Finding Anne of Green Gables similar movies is kinda like trying to find a specific shade of sunset. You know the vibe when you see it—that mixture of stubborn optimism, lush green landscapes, and a protagonist who talks way too much but you love them for it—but it’s surprisingly hard to replicate.
Most people just point you toward any random period drama with a corset. Honestly? That’s a mistake. Anne Shirley isn't just about the 1900s aesthetic; she’s about "kindred spirits," the ache of wanting to belong, and the sheer power of a massive imagination. If a movie has the costumes but lacks the heart, it's not an Anne movie.
The "Kindred Spirit" Essentials: More Than Just Lace
If you're hunting for that specific Prince Edward Island feeling, you’ve probably already rewatched the 1985 Megan Follows miniseries a dozen times. You might have even braved the grittier, more modern Anne with an E on Netflix. But what happens when the credits roll and you’re still craving that cozy, slightly dramatic, "bosom friend" energy?
You have to look for the "Anne-adjacent" heroines.
These are the girls who don't fit in, the ones who see "scope for imagination" where others see a dusty road. They are usually orphans (why is it always orphans?), and they always, always have a fierce sense of self that makes the townspeople whisper.
Little Women (1994 or 2019)
This is the obvious heavy hitter. Jo March is basically Anne’s American cousin. Whether you prefer Winona Ryder’s cozy 90s version or Saoirse Ronan’s high-energy 2019 take, the DNA is the same. It’s about sisters, sure, but it’s really about a girl who refuses to be "shushed."
The 2019 Greta Gerwig version actually captures the "modern-but-not-really" vibe that Anne with an E fans love. It’s snappy. It’s colorful. It understands that being a young woman in the 19th century was actually kind of a high-stakes sport.
📖 Related: Cast of Buddy 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
A Little Princess (1995)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this movie is a visual masterpiece. Sara Crewe is richer than Anne at the start, but when she loses everything, her "imagination" is what keeps her (and the other girls at the boarding school) alive.
It has that same magical-realism-lite quality. The scenes where Sara describes India feel like the way Anne describes the "Lake of Shining Waters." If you want a movie that makes your living room feel a little more magical, this is the one.
The Small Town Comforts
Sometimes what we’re actually looking for in Anne of Green Gables similar movies isn't the girl, but the town. Avonlea is a character. It’s a place where everyone knows your business, but they’ll also bring you a raspberry cordial if you’re sick.
Road to Avonlea (Series)
If you haven't watched this, stop everything. Produced by Kevin Sullivan (the guy behind the 1985 Anne), this is literally set in the same world. It’s based on L.M. Montgomery’s other books, The Story Girl and The Golden Road.
It’s cozy. It’s Canadian. It features some of the same actors. It’s basically seven seasons of the exact feeling you’re chasing.
Secret Garden (1993)
Mary Lennox starts out as a brat. Let’s be real. She’s the opposite of Anne in terms of personality—sour, quiet, and miserable. But the arc is the same. It’s about a lonely child being "transplanted" into a new home and blossoming alongside a literal garden.
👉 See also: Carrie Bradshaw apt NYC: Why Fans Still Flock to Perry Street
The 1993 version is the best. The cinematography has this mossy, overgrown, secret-world feeling that hits the same spot as the woods behind Green Gables.
The Surprise Contenders
You might not think of these immediately, but they share the soul of Anne Shirley.
- Heidi (2015): The Swiss version. It’s about a girl, a mountain, and a grumpy grandfather. The scenery is so beautiful it’ll make your eyes hurt, and Heidi’s relentless joy is very Anne-coded.
- Enola Holmes (2020): This is for the fans who liked the "feminist fire" of the newer Netflix Anne. Enola is fast-talking, brilliant, and breaks the fourth wall. It’s more of an action-mystery, but the spirit of a girl defying expectations is front and center.
- Pollyanna (2003): The "Glad Game" is basically just Anne’s optimism with a different name. It can be a little saccharine for some, but if you’re in a "low spirits" kind of mood, it’s the ultimate medicine.
What’s Coming in 2026?
The "cottagecore" and period drama trend isn't slowing down. Netflix has been leaning heavily into this niche because they know we’re all stressed and just want to look at pretty trees and people in linen.
Rumors and production leaks suggest we’re seeing a resurgence of "quiet" stories. The 2026 Little House on the Prairie reimagining is the one to watch. It’s being pitched as a more grounded, realistic take on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life—aiming for that same balance of beauty and hardship that made the recent Anne adaptations so popular.
How to Choose Your Next Watch
Don't just look at the IMDb rating. Think about why you love Anne.
If you love the romance and the "enemies-to-lovers" tension with Gilbert Blythe, go for Pride and Prejudice (the 1995 BBC version if you have five hours, or the 2005 movie if you want the "hand flex" scene).
✨ Don't miss: Brother May I Have Some Oats Script: Why This Bizarre Pig Meme Refuses to Die
If you love the nature and the "kindred spirits," go for The Secret Garden.
If you love the coming-of-age struggle of a girl trying to find her voice, Little Women is your best bet.
Basically, you’ve got options. You aren't stuck rewatching the same three episodes of Anne with an E for the rest of your life.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night:
- Check your streaming library: Most of these rotate between Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BritBox.
- Look for "Sullivan Entertainment": They have a dedicated streaming service for all things Avonlea-related if you want the deep cuts.
- Start with "Road to Avonlea": It’s the most authentic transition from the Green Gables world.
The world is full of "shining waters" if you know where to look. You just have to find the movies that aren't afraid to be a little too dramatic and a lot too hopeful.