Movies like Helena (2026)
The best movies like Helena (2026) are Pimp (2018), Mammal (2016) and Mexicali (2026). If Helena 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 Substitute (1996)7.0/10 from 621 votes
- NewestPasakalye (2026)Released 2026
Pimp (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 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 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 thisCrimes of Passion (1984)
Fashion designer Joanna Crane leads a double life. By night she is China Blue, a prostitute who's attracted the attention of a sexually frustrated private detective, and a psychopathic priest in possession of a murderous sex toy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 thisXiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl (1998)
Young teen girl Xiu Xiu is sent away to a remote corner of the Sichuan steppes for manual labor in 1975 (sending young people to there was a part of Cultural Revolution in China). A year later, she agrees to go to even more remote spot with a Tibetan saddle tramp Lao Jin to learn horse herding.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 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 thisOne Night in Bangkok (2020)
A hit man named Kai flies into Bangkok, gets a gun, and orders a cab. He offers a professional female driver big money to be his all-night driver. But when she realizes Kai is committing brutal murders at each stop, it's too late to walk away. Meanwhile, an offbeat police detective races to decode the string of slayings before more blood is spilled.
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 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 thisFanny Lye Deliver'd (2019)
On an isolated English farm in 1657, Fanny lives a quiet life with her oppressive husband John and their young son. One day their life is rocked with the arrival of young couple Thomas and Rebecca who claim to have been robbed and need a place to stay. But are these strangers really who they say they are?
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 thisPartisan (2015)
On the edge of a crumbling city, 11-year-old Alexander lives in a sequestered commune alongside other children, their mothers, and charismatic leader, Gregori. Gregori teaches the children how to raise livestock, grow vegetables, work as a community - and how to kill. With the birth of a new baby brother weighing on his mind, Alexander begins to question Gregori’s overpowering influence on the children and their training to become assassins. Threatened by his increasing unwillingness to fall in line, Gregori’s behavior turns erratic and adversarial toward the child he once considered a son. With the two set dangerously at odds and the commune’s way of life disintegrating, the residents fear a violent resolution is at hand.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisThe Substitute (1996)
When an inner-city Miami schoolteacher gets her knee broken after standing up to the school's gang leader, her mercenary combat specialist boyfriend goes undercover as a substitute teacher to take down the punk. Soon he discovers a conspiracy of criminals at work, and must reassemble his team from his last jungle raid to stop them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisKesong Puti (2026)
Have a taste of VMX Newest Temptation Apphle Celso. Lena, a Kesong Puti vendor, meets a charming dairy supplier Manny. Their chemistry sparks a daring secret that transforms her humble cheese into their town’s obsession.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Check-In (2026)
VMX hottest star Aliya Raymundo teams up with sexy siren Anya Austria as two receptionists in a cheap motel. Their quiet routine heats up with the arrival of a mysterious regular guest who begins to stir tension, desire, and conflict in their fragile relationship.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Pasakalye (2026)
Brotherhood versus Duty. Two childhood friends will have the greatest ride of their lives as they find themselves up against each other. Who will rule the streets?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Kalakal (2025)
A seductive female garbage collector who embraces the life of an escort lady. Desperate to live a comfortable life, she leaves the dumpsite and enters the club. But can she also dump both her brother and her lover who remind her of her past?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Bayo (2025)
A new girl in town uses seduction and mind games to tear a loving couple apart. Her motive: lust with a little bit of business.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Kirot (2025)
A conservative woman, engaged to her high school sweetheart, receives a life-saving heart transplant. But as she recovers, unexpected passions and desires begin to surface, pulling her into a world that threatens the life and identity she thought she wanted.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The Jowa Collector (2025)
Luigi, the top playboy in the university, meets Susie, a sexy, beautiful, smart student. When Luigi finally feels that he has fallen in love with Susie, he learns that Susie is his friend's girlfriend.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Lady Guard (2024)
Every week, warehouse security guard Estelle, turns a blind eye to the illegal gambling at the warehouse in exchange for financial and sexual favors. But when a younger and more beautiful new recruit, Meryl, arrives, will Estelle be able to keep her place as the lady guard?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Himas (2024)
A wife to a blind ex-fireman, who's unable to satisfy his wife's physical needs due to his condition. A young man enters the picture and lures Dana to a sinful relationship to satisfy her sexual frustrations.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Rapsa (2025)
A successful manager finds herself drawn to her innocent young employee. What begins as attraction soon evolves into a complicated relationship, where passion and desire blur professional boundaries and awaken unexpected emotions between them.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Like Helena and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Helena?
The closest matches to Helena are Pimp (2018), Mammal (2016) and Mexicali (2026). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Helena?
Start with Pimp (2018), the closest match to Helena.
What is the highest-rated movie like Helena?
The Substitute (1996), rated 7.0/10 by 621 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Helena?
Pasakalye (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Helena chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Helena, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.