If you are in search of movies like The Green Mile, look no further because we have got you covered!
Directed by Frank Darabont, The Green Mile explores the growing relationship between death row prison guards and an inmate awaiting execution. The movie earned Michael Clarke Duncan wide recognition and is one of those rare films that feature Tom Hanks in a meaty supporting role.
The list below that I have carefully compiled comprises movies like The Green Mile that’ll give you a tinge of pain, remorse and somehow still leave you with a glimmer of hope at the end. Let’s get started!
Top 10 Tender & Gut-Wrenching Movies Like The Green Mile
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
An Alabama man with an IQ of 75 recalls highlights of his life journey to strangers at a bus stop as he awaits reconciliation with the love of his life once again.
This Robert Zemeckis creation is enhanced by gut-wrenching performances by Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. At its heart, Forrest Gump is tender, simple, yet multifaceted.
Like The Green Mile, this story is also about the solo journey of a simple individual who has been overwhelmed by many of his life’s experiences.
2. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
A convict claims to be mentally ill to ease the severity of his sentence much to the dismay of the staff at the mental health institution that he is placed in. Combine this together and you have a plot that guarantees a few laughs but also strikes some painful chords.
Based on a novel by Ken Kasey and directed by Milos Forman, this classic also showcases the classiest of performances by Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher.
If societal injustices in the world we live in resonated with you while watching The Green Mile, this movie is highly recommended.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of a black man, who is alleged of raping a white girl, and a lawyer who decides to take up the case to defend his honor and tackle extant societal prejudices in Alabama.
This black and white motion picture explores wrongful accusations and many questions to ponder on after the last scene. Along with an incredible story, viewers also get to appreciate performances by stars Gregory Peck and John Megna, along with direction by Robert Mulligan.
Movies like The Green Mile uncover moral biases and ideas of right and wrong, To Kill a Mockingbird does the same in a more subtle way.
4. The Usual Suspects (1995)
The story that is unveiled by a ship arson survivor during interrogation is a twisted tale filled with mystery, plenty of drama, and a whole host of ‘usual suspects’.
Bryan Singer’s direction accompanied by Kevin Spacey and Gabriel Byrne’s fine performing skills give the film the right amount of edge and arouses in the viewer an insatiable curiosity to get to the bottom of whatever seems to be going on.
If you are drawn to crime scenes and grueling investigations, you will find yourself just at home with The Usual Suspects as you did with The Green Mile.
5. Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A friendship develops between two incarcerated men as they seek refuge within the confines of the prison while remaining hopeful of a chance to redeem themselves.
With a little bit of wit, lots of drama, and the right amount of suspense, this movie will crawl its way to the heart of every cinema lover. The Frank Darabont directorial is marked by fine performances with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in the lead roles.
Movies like The Green Mile have the distinctive feature of delving into a wronged individual’s soulful journey at redemption and The Shawshank Redemption is an effort in the same direction.
6. Jojo Rabbit (2019)
During World War II, a young patriotic German apprentice discovers that his family was providing shelter to a Jewish girl, and everything goes south.
Exceptional performances by Roman Griffin Davis, Thomas Mckenzie, and Scarlett Johansson combined with Taika Waititi’s praiseworthy direction make Jojo Rabbit a classic of modern times.
Movies like The Green Mile and Jojo Rabbit are hinged on characters that exhibit unyielding faith and loyalty towards their profession and their country. Both are highly recommended if you wish to see both sides of a patriotic coin.
7. The Deer Hunter (1978)
The lives of 3 friends in Pennsylvania turn upside down when they enroll themselves in the military service during the Vietnam war.
Starring Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken, and directed by Michael Cimino, the Deer Hunter gives the viewer a sobering view of life during war and conflict.
The Deer Hunter film leaves you feeling distraught and remorseful at the injustices meted out to civilians caught up in the political feud between nations, a similar after-effect as after watching the Green Mile.
8. Schindler’s List (1993)
Business tycoon Oskar Schindler becomes increasingly worried about his Jewish employees during World War II in a German-occupied Poland.
Like every one of Steven Spielberg’s creations, this one stands out as one of his best. Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley exhibit delicate, balanced performances that evoke empathy at the plight of the downtrodden while exhibiting the importance of moral goodness.
Being themed around discrimination and prejudice faced by minority communities puts this movie very much in the league of movies like The Green Mile and hence on the recommendation list.
9. Just Mercy (2019)
A young and energetic law graduate works painstakingly to aid an innocent convict sentenced to a death row.
Based on a real-life story, the movie treads on the fine line between idealism and realism. Showcasing an impressive cast line of Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson are only matched with the remarkable directing skills of Destin Daniel Cretton.
If The Green Mile sparked resentment within you towards gross denial of human rights, Just Mercy is a must-watch.
10. Léon the Professional (1994)
An assassin and a young girl develop a mentor-mentee relationship when he is forced to provide her shelter under unique circumstances.
The film offers an appealing combo of good direction and fine acting. The unusual story is captivating owing to its sheer novelty. This Luc Besson directorial stars Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and a wonderful Natalie Portman.
What makes movies like The Green Mile special is the deep relationships that are formed between unexpected characters. Leon the Professional is no different.