Movies like Desperada (2026)
The best movies like Desperada (2026) are Jawbone (2017), Pimp (2018) and Mammal (2016). If Desperada hooked you with its drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Rookie (1990)5.9/10 from 654 votes
- NewestScorpio Nights 4 (2026)Released 2026
Jawbone (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 thisPimp (2018)
An urban love story set on the hard streets of the Bronx. A struggling female pimp, named Wednesday, grows up learning the game from her dad. Once he's gone she's left to look out for her prostitute mother and girlfriend Nikki.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMammal (2016)
After Margaret, a divorcée living in Dublin, loses her teenage son, she develops an unorthodox relationship with Joe, a homeless youth. Their tentative trust is threatened by his involvement with a violent gang and the escalation of her ex-husband's grieving rage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSelina's Gold (2022)
Selina's father sells her to Tiago who makes her a sex slave. With the help of Domeng, Tiago's blind slave, she plans their way out of this living hell.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Rookie (1990)
Veteran cop Nick Pulovski is used to playing musical partners; many of the partners he's had in the past have died on the job, and often as a result of Nick's risky tactics. But the rookie who's been assigned to help Nick bust a carjacking ring is almost as hotheaded as he is … and when Nick gets kidnapped, his newbie partner is his only hope.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Gabby Douglas Story (2014)
The true story of Gabby Douglas who becomes the first African American to be named Individual All-Around Champion in artistic gymnastics at the Olympic Games.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMexicali (2026)
A former special forces contractor is forced out of retirement as an avocado farmer in Mexico when local gangsters try to force him and his family off their farm.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Outfit (1973)
A two-bit criminal takes on the Mafia to avenge his brother's death. Earl Macklin is a small time criminal who is released from prison after an unsuccessful bank robbery only to discover that a pair of gunmen killed his brother.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisConvict (2014)
Set in the dark and old Parramatta prison built by the original convicts our lead character Ray a war veteran finds himself serving 18 months for manslaughter after defending his fiance. He soon realizes that the prison boss has it in for him and does everything possible to break Ray even going after his fiance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Outrage (1964)
At a disused railway station, three men -- a con artist, a preacher, and a prospector -- discuss the recent trial and sentencing of the outlaw Juan Carrasco for the murder of a man and the rape of his wife. In their recounting, the three explore the conflicting testimonies of the parties involved in the crimes. Disconcerting new questions arise with each different version of the event.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisI Smile Back (2015)
Laney is an attractive, intelligent suburban wife and devoted mother of two adorable children. She has the perfect husband who plays basketball with the kids in the driveway, a pristine house, and a shiny SUV for carting the children to their next activity. However, just beneath the façade lie depression and disillusionment that send her careening into a secret world of reckless compulsion. Only very real danger will force her to face the painful root of her destructiveness and its crumbling effect on those she loves.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSuburbia (1984)
When household tensions and a sense of worthlessness overcome Evan, he finds escape when he clings with the orphans of a throw-away society. The runaways hold on to each other like a family until a tragedy tears them apart.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRise of the Footsoldier 3 (2017)
In the late 1980s, Pat Tate journeys from peddling pills in Marbella to his time in prison, where he solidifies his power before his release to reclaim his turf.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCheaters (2000)
In the fall of 1994, a teacher at Chicago's run-down Steinmetz High conspires with the school's academic decathlon team to cheat on an academic competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWalking Tall: Lone Justice (2007)
In Dallas, witnesses against a drug-lord are murdered in a safe-house.The testimony of FBI agents becomes the only chance to keep him in prison. They are lodged in another safe-house, but the place is invaded and the agents are executed. However, Kate is only wounded, and her boyfriend Nick believes there is a traitor in the agency and takes her to his ranch to protect her life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisEl padrino: The Latin Godfather (2004)
In the streets of East Los Angeles, Manny is a formidable drug dealer. Impressed by his extravagant lifestyle and prowess, his young son, Kilo, yearns to follow in his footsteps. Kilo resolves to learn how to prosper in the drug world, and his new life as a dealer begins. In a world where a man wants everything, he may end up with nothing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJesse Stone: Sea Change (2007)
Police Chief Jesse Stone's relationship with his ex-wife worsens, and he fears he's relapsing into alcoholism. To get his mind off his problems, Jesse begins working on the unsolved murder of a bank teller shot during a robbery. Also, his investigation of an alleged rape draws him into conflict with the town council — which hopes to preserve Paradise's reputation as an ideal seaside resort.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLockdown (2000)
Avery (Jones) returns to college as a competitive swimmer after getting his life back on track. But his life takes another unexpected turn when he and his two friends (Bonds, Casseus) are wrongly accused of murder and end up in prison.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers (1990)
Two feuding brothers of differing political views, one a policeman, the other a martial artist, join forces to avenge the death of their father, a retired agent who was brutally murdered by the mafia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Born Losers (1967)
A biker gang incites a reign of terror in a California coastal town that culminates in four teenage girls being raped. Vietnam veteran Billy Jack has had enough, however, and takes on the depraved bikers single-handedly. He rescues young Vicky Barrington from their clutches, but then has to contend with not only the thugs, but also the ineffectual and racist local lawmen, who have it out for the half-Native American Billy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMapanukso (2024)
Story about a group of five macho dancers navigating their own lives and the women who would do anything to keep them by their side.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
TL (2024)
Brenda, a top agent in a BPO company, is always overlooked for promotion. But not this time; as she gets more than intimate with her TL. Is her long awaited position within her reach? Or did she just put herself in a bad situation?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Kolektor (2025)
Jessie, a single man trying to look for love. But it seems like all his dates end up missing. Find out his and his family’s dark secret in this dangerously erotic award-winning film.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Sagaran (2026)
As female motorcycle racer Mica and her mechanic boyfriend Migo join a motor shop's team, they try to navigate a new set of complicated relationships that'll push them to the limit.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Arouse (2025)
Get ready to AROUSE your senses! Hosted by Aiko Garcia and Jenn Rosa, this steamy special brings you the hottest, most unforgettable scenes from VMX’s A-list sirens—AJ Raval, Ayanna Misola, Azi Acosta & more. Desire, passion, and pure heat—are you ready?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Puri for Rent (2025)
After losing her job, Nancy struggles to make ends meet and reluctantly accepts an unconventional offer to become the companion of a wealthy young man with a disability. As their arrangement evolves beyond physical needs, she must confront the conflict between survival, dignity, and the possibility of love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Scorpio Nights 4 (2026)
A countryside boy rents a room from a couple and discovers a hole exposing their secrets. His voyeurism leads into tangled affairs with two women, unraveling a twisted game of lust and betrayal.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Patikim ng Pinya (1996)
A pretty pineapple plantation owner is very strict with her younger sister when it comes to men. One days she finds a good-looking man suffering from amnesia. She makes him believe that he is her husband.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Tampipi (2025)
A lonely seafarer’s wife crosses paths with a meditation and love guru. When her husband returns, she is torn between the woman who satisfies her fantasies and the man she has always loved.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Sabik (2025)
A wife leaves her husband to work abroad. But when her husband meets an enigmatic woman who seduces her every time their marriage is put to the test.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Desperada?
The closest matches to Desperada are Jawbone (2017), Pimp (2018) and Mammal (2016). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Desperada?
Start with Jawbone (2017), the closest match to Desperada.
What is the highest-rated movie like Desperada?
The Rookie (1990), rated 5.9/10 by 654 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Desperada?
Scorpio Nights 4 (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Desperada chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Desperada, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.