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12 Heart-warming Movies like Coco That Will Make You Cry

June 28, 2023
Movies like Coco

In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in animated films that are not only visually stunning but also culturally rich and emotionally captivating. One such standout example is Pixar’s Coco, a film that beautifully showcases Mexican traditions, such as Día de Muertos or the Day of the Dead, while delivering a heartwarming story that has resonated with audiences worldwide. For your consideration, we have curated a list beautiful movies like Coco you should surely watch.

Coco stands out for its poignant exploration of themes such as memory, legacy, and the importance of honouring one’s ancestors. At its core, Coco celebrates family, music, and the power of remembrance. Such films transport us on captivating journeys, blending folklore, traditions, and magic into spellbinding tales that engross viewers of all ages. So what are your waiting for? Grab your tissues and get ready to watch these incredible movies.

List of Movies Like Coco

  1. The Book of Life
  2. Soul
  3. Brave
  4. Song of The Sea
  5. Moana
  6. Spirited Away
  7. Finding Nemo
  8. Kubo and the Two Strings
  9. Tangled
  10. Big Hero 6
  11. UP
  12. Wall-E

1. The Book of Life (2014)

The Book of Life bears a resemblance to Coco through its vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and the significance of embracing one’s heritage. The film takes place during Día de los Muertos, introducing us to the charming story of Manolo, who embarks on an extraordinary journey through the enchanting realms of the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten. 

With its visually captivating animation, delightful storytelling, and mesmerising portrayal of Mexican folklore, The Book of Life offers a delightful cinematic experience. It beautifully emphasises the importance of familial bonds, honouring one’s roots, and following one’s passions. For devoted fans of movies like Coco, this film is a must-watch, as it immerses you in a similar cultural tapestry and provides a heartwarming tale that celebrates love, life and the power of remembrance.

2. Soul (2020)

Soul takes a compelling journey akin to Coco by exploring profound existential themes and the pursuit of one’s true purpose. This Pixar masterpiece introduces us to Joe Gardner, a passionate jazz musician who finds himself in the mystical realm known as the Great Before, where souls develop their identities before birth. With its thought-provoking narrative, stunning animation, and soul-stirring soundtrack, “Soul” delves into the depths of what it means to truly live. 

It challenges viewers to reflect on their own purpose and the beauty found in life’s simple joys. A fan of “Coco” should not miss “Soul,” as it delivers another extraordinary animated film that showcases Pixar’s mastery in storytelling and offers a profound reminder of the significance of living a purposeful and fulfilling life.

3. Brave (2012)

Brave graced audiences with a tale that resonates with “Coco” by placing a strong emphasis on self-discovery and the importance of family bonds. Set against the backdrop of the mystical Scottish Highlands, the film introduces us to Princess Merida, a courageous and headstrong young woman who defies tradition and embarks on a transformative journey to undo a curse.

 Through its breathtaking animation, the empowering presence of a determined female protagonist, and its heartfelt exploration of familial relationships, “Brave” weaves a captivating and emotionally resonant narrative. Fans of “Coco” will find “Brave” to be a delightful watch, as it celebrates the complexities of individuality, highlights the transformative power of self-discovery, and reinforces the enduring strength of familial love.

4. Song of the Sea (2014)

Transporting audiences into a world of enchantment, “Song of the Sea” (2014) shares similarities with “Coco” through its mesmerizing storytelling and the theme of embracing one’s heritage. Set in Ireland, this magical film follows the extraordinary journey of young Ben and his selkie sister Saoirse as they embark on a mythic quest to save mystical creatures and rediscover their true identities.

With its breathtakingly beautiful animation, enchanting Celtic mythology, and its exploration of love and loss, “Song of the Sea” presents a profound cinematic experience. A fan of “Coco” should not miss this gem, as it will captivate with its artistry, immerse in a rich folklore, and resonate deeply with its poignant themes of family, identity, and belonging.

5. Moana (2016)

Moana embarked on an awe-inspiring voyage, drawing parallels to the beloved Coco by celebrating cultural heritage and the transformative power of music. This animated masterpiece takes us on an adventurous journey across the vast ocean, where we join the spirited young Polynesian princess, Moana. Driven by her unwavering determination, she sets out to save her people and discovers her true identity along the way. 

With its breathtaking animation, captivating storytelling, and a mesmerizing soundtrack that blends traditional Polynesian melodies with modern rhythms, Moana delivers a vibrant and empowering tale. It encourages viewers, just like Coco, to embrace their heritage, find the strength within themselves, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. For fans of Coco seeking another heartfelt animated adventure that celebrates culture and identity, Moana is an absolute must-watch.

6. Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away offers a whimsical and captivating narrative that mirrors Coco’s exploration of self-discovery. Directed by the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki, this enchanting Japanese animated film invites us into a mystical realm teeming with unique spirits and mysterious creatures. We follow the courageous young girl, Chihiro, as she navigates through the spirit world to rescue her parents and uncover her own inner strength.

 Spirited Away, much like Coco, touches upon themes of personal growth, resilience, and finding one’s place in the world. With its breathtaking animation, imaginative storytelling, and profound symbolism, Spirited Away mesmerizes viewers of all ages. Fans of Coco will find themselves drawn to this fantastical journey of self-discovery, where Chihiro’s transformative adventure resonates deeply and reminds us of the power within ourselves to overcome challenges and discover our true identities.

7. Finding Nemo (2003)

Diving into the depths of the ocean, Finding Nemo shares a distinct charm with Coco through its heartwarming story and themes of familial love and resilience. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this beloved Pixar film takes us on a captivating underwater adventure as Marlin, a timid clownfish, embarks on a daring journey to find his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver. 

With its stunning animation, memorable characters, and a perfect blend of humour and heart, Finding Nemo captures the essence of an extraordinary quest driven by love and determination. Just like Coco, it reminds us of the enduring bond between family members and the courage needed to overcome obstacles. For fans of Coco, Finding Nemo offers a delightful voyage through an underwater wonderland, filled with memorable moments and a powerful message about the power of love and never giving up.

8. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Kubo and the Two Strings emerged as a visually captivating stop-motion animated film that resonates with Coco through its exploration of family, storytelling, and self-discovery. Directed by Travis Knight, this enchanting tale follows the young hero Kubo as he embarks on a magical quest to uncover his family’s legacy and confront ancient adversaries.

 With its meticulous craftsmanship, evocative artistry, and compelling narrative emphasising the importance of storytelling, Kubo and the Two Strings offers a cinematic experience that appeals to fans of Coco. Both films celebrate the power of memory, the strength found within family bonds, and the transformative journey of discovering one’s true self. For fans of Coco seeking another visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated gem, Kubo and the Two Strings is a must-watch.

9. Tangled (2010)

Tangled weaved a spellbinding tale of adventure and self-discovery, sharing common threads with Coco in exploring personal growth and pursuing dreams. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, this Disney animated film breathes new life into the timeless story of Rapunzel.

With its dazzling animation, charming characters, and enchanting soundtrack, Tangled immerses viewers in a world of magic and adventure. Like Coco, Tangled beautifully portrays the journey of a young protagonist as they step outside their comfort zone, embrace their true selves, and realize their dreams. For fans of Coco, Tangled offers a delightful blend of humour, heart, and a reminder that, like Rapunzel, we all have the power to chart our own destinies and find our true identities.

10. Big Hero 6 (2014)

Big Hero 6  soars into the realm of superhero adventures and resonates with Coco through its themes of friendship, loss, and embracing one’s true calling. Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, this animated film introduces us to Hiro Hamada, a young prodigy who forms an unlikely bond with Baymax, a lovable healthcare robot. Together with their group of friends, they become a team of superheroes and embark on a thrilling mission to save their city. 

Just like Coco, Big Hero 6 captures the essence of heartfelt connections, the power of love and loss, and the transformative journey of self-discovery. With its dynamic animation, lovable characters, and an engaging blend of action and emotion, Big Hero 6 is a must-watch for fans of Coco, as it delivers an exhilarating adventure that explores the importance of embracing our talents and finding strength through the bonds we form.

11 Up (2009)

Up took flight and captured the hearts of audiences with its poignant story of love, adventure, and the power of dreams. This Pixar masterpiece, directed by Pete Docter, shares similarities with Coco in its exploration of the power of memories, the resilience of the human spirit, and the significance of lifelong connections. 

Up follows the journey of Carl Fredricksen, a widower who embarks on a remarkable adventure by attaching thousands of balloons to his house. Along the way, he forms an unexpected bond with a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. With its captivating animation, a touch of whimsy, and a heartfelt narrative, Up takes viewers on an emotional journey that reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories, embracing new experiences, and finding love and friendship in unexpected places. For fans of Coco, Up offers a captivating and uplifting tale that celebrates the human spirit and the power of connections that transcend time.

12. Wall-E (2008)

Wall-E swept audiences off their feet with its endearing story and environmental message, drawing parallels to Coco through its themes of humanity, love, and the power of connection. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this futuristic Pixar film follows the adorable and curious robot Wall-E, who embarks on a remarkable journey to save humanity and discover the true meaning of life. 

With its groundbreaking animation, minimalistic storytelling, and thought-provoking social commentary, Wall-E captures the hearts of viewers. Like Coco, Wall-E highlights the importance of cherishing our planet, preserving our shared heritage, and fostering meaningful relationships. For fans of Coco, Wall-E provides a touching and visually stunning experience that reminds us of the profound impact we can have on the world and the importance of finding love and connection in unexpected places.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few movies like Coco that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Iron Heart
  2. Inside Out
  3. The Lion King
  4. Frozen
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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