Sean Baker’s Anora made history at the 2025 Academy Awards, winning five Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. The film captivated audiences with its raw storytelling, electrifying performances, and a deeply emotional journey that explored class, power, and survival through the eyes of a Brooklyn sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s family.
If you loved Anora and its mix of gritty realism, street-level storytelling, and compelling characters, here are 10 movies that capture similar themes, aesthetics, and emotional intensity.
Tangerine (2015)
Sean Baker’s breakout film Tangerine is an essential watch for Anora fans. Shot entirely on an iPhone, this indie gem follows two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles as they navigate a whirlwind Christmas Eve filled with heartbreak, humor, and unexpected moments of tenderness. Like Anora, it captures the rawness of street life, blending comedy and drama while spotlighting marginalized voices. Baker’s signature visual energy and commitment to realism make Tangerine a must-see companion piece to his Oscar-winning film.
Pretty Woman (1990)
At first glance, Pretty Woman might seem like a glossy romantic comedy, but at its heart, it’s a Cinderella story about power dynamics, sex work, and class divides—just like Anora. Julia Roberts’ unforgettable performance as Vivian, a Hollywood escort who unexpectedly falls for a wealthy businessman (Richard Gere), mirrors Anora’s journey as she navigates love, wealth, and identity. Though Pretty Woman has a far more polished, fairy-tale ending than Anora, both films explore how women in the sex industry contend with societal judgment and personal aspirations.
Hustlers (2019)
Lorene Scafaria’s Hustlers is another riveting exploration of sex work, power, and survival. Based on true events, the film follows a group of strippers (led by Jennifer Lopez in a career-defining role) who scam Wall Street men out of their money. Like Anora, Hustlers delves into the dynamics between wealth and exploitation, presenting its protagonists with both empathy and complexity. It’s stylish, thrilling, and deeply human—qualities that made Anora such a standout.
Uncut Gems (2019)
If Anora’s nerve-wracking intensity kept you on edge, Uncut Gems is a perfect follow-up. Directed by the Safdie Brothers, this anxiety-inducing thriller follows a compulsive gambler (Adam Sandler) as he spirals through a series of high-stakes risks in New York City. Much like Anora, it immerses viewers in the chaotic world of its protagonist, capturing the allure of money, danger, and desperation. The handheld cinematography and fast-paced editing mirror the kinetic energy of Anora, making this an exhilarating double feature.
Red Rocket (2021)
Another Sean Baker masterpiece, Red Rocket tells the story of a washed-up adult film star (Simon Rex) who returns to his small Texas hometown, only to wreak havoc on everyone around him. Like Anora, it features morally complex characters, sharp social commentary, and Baker’s signature slice-of-life storytelling. Both films explore the American Dream through unconventional lenses, showing how individuals on the fringes of society chase hope, love, and stability in their own ways.
The Florida Project (2017)
Before Anora, The Florida Project was Sean Baker’s most acclaimed work, capturing the struggles of the working class through the eyes of a six-year-old girl living in a rundown motel near Disney World. Like Anora, it highlights economic hardship, youthful innocence, and the resilience of those living on society’s margins. Baker’s gift for blending non-professional actors with seasoned performers shines in both films, making them feel heartbreakingly authentic.
Pleasure (2021)
If you were intrigued by Anora’s unfiltered look at the sex industry, Pleasure offers an even more unflinching perspective. Directed by Ninja Thyberg, this Swedish-American film follows a young woman who moves to Los Angeles to become a porn star, exposing the industry’s darker corners along the way. Like Anora, it balances empathy with brutal honesty, showing the complexities of agency, exploitation, and ambition. It’s an intense but necessary watch.
American Honey (2016)
Andrea Arnold’s American Honey shares Anora’s restless energy and road-movie vibe. The film follows a teenage girl (Sasha Lane) who joins a traveling magazine sales crew, leading her into a world of adventure, danger, and fleeting romance. Like Anora, it captures youthful dreams clashing with harsh realities, all while delivering stunning visuals and a pulsating soundtrack.
Zola (2020)
Based on the viral Twitter thread by A’Ziah “Zola” King, Zola is a wild ride through a world of sex work, crime, and survival. Starring Taylour Paige as the titular character, the film follows a Detroit waitress who gets lured into a road trip from hell with an unhinged stripper and her dangerous pimp. Like Anora, it’s an unpredictable, sharply written story that blends humor with harrowing drama. Janicza Bravo’s direction gives the film a unique energy that mirrors the urgency and tension found in Anora.
Spring Breakers (2012)
Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers is a neon-soaked fever dream that, like Anora, explores youth, excess, and the dark side of the American Dream. Following four college girls who get caught up in crime while on spring break, the film shares Anora’s themes of survival and transformation. With its hypnotic editing and haunting performances (especially from James Franco’s unforgettable Alien), it’s a trippy yet thought-provoking addition to this list.
How to watch the best movies like Anora streaming online in India
Anora’s Oscar wins cemented it as a modern classic, blending street-level storytelling with deeply human drama. If you’re looking for films that share its DNA, here’s how you can watch these movies on streaming platforms in India. We also provide you with offers to buy, rent, or even watch these movies for free online.
