Have you ever watched a movie like Thirteen? The kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll? If you enjoyed the intensity and raw emotion of the film Thirteen, then you’ll be thrilled to know that there are other movies out there that can evoke the same powerful response.
These Movies have the power to take us on an emotional journey, leaving us speechless and contemplative. Whether it’s exploring the complexities of teenage life or delving into darker themes, these films have the ability to leave a lasting impact. So, if you’re searching for more thought-provoking movies to add to your watchlist, here are some recommendations that will leave you breathless and eager for more.
10 Best Movies Like Thirteen
We’ve curated a list of the top 10 films that will leave you captivated, inspired, and craving for more according to IMDb:
| S.No | Movie Title | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | Skins (2007) | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Mommy (2014) | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Mysterious Skin (2004) | 7.6/10 |
| 4 | Fish Tank (2009) | 7.3/10 |
| 5 | The Basketball Diaries (1995) | 7.3/10 |
| 6 | Speak (2004) | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | White Oleander (2002) | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Bully (2001) | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | The Babysitter (2017) | 6.3/10 |
| 10 | Foxfire (1996) | 6.1/10 |
Skins (2007)
In the two years of sixth form, a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, are the subjects of the British teen comedy-drama television series Skins. Its contentious plots have examined subjects including broken families, mental illness (including depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder), adolescent sexuality, gender, drug misuse, fatalities, and bullying.
The episodes are titled after the featured characters and typically center on a certain individual or group of characters and the challenges they go through in their daily lives. Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain, a father-and-son team of television writers, produced the program for Company Pictures. On January 25, 2007, it had its E4 debut.
- Director: Eduardo Casanova
- Writer: Eduardo Casanova
- Starring: Jon Kortajarena, Candela Peña, Ana Polvorosa
- Release date: 11 February 2017 (Berlin)
- Running time: 89 minutes
Mommy (2014)
Xavier Dolan’s 2014 drama film “Mommy” was produced in Canada. The first scene of the movie establishes the mood for the subsequent emotional and challenging trip. The main character Diane “Die” Després, played by Anne Dorval, is first presented to the viewer as she picks up her son Steve, played by Antoine-Olivier Pilon, from a mental institution. The tension-filled relationship between the two protagonists is established at this moment right away, giving away some of the difficulties they will encounter throughout the movie.
The movie examines issues like mother-son relationships, mental illness, and a single mother’s challenges with raising a troubled son.
- Director: Xavier Dolan
- Writer: Xavier Dolan
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Anne Dorval, Antoine-Olivier Pilon, Suzanne Clément
- Release Date: September 19, 2014 (Canada)
- Runtime: 139 minutes
Mysterious Skin (2004)
Based on Scott Heim’s book of the same name, Gregg Araki’s drama “Mysterious Skin” was released in 2004. The opening sequence of the film captivates viewers with a gloomy feeling of mystery.
The opening scene of the movie shows Brian Lackey, a young child played by George Webster, lying on his back on a Little League baseball field and gazing upward. This peaceful scene stands in stark contrast to Brian’s frightening monologue, which recounts a vivid memory of an alien encounter he had as a child. Brian has lost memories and a great sense of anxiety about his history as a result of this inexplicable event.
- Director: Gregg Araki
- Writer: Gregg Araki (screenplay), based on the novel by Scott Heim
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brady Corbet, Michelle Trachtenberg
- Release Date: May 20, 2005 (limited release in the United States)
- Runtime: Approximately 105 minutes
Fish Tank (2009)
In 2009, Andrea Arnold’s drama “Fish Tank” was released in the United Kingdom. The movie’s opening scene completely immerses viewers in the world of its protagonist, laying the groundwork for a coming-of-age tale that is complicated and full of genuine emotion.
The first image in the film is of a dilapidated council estate in Essex, England. As Katie Jarvis’s character, Mia Williams, a teen, spontaneously breaks out into dancing in an empty apartment, the camera follows her. Her gestures are a mix of anger, defiance, and self-expression while the music blares from her headphones.
- Director: Andrea Arnold
- Writer: Andrea Arnold
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Katie Jarvis, Michael Fassbender, Kierston Wareing
- Release Date: September 11, 2009 (UK)
- Runtime: Approximately 123 minutes
The Basketball Diaries (1995)
Based on Jim Carroll’s autobiography of the same name, “The Basketball Diaries” is a 1995 American drama film directed by Scott Kalvert. The grim and intense tone that permeates the plot is instantly established in the opening scene of the movie.
The first scene of the film features a young Jim Carroll, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, dribbling a basketball on a public court. As he plays, the camera follows him, revealing both his natural talent and passion for the game. When the camera pans up to show the metropolitan setting surrounding the court, the scene changes to a more menacing tone.
- Director: Scott Kalvert
- Writer: Bryan Goluboff (screenplay)
- Genre: Drama, Biography
- Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, Mark Wahlberg
- Release Date: April 21, 1995 (USA)
- Runtime: Approximately 102 minutes
Speak (2004)
Based on Laurie Halse Anderson’s book of the same name, Jessica Sharzer’s 2004 drama picture “Speak” was a success at the box office. The opening scene of the movie grabs the audience’s attention right away with its reflective and eerie ambiance.
The first scene of the film shows a high school corridor filled with students. The lead character, Kristen Stewart’s Melinda Sordino, stands out as she makes her way through the crowd while wearing a worried and distant countenance. Melinda’s inner thoughts are read aloud as the action plays, allowing viewers to understand her problems.
- Director: Jessica Sharzer
- Writer: Jessica Sharzer (screenplay)
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Kristen Stewart, Elizabeth Perkins, Steve Zahn
- Release Date: January 11, 2005 (USA)
- Runtime: Approximately 89 minutes
White Oleander (2002)
Based on Janet Fitch’s novel of the same name, Peter Kosminsky’s drama film “White Oleander” was released in 2002. The turbulent mother-daughter connection that forms the core of the plot is perfectly shown in the first scene of the movie.
The first scene of the film features a young Astrid Magnussen, played by Alison Lohman, watching her mother, Ingrid, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, closely while she paints. As Ingrid directs Astrid’s hand to create a portrait of herself, it is clear that she has a passionate yet mysterious personality. The complicated nature of their relationship and Ingrid’s significant role in Astrid’s life are both highlighted in this first scene.
- Director: Peter Kosminsky
- Writer: Mary Agnes Donoghue (screenplay)
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Alison Lohman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robin Wright
- Release Date: September 6, 2002 (USA)
- Runtime: Approximately 109 minutes
Bully (2001)
Based on the actual circumstances surrounding Bobby Kent’s death, Larry Clark’s 2001 crime drama film “Bully” tells the story of those circumstances. The first scene of the movie fully immerses the audience in the grim and disturbing reality that will follow.
The opening scene of the film is a nighttime beach scene that perfectly captures the informal gathering of friends. Brad Renfro’s character Marty Puccio enters the scene, and the camera follows him as he strolls over the sand. There is tension and underlying conflicts evident in the group’s interactions and dialogue.
- Director: Larry Clark
- Writer: Zachary Long, based on the book by Jim Schutze
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Starring: Brad Renfro, Nick Stahl, Bijou Phillips
- Release Date: June 15, 2001 (USA)
- Runtime: Approximately 113 minutes
The Babysitter (2017)
2017’s horror-comedy “The Babysitter” was helmed by McG. The movie’s lighthearted yet menacing tone is introduced to viewers right away in the opening scene.
The first scene of the film establishes the tranquility and commonplaceness of the environment by showing a suburban neighborhood at night. The camera then switches to a small child playing the role of Cole, who is covertly staying up later than his bedtime. Through their exchanges and joking around, Cole and Bee, the babysitter played by Samara Weaving, rapidly form their bond.
- Director: McG
- Writer: Brian Duffield
- Genre: Horror, Comedy
- Starring: Samara Weaving, Judah Lewis, Hana Mae Lee
- Release Date: October 13, 2017 (Netflix)
- Runtime: Approximately 85 minutes
Foxfire (1996)
Based on the Joyce Carol Oates novel, Annette Haywood-Carter’s drama film “Foxfire” was released in 1996. The opening scene of the film completely engulfs the audience in the friendship and rebellion that will drive the story.
The movie opens with a scene from a high school classroom in a small town where Legs Sadovsky, a new student played by Angelina Jolie, stands out for her outspoken and unorthodox behavior. Legs clearly capture interest and excitement as the camera moves across the pupils.
- Director: Annette Haywood-Carter
- Writer: Joyce Carol Oates (novel), Elizabeth White (screenplay)
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Hedy Burress, Angelina Jolie, Jenny Lewis
- Release Date: August 23, 1996 (USA)
- Runtime: Approximately 102 minutes
Ending Notes
If you are a fan of thought-provoking and emotionally impactful films like “Thirteen,” there are plenty of other movies that will leave you speechless. These films delve into intense and often controversial subjects, exploring the depths of human emotions and relationships. From coming-of-age dramas to psychological thrillers, there is a wide array of cinema that can evoke strong reactions and leave a lasting impression. So, if you enjoyed “Thirteen” and are looking for similar movies that will captivate and challenge you, be sure to explore the vast collection of thought-provoking films available.
