Stepping into the cutthroat world of high fashion with a wide-eyed intern, "The Devil Wears Prada" became an instant classic, delivering a masterclass in career ambition, unexpected mentorship, and the dazzling yet demanding realities of the industry. If you’ve ever found yourself longing for more movies like 'The Devil Wears Prada' - recommendations that capture that unique blend of fashion, workplace drama, and self-discovery – you're in the right place. We're diving deep into films that share its spirit, whether through their iconic fashion, powerful female leads, aspirational career journeys, or the sheer joy of watching someone navigate a new, intimidating world.
At a Glance: Your Next Cinematic Fix
- Behind the Seams: Get a real-world look at the fashion industry's titans.
- Career Climbers: Follow ambitious protagonists tackling tough jobs.
- Mentorship & Mayhem: Explore dynamic boss-employee relationships.
- Iconic Style: Feast your eyes on unforgettable fashion, on and off the runway.
- NYC Dreams: Experience the allure and challenges of making it big in the city.
- Empowered Women: Discover stories of female independence, leadership, and resilience.
Why We Still Obsess Over The Devil Wears Prada
Based on Lauren Weisberger's roman à clef, "The Devil Wears Prada" gave us more than just a peek behind the glossy pages of a fashion magazine; it delivered a sharply observed, endlessly quotable, and surprisingly poignant tale. At its heart, it’s a story about Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a bright-eyed journalism graduate who stumbles into a demanding assistant role for Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the terrifyingly powerful editor-in-chief of Runway magazine.
Miranda, famously inspired by Vogue's Anna Wintour, became an archetype for the formidable, often ruthless, female leader. Meryl Streep's performance was so iconic, it reportedly even won over the real Anna Wintour, who initially blacklisted designers involved with the movie but later approved of Streep's portrayal. The film, brilliantly penned by Aline Brosh McKenna, showcases women navigating a highly competitive, gender-defying industry, grappling with choices between personal integrity and professional advancement. It's a reminder that sometimes, growth comes from the most uncomfortable places, and that even a seemingly soul-crushing job can be a stepping stone to finding your true calling. If you want to revisit the original magic, you can often find The Devil Wears Prada free movie streaming or available on demand.
Ready to find your next cinematic obsession? Let's explore the films that echo The Devil Wears Prada's enduring charm.
The "Aspiring Professional" Arc: From Rookie to Runway-Ready
A huge part of The Devil Wears Prada's appeal is watching Andy Sachs struggle, adapt, and ultimately thrive in a world completely alien to her. These films capture that same spirit of a young woman finding her footing, facing daunting challenges, and often discovering more about herself in the process.
1. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Imagine waking up as your 30-year-old self, instantly granted the "30, flirty, and thriving" status you only dreamed of as a teenager. That's exactly what happens to Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner), who leaps 17 years into the future to find herself navigating the fast-paced world of a prominent fashion magazine. Like Andy, Jenna is a fish out of water, struggling to understand the industry's unspoken rules and ruthless dynamics.
However, Jenna's primary obstacle isn't a formidable boss like Miranda Priestly, but rather her own, now adult, self-sabotaging tendencies and the moral compromises she made to get where she is. It’s a heartwarming and funny take on finding your authentic self amidst the glitter and superficiality of a dream job. You'll root for Jenna as she tries to rediscover her inner 13-year-old while simultaneously trying to impress her stylish colleagues and produce a magazine.
2. Coyote Ugly (2000)
While set in a very different industry, "Coyote Ugly" shares the core DNA of an ambitious young woman from a humble background chasing her dreams in the big city. Piper Perabo stars as Violet Sanford, a New Jersey girl with aspirations of becoming a songwriter in New York City. To make ends meet, she takes a job at the titular Coyote Ugly Saloon, a raucous bar run by the no-nonsense Lil (Maria Bello).
Lil, much like Miranda Priestly, is a tough-as-nails entrepreneur who runs her business with an iron fist and strict rules. She takes a chance on Violet, seeing her raw ambition, and pushes her to conform to the unique demands of the job. While "Coyote Ugly" is more upbeat and blue-collar, the dynamic between Violet and Lil—a challenging mentor and a determined protégé—strikes a familiar chord with fans of The Devil Wears Prada. It's a story about finding your voice, building confidence, and not letting fear hold you back, set to a killer soundtrack.
3. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
For a dose of fashion consumption with a side of career ambition, look no further than "Confessions of a Shopaholic." Isla Fisher plays Becky Bloomwood, a charming but deeply indebted shopaholic who dreams of working for a high-fashion magazine. Through a twist of fate (and a misunderstanding), she lands a job as a columnist for a financial magazine called "Successful Saving," dispensing advice she desperately needs herself.
Becky's journey mirrors Andy's in its "stepping stone job" nature: both protagonists take a position that isn't their ultimate goal but is meant to open doors to their true writing aspirations. Both also learn the value of hard work, adapting to an unexpected environment, and changing their perspectives on what truly matters. The film is a lighthearted romp through consumer culture, featuring a wardrobe as dazzling and over-the-top as Becky's credit card debt. It humorously touches on the importance of managing personal finances to avoid overspending while pursuing career goals.
4. Second Act (2018)
Jennifer Lopez shines as Maya Vargas, a woman stuck in a dead-end retail job, denied a promotion due to her lack of a formal college education, despite years of hands-on experience and proven talent. Driven by frustration, Maya fabricates a resume, landing her a high-stakes job in corporate New York.
Maya's character arc closely mirrors Andy Sachs'. Both are bright, capable women who find themselves navigating an unfamiliar, elite professional world, facing challenges due to their backgrounds and feeling like outsiders. Maya, much like Andy, quickly realizes that impressing her new boss and team involves far more than just looking the part; it requires genuine knowledge, adaptability, and proving her worth against unexpected obstacles. Lopez's praised performance earned her an Imagen Award nomination, cementing "Second Act" as a feel-good film about reinvention and defying expectations.
Dive Deep into the Fashion World: Glamour, Grit, and Greenlighting Decisions
Beyond the personal journeys, The Devil Wears Prada gave us a tantalizing glimpse into the high-stakes world of fashion. These films either pull back the curtain even further or celebrate the industry's iconic figures and influences.
5. The September Issue (2009)
If "The Devil Wears Prada" was a fictionalized account, "The September Issue" is the raw, real-life documentary. This film offers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic, exhilarating, and utterly demanding process of producing Vogue's most important annual edition – the September Issue. Front and center is the legendary Anna Wintour, the very inspiration for Miranda Priestly, making final decisions with an unwavering eye and formidable presence.
The documentary captures the intense pressure, artistic vision, and sheer amount of work involved in fashion journalism, from photo shoots to layout meetings, all under Wintour's ultimate authority. While "The Devil Wears Prada" gave us a caricature, this film provides a nuanced, intimate portrayal of the powerhouse editor and her dedicated team, including the famously witty Grace Coddington. It's essential viewing for anyone fascinated by the true machinery of the fashion industry and the figures who wield its immense influence. It also offers insight into the specific demands of mass media and its types within a niche, high-glamour sector.
6. Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)
Few shows or films have embedded fashion into the fabric of their storytelling quite like "Sex and the City." The movie picks up with Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), the ultimate fashionista icon, as she navigates her complicated path to marriage with Mr. Big, while her best friends grapple with their own relationship dramas.
The connection to The Devil Wears Prada is undeniable, not least because both productions share the genius of costume designer Patricia Field. Field's distinctive, often avant-garde, wardrobe choices brought both Miranda Priestly’s power suits and Carrie Bradshaw’s eclectic street style to life, making fashion a character in itself. "Sex and the City" reinforces the narrative of powerful, independent women living and working in New York, with careers (and wardrobes) that define their identities and shape their lives. It’s a celebration of female friendship, romance, and, of course, impeccable style.
Mentorship & Power Dynamics: Navigating the Boss-Employee Tango
The core relationship between Miranda and Andy, with its push-pull of demand and growth, is what many remember most vividly. These films explore similar dynamics, albeit with different tones and outcomes.
7. The Intern (2015)
In what many consider a spiritual sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway returns to the fashion world, but this time she's the boss. Hathaway plays Jules Ostin, the driven founder of a rapidly growing online fashion website. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her company implements a senior intern program, assigning her a 70-year-old widower, Ben (Robert De Niro), who offers an entirely different kind of mentorship.
Jules, an evolution of Andy Sachs, commands respect as a successful entrepreneur, but she isn't feared in the way Miranda Priestly was. The film beautifully explores a reverse mentorship, where Ben's wisdom, experience, and calm demeanor provide invaluable support to the overwhelmed Jules. It's a heartwarming story about intergenerational connections, finding balance in a demanding career, and the surprising ways people can help each other grow, even when their roles are unconventional. The film subtly touches on the delicate balance of human resources and its functions within a modern, fast-paced company.
8. Julie & Julia (2009)
While not explicitly fashion-centric, "Julie & Julia" provides another fantastic Meryl Streep performance and a parallel story of ambition and mentorship. The film cleverly intertwines two narratives: the culinary beginnings of Julia Child (Streep) in 1950s Paris and the modern-day challenge taken on by blogger Julie Powell (Amy Adams), who aims to cook all 524 recipes from Child's cookbook in a single year.
Meryl Streep, having previously embodied the ruthless Miranda Priestly, here portrays a loud, proud, and utterly goofy Julia Child, showcasing her incredible versatility. The film’s connection to The Devil Wears Prada isn't just Streep; it also stars Stanley Tucci, who played the wonderfully supportive Nigel in TDWP and here plays Julia Child’s equally supportive husband, Paul. The "mentorship" in this film is less direct, with Julie drawing inspiration and guidance from Julia's legacy through her recipes, demonstrating how influential figures can guide us from afar. It’s a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of pursuing a daunting goal.
Iconic Women & Their Journeys: Style, Substance, and Breaking Molds
Sometimes, what we love most about The Devil Wears Prada is its focus on powerful women making their mark, whether in fashion or beyond. These films highlight other extraordinary female journeys.
9. Coco Before Chanel (2009)
For a deeper dive into the origins of a fashion icon, "Coco Before Chanel" is a compelling watch. This French biographical drama chronicles the early, less glamorous life of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (Audrey Tautou), long before she became the revolutionary designer known worldwide. From her humble beginnings abandoned at an orphanage to her work as a cabaret singer and her entry into making clothes, the film paints a picture of a woman asserting her fierce independence.
Like Miranda Priestly, Coco Chanel was an incredibly powerful figure who transformed her industry. The film beautifully captures her unwavering commitment to her work and success, often prioritizing it over societal expectations of marriage or reliance on men. It's a story of resilience, vision, and the creation of a legend, perfect for those who appreciate the historical impact of strong women in fashion. The film demonstrates the profound influence of a brand's vision and how why marketing is important for business starts with an authentic, groundbreaking idea.
10. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
A timeless classic that screams New York glamour and iconic fashion, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a charmingly eccentric Texan socialite in New York City. Holly lives for luxury and maintains her lifestyle through wealthy admirers, inadvertently becoming involved with a mobster.
While Holly Golightly is more a consumer of the fashion world than a worker in it, her indelible style (that little black dress, those pearls!) and her aspirational Manhattan lifestyle are what connect this film to The Devil Wears Prada. Hepburn, a cinematic darling of her era, is utterly delightful in the role, portraying a young woman searching for her place and identity amidst the city’s glittering facade. It’s a romantic, melancholic, and utterly stylish portrayal of New York dreams and the complexities of finding happiness.
Beyond the Wardrobe: What These Films Truly Offer
The allure of "Movies Like The Devil Wears Prada - Recommendations" isn't just about the clothes or the glamour; it's about the human stories beneath the surface. These films collectively explore themes of:
- Ambition and Sacrifice: What are you willing to give up to achieve your dreams?
- Identity and Self-Discovery: How do challenging environments shape who you become?
- The Power of Mentorship: Both good and bad, how do superiors influence their protégés?
- The Workplace as a Microcosm: The politics, friendships, and betrayals that define professional life.
- The Allure of the City: New York City as a character, a place where dreams are both made and crushed.
- Female Resilience and Leadership: Women asserting their power, intelligence, and unique visions in diverse fields.
Your Next Fashion-Forward Film Night Awaits
Whether you're drawn to the cutthroat business of fashion, the journey of an aspiring professional, or the sheer joy of watching powerful women on screen, these films offer a satisfying follow-up to "The Devil Wears Prada." Each movie on this list provides a unique lens into similar worlds and themes, ensuring your next watch is as engaging and insightful as stepping into Miranda Priestly's office for the first time. So, grab your popcorn (and maybe a fabulous outfit), and get ready to be inspired, entertained, and perhaps even a little provoked by these captivating cinematic experiences.