Game Of Thrones breakout, Bella Ramsey, the film follows the adventures of a 14-year-old girl in Medieval England as she struggles to avoid all potential suitors her father throws her way.
Lively and charming, Catherine Called Birdy will surely leave audiences in the mood for other similar comedies that explore the trials and tribulations of growing up. Luckily for them, there are more than enough options from which to pick which would make great companions for the film.
Brave (2012)
Stream On Disney+
Pixar's Brave tells the story of Merida, a strong-headed princess in medieval Scotland. Defying her mother, Merida makes a wish that has unexpected consequences, forcing her to rely on her wits and skill to undo the harm done.
Like Catherine Called Birdy, Brave focuses on an impetuous young woman who refuses to let tradition dictate the course of her life. Merida and Birdy don't want to get married out of duty -- or, in Merida's case, at all. They stand their ground but also learn that not everything is as black-and-white as they initially thought.
Matilda (1996)
Stream On Hulu
Danny DeVito's Matilda is an adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel of the same name. The story centers on the titular character, who must deal with her oppressive family and hellish heistress while discovering a new power hidden within her.
Matilda is a timeless story about hope, innocence, and the power within every individual to be a positive force for change. The titular character is wholesome but feisty, wise beyond her years but still holding on to her childhood innocence. Matilda is the perfect companion for a film like Catherine Called Birdy, exploring the same themes, albeit in refreshing new ways.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Stream On Disney+
among the sweetest fantasy movies. It's a classic tale of romance mixed with a healthy dose of swashbuckling adventure. Starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, the film centers on a farmhand named Wesley who must rescue his beloved Princess Buttercup from the petulant Prince Humperdinck.
Although The Princess Bride is a fairy tale, it still adds a modern touch to an otherwise classic story. Like Catherine Called Birdy, it uses its medieval setting to offer a commentary on timely issues, showcasing the contrast between the protagonists' agency and their conservative surroundings.
Clueless (1995)
Stream On Netflix
Arguably the greatest teen comedy ever made, Clueless is timeless and infinitely quotable. The film, a modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, centers on Cher Horowitz, a clever and spirited but vain young girl living in Beverly Hills.
Clueless is full of life and color, effortlessly updating a familiar story. Like Catherine Called Birdy, Clueless deals with themes of independence and self-discovery. Cher and Birdy make mistakes along the way, but that's what makes their journeys so compelling. They are imperfect but highly relatable heroines that will undoubtedly steal audiences' hearts.
She's The Man (2006)
Rent From Amazon Prime Video
Inspired by William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, 2006's She's the Man follows Viola Hastings, who pretends to be her brother to play football on the boy's team at a prestigious boarding school. Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum starred, with Vinnie Jones and David Cross in ing roles.
Viola and Birdy are unafraid to pursue their interests and desires, even if they defy conventions. Furthermore, they are spirited and resourceful, although they sometimes fall victim to their own devices. Still, both films center on inspiring young girls who always find a way out of even the most daunting situations.
Emma. (2020)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video & Paramount+
Anya Taylor-Joy became an instant icon with her performance in Autumn de Wilde's 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. The film is a relatively straightforward adaptation of the novel, albeit imbued with a healthy and distinguishable modern eye, visually and narratively.
Emma is one of Austen's most inspiring heroines. Like Birdy, Emma marches to the beat of her own drum; however, unlike Birdy, Emma is proud and stubborn, believing she always knows best. Still, both are compelling and relatable heroines that disrupt their surroundings with their vibrant and overwhelming energy.
Eighth Grade (2018)
Stream On Paramount+ & Hulu
Bo Burnham's one of the best female-led coming-of-age movies of the new millennium. The story centers on Kayla, a 13-year-old struggling with anxiety while trying to improve her social standing during her last days as an eighth-grader.
Kayla and Birdie are the same age, experiencing similar struggles even if their settings and circumstances couldn't be more different. They are both navigating a complex and confusing time in life as best as they can, discovering things about themselves and the world around them in the process.
Easy A (2010)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
Emma Stone had her breakthrough role with the 2010 teen comedy Easy A. Loosely inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the film follows Olive, a teenage girl who lies about her sexual exploits to help a friend. Soon, with her reputation on the line, she realizes the difference between fame and infamy.
Easy A adopts a decisively raunchier approach to the teen comedy adaptation, even if it stays firmly grounded on PG-13 territory. Still, Olive is a witty and relatable character and a disruptive force of positive energy in an environment that desperately needs a healthy dose of chaos. She would get along great with Birdy.
Shrek (2001)
Stream On Hulu
2001's one of the all-time best fairytale adaptations. The plot follows the titular character, an ogre who s forces with a talking donkey to rescue a princess from a tower guarded by a dragon.
Subverting genres and expectations, Shrek is a true breath of fresh air. The film's Princess Fiona is a modern-day leading lady who rejects the damsel in distress trope and embraces change and experimentation. Like Birdy, Fiona wants some say in her destiny, especially regarding major life choices. Both are inspiring and charming female characters that instantly stand out in their otherwise conservative medieval world.
Little Women (2019)
Stream On Hulu
Greta Gerwig's Little Women is a nearly-perfect adaptation of a beloved and timeless classic. It respects the source material but imbues it with vibrant dynamism and timely commentary, crafting a story that will satisfy purists and modern audiences alike.
Each of the March sisters would sympathize with Birdy's hunger for more. Jo, Amy, Beth, and even Meg are disruptive forces in their own right, fighting against conventions in their pursuit of happiness and meaning. Even when they take on a more traditional role, they remain their distinct selves, never sacrificing their individuality in service of fulfilling a role.
