Movies like The Nightingale (1981)
The best movies like The Nightingale (1981) are Dragons: Rescue Riders: Secrets of the Songwing (2020), The Wind in the Willows (1983) and Zog (2018). If The Nightingale hooked you with its animation and drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedPrimal: Tales of Savagery (2019)8.4/10 from 372 votes
- NewestShackle (2022)Released 2022
Dragons: Rescue Riders: Secrets of the Songwing (2020)
When a musical dragon with a beautiful voice hypnotizes the dragons and people of Huttsgalor, the Rescue Riders have to find a way to break the spell.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Wind in the Willows (1983)
One spring, Mole decides that he can ignore the spring cleaning for a little longer, and begins a series of adventures with his new friend Rat. They go for a picnic on the riverbank, on a caravan expedition with Toad, until Toad switches allegiance to his new car and his reckless driving makes Mole and Rat search out Badger for help in curbing Toad's profligate habits. But Toad gets away from them and gets a 20-year sentence from the magistrate for theft, reckless driving, and Gross Impertinence. While Toad works his wiles on the jailer's daughter and escapes jail dressed as a washer woman, Badger tries to guard Toad Hall from the machinations of the Weasels and is badly beaten. And it requires a plan of attack and all four comrades to regain Toad Hall.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisZog (2018)
Zog is a keen young dragon who wants to learn to fly, roar, and breathe fire, so he studies at the Dragon School. He is desperate to impress his teacher and win a golden star, but he is prone to accidents and he has to be helped by a kind young girl who patches up his bumps and bruises.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStrings (2004)
The story of Prince Hal who sets out to avenge his dead father against the city's rivals, the Zeriths, little knowing it was his wicked uncle Nezo who is the real killer, with his own designs on the throne.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPrimal: Tales of Savagery (2019)
Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal: Tales of Savagery features a caveman and a dinosaur on the brink of extinction. Bonded by tragedy, this unlikely friendship becomes the only hope of survival.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWaking Life (2001)
Waking Life is about a young man in a persistent lucid dream-like state. The film follows its protagonist as he initially observes and later participates in philosophical discussions that weave together issues like reality, free will, our relationships with others, and the meaning of life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSofia the First: The Floating Palace (2013)
After Sofia helps a little mermaid named Oona, Sofia's amulet grants her the power to transform into a mermaid and visit her new friend's underwater kingdom. But when Cedric (disguised as a seamonster) plots to steal Oona's enchanted Mermaid Comb, danger surfaces for both worlds. With a little help from special guest, Princess Ariel, Sofia embarks on an adventure to rescue Oona and prevent a typhoon before it's too late.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHilda and the Mountain King (2021)
When Hilda wakes up in the body of a troll, she must use her wits and courage to get back home, become human again — and save the city of Trolberg.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSofia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012)
Set in the storybook world of Enchancia, the music-filled movie follows Sofia, an average girl whose life suddenly changes when her mother marries the king and she is whisked off to live in a castle with her mom, new step-father, King Roland II, and step-siblings, Amber and James. Along the way this ordinary girl learns to navigate the extraordinary life of royalty, and in the process makes everyone around her feel special.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragons: Rescue Riders: Hunt for the Golden Dragon (2020)
It's the treasure hunt of a lifetime for the Rescue Riders, who must race to find a precious golden dragon egg and protect it from evil pirates.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRoom on the Broom (2012)
Animated film based on the wonderful children's picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The story of a kind witch who invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. The gang ultimately saves the witch from a fearsome dragon, and in gratitude she rewards them with a magnificent new broom which has room for everyone. A magical tale about friendship and family from Magic Light Pictures, the producers of the hugely successful The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault (1996)
A dramatization of the life of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault (Don Cheadle), with a lot of factual based occurrences. A reformed junkie returns from prison to clean up his act and devote the rest of his life to the young kids of Harlem. 1996 was the 25th anniversary of the first tournament named after him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMickey's Tale of Two Witches (2021)
On Halloween, Mickey tells a tale of two witches-in-training, Minnie and Daisy, who must pass four tests to graduate from the With Academy in Happy Haunt Hills.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMy Dinner with Hervé (2018)
An unlikely friendship evolves over one wild night in LA between a struggling journalist and actor Hervé Villechaize, the world's most famous gun-toting dwarf, resulting in life-changing consequences for both.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDC Showcase: Death (2019)
Vincent, an artist with unresolved inner demons, meets a mysterious girl who helps him come to terms with his creative legacy… and eventual death.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Point (1971)
A father reads his son a bedtime story about young Oblio, who is banished from the fantastical kingdom of pointed heads and things for having no point.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Cat in the Hat (1971)
In a marvelously animated version of one of the most beloved of all Dr. Seuss tales, two youngsters find themselves at home with nothing to do on a rainy afternoon. But when the magical, mischievous Cat in the Hat arrives on the scene, they're all cat-apulted into a day of rousing, romping, outlandish antics they - and you - will never forget!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCurious George: Go West, Go Wild (2020)
While farm-sitting, George accidentally lets the farm animals escape. Ted, George and wannabe cowboy Emmett must round 'em up, accounting for every animal -- and emerging with some new skills, to boot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarbie and the Rockers: Out of This World (1987)
Rock sensation Barbie and her band The Rockers, beloved by everyone all around the world, decide to do something no band has ever done before - preform a charity rock concert in outer space.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Gruffalo's Child (2011)
A follow up to the 2009 animated feature and adapted from the childrens' book by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler. The Gruffalo's child explores the deep dark wood in search of the big bad mouse and meets the Snake, Owl and Fox in the process. She eventually finds the mouse, who manages to outwit her like the Gruffalo before!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Vandal (2021)
Set in a world not unlike mid-20th century America, The Vandal centers on Harold, whose tormented search for peace from traumatic loss results in an unexpectedly destructive awakening after he undergoes a lobotomy. When the procedure “turns his mind inside out” and his great love is suddenly gone, Harold’s desperate search intensifies.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Shackle (2022)
Three archetypal woodland spirits explore the conflicting human drives of creativity, possessiveness and our desire for status.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Burden (2017)
A shopping center along a large highway is the scene of an apocalyptic musical. Animation with a strong sense of form set to auto-tuned music by Klungan. About liberation through great catastrophy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Ab ovo - Traces of Sand (1987)
A non-narrative film thematising the eternal struggle of human life in a series of scenes connected by associations and accompanied by a strong music motif.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Apocalypsis (2018)
Set in a parallel universe entering a black hole, a woman reading the book of Revelation has visions of regeneration during Anthropocene.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Cunning Fox (1951)
The cunning fox is looking for something to eat.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
There Was a Little Pig (1960)
A modernized version of the fairy tale about Red Riding Hood, in which a little pig goes on her way to her grandmother. During a hike through the forest, a bad wolf attacks her.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Dr. Platypus and the Toxic Avengers: The Probe (TBA)
Dr. Platypus, Whiskers the Rat and Flaps the Flying Fox were finishing off some work in Dr. Platypus' laboratory, when they heard some strange messages from deep space on their radio.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Anger (1990)
A fleshy nightmare barrages the viewer with an onslaught of abstract gore and nonsensical terror.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Animus (TBA)
A lone humanoid creature explores the darkness of a mysterious gun-metal labyrinth.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like The Nightingale and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Nightingale?
The closest matches to The Nightingale are Dragons: Rescue Riders: Secrets of the Songwing (2020), The Wind in the Willows (1983) and Zog (2018). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Nightingale?
Start with Dragons: Rescue Riders: Secrets of the Songwing (2020), the closest match to The Nightingale.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Nightingale?
Primal: Tales of Savagery (2019), rated 8.4/10 by 372 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Nightingale?
Shackle (2022) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Nightingale?
Yes: Dragons: Rescue Riders: Secrets of the Songwing (2020), The Wind in the Willows (1983) and Zog (2018).
How are movies similar to The Nightingale chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Nightingale, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.