Movies like Harold and the Purple Crayon

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

   Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

   Shared themes

   2022 · 106 min · Comedy · Family · Music

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   When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle — a singing crocodile who loves baths, caviar and great music — living in the attic of his new home. But when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps, the Primms must band together to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places.

   Why it connects

   • shared themes: based on children's book and live action and animation
   • shared genre DNA
   • a closely matched era

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2. 

   02

   Sketch

   Similar atmosphere

   2025 · 93 min · Adventure · Comedy · Family · Fantasy

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   When a young girl’s sketchbook falls into a strange pond, her drawings come to life—chaotic, real, and on the loose. As the town descends into chaos, her family must reunite and stop the monsters they never meant to unleash.

   Why it connects

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

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3. 

   03

   Fatherhood

   Shared cast

   2021 · 109 min · Comedy · Drama

   Read synopsis

   A widowed new dad copes with doubts, fears, heartache and dirty diapers as he sets out to raise his daughter on his own. Inspired by a true story.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • a principal cast member
   • a closely matched era

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4. 

   04

   Clifford the Big Red Dog

   Similar atmosphere

   2021 · 96 min · Adventure · Comedy · Family · Fantasy

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   As Emily struggles to fit in at home and at school, she discovers a small red puppy who is destined to become her best friend. When Clifford magically undergoes one heck of a growth spurt, becomes a gigantic dog and attracts the attention of a genetics company, Emily and her Uncle Casey have to fight the forces of greed as they go on the run across New York City. Along the way, Clifford affects the lives of everyone around him and teaches Emily and her uncle the true meaning of acceptance and unconditional love.

   Why it connects

   • strong genre and movie-style overlap
   • shared theme: live action and animation
   • a closely matched era

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5. 

   05

   Christopher Robin

   Similar atmosphere

   2018 · 104 min · Adventure · Comedy · Family · Fantasy

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   Christopher Robin, the boy who had countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood, has grown up and lost his way. Now it’s up to his spirited and loveable stuffed animals, Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and the rest of the gang, to rekindle their friendship and remind him of endless days of childlike wonder and make-believe, when doing nothing was the very best something.

   Why it connects

   • strong genre and movie-style overlap

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6. 

   06

   The Twits

   Strong story similarity

   2025 · 99 min · Animation · Comedy · Family · Fantasy

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   When the meanest, nastiest villains pull a trick to take over their town, two brave children team up with a family of magical animals to bring them down.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • substantial genre overlap
   • shared theme: based on children's book

   Explore movies like The Twits
7. 

   07

   Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

   Similar atmosphere

   2021 · 93 min · Adventure · Comedy · Family

   Read synopsis

   Peter Rabbit runs away from his human family when he learns they are going to portray him in a bad light in their book. Soon, he crosses paths with an older rabbit who ropes him into a heist.

   Why it connects

   • strong genre and movie-style overlap
   • shared theme: based on children's book
   • a closely matched era

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8. 

   08

   Why Him?

   Strong story similarity

   2016 · 111 min · Comedy

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   A dad forms a bitter rivalry with his daughter's young rich boyfriend.

   Why it connects

   • strong story and style similarity
   • shared production studio: TSG Entertainment

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9. 

   09

   My Father's Dragon

   Similar atmosphere

   2022 · 99 min · Adventure · Animation · Comedy · Family · Fantasy

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   Struggling to cope after a move to the city with his mother, Elmer runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. Elmer’s adventures introduce him to ferocious beasts, a mysterious island and the friendship of a lifetime.

   Why it connects

   • strong genre and movie-style overlap
   • shared theme: based on children's book
   • a closely matched era

   Explore movies like My Father's Dragon
10. 

    10

    Wonder Park

    Similar atmosphere

    2019 · 86 min · Adventure · Animation · Comedy · Family · Fantasy

    Read synopsis

    A young girl named June with a big imagination makes an incredible discovery -- the amusement park of her dreams has come to life. Filled with the world's wildest rides operated by fun-loving animals, the excitement never ends. But when trouble hits, June and her misfit team of furry friends begin an unforgettable journey to save the park.

    Why it connects

    • strong genre and movie-style overlap
    • shared theme: imagination

    Explore movies like Wonder Park