By “The Devil Wears Prada,” directed by David Frankel and based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, is more than just a film about the high-pressure world of fashion. It’s a cinematic exploration of ambition, friendship, personal growth, and self-discovery. The film’s blend of sharp wit, relatable characters, and glamorous setting has made it a beloved classic, appealing to both fashion lovers and those seeking a deeper message about navigating one’s career and personal life.
For many fans of “The Devil Wears Prada,” the allure of the movie lies not only in its portrayal of the fashion world but also in its exploration of complex relationships, workplace dynamics, and personal transformation. If you loved the blend of humor, drama, and fashion in “The Devil Wears Prada,” there are several other films that offer similar themes. From empowering female leads to navigating high-pressure careers, these movies like The Devil Wears Prada deliver a rich mixture of style, substance, and unforgettable performances.
This article delves into a list of movies that share the same captivating essence as The Devil Wears Prada, offering a mix of fashion, ambition, personal growth, and the challenges of balancing career and personal life.
The Intern (2015)
Starring Anne Hathaway, who also starred in The Devil Wears Prada, The Intern is a charming comedy-drama that explores the power dynamics in a modern business world. Robert De Niro plays a 70-year-old widower who takes up an internship at an online fashion retailer run by Hathaway’s character. The film tackles themes of career reinvention, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and intergenerational friendships.
While The Devil Wears Prada focused on a cutthroat career in fashion, The Intern explores the evolving dynamics in modern business, with an emphasis on mentorship, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment. The fashion industry also makes an appearance, though it’s a different perspective, showcasing a more contemporary, start-up environment. Fans of The Devil Wears Prada will appreciate the warm, humorous, and inspiring tone of The Intern.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Another iconic film with a female lead, Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods, a bubbly and fashionable sorority girl who decides to attend Harvard Law School after her boyfriend breaks up with her. While she initially appears to be superficial, Elle proves that she’s both smart and capable, challenging the stereotypes placed upon her. Reese Witherspoon’s performance as Elle Woods is nothing short of iconic, and her character’s journey of self-discovery and defying expectations resonates with many viewers.
Like The Devil Wears Prada, Legally Blonde is a story about a woman navigating a competitive and often judgmental world. Both films tackle the theme of finding one’s identity in a high-pressure environment, learning to challenge preconceived notions, and ultimately realizing that success comes from within. The comedic elements and Elle’s stylish wardrobe in Legally Blonde will appeal to fans of The Devil Wears Prada who love movies with a strong female lead, fashion-forward flair, and a positive message.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
While this may seem like an obvious inclusion, no list of movies like The Devil Wears Prada would be complete without mentioning the film itself. Starring Meryl Streep as the powerful fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as her long-suffering assistant, Andrea Sachs, The Devil Wears Prada is a quintessential exploration of ambition, personal sacrifice, and the conflict between career and personal life.
The fashion industry setting, complete with high-end designer outfits and glamorous locations, adds an undeniable visual appeal. At its core, the movie focuses on the tension between following one’s passion and adhering to societal expectations, making it a timeless classic for anyone who loves stories about women navigating career challenges and personal growth. If you haven’t watched it in a while, it’s worth revisiting.
The First Wives Club (1996)
The First Wives Club brings together three women—played by Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton—who reconnect after their marriages end in divorce. United by their shared experiences, they team up to get revenge on their ex-husbands who left them for younger women. This comedy is filled with wit, friendship, and empowerment.
Much like The Devil Wears Prada, the film’s focus is on female relationships and personal transformation. The characters go through major life changes, and the movie shows how they embrace their independence and reinvent themselves. The First Wives Club also highlights the idea of women banding together to support each other through life’s challenges, much like the friendships that form in The Devil Wears Prada. For anyone who appreciates films with strong female leads and an empowering message, The First Wives Club is a must-watch.
Sex and the City (2008)
Based on the popular TV series of the same name, Sex and the City follows four women navigating life, love, and career in New York City. The film’s central character is Carrie Bradshaw, a writer who finds herself in a complicated relationship while also pursuing her career in fashion journalism. Like The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City combines stylish fashion, complicated romantic entanglements, and the pursuit of career success.
Both films explore the pressures that women face in competitive professional environments, particularly when it comes to balancing relationships with work. The fashion-forward aesthetic, along with the dynamic female friendships at the heart of the movie, makes Sex and the City a natural fit for anyone who enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada. The series and film continue to be a cultural touchstone for those interested in stories about powerful women navigating New York City’s social and professional landscapes.
Julie & Julia (2009)
In Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep once again delivers a remarkable performance, this time as Julia Child, the famed chef who revolutionized American cooking. The film is a dual narrative, telling the story of Julie Powell, an aspiring writer who decides to cook all 524 recipes from Child’s cookbook in a year. Julie’s personal journey of self-discovery and her relationship with food mirrors Julia’s own passion for cooking.
Much like The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia centers on the theme of personal ambition and the pursuit of a dream. Both films feature women who are navigating professional ambitions while balancing personal relationships. The culinary world in Julie & Julia provides a fresh take compared to fashion, but both films share the idea of a woman’s transformation as she navigates a challenging career while learning more about herself.
The Nanny Diaries (2007)
Based on the novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, The Nanny Diaries stars Scarlett Johansson as Annie, a young woman who works as a nanny for a wealthy family in New York City. Her experiences offer an insightful and humorous look at the lives of the elite while highlighting Annie’s struggle to figure out what she truly wants in life.
Like The Devil Wears Prada, The Nanny Diaries explores the challenges of working in an elite environment, and the emotional toll that such jobs can take. Both films offer a critique of the wealthy and powerful, showing how their lives can sometimes be filled with emptiness and materialism. The Nanny Diaries also delves into themes of self-empowerment and finding one’s true purpose, much like Andrea Sachs’ journey in The Devil Wears Prada.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a romantic comedy that centers on a magazine writer, Andie, who writes an article about how to drive a man away in 10 days. At the same time, she’s unknowingly being used by a man, Ben, who is trying to make her fall in love with him as part of a bet. The film is lighthearted and funny, with a sharp critique of the media and the expectations placed on women.
Though it’s a romantic comedy at its core, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days shares similarities with The Devil Wears Prada in its focus on career-driven women and their experiences in high-stress professional environments. The fashion and lifestyle aspects of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days also tie in well with fans of The Devil Wears Prada, as both films provide glimpses into the world of women balancing work, romance, and self-worth.
Conclusion
If you loved The Devil Wears Prada, there are plenty of other films that offer similar themes of personal growth, ambition, and navigating the complexities of work and personal life. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy, a story of personal empowerment, or a film that examines the challenges of thriving in a competitive industry, the movies listed here will resonate with fans of The Devil Wears Prada.
These films combine fashion, humor, relationships, and career struggles, delivering empowering narratives that explore what it takes for women to succeed in their professional and personal lives. Each of these films offers a unique perspective, but all share the common thread of inspiring audiences to reflect on their own ambitions, choices, and paths to self-discovery.
