Movies like Better Days

A feature-film shortlist from the cached Film Atlas engine. The interactive map may include more titles or newer results. These are similarity matches, not a guarantee of age suitability.

1. 

   01

   Journey to the West

   Strong story similarity

   2023 · 115 min · Adventure · Comedy · Drama · Mystery · Science Fiction

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   Tang Zhijun, an editor of a science fiction magazine, attempts to find signs of an alien civilisation. When a strange young man claims to have received instructions from aliens, Tang and his team follow him in search of extraterrestrial creatures.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • a closely matched era
   • shared production studio: Alibaba Pictures Group

   Explore movies like Journey to the West
2. 

   02

   20th Century Girl

   Strong story similarity

   2022 · 119 min · Drama · Romance

   Read synopsis

   In 1999, a teen girl keeps close tabs on a boy in school on behalf of her deeply smitten best friend – then she gets swept up in a love story of her own.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • strong genre and movie-style overlap
   • a closely matched era

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3. 

   03

   I'm Not Ashamed

   Strong story similarity

   2016 · 113 min · Crime · Drama

   Read synopsis

   Based on the journal entries of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • strong genre and movie-style overlap
   • a closely matched era

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4. 

   04

   Even If This Love Disappears Tonight

   Strong story similarity

   2025 · 106 min · Drama · Romance

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   A high school girl wakes up each day with no memory of yesterday. When she agrees to date a shy classmate, can their love grow with every new beginning?

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • strong genre and movie-style overlap
   • similar audience response

   Explore movies like Even If This Love Disappears Tonight
5. 

   05

   Your Name Engraved Herein

   Strong story similarity

   2020 · 115 min · Drama · Romance

   Read synopsis

   In 1987, as martial law ends in Taiwan, Jia-han and Birdy fall in love amid family pressure, homophobia and social stigma.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • strong genre and movie-style overlap
   • a closely matched era

   Explore movies like Your Name Engraved Herein
6. 

   06

   Her Story

   Strong story similarity

   2024 · 123 min · Drama · Romance

   Read synopsis

   Wang Tiemei, a single mother, loses her job and moves, befriending neighbor Xiaoye who appears cheerful but is depressed. Their bond grows as Tiemei navigates relationships with her ex-husband causing trouble.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • strong genre and movie-style overlap

   Explore movies like Her Story
7. 

   07

   Sunny

   Strong story similarity

   2011 · 136 min · Comedy · Drama

   Read synopsis

   Seven girls become good friends in high school, then events pull them apart for 25 years. When one of the friends lies dying in a hospital, she wishes to see each of them one last time.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • shared theme: bullying

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8. 

   08

   The Bodyguard

   Strong story similarity

   2016 · 99 min · Action · Crime · Drama

   Read synopsis

   A retired bodyguard who has settled into a corner of the world where China, Russia and North Korea meet as he suffers from early dementia finds a new friend in a young girl. When her life is threatened by her father's connection with a local crime lord, the bodyguard must call upon his long forgotten skills to save her.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • substantial genre overlap
   • a closely matched era

   Explore movies like The Bodyguard
9. 

   09

   Love in the Big City

   Strong story similarity

   2024 · 118 min · Drama · Romance

   Read synopsis

   When a carefree woman learns that her closeted friend is gay, the two form an inseparable bond and find comfort in each other's company.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • strong genre and movie-style overlap

   Explore movies like Love in the Big City
10. 

    10

    Close

    Strong story similarity

    2022 · 104 min · Drama

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    Two 13-year-old boys spend an idyllic summer together, but their connection is put to the test when they become the subject of speculation at school.

    Why it connects

    • strong story and style similarity
    • shared themes: bullying and depressing
    • a closely matched era

    Explore movies like Close