Movies like Despise Not, My Youth (2023)
The best movies like Despise Not, My Youth (2023) are Come Sunday (2018), Fast Girls (2012) and Jungleland (2020). If Despise Not, My Youth hooked you with its drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBeast (2026)7.5/10 from 227 votes
- NewestBeast (2026)Released 2026
Come Sunday (2018)
Evangelist Carlton Pearson is ostracized by his church for preaching that there is no Hell.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisFast Girls (2012)
A street smart runner develops an intense rivalry with an equally ambitious wealthy young athlete.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJungleland (2020)
Stanley manages his boxer brother Lion but when a devastating loss in the ring leaves the pair in debt, an opportunity to recoup the cash leads to a series of misadventures that threaten to break the bond between them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAll Together Now (2020)
An optimistic, talented teen clings to a huge secret: she's homeless and living on a school bus. When tragedy strikes, can she learn to accept a helping hand?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWon't Back Down (2012)
Jamie Fitzpatrick and Nona Alberts are two women from opposites sides of the social and economic track, but they have one thing in common: a mission to fix their community's broken school and ensure a bright future for their children. The two women refuse to let any obstacles stand in their way as they battle a bureaucracy that's hopelessly mired in traditional thinking, and they seek to re-energize a faculty that has lost its passion for teaching.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSalomé (2013)
After the lewd and frenetic Dance of the Seven Veils, and with the solemn pledge from the very lips of Herod himself that she could have whatever her heart desires up to half his kingdom, wanton and proud young Salomé comes before her king with an unreasonable demand. Beguiled by John the Baptist, and then scorned for the sake of his god, lascivious Salomé—encouraged by her mother, the vindictive, Herodias—commands that John be executed and his head delivered on a silver platter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGoal II: Living the Dream (2007)
Tempted away from Newcastle United to join Real Madrid, rising star Santiago Munez finds this latest change of fortune the greatest challenge yet - personally as well as professionally. He is reunited with Gavin Harris, though they must compete to be on the team, and estranged from fiancee Roz, whose nursing career keeps her back home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBurning Sands (2017)
Deep into Hell Week, a favored pledgee is torn between honoring his code of silence or standing up against the intensifying violence of underground hazing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisLorelei (2020)
A man is released from prison after 15 years. He reunites with his high school girlfriend, now a single mother of three. What follows is a lyrical take on love, regret and second chances.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHounddog (2008)
A drama set in the American South, where a precocious, troubled girl finds a safe haven in the music and movement of Elvis Presley.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo One Would Tell (1996)
Shy sixteen-year-old Stacy Collins can't believe that the most popular guy in school, an attractive athlete named Bobby Tennison, is interested in her. At first she is flattered by his constant attention, but then he becomes possessive and jealous-telling her who she can speak to and what she can wear. Threats escalate into violence when Bobby thinks Stacy has stepped out of line. Soon she is walking on egg shells and living in fear. Having seen the tell-tale bruises, Stacy's best friend convinces her to break things off with Bobby-but in a moment of weakness, Stacy goes to meet him. It will be the last time she is seen alive.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeast (2026)
MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy, he commits to one final fight in one championship against the brutal champion Xavier Grau.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAll Day and a Night (2020)
While serving life in prison, a young man looks back at the people, the circumstances and the system that set him on the path toward his crime.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMary (2024)
A miraculous conception. A merciless king. A murderous pursuit. Mary's journey to give birth to Jesus unfolds in this biblical coming-of-age epic.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977)
A disturbed and institutionalized 16-year-old girl struggles between fantasy and reality.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisEl Chicano (2019)
A pair of twin brothers from East L.A. choose to live their lives differently and end up on opposite sides of the law.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Am Elizabeth Smart (2017)
The story of Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping and captivity, as told from her perspective.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisuwantme2killhim? (2013)
Based on the Vanity Fair article of the same title, a story about a young boy drawn into a web of lies through an online chatroom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisJawbone (2017)
A former youth boxing champion, Jimmy McCabe is a man in search of hope but looking in all the wrong places. When he hits rock bottom he turns to his childhood boxing club and the only family he has left: gym owner Bill corner man Eddie and promoter Joe. Back in training, years after anyone thought he was a contender, he risks his life, as he tries to stand tall and regain his place in the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGigi & Nate (2022)
A young man with a bright future suffers a near-fatal accident and recreates his new life with the help of an unlikely animal friend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Birth of Jesus (1998)
A cozy fire, cookies and cocoa (full mugs this time!), and a favorite uncle, played by Evangelical headcase Kirk Cameron, to read the Christmas Story. It's tree trimming night for the Barnes family – and a young, logical guest who thinks the Bible is just another story. Then, as the timeless words of Luke and Matthew unfold the events of the first Christmas, something wonderful happens. The Bible comes vividly to life!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
What They Left Us (2026)
Four friends, Bara, Rafa, David and Momon celebrated their school farewell together. However, what if that togetherness turns out to be the last time?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Coming SoonMovies like thisThe Fighting Preacher (2019)
Willard Bean accepts a mission from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to travel to a new town, where he must fight to win respect.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The Apostle Peter: Redemption (2016)
Tormented by his denial of Christ, Peter spent his life attempting to atone for his failures. Now as he faces certain death at the hand of Nero, will he falter again, his weakness betray him or will he rise up triumphant in his final moment?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
SCARS (2023)
When a little girl that has emotional scars finally heals, her life changes forever.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Pardon and Peace (1983)
A rebellious young man tries to live on his own but finds it is much tougher than he ever imagined. But can he return home after leaving in a bitter fight with his father?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Hidden Treasure (1991)
Moving, heartwarming drama of the attempt of a Christian children's home to salvage the relationship between a father and his son.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Gothix (2023)
An innovative and charismatic influencer is suddenly exiled from her community of creative partners and colleagues when she states an opinion that she did not know was “unacceptable” in their eyes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Un Piège (TBA)
He prayed to God every day to make him a woman overnight. And God did. Now, in a woman’s body, he seeks to experience sex. To discover its sensation. The one Tiresias once knew.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Pacific Parable: Buried Treasure (TBA)
In 1880s Pacific Northwest, a pioneer's wife stumbles upon treasure while grazing cattle in a neighbor’s field. It could change their fortunes, but her husband is not so sure, and the neighbor won’t sell easily.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Despise Not, My Youth?
The closest matches to Despise Not, My Youth are Come Sunday (2018), Fast Girls (2012) and Jungleland (2020). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Despise Not, My Youth?
Start with Come Sunday (2018), the closest match to Despise Not, My Youth.
What is the highest-rated movie like Despise Not, My Youth?
Beast (2026), rated 7.5/10 by 227 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Despise Not, My Youth?
Beast (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Despise Not, My Youth?
Yes: Come Sunday (2018), Fast Girls (2012) and Jungleland (2020).
How are movies similar to Despise Not, My Youth chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Despise Not, My Youth, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.