Movies Like Pretty Baby: A Guide To 10 Must-See Films

Introduction

Pretty Baby is a 1978 film that stirred controversy upon its release due to its portrayal of child prostitution in New Orleans in the early 1900s. While the film was deemed controversial, it also earned critical acclaim for its stunning cinematography and the performances of its cast. If you enjoyed Pretty Baby and are looking for similar films to watch, this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll explore 10 movies like Pretty Baby that are sure to captivate and intrigue you.

1. Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver is a gritty and intense film that follows the story of Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran turned taxi driver who becomes obsessed with cleaning up the streets of New York City. Like Pretty Baby, this film explores themes of prostitution and the seedy underbelly of society. Robert De Niro delivers a powerful performance as Travis, and the film’s haunting score and cinematography make for a truly unforgettable experience.

2. Lolita (1962)

Lolita is a controversial film that explores the taboo relationship between a middle-aged man and a young girl. While the film may be uncomfortable to watch at times, it is a masterful exploration of desire and the lengths people will go to fulfill it. The film’s director, Stanley Kubrick, is known for his uncompromising vision and attention to detail, and Lolita is no exception.

3. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Blue Is the Warmest Color is a French film that explores the relationship between two young women. While the film may not deal with themes of prostitution or child exploitation like Pretty Baby, it does share a similar sense of intimacy and raw emotion. The film’s lead actresses, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux, deliver powerful performances that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

4. American Beauty (1999)

American Beauty is a film that explores the dark underbelly of suburban life. The film’s protagonist, Lester Burnham, is a middle-aged man who becomes disillusioned with his mundane existence and begins to rebel against societal norms. Like Pretty Baby, the film deals with themes of sexuality and the human condition, and it features stunning performances from Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, and Thora Birch.

5. The Graduate (1967)

The Graduate is a classic film that explores themes of youth, rebellion, and sexual awakening. The film’s protagonist, Benjamin Braddock, is a recent college graduate who becomes entangled in an affair with the wife of his father’s business partner. Like Pretty Baby, The Graduate deals with themes of forbidden desire and societal norms, and it features an iconic performance from Dustin Hoffman.

6. Leon: The Professional (1994)

Leon: The Professional is a French film that follows the story of a hitman who takes in a young girl after her family is killed by corrupt police officers. Like Pretty Baby, the film deals with themes of exploitation and the relationship between an adult and a child. The film’s director, Luc Besson, is known for his stylish and action-packed films, and Leon: The Professional is no exception.

7. Kids (1995)

Kids is a controversial film that explores the lives of a group of teenagers in New York City. Like Pretty Baby, the film deals with themes of sexuality and the exploitation of youth. The film’s director, Larry Clark, is known for his unflinching depictions of youth culture, and Kids is perhaps his most controversial film to date.

8. Thirteen (2003)

Thirteen is a coming-of-age film that follows the story of a young girl who becomes ensnared in a world of drugs, sex, and rebellion. Like Pretty Baby, the film deals with themes of adolescence and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The film’s lead actresses, Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed, deliver powerful performances that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

9. The Professional (1981)

The Professional is a classic French film that follows the story of a hitman who takes in a young girl after her family is killed by corrupt police officers. Like Pretty Baby, the film deals with themes of exploitation and the relationship between an adult and a child. The film’s director, Georges Lautner, is known for his stylish and entertaining films, and The Professional is no exception.

10. Bad Education (2004)

Bad Education is a Spanish film that follows the story of two men who were childhood friends and reunite years later to confront their past. Like Pretty Baby, the film deals with themes of sexuality and the exploitation of youth. The film’s director, Pedro Almodóvar, is known for his bold and provocative films, and Bad Education is no exception.

Conclusion

If you enjoyed Pretty Baby and are looking for similar films to watch, these 10 movies are a great place to start. Whether you’re in the mood for a gritty crime drama or a coming-of-age story, these films are sure to captivate and intrigue you. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show.