Written by Sam Levinson for HBO, “Euphoria” is a thrilling teen drama about the existence of Gen-Z. The series opens with the eccentric dreamer back in rehab Rue descending into the titular euphoria. She embarks on a mostly one-sided affair with Jules, who has a sugar daddy and a mysterious internet guy to keep her company. The story draws on themes of romance, identity, trauma, abuse, and teenage angst, among others. We have a few movies handy that hit the same sweet spot if you need them. You can watch most of these “Euphoria”-like movies on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
7. The Double Life of Veronique (1991)
Directed by Polish author Krzysztof Kieślowski, the bilingual Polish-French crime drama ‘La double vie de Véronique’ (‘The Double Life of Veronica’) follows a stunning premise. Weronica, a Polish singer, and Véronique, a music teacher, share the same face. They are not related, nor do they know each other. However, their paths cross at fleeting moments in their lives and they share an intangible bond beyond their national and linguistic identities. Irene Jacob delivers her performance of a lifetime in the roles of Véronique. “Euphoria” is finally about finding your own identity while pursuing other things in life, and this cinematic masterpiece hits pretty hard.
6. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Darren Aronofsky achieved mainstream success with his second feature, “Requiem for a Dream.” The story borrows from the novel of the same name by Hubert Selby Jr. Sara Goldferb is a single mother who spends most of her days swallowing reality TV and diet pills. His son, Harry, and his girlfriend, Marion, are embroiled in spiraling drug addiction. The suggestion is that drugs are everywhere in the modern world, and so are dreams of growing up. With stellar performances from Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly in the central roles and characterized by extreme quick cuts, this is a film that gets inside the minds of its hapless characters. If after “Euphoria” you want another taste of the titular euphoria, this is a great choice for your next movie destination.
5. The Dreamers (2003)
Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci adapted “The Holy Innocents”, the novel by Gilbert Adair, in the taboo romantic drama “The Dreamers”. Set against the backdrop of the student revolution in Paris in 1968, the film follows a group of carefree elites in their utopian world. While protesting the dismissal of French filmmaker Henri Langlois, Matthew meets liberal twins Théo and Isabelle. They spend their days re-enacting scenes from classic movies, if not living in a wild erotic dreamscape. An opulent setting, rousing score and inspiring ending, complete with Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien”, keep the drama alive. ‘Euphoria’ is quite dark at times. If you want something lighter, this movie has the same themes of teenage romance, rebellion, and sexual awakening at its core.
4. Alone on the Beach at Night (2017)
Famous South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo directed the poignant and introspective drama film “On The Beach at Night Alone” (“Bamui Haebyun-eoseo Honja”). The story follows Young-hee, an actress who flees her country after her affair with her director becomes the talk of the town. After landing in Germany, the alien environment introduces her to pertinent truths about life, love, and herself. The scenes are imbued with serenity, and the silence soothes the ears. With precision in cinematography and editing, the film is nothing short of a milestone in cinematic storytelling. If you support Rue in “Euphoria,” we wonder if Rue will become someone like Young-hee from this film.
3. The Slacker (1990)
Boy, Richard Linklater knows the pulse of the generation – and the free-flowing comedy-drama flick “Slacker” is a fine example. The film follows a day in the life of random eccentric people – mostly young adults – in the Texas town of Austin. We meet conspiracy theorists, hipsters and people who have no idea what life is all about – except for the beautiful woman who sells Madonna’s pap smear, who perhaps should have won year. And there is Richard Linklater himself in attendance, credited as “should have stayed at the bus station”. “Euphoria” captures the spirit of the generation quite well, and if you want a similar foray into the ’90s, it’s a movie you should add to your to-do list.
2. Blue is the hottest color (2013)
Starring Abdellatif Kechiche in the director’s chair and based on Jul Maroh’s book of the same name, “Blue is the Warmest Color” is a heartwarming saga full of sunshine and love. Set in the 90s, the film explores the relationship between an artist and a high school girl. If Adele and Emma get closer in their nostalgic journey, they belong to different worlds. With a slow pace and ambient score, the film invites its audience to be immersed in Adele’s coming-of-age journey. After “Euphoria,” you might be looking for a movie that chronicles LGBT relationships – and it’s a movie you should add to your to-do list.
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
John Hughes directed “The Breakfast Club,” one of the most iconic coming-of-age films to date. Five high school students, each a distinct stereotype, meet in the detention room one fine Saturday afternoon. They come to know each other’s eccentricities and insecurities a little better and become close friends for the rest of their high school years. The film plays with stereotypes, perfecting a teenage spirit that very few films have been able to replicate. If Rue and company in “Euphoria” seem a little too overwhelming, you can always go back to this timeless, heart-warming classic.
Read more: Is Rue asexual, bisexual or lesbian in Euphoria?
