Movies like Once Upon a Wetland (2025)
The best movies like Once Upon a Wetland (2025) are Dumplin' (2018), The Forbidden Dance (1990) and Smile (1975). If Once Upon a Wetland hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Once Upon a Wetland
Quick picks
- Highest ratedHoppers (2026)8.1/10 from 2,527 votes
- NewestHoppers (2026)Released 2026
Dumplin' (2018)
To prove a point about measuring up and fitting in, Texas teen Willowdean “Dumplin’” Dickson enters a local pageant run by her ex-beauty queen mom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Forbidden Dance (1990)
A princess in the Amazon rain forests tries to fight a conglomerate threatening the forests by going to Los Angeles. There she links up with a rich kid who tells her that she must get on television to succeed with her mission. Quick as a wink, the two come up with the idea of winning a lambada dance contest.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSmile (1975)
It's time again for California's "Young American Miss" beauty pageant, the biggest event of the year for Big Bob Freelander and Brenda DiCarlo, who give their all to put on a successful pageant. But Brenda is having marital difficulties and Bob's son is up to some mischief. Could this year's pageant be in jeopardy?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Two drag performers and a transgender woman travel across the desert to perform their unique style of cabaret.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHundreds of Beavers (2024)
In the 19th century, a drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America's greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHoppers (2026)
Scientists have discovered how to 'hop' human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals. Animal lover Mabel seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world beyond anything she could have imagined.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDrop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
In a small Minnesota town, the annual beauty pageant is being covered by a TV crew. Former winner Gladys Leeman wants to make sure her daughter follows in her footsteps; explosions, falling lights, and trailer fires prove that. As the Leemans are the richest family in town, the police are pretty relaxed about it all. Despite everything, main rival (but sweet) Amber Atkins won't give up without a fight.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAll the Real Girls (2003)
In a sleepy little mill town in North Carolina, Paul is the town Romeo. But when his best friend's sister returns home from boarding school, he finds himself falling for her innocent charm. In spite of her lack of experience and the violent protests of her brother, the two find themselves in a sweet, dreamy and all-consuming love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)
A successful veterinarian and radio show host with low self-esteem asks her model friend to impersonate her when a handsome man wants to see her.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLittle Darlings (1980)
Two 15-year-old girls from different sides of the tracks compete to see who will be first to lose their virginity while at camp.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTeen Spirit (2011)
Amber, a mean popular girl who gets electrocuted and dies, is not allowed to enter into heaven unless she helps the least popular girl in school become Prom Queen within a week, but things do not go as planned.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisClash by Night (1952)
An embittered woman seeks escape in marriage, only to fall for her husband’s best friend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSing (2016)
A koala named Buster recruits his best friend to help him drum up business for his theater by hosting a singing competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlood on Satan's Claw (1971)
After a landsman in 18th century England discovers a corpse covered in fur buried in a field, the town becomes infected by "the devil's skin," leading the local children to engage in demonic rituals and criminal behavior.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMiss Juneteenth (2020)
Turquoise, a former beauty queen turned hardworking single mother, prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” pageant, hoping to keep her from repeating the same mistakes in life that she did.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIncoming (2024)
Their first week of high school. The biggest party of the year. Mistakes will be made as four teenage boys navigate a night of mayhem and debauchery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTo Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Veteran drag queens Vida Boheme and Noxeema Jackson take novice Chi-Chi Rodriguez under their wing on a madcap road trip across the country to compete in the Drag Queen of America pageant in Los Angeles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Quiet Place (2018)
A family is forced to live in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBorat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev travels to America to make a documentary. As he zigzags across the nation, Borat meets real people in real situations with hysterical consequences. His backwards behavior generates strong reactions around him exposing prejudices and hypocrisies in American culture.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Lair of the White Worm (1988)
When an archaeologist uncovers a strange skull in a foreign land, the residents of a nearby town begin to disappear, leading to further inexplicable occurrences.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Once Upon a Wetland?
The closest matches to Once Upon a Wetland are Dumplin' (2018), The Forbidden Dance (1990) and Smile (1975). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Once Upon a Wetland?
Start with Dumplin' (2018), the closest match to Once Upon a Wetland.
What is the highest-rated movie like Once Upon a Wetland?
Hoppers (2026), rated 8.1/10 by 2,527 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Once Upon a Wetland?
Hoppers (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Once Upon a Wetland?
Yes: Dumplin' (2018), The Forbidden Dance (1990) and Smile (1975).
How are movies similar to Once Upon a Wetland chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Once Upon a Wetland, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.