Movies like “White Oleander” is a 2002 film directed by Peter Kosminsky, based on the novel by Janet Fitch. The film follows the life of Astrid, a teenage girl who is forced to navigate the foster care system after her mother, Ingrid, is sent to prison for murder.
1. “The Virgin Suicides” (1999)
Based on the novel of the same name, “The Virgin Suicides” is a hauntingly beautiful movie that tells the story of five sisters who are sheltered by their strict parents. The film explores themes of adolescence, isolation, and the complexities of family relationships, much like “White Oleander.”
2. “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008)
Set in South Carolina in the 1960s, “The Secret Life of Bees” tells the story of a young girl who escapes her troubled home life and finds solace with a group of beekeeping sisters. The film explores themes of race, family, and healing, much like “White Oleander.”
3. “Precious” (2009)
Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, “Precious” is a gritty and emotional movie that tells the story of a young girl who struggles to overcome abuse and poverty. The film explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of human connection, much like “White Oleander.”
4. “Girl, Interrupted” (1999)
Based on the memoir of the same name, “Girl, Interrupted” is a powerful movie that explores the experiences of a young woman who is institutionalized for her mental health issues. The film explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life, much like “White Oleander.”
5. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
Based on the novel of the same name, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a coming-of-age story that explores the experiences of a young boy who is struggling to navigate high school and his own emotions. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and the complexities of growing up, much like “White Oleander.”
6. “Atonement” (2007)
Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, “Atonement” is a sweeping romantic drama that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The film follows the story of a young girl who makes a false accusation that changes the course of several lives. Like “White Oleander,” this movie is a powerful exploration of the human experience.
7. “Little Women” (2019)
Based on the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women” is a heartwarming movie that explores the lives of four sisters growing up in the aftermath of the Civil War. The film explores themes of family, love, and the pursuit of dreams, much like “White Oleander.”
8. “The Hours” (2002)
Based on the novel by Michael Cunningham, “The Hours” is a complex and thought-provoking movie that explores the lives of three women in different time periods who are all linked by the novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” The film explores themes of identity, creativity, and the search for meaning in life, much like “White Oleander.”
9. “The Lovely Bones” (2009)
Based on the novel by Alice Sebold, “The Lovely Bones” is a hauntingly beautiful movie that explores the experiences of a young girl who is murdered and watches over her family from the afterlife. The film explores themes of grief, love, and the power of human connection, much like “White Oleander.”
10. “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
Based on the bestselling novel by John Green, “The Fault in Our Stars” is a heart-wrenching love story that explores the lives of two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of meaning in life, much like “White Oleander.”
11. “Revolutionary Road” (2008)
Based on the novel by Richard Yates, “Revolutionary Road” is a powerful drama that explores the lives of a young couple who are struggling to find happiness in the suburbs of 1950s America. The film explores themes of love, marriage, and the search for meaning in life, much like “White Oleander.”
12. “The Help” (2011)
Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, “The Help” is a powerful movie that explores the experiences of black maids working in white households in 1960s Mississippi. The film explores themes of race, class, and the complexities of human relationships, much like “White Oleander.”
13. “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995)
Based on the novel by Robert James Waller, “The Bridges of Madison County” is a romantic drama that tells the story of a photographer who travels to Iowa to take pictures of covered bridges and falls in love with a married woman. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness, much like “White Oleander.”
14. “Ordinary People” (1980)
Based on the novel by Judith Guest, “Ordinary People” is a powerful movie that explores the experiences of a family that is struggling to cope with the death of their eldest son. The film explores themes of grief, love, and the complexities of human relationships, much like “White Oleander.”
15. “The Spectacular Now” (2013)
Based on the novel by Tim Tharp, “The Spectacular Now” is a coming-of-age story that explores the experiences of a high school senior who is struggling to find direction in his life. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness, much like “White Oleander.”