Set in post-World War II Hollywood, Ryan Murphy's recent Netflix miniseries Hollywood takes a new spin on film history. The golden age of cinema wasn't so for everyone; Hollywood shines a light on minority groups of society and their disadvantages in the showbiz industry.
Aspiring actors, screenwriters, directors, and studio heads confuse their morals with career goals and the need to survive. Based on real historical figures, these characters are forced to make huge sacrifices to see their dreams come true. For fans of the series, here are ten other showbiz dramas with similar themes.
The Last Tycoon
The Last Tycoon is another series that lasted only season after being canceled by Amazon. For those who enjoyed the glitz and glamour of 1940s Hollywood in the Netflix miniseries, this series is an excellent choice.
With gorgeous period costumes and set design, this series takes place in 1930s Hollywood and is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's last (and unfinished) novel. Hitler's oppression is palpable, as are the effects of the Depression, and cinema is suffering. The series stars Matt Bomer, Kelsey Grammer, and Lily Collins.
Rules Don't Apply
Lily Collins also stars in Rules Don't Apply, a 2016 film written, directed by, and starring Warren Beaty as Howard Hughes. Another period piece, the film follows Marla, a contract actress who falls in love with her driver (Alden Ehrenreich) even though her contract prevents her from dating colleagues.
The film received mixed reviews, and though the romantic drama isn't faultless, it's endearing in its own way. With a moderate touch of humor, this film is a balanced blend of comedy, drama, romance, and appreciation for cinema and film history.
Famous In Love
Bella Thorne plays the lead role in this two-season showbiz drama. Paige Townsend is a struggling college student who lands a big role in a Hollywood movie. As she struggles to deal with fame, she also juggles her complicated living situation.
In addition to the complicated lives of famous actors, the series explores professionals in other fields of the industry. Paige's two best friends are a writer, and an aspiring actress, respectively, who must make sacrifices similar to the characters of Hollywood. Another of the main characters is a producer whose role is similar to Henry Wilson's.
La La Land
For fans of musicals, La La Land is the way to go. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone play a troubled couple who meet in Los Angeles. Sebastian is a jazz musician, while Mia is a struggling actress.
They are both determined and committed to pursuing their careers and seeing success. This affects their relationship greatly as they realize that they cannot nurture their own dreams and the other person's, too.
Hugo
Hugo is a 2011 film directed by Martin Scorsese. He seems an unlikely choice for what appears to be a children's movie, but as the film continues, it makes sense.
Asa Butterfield plays Hugo Cabret, a young orphan who lives in a train station in 1930s Paris. His late father (Jude Law) left behind an automaton for him, which he brings to life with the help of a girl he meets at the station (Chloë Grace Moretz). Their discovery leads them on an adventure where they learn about the history of film and cinema.
Mank
Mank is an upcoming Netflix film directed by David Fincher and written by his late father, Jack Fincher. This film is a biopic about the screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles.
Orson Welles directed and starred in Citizen Kane, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. However, Mankiewicz had to fight for screenwriting credit for the film.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is a 2019 film set in 1960s Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio portrays a washed-up actor named Rick Dalton who, along with his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), struggles to reclaim their fame.
Margot Robbie also appears as Sharon Tate, who was a real actress. Tarantino gives her story a happier ending than she had in real life, a choice that was heavily criticized - not unlike Ryan Murphy's miniseries. Tate was murdered in real life, but in the film, viewers get to know her as she goes about her day. In the end, Rick and Cliff escape a similar fate and take refuge in Sharon's house as she expects a baby.
Saving Mr. Banks
Pamela Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books, agrees to meet with Walt Disney to adapt her story for the screen. However, she's adamant that the movie shall not be animated and therefore disagrees with Disney on quite a few counts.
Saving Mr. Banks stars Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks in the lead roles. For fans of historical movies about the film industry, this film certainly lives up to its premise.
Birdman
Birdman is an acclaimed 2014 film about a fading movie star by the name of Riggan Thomson (also known as Birdman). The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Cinematography for its long, immersing takes.
Michael Keaton's performance in the lead role has also been praised, as has Alejandro González Iñárritu's directorial vision. For those who enjoyed Hollywood's more modern and "woke" take on the film industry, Birdman is a great choice to watch next.
The Disaster Artist
James Franco directs and stars in this 2017 film about an aspiring filmmaker and actor. Like the characters of Hollywood, they move to the city in search of stardom. Also like Hollywood, the film is based on real events.
Tommy Wiseau (portrayed by James Franco) uses his own money to produce a film called The Room, which ends up becoming a cult classic despite being spurned by critics. The real Tommy Wiseau also appears in The Disaster Artist, alongside Seth Rogen, Dave Franco, and Alison Brie.