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Movies like The Ugly Duckling (2010)

The best movies like The Ugly Duckling (2010) are Night of the Animated Dead (2021), Coonskin (1975) and Heavy Traffic (1973). If The Ugly Duckling hooked you with its animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. Night of the Animated Dead (2021)

    An animated retelling of ‘Night of the Living Dead’, in which a group of people in a rural farmhouse struggle to survive the threat of bloodthirsty zombies.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  2. Coonskin (1975)

    A multi-layered satire of race relations in America. Live-action sequences of a prison break bracket the animated tale of Brother Rabbit, Brother Bear, and Preacher Fox, who rise to the top of the crime ranks in Harlem by going up against a con-man, a racist cop, and the Mafia.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  3. Heavy Traffic (1973)

    A white dropout struggles to become a cartoonist and filmmaker, drawing inspiration from the harsh, gritty world around him. Still sharing his rundown apartment with his middle-aged parents, an oafish slob of an Italian father and a ditzy nutcase of a Jewish mother, he's ridiculed and looked down upon by his friends, hypocrites who run with violent gangs and the Italian Mafia, and a shallow Black girl who makes her living downtown with the pimps and pushers. The cartoonist gets a chance to pitch a film idea to a movie mogul, but the story proves too outrageous: a far-future Earth, depleted by war and pollution, where a mutant antihero challenges and kills God.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  4. The Congress (2013)

    An aging, out-of-work actress accepts one last job, though the consequences of her decision affect her in ways she didn't consider.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  5. Memoir of a Snail (2024)

    Forcibly separated from her twin brother when they are orphaned, a melancholic misfit learns how to find confidence within herself amid the clutter of misfortunes and everyday life.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  6. America: The Motion Picture (2021)

    A chainsaw-wielding George Washington teams with beer-loving bro Sam Adams to take down the Brits in a tongue-in-cheek riff on the American Revolution.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

  7. Fixed (2025)

    After learning he's getting neutered, a dog has 24 hours to squeeze in one last balls-to-the-wall adventure with the boys.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  8. The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart (2023)

    A nationwide manhunt for Hank Venture leads to untold dangers and unexpected revelations, while The Monarch is literally out for Dr Venture's blood. An imposing evil from the past reemerges to wreak havoc on the Ventures, The Guild, and even the Monarch marriage—it will take friends and foes alike to restore the Ventures' world to order… or end it once and for all.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  9. Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match (2023)

    In 1980s Hollywood, action star Johnny Cage is looking to become an A-list actor. But when his costar, Jennifer, goes missing from set, Johnny finds himself thrust into a world filled with shadows, danger, and deceit. As he embarks on a bloody journey, Johnny quickly discovers the City of Angels has more than a few devils in its midst. He faces off against a sinister secret society plotting a nefarious scheme, but the brutal fight against the bloodthirsty warriors of the Netherrealm is just beginning.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  10. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters (2007)

    An action epic that explores the origins of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force (better known as Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad,) who somehow become pitted in a battle over an immortal piece of exercise equipment.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  11. Heavy Metal (1981)

    The embodiment of ultimate evil, a glowing orb terrorizes a young girl with bizarre stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  12. Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons - The Movie (2020)

    The assassin Deathstroke tries to save his family from the wrath of H.I.V.E. and the murderous Jackal.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  13. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (2025)

    When human sailors are attacked by mysterious creatures of the deep, only one person can stop the war between land and sea: the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  14. South Park (Not Suitable for Children) (2023)

    After it's discovered that a teacher at South Park Elementary has an OnlyFans page, Randy is compelled to take a closer look at the seedy underbelly of the world of online influencers.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  15. Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm (2022)

    Everyone’s favorite rascals, the Aqua Teens, and everyone’s favorite perverted neighbor, Carl, split up then get back together to fight everyone’s favorite corporate overlord, Amazin, led by everyone’s favorite tech mogul, Neil, and his trusty scientist sidekick, Elmer.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  16. Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind (2022)

    The vicious, power-mad Kano is determined to take over Earthrealm, one soul at a time. Assisted by a trio of cold Black Dragon mercenaries, he embarks on a brutal assault from town to defenseless town. The choice is simple: kneel or be annihilated. Kenshi, a rebel warrior, calls on Kuai Liang, the only one powerful enough to challenge the malevolent Kano. But Kuai Liang has given up the ways of the warrior, and Kenshi is too undisciplined to defeat Kano himself. If Kuai Liang cannot break through the glacier of doubt that holds him back, Earthrealm will fall.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  17. South Park the Streaming Wars (2022)

    Cartman locks horns with his mom in a battle of wills while an epic conflict unfolds that threatens South Park’s very existence.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. Dick Figures: The Movie (2013)

    Two best friends, Red and Blue, risk everything to find the greatest treasure of all time.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  19. Sturgill Simpson Presents Sound & Fury (2019)

    In this anime visual album, a mysterious driver heads deep into a postapocalyptic hellscape toward a ferocious showdown with two monstrous opponents.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  20. The Spine of Night (2021)

    When ancient dark magic falls into sinister hands and unleashes ages of suffering onto mankind, a group of heroes from different eras and cultures must band together in order to defeat it at all costs.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  21. A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008)

    Wallace and Gromit open a bakery, accidentally getting tied up with a murder mystery in the process. But when Wallace falls in love, Gromit is left to solve the case by himself.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  22. A Grand Day Out (1990)

    Wallace and Gromit have run out of cheese, and this provides an excellent excuse for the duo to take their holiday to the moon, where, as everyone knows, there is ample cheese.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  23. The Wrong Trousers (1993)

    Wallace rents out Gromit's former bedroom to a penguin, who takes up an interest in the techno trousers created by Wallace. However, Gromit later learns that the penguin is a wanted criminal.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  24. A Close Shave (1996)

    Wallace's whirlwind romance with the proprietor of the local wool shop puts his head in a spin, and Gromit is framed for sheep-rustling in a fiendish criminal plot.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  25. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

    Cheese-loving eccentric Wallace and his cunning canine pal Gromit run a business ridding the town of garden pests. Using only humane methods, which turns their home into a halfway house for evicted vermin, the pair stumble upon a mystery involving a voracious vegetarian monster that threatens to ruin the annual veggie-growing contest.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  26. Chicken Run (2000)

    The creators of Wallace & Gromit bring you an exciting and original story about a group of chickens determined to fly the coop–even if they can’t fly! It’s hardly poultry in motion when Rocky attempts to teach Ginger and her feathered friends to fly…but, with teamwork, determination and a little bit o’ cluck, the fearless flock plots one last attempt in a spectacular bid for freedom.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  27. Wallace & Gromit: The Best of Aardman Animation (1996)

    Anthology of Aardman Animation short films released in theaters in 1996, centered on the new release of the third Wallace & Gromit short, "A Close Shave." Includes: "A Close Shave," "Creature Comforts" and "Heat Electric Commercials" by Nick Park; "Rex the Runt: How Dinosaurs Became Extinct", "Rex the Runt: Dreams" and "Ident" by Richard Goleszowski; "Wat's Pig" and "My Baby Just Cares For Me" by Peter Lord; "Early Bird" by Peter Lord and David Sproxton; "Pib and Pog" directed by Peter Peake

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

  28. Grey Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood (1990)

    A Soviet claymation short film created by Garri Bardin in 1990 that retells the story of Red Riding Hood while incorporating political metaphors and themes about the USSR's demise; the wolf representing communism, devouring innocent creatures who have never known him.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

  29. The Tram #9 Was Going (2002)

    A morning tram over-occupied with passengers, but more and more people are trying to get in there. Inside, the life fountains. Someone talks about their troubles with children, somebody experiences a personal trauma, others can not stand up to quarrel, neighbors discuss a TV-series... All the events where usually, at least in the days this cartoon was created, common Ukrainians are involved in on their way to job-places is shown in this curious, vivid and witty claymation.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

  30. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

    A band of fearless chickens flock together to save poultry-kind from an unsettling new threat: a nearby farm that's cooking up something suspicious.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this

Like The Ugly Duckling and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like The Ugly Duckling?

The closest matches to The Ugly Duckling are Night of the Animated Dead (2021), Coonskin (1975) and Heavy Traffic (1973). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after The Ugly Duckling?

Start with Night of the Animated Dead (2021), the closest match to The Ugly Duckling.

What is the highest-rated movie like The Ugly Duckling?

Memoir of a Snail (2024), rated 8.1/10 by 859 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like The Ugly Duckling?

Fixed (2025) is the most recent release on this list.

How are movies similar to The Ugly Duckling chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Ugly Duckling, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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