Emilia Pérez is one of the most unique and critically acclaimed movies of 2024, and here are 10 other films to watch if you’re looking for something else like Netflix’s new crime musical. Emilia Pérez is a strange film that combines a lot of seemingly juxtaposed elements, with it creating a wholly original experience that can’t be found anywhere else. While no other film encapsulates everything that makes up Emilia Pérez‘s DNA, there are tons of films that share at least one trait, with these 10 being the best options for fans of Emilia Pérez.
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Emilia Pérez is director Jacques Audiard’s 2024 Netflix film, with it starring Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón as the titular character. The film follows a lawyer named Rita who is asked to help the leader of a Mexican cartel on a secretive mission. Rita’s task is to help the kingpin transition into living as a woman, with Rita helping to create the life of Emilia Pérez and subsequently covering her tracks. Emilia Pérez is a trans story that also delves into the crime and legal genres, with the fact that it is a musical being the cherry on top.
10 Sicario
Directed By Denis Villeneuve
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9/10 Sicario RDramaCrimeAction
Sicario is an action crime thriller from director Denis Villeneuve. The film stars Emily Blunt as Kate Macer, an FBI agent who is recruited to help Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro) in the war on drugs that is escalating on the US and Mexican border. The film was praised upon its release and nominated for three Oscars, which led to a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, in 2018.
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*Availability in US Director Denis Villeneuve Release Date October 2, 2015 Studio(s) Sony Distributor(s) Sony , Lionsgate Writers Taylor Sheridan Cast Benicio Del Toro , Emily Blunt , Josh Brolin , Jeffrey Donovan , Jon Bernthal , Victor Garber Runtime 121 Minutes Sequel(s) Sicario: Day Of The Soldado Budget $30 million Main Genre Action Expand
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One of the biggest draws of Emilia Pérez is the fact that it is a crime story, and while there are all kinds of excellent movies about the Mexican drug cartel, there is almost none better than Sicario. Denis Villeneuve’s 2015 film follows a black ops group that is tasked with infiltrating and taking down a Mexican drug cartel, with them enlisting the help of another cartel to do so. The tense crime film was a massive critical success, with it even getting a sequel in 2018 in the form of Sicario: Day of the Soldado.
Related Emilia Pérez Ending Explained: What Happens To Emilia, Jessi & Rita
The ending of Netflix’s crime comedy musical Emilia Pérez raises tough questions about the moral and redemptive qualities of the titular protagonist.
Although Sicario isn’t nearly as feel-good as Emilia Pérez, the entirety of the film is tonally reminiscent of Emilia Pérez‘s opening scenes. Sicario gives an even bigger focus to the inner-workings of the various Mexican drug cartels, with many of the characters in Sicario being reminiscent of characters that can be found in Emilia Pérez.
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9 Mrs. Doubtfire
Directed By Chris Columbus
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7/10 Mrs. Doubtfire PG-13DramaFamilyComedy
Starring Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard, Mrs. Doubtfire follows a struggling actor going through a divorce who, at the prospect of never being able to see his children again, poses as an elderly British nanny in order to spend time with him, fooling them and his ex-wife in the process. As Mrs. Doubtfire becomes more and more important to the family, Daniel begins to struggle with keeping his secret, and the toll it continues to have on his relationship with his family outside of the character. Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, and Harvey Fierstein also star.
Director Chris Columbus Release Date November 24, 1993 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Leslie Dixon , Randi Mayem Singer Cast Pierce Brosnan , Mara Wilson , Robin Williams , Sally Field , Matthew Lawrence Runtime 125 minutes Budget $25 million Expand
Mrs. Doubtfire is not a trans story, as it centers on a man who is disguising himself as a woman, while Emilia Pérez is focused on a real transgender woman. When it comes to their narratives, however, they have a surprising amount of similarities. Chris Columbus’ 1993 comedy follows Robin Williams’ Daniel Hillard who, after discovering that he is losing custody of his kids, decides to dress himself up as a nanny in order to spend more time with them.
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Throughout the events of Emilia Pérez, Emilia’s family believes that she died, with them not knowing that she actually transitioned into living as a woman. Instead, they believe that Emilia is actually a distant relative, with them moving in with her so that they can come back to Mexico. Throughout the film, Emilia’s attempts to get closer to her kids without blowing her cover, leading to several comedic beats and heartfelt moments that are reminiscent of Mrs. Doubtfire.
8 Annette
Directed By Leos Carax
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Annette RRomanceDramaMusical
Present-day Los Angeles. Henry is an outspoken stand-up comedian, Ann a world-famous singer. They’re a happy celebrity couple, living life in the glare of the spotlight, but their world is turned upside-down by the birth of their first child, Annette, a mysterious little girl with an exceptional destiny.
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*Availability in US Director Leos Carax Release Date August 20, 2021 Writers Ron Mael , Russell Mael Cast Angèle , Kiko Mizuhara , Devyn McDowell , Simon Helberg , Adam Driver , Russell Mael , Marion Cotillard , Natalie Mendoza Runtime 139 minutes Expand
Emilia Pérez‘s bizarre mix of genres and unique songs makes it one of the strangest musicals ever, although it isn’t the strangest. Leos Carax’s 2021 musical stars Adam Driver as a stand-up comedian and Marion Cotillard as an opera singer, with the couple taking care of a daughter who takes the form of a wooden puppet. Annette then becomes a world-famous sensation, leading to a bizarre and trippy series of events.
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Annette‘s story, themes, and reality are incredibly difficult to decipher, but the movie is so strange that it’s funny. Much like Emilia Pérez, Annette is a musical comedy that left many audiences scratching their heads, although it received overwhelming critical praise. Thus, fans of Emilia Pérez should check out Carax’s musical from only a few years ago.
7 Joker: Folie à Deux
Directed By Todd Phillips
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84 5.1/10 Joker: Folie a Deux RDramaCrimeMusical
Joker: Folie à Deux is the sequel to Todd Phillips’ critically acclaimed comic book thriller Joker. Reprising his Academy Award-winning performance as the failed comedian Arthur Fleck, Joaquin Phoenix revisits the iconic DC character alongside Lady Gaga, who makes her debut as Joker’s lover Harley Quinn in this standalone continuity of the DC Universe.
Director Todd Phillips Release Date October 4, 2024 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Todd Phillips , Scott Silver , Bob Kane , Paul Dini , Bill Finger , Bruce Timm , Jerry Robinson Cast Joaquin Phoenix , Lady Gaga , Brendan Gleeson , Catherine Keener , Zazie Beetz , Steve Coogan , Harry Lawtey , Leigh Gill , Jacob Lofland , Sharon Washington , Troy Fromin , Bill Smitrovich , John Lacy , Ken Leung Character(s) Arthur Fleck , Lee Quinzel , Jackie , Maryanne Stewart , Sophie Dumond , Paddy Meyers , Harvey Dent , Gary Puddles , The Jokester , Social Worker , E Ward Inmate (Troy Larkins) , Judge Herman Rothwax , Arkham Guard Runtime 138 Minutes Franchise(s) Joker prequel(s) Joker Main Genre Drama Expand
Emilia Pérez isn’t the only bizarre musical that was released in 2024, in fact, as it was released merely a few weeks after Joker: Folie à Deux hit theaters. Joker: Folie à Deux is the musical sequel to Todd Phillips’ non-musical 2019 hit Joker, with the second Joaquin Phoenix villain movie taking things in a strange new direction. Despite being incredibly dark, Joker: Folie à Deux features all kinds of cheery musical sequences, although it is never clear what is real and what is in the titular clown’s mind.
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Joker: Folie à Deux, much like Emilia Pérez, surprised many with its musical element. While it doesn’t really seem like either needs to be a musical, they would undoubtedly be completely different without this element. Unlike Emilia Pérez, however, the second Joker movie was much more critically divisive, with most viewers having drastically different thoughts after the end of the film.
6 The Sisters Brothers
Directed By Jacques Audiard
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The Sisters Brothers RWestern
The Sisters Brothers is a 2018 Western film directed by Jacques Audiard. Set in 1851, it follows assassins Eli and Charlie Sisters, played by John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix, as they pursue a gold prospector accused of stealing from their boss. The film intertwines themes of loyalty, family, and survival against the backdrop of the American Frontier.
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*Availability in US Director Jacques Audiard Release Date September 21, 2018 Writers Jacques Audiard , Thomas Bidegain Cast Riz Ahmed , Carol Kane , Jake Gyllenhaal , Rutger Hauer , Joaquin Phoenix , Rebecca Root , John C. Reilly , Ian Reddington Main Genre Western Expand
Emilia Pérez was directed by Jacques Audiard, and viewers who loved his most recent film should check out some of his other works. Audiard’s most popular film before Emilia Pérez came out in 2018, with it being the Western comedy The Sisters Brothers. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, John C. Reilly, and Jake Gyllenhaal, the movie follows the titular brothers as they are sent on an assassination job, only for things to get far more complex than they initially seemed.
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Related Where Was Emilia Pérez Filmed? Shooting Locations Explained
Netflix’s Emilia Pérez takes place in various locations around the world but mostly takes place in Mexico City despite being shot in Paris, France.
The Sisters Brothers is tonally similar to Emilia Pérez, with it having similar comedic moments mixed with incredibly dark scenes and a crime story. Plus, since it was directed by Jacques Audiard, many of the same directorial flourishes that are seen in Emilia Pérez can also be found in The Sisters Brothers.
5 A Prophet
Directed By Jacques Audiard
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A Prophet (2009)
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Director Jacques Audiard has also made crime dramas that are a bit more straightforward, such as the 2009 film A Prophet. A Prophet follows a young Muslim man who is being held in a French prison. The protagonist soon finds himself being taken under the wing of a powerful member of the prison’s mob, leading to him getting various assignments and quickly rising up the ranks of the prison’s criminal underworld.
A Prophet is arguably Jacques Audiard’s most critically acclaimed film, with it being beloved ever since it was released. Much like Emilia Pérez, A Prophet features a lot of deep social commentary and dark criminal action, with it being perfect for fans of Emilia Pérez who want to see Audiard’s range.
4 Tangerine
Directed By Sean Baker
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8/10 Tangerine RComedyDrama
Tangerine, directed by Sean Baker, follows transgender sex worker Sin-Dee Rella, fresh out of jail on Christmas Eve, as she scours the streets of Los Angeles to track down her unfaithful pimp boyfriend. The film stands out for its raw and vibrant portrayal of marginalized communities, capturing the unique dynamics and resilience of its characters. Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez star in this groundbreaking, iPhone-shot drama.
Director Sean Baker Release Date July 10, 2015 Studio(s) Through Films , Duplass Brothers Productions Writers Sean Baker , Chris Bergoch Cast Kitana Kiki Rodriguez , Mya Taylor , Karren Karagulian , Mickey O’Hagen , Alla Tumanian Runtime 87 Minutes Budget 100000.0 Main Genre Comedy Expand
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One of the goals of Emilia Pérez is for it to realistically explore the experience of being a trans woman, and while it does succeed at points, the various intersecting storylines and comedic beats can distract the movie a bit. While there are plenty of fantastic trans movies, one of the most popular and critically acclaimed is Sean Baker’s 2015 film Tangerine.
Tangerine is a comedy-drama that follows the story of a transgender sex worker who discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. While the film is much smaller in scale than Emilia Pérez, it features similar themes and motifs. The film has been beloved since it was originally released, with it being a great pick for any fans of movies about the trans experience.
3 The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Directed By Jim Sharman
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10/10 The Rocky Horror Picture Show RComedyHorrorMusicalSci-Fi
Originally based on a stage play, The Rocky Horror Picture show is considered one of the most significant countercultural films of all time and maintains a wide cult following to this day. The film stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick, and follows Brad and Janet, a young couple who, after experiencing car trouble on a stormy night, are taken in by scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, an alien transvestite who lives in a nearby castle with his equally colorful servants.
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*Availability in US Director Jim Sharman Release Date August 15, 1975 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Richard O’Brien , Jim Sharman Cast Richard O’Brien , Peter Hinwood , Tim Curry , Barry Bostwick , Nell Campbell , Patricia Quinn , Susan Sarandon , Meat Loaf Runtime 100 minutes Franchise(s) The Rocky Horror Picture Show Budget $1.2 million Main Genre Comedy Expand
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The most notable thing about Emilia Pérez is that it is an LGBTQ+ musical, with it being all about the experience of being a trans woman. While they aren’t as mainstream, Emilia Pérez is just the latest in a historied series of musicals that have been made for the queer community. While there are plenty of good examples, one of the most famous is the beloved horror comedy musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the definition of a cult classic, with it only growing in popularity each year. Although the movie hasn’t aged perfectly since it was released in 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been praised as a landmark in queer media, with it clearly having strong LGBT influences. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is absolutely hilarious and features incredibly memorable characters, with it being a yearly Halloween watch for many fans.
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2 Kinky Boots
Directed By Julian Jarrold
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1/10 Kinky Boots PG-13ComedyDocumentaryDrama
Kinky Boots is a 2005 film directed by Julian Jarrold, inspired by a true story. It follows Charlie Price, played by Joel Edgerton, who inherits a struggling shoe factory and partners with drag queen Lola, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, to produce a line of high-heeled boots for men. This unexpected collaboration revitalizes the business and challenges societal norms, leading to personal and professional transformations.
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*Availability in US Director Julian Jarrold Release Date August 30, 2005 Writers Geoff Deane , Tim Firth Cast Joel Edgerton , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Sarah-Jane Potts , Nick Frost , Linda Bassett , Jemima Rooper Runtime 106 minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
Another popular musical that centers on the LGBTQ+ community is Kinky Boots, with the 2005 film being a great next pick for fans of Emilia Pérez. The film focuses on the world of drag, with the film following the owner of a struggling shoe business as he decides to begin selling footware to drag queens and other erotic dancers.
Related Emilia Pérez Review: Zoe Saldana’s Spectacular Netflix Crime Musical Melodrama Defies All Genres
Emilia Pérez is a narco crime saga, melodrama, and pop-opera all in one, affecting and thrilling as it teeters between chaos and control.
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Kinky Boots has been a popular musical since it was first released, with Kinky Boots even getting adapted into a stage production. While the Kinky Boots movie isn’t as beloved as the play, it still received generally positive reviews, with it being one of the few major musicals to center around characters who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
1 Hedwig And The Angry Inch
Directed By John Cameron Mitchell
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Hedwig and the Angry Inch ComedyDramaMusical Where to Watch
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*Availability in US Director John Cameron Mitchell Release Date July 20, 2001 Cast John Cameron Mitchell , Miriam Shor , Stephen Trask , Theodore Liscinski , Rob Campbell , Michael Aronov Main Genre Comedy
While some of the other entries on this list are musicals about the LGBTQ+ community, viewers who are specifically looking for another musical movie that features a trans woman as a protagonist have to look no further than Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The film follows a German trans woman who lives in Kansas, with her attempting to become a rock sensation through her powerful music.
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Although the film does have some detractors, with some criticizing some elements of its depiction of the trans experience, Hedwig and the Angry Inch has received incredibly positive reviews since it was first released in 2001. The film’s criticisms are similar to those that have been hurled at Emilia Pérez, but fans of the 2024 movie will most likely find a lot to love in Hedwig and the Angry Inch as well.
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10/10 Emilia Perez RCrimeDramaComedyMusic
Emilia Perez is a drama film that follows the life of Emilia Perez, a determined and ambitious individual striving to make a name for herself in a competitive environment. The story explores her journey as she navigates the challenges and obstacles that come her way, all while uncovering the complexities of her own identity.
Director Jacques Audiard Release Date November 13, 2024 Studio(s) Why Not Productions , Saint Laurent , Page 114 , Pathé , France 2 Cinéma , LPI Media , Pimienta Films , The Veterans Writers Jacques Audiard , Thomas Bidegain , Léa Mysius Cast Karla Sofía Gascón , Zoe Saldana , Selena Gomez , Adriana Paz , Edgar Ramirez , Mark Ivanir , Eduardo Aladro , Emiliano Edmundo Hasan Jalil , James Gerard , Eric Geynes , Agathe Bokja , Chun-Ting Lin , Stéphane Ly-Cuong , Line Phé , Pascal Toussirot , Karla Lazo Character(s) Emilia / Manitas , Rita , Jessi , Epifania , Gustavo Brun , Wasserman , Berlinger , Gabriel Mendoza , London City Boy , Thai nurse , Medical Staff , Thai Surgeon Runtime 130 Minutes Budget 26885000.0 Main Genre Crime Expand