10 Movies Like Cruella (2021) You Should Watch
Published on Apr 2, 2026A selection of films similar to “Cruella”, featuring strong and charismatic heroines and anti-heroines, struggles for influence and recognition, and conflicts with the system and injustice. The stories in this selection focus on female rivalry, tense relationships, and often trace the rise of vivid, complicated, and iconic women characters. The closest matches are “The Devil Wears Prada”, “I, Tonya”, “Maleficent”, “House of Gucci”, and “The Favourite”.
Young Andy dreams above all of becoming a professional journalist. To give her career a boost, she takes a job as the assistant to the very strict and demanding editor of one of the most popular fashion magazines, not yet knowing what challenges this job has in store for her.
Style similarity
Most similar in: fast pacing, strong humor, moderate complexity
Biggest differences: noticeably less action-heavy, noticeably more romantic, noticeably less violent
American figure skater Tonya is one step away from Olympic glory. To make sure it happens, there’s only one thing left: get rid of her rival—and Tonya will stop at nothing on her way to fame.
Style similarity
Most similar in: fast pacing, strong humor, moderate action
Biggest differences: noticeably bleaker, noticeably darker tone, noticeably more complex
Shared keywords
Rivalry, Competition
A biographical story about the life of Maurizio Gucci, heir to the famous fashion house. One day he meets Patrizia, a young woman from a modest family who has always longed for a life of luxury. As a romance blossoms between them and they eventually marry, Patrizia becomes increasingly drawn into the inner workings of the family business, seeking greater power and wealth.
Style similarity
Most similar in: moderate tension, moderate complexity, mild violence
Biggest differences: much more romantic, noticeably bleaker, noticeably less humorous
Shared keywords
Rivalry, Ambition, Family, Family Drama, Revenge, Orchestrated Revenge
The villainous Cruella de Vil kidnaps 15 little Dalmatian puppies to make herself a fur coat. The puppies’ parents, Perdy and Pongo, soon discover that many more have fallen victim to her and set out on a journey to rescue the little ones.
Style similarity
Most similar in: fast pacing, moderate tension, strong humor
Biggest differences: noticeably less bleak, noticeably lighter tone, noticeably less complex
A biographical drama about a former skier whose athletic career comes to an end, leading her to open an underground poker club in Los Angeles. Among its visitors are billionaires, celebrities, and even members of the criminal underworld. Before long, Molly’s operation attracts the attention of the FBI.
Style similarity
Most similar in: fast pacing, dark tone, mild hopelessness
Biggest differences: noticeably less humorous, noticeably more tense, noticeably more complex
This historical drama follows court intrigue in England, where two servants of the ailing Queen Anne compete to become her chief favourite, seeking power, access to money, and influence over politics.
Style similarity
Most similar in: strong humor, mild violence
Biggest differences: noticeably bleaker, much more romantic, noticeably darker tone
Shared keywords
Rivalry, Ambition, Revenge, Competition

7. The Dressmaker
Drama Comedy Western2015 · 1h 58min
Australia, United Kingdom
Director: Jocelyn Moorhouse
Beautiful and talented dressmaker Tilly returns to her hometown, which she was once forced to leave because of a tragic incident for which she was unfairly blamed. While trying to reconcile with her ill mother, she also transforms the lives of local women through her talent for making dresses.
Style similarity
Most similar in: moderate tension, moderate complexity, mild violence
Biggest differences: much bleaker, noticeably darker tone, noticeably more romantic
Shared keywords
Family, Family Drama, Revenge
A young sorceress lives in a magical realm filled with wonder and fantastical creatures. But when she places her trust in a young man who later betrays her and brings destruction to her world, Maleficent’s heart turns to stone, and she becomes cold and ruthless. As the conflict with the human kingdom grows, she casts a terrible curse on a newborn princess.
Style similarity
Most similar in: fast pacing, moderate tension, moderate complexity
Biggest differences: much less humorous

9. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Action Crime2020 · 1h 49min
United States
Director: Cathy Yan
After breaking up with the Joker, Harley Quinn finds herself drawn into a dangerous clash with Gotham crime boss Roman Sionis. When the city’s criminals begin hunting both Harley and a valuable diamond, she joins forces with four other women who also have personal scores to settle with Roman.
Style similarity
Most similar in: moderate tension, moderate complexity, dark tone
Biggest differences: much more violent, much more action-heavy, slightly faster pacing
Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian, lives in a shabby apartment with his mother and suffers from mental disorders. Working as a clown, he faces cruelty from colleagues and random passersby every day, all too eager to humiliate him. After one such incident, he decides to respond with extreme violence.
Style similarity
Most similar in: story tropes, core conflict
Biggest differences: much bleaker, much darker tone, much less humorous
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About the movie Cruella
Year: 2021
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Adventure
Plot: Smart and resourceful orphan Estella lives on the streets and engages in petty scams together with her friends. With a talent for fashion and a refined sense of style, she one day gets the chance to work at the fashion house of a powerful and ruthless designer.
Keywords: Rivalry, Ambition, Family, Coming of Age, Family Drama, Self-Discovery, Revenge, Twist Ending, Secret Identity, Orchestrated Revenge








