Movies Like When The Ocean Is Blue

If you liked When The Ocean Is Blue (1988), a movie directed by Liao Ching-sung, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue (2010)
★ 6.8/10
During a summer stay on the mainland, Tinker Bell is accidentally discovered while investigating a little girl's fairy house. As the other fairies, led by the brash Vidia, launch a daring rescue in the middle of a…
2
Mary Poppins (1964)
★ 7.5/10
In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father.
3
Penelope (2006)
★ 6.7/10
Forlorn heiress Penelope Wilhern is cursed, and the only way out is to fall in love with someone of suitable stock. But how can she find her soulmate when she's sequestered inside her family's estate with only her…
4
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)
★ 5.8/10
A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.
5
Wilson (2017)
★ 6/10
Middle-aged and divorced, Wilson finds himself lonely, smug, and obsessed with his past.
6
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
★ 6.1/10
When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms—where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world.
7
A Monster Calls (2016)
★ 7.3/10
12-year-old Conor encounters an ancient tree monster who proceeds to help him cope with his mother's terminal illness and being bullied in school.
8
Interiors (1978)
★ 6.8/10
When Eve, an interior designer, is deserted by her husband of many years, Arthur, the emotionally glacial relationships of the three grown-up daughters are laid bare. Twisted by jealousy, insecurity and resentment…
9
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
★ 7.2/10
Loving but irresponsible dad Daniel Hillard, estranged from his exasperated spouse, is crushed by a court order allowing only weekly visits with his kids. When Daniel learns his ex needs a housekeeper, he gets the job…
10
Nothing in Common (1986)
★ 5.9/10
A successful advertising executive finds his freewheeling life crashing to a halt when his parents end their longtime marriage.
11
The Magic Faraway Tree (2026)
★ 6.7/10
A modern family relocates to the countryside where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric residents. They're transported to fantastical lands, rekindling their family bond through adventures.
12
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
★ 7.5/10
In 1900, young widow Lucy Muir learns that her seaside cottage is haunted and forms a unique relationship with the ghost.
13
The Glass Castle (2017)
★ 7.1/10
A young girl is raised in a dysfunctional family constantly on the run from the FBI. Living in poverty, she comes of age guided by her drunkard, ingenious father who distracts her with magical stories to keep her mind…
14
Eat Pray Love (2010)
★ 6.2/10
A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to "find herself".
15
Big Fish (2003)
★ 7.7/10
Throughout his life Edward Bloom has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, he remains a huge mystery to his son, William. Now, to get to know the real man, Will…
16
Disenchanted (2022)
★ 6.6/10
Disillusioned with life in the city, feeling out of place in suburbia, and frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, Giselle turns to the magic of Andalasia for help. Accidentally transforming…
17
Boyhood (2014)
★ 7.5/10
The film tells a story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son. The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through 12th grade at age 17-18, and examines his relationship with his…
18
Cinderfella (1960)
★ 6.2/10
When his father dies, poor Fella is left at the mercy of his snobbish stepmother and her two no-good sons Maximilian and Rupert. As he slaves away for his nasty step-family, Maximilian and Rupert attempt to find a…
19
The Thing with Feathers (2025)
★ 6.5/10
Following the death of his wife, a young father's hold on reality crumbles, and a strange presence begins to stalk him from the shadowy recesses of the apartment he shares with his two young sons.
20
Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)
★ 6.5/10
A girl, abandoned by her mother when she was three, moves to a small town in Florida with her father. There, she adopts an orphaned dog she names Winn-Dixie. The bond between the girl and her special companion brings…