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15 Movies Like Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

Loved Once Upon a Time in the Middle East? Based on its unique Cinema DNA—including its pacing, themes, and emotional tone—we've curated the ultimate list of what you should watch next.

The Shadow's Edge
#1

The Shadow's Edge

Macau Police brings the tracking expert police officer out of retirement to help catch a dangerous group of professional thieves.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Kung Fu Soccer
#2

Kung Fu Soccer

The "Supreme Invincible Cup" is about to begin, and a host of top teams are about to engage in an unprecedented showdown! But the Kung Fu Women's Soccer Team has been dealt a hellish script right from the start?! Their opponents are all highly skilled, and external pressure is mounting. The schemes on the field are one after another... Can they use their kung fu to turn the tide on the green field?

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Blades of the Guardians
#3

Blades of the Guardians

Dao Ma, the "second most wanted fugitive," is entrusted by his benefactor, the chief of Mo family clan, to take on a mysterious escort mission-escorting the "most wanted fugitive" to Chang'an.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Dear You
#4

Dear You

Xiaowei travels to Thailand to find his "billionaire grandfather" who is out of contact due to debt problems, but unexpectedly find the one who has been corresponding with his grandmother for years is not her husband.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Lust, Caution
#5

Lust, Caution

During World War II, a secret agent must seduce, then assassinate an official who works for the Japanese puppet government in Shanghai. Her mission becomes clouded when she finds herself falling in love with the man she is assigned to kill.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Big World
#6

Big World

Liu Chunhe, suffering from cerebral palsy, bravely breaks through the shackles of body and mind to realize the dream stage for his grandmother, while trying to find the coordinates of his own life. After experiencing a summer transformation, he finally embarked on a new journey.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force
#7

Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force

Taishi Wen Zhong led the army of Shang Dynasty including Deng Chanyu and four generals of the Mo Family to Xiqi. With the help of Kunlun immortals such as Jiang Ziya, Ji Fa led the army and civilians of Xiqi to defend their homeland.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Hero
#8

Hero

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

The Wandering Earth
#9

The Wandering Earth

When the Sun begins to expand in such a way that it will inevitably engulf and destroy the Earth in a hundred years, united mankind finds a way to avoid extinction by propelling the planet out of the Solar System using gigantic engines, moving it to a new home located four light years away, an epic journey that will last thousands of years.

💡Why it's a match: A fantastic follow-up watch to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Something's Gotta Give
#10

Something's Gotta Give

When perpetually single, aging music industry exec Harry Sanborn, and his latest trophy girlfriend, Marin, arrive at her mother's beach house in the Hamptons, they find that her mother, playwright Erica Barry, also plans to stay for the weekend. Erica is scandalized by the relationship and Harry's sexist ways. But when Harry has a heart attack while there, and the doctor prescribes bedrest, his only option is to stay at the Barry home. Left in the care of Erica and his doctor, a love triangle starts to take shape.

💡Why it's a match: Recommended because both films perfectly capture the Emotional Damage feel you're looking for.

To Her
#11

To Her

Gwang-ho is bored except for the time he's taking off his girlfriend's underwear. He visits his Seoul home at the news that his grandfather is dying. Amidst the awkwardness, he remembers something. Ji-yoon is his cousin who has grown up to be a young lady. Gwang-ho is attracted to the fully grown woman and the same is said for Ji-yoon.

💡Why it's a match: Recommended because both films perfectly capture the Emotional Damage feel you're looking for.

In Secret
#12

In Secret

In 1860s Paris, a young woman, Therese, is trapped in a loveless marriage to the sickly Camille by her domineering aunt, Madame Raquin. She spends her days behind the counter of a small shop and her evenings watching Madame play dominos with an eclectic group. After she meets her husband’s alluring friend, Laurent, she embarks on an illicit affair that leads to tragic consequences. Based on Emile Zola’s novel, Thérèse Raquin.

💡Why it's a match: Recommended because both films perfectly capture the Emotional Damage feel you're looking for.

The Tin Drum
#13

The Tin Drum

In 1924, Oskar Matzerath is born in the Free City of Danzig. At age three, he falls down a flight of stairs and stops growing. In 1939, World War II breaks out.

💡Why it's a match: Recommended because both films perfectly capture the Emotional Damage feel you're looking for.

The Elephant Man
#14

The Elephant Man

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.

💡Why it's a match: Recommended because both films perfectly capture the Emotional Damage feel you're looking for.

The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell
#15

The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell

A dramatization of the American general and his court martial for publically complaining about High Command's dismissal and neglect of the aerial fighting forces.

💡Why it's a match: A highly-rated genre match based on the viewing habits of people who liked Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.

Explore Related Vibes

Loved the specific cinematic traits of Once Upon a Time in the Middle East? Dive deeper into these curated collections.

Best Emotional Damage Movies