keep Gatsby and Daisy apart. The movie also explores the themes of social inequality and the destructive power of fate.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Paramount+ | Subscription |
18. Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)
Summary: In Victorian England, a headstrong and independent woman attracts three very different suitors, each vying for her hand in marriage.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: This film explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships. Bathsheba’s relationships with the three men mirror the complex relationships presented in “The Great Gatsby,” and the film reflects on the different forms of love and their consequences.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Hulu | Subscription |
19. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Summary: A young man with a talent for imitation is hired to bring a wealthy playboy back to the United States, but becomes obsessed with the playboy’s lifestyle and takes drastic measures to acquire it.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: This film shares themes of wealth, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Ripley’s obsession with Dickie Greenleaf and his desire to become him echo Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and status to win back Daisy. The film also explores the dark side of ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires. The movie shares similar elements.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Paramount+ | Subscription |
20. Gangs of New York (2002)
Summary: In 19th-century New York City, a young man seeks revenge on the man who killed his father amidst the backdrop of gang warfare and political corruption.
Similarities to The Great Gatsby: While not a romance, “Gangs of New York” shares themes of ambition, corruption, and the struggle for power in a rapidly changing society. The film explores the dark underbelly of the American Dream and the violence and exploitation that often accompany it. The movie explores dark themes.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental/Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rental/Purchase |
| YouTube | Rental/Purchase |
| Paramount+ | Subscription |
Conclusion
From tragic romances to cautionary tales of wealth and ambition, these 20 movies offer a rich tapestry of stories that resonate with the themes and spirit of “The Great Gatsby.” So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to worlds of love, loss, and societal intrigue. You’re sure to find a new favorite among these cinematic gems!
FAQ Section
What makes “The Great Gatsby” so appealing?
The movie’s appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes like love, loss, wealth, and the American Dream, presented in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant way.Are there any other movies similar to “The Great Gatsby” that didn’t make the list?
Absolutely! This list is just a starting point. Other movies you might enjoy include “Sunset Boulevard,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “Catch Me If You Can.”Where can I watch “The Great Gatsby”?
“The Great Gatsby” (2013) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. It is also available on Hulu with a subscription.What are the main themes explored in movies similar to “The Great Gatsby”?
Common themes include tragic romance, the corrupting influence of wealth, societal expectations, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the exploration of identity and loss.
