Movies Like The Help

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

01-01-2025

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"The Help" struck a chord with audiences, sparking conversations about race relations in the American South during the Civil Rights era. While the film itself has faced criticism for its portrayal of certain characters and historical accuracy, its themes of friendship, resilience, and social injustice resonate deeply. If you enjoyed "The Help," you’re likely drawn to films exploring similar narratives of class struggle, racial inequality, and the strength of female bonds in challenging circumstances. Here are some movies that delve into these rich and complex themes:

Exploring Racial Injustice and Social Commentary

• "Hidden Figures": This inspiring true story focuses on the contributions of three brilliant African-American women to NASA during the Space Race. It highlights the systemic racism they faced and their determination to overcome obstacles in a deeply segregated society. The film offers a powerful and uplifting counterpoint to the often-fraught narratives found in films focusing on the Jim Crow South.

• "Selma": This powerful biographical drama chronicles Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights for African Americans. The film vividly portrays the struggle for civil rights, the brutality faced by peaceful protestors, and the unwavering courage of those fighting for equality. It offers a crucial historical context that adds depth to understanding the societal backdrop of "The Help."

• "Mississippi Burning": This intense thriller tackles the investigation into the murders of three civil rights activists in Mississippi. While the film is more dramatic and suspenseful than "The Help," it delves into the pervasive racism and violence of the era, offering a stark depiction of the struggle for justice.

Focusing on Female Bonds and Resilience

• "Akeelah and the Bee": This heartwarming drama follows a young African-American girl's journey as she competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. While not directly tackling the same historical context, it showcases the strength and support of female relationships in the face of adversity, echoing the close bonds depicted in "The Help."

• "The Color Purple": This adaptation of Alice Walker's novel is a powerful and moving story of a young African-American woman's journey through abuse and hardship. It emphasizes the importance of female solidarity and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming overwhelming odds. While the timeline is different, the themes of perseverance and female empowerment strongly resonate with "The Help."

• "Daughters of the Dust": This visually stunning and lyrical film tells the story of three generations of African-American women on an island off the coast of South Carolina. It explores themes of family, heritage, and the complexities of identity, offering a poignant and reflective counterpoint to the more direct narrative of "The Help."

This list offers a diverse range of films that explore themes related to those in "The Help," encouraging viewers to further examine the history of racial injustice and the enduring power of human connection. Each film offers a unique perspective, enriching the understanding of the complexities of race, class, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.