If You Enjoyed East of Eden, There’s Another Movie You Definitely Need to Watch.
One of the great virtues of truly great stories is their endless adaptation and reimagining. John Steinbeck published East of Eden in 1952, and every time it’s adapted for the screen, it’s a little different. Netflix’s take on this sprawling, complex story offers some stunning performances, especially Florence Pugh as the infamous Cathy Ames. Ames is one of the best characters ever created in American literature, but her sociopathic nature sometimes turned her into a simple villain—but the series and Pugh’s performance add depth to the character. If this miniseries has you yearning to see more complex female characters from classic novels , your next step is obvious: Vanity Fair , starring Reese Witherspoon as Becky Sharp.
If you liked East of Eden, you should also check out Vanity Fair .
First published in the mid-19th century, William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair is an enduring classic of American literature, satirizing the artificial manners and pretensions of Victorian society. At the center of the story is Becky Sharp, whose moral ambiguity and selfish actions were surprising and unexpected for her time, making her something of an antihero in the modern era. Sharp is a complex character who, like Katie Ames, can easily be reduced to the villainous, exploitative careerist.
The 2004 film adaptation takes a more modern view of Sharp’s character, offering her more justification for her actions and making her more human than in the novel. Orphaned early in life, Sharp is almost feral in her quest to establish herself in society, which at the time meant marrying well. The story doesn’t have the same scope as East of Eden , covering a relatively short period of time—but it’s during the Napoleonic Wars, so there’s a lot going on. This gives the film a similar epic scope, even as it focuses on Sharp’s constant scheming and endless flirtations with people she thinks can help her.
In many ways, Sharp is simply playing by the rules imposed on her by men, and while that was scandalous in 1848, by today’s standards it’s almost heroic, and Reese Witherspoon imbues her Sharp with a grace that reflects this. But she’s still a person who does what’s necessary to survive and thrive, and that prickly edge will appeal to fans of Pugh in East of Eden . Watch Vanity Fair on Prime Video .
More movies like East of Eden
Looking for more historical epics with gripping and complex characters? Luckily, films in this genre tend to be just that—here are a few more that fans of East of Eden will love.
Lady Macbeth (2016)
If Florence Pugh was your favorite in East of Eden , you’ll love Lady Macbeth . Pugh plays Catherine, a young woman forced into an arranged marriage to wealthy landowner Alexander Lester (Paul Hilton) in 1865 England. The marriage is intended solely to produce an heir, and Catherine is initially confined to the house. When Alexander and his father leave Catherine alone for a while, she wanders the estate and begins a daring affair with a worker, setting off a brutal chain of events that grow darker with each scene. Pugh’s performance, another grim, determined woman, is captivating. Lady Macbeth is available to stream on Kanopy or Tubi , or rent on Prime Video .
Legends of the Fall (1994)
For more sweeping family drama in a historical setting, check out Legends of the Fall . Set in the early 20th century, it follows Colonel William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) and his sons Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn), and Samuel (Henry Thomas) as they navigate life’s big decisions and cope with the emotional wounds they’ve inflicted on each other. From World War I to Prohibition, the Ludlows fall in love (sometimes with each other’s wives), endure devastating losses, and remain connected to their ranch and the natural beauty of Montana throughout. Featuring a brilliant performance from Brad Pitt, this film will satisfy any craving for new experiences after East of Eden . Rent Legends of the Fall on Prime Video .
East of Eden (1955)
If you’re looking for a different take on the novel, check out the 1955 film adaptation directed by Elia Kazan (grandfather of Zoe Kazan, who co-wrote and directed the 2026 TV series). It stars James Dean (who died a few months after the film’s release). It’s an old-school Hollywood epic, covering only the last third of the book. This makes it a completely different narrative experience than the TV series, which has more space to explore the novel’s complexities—but the film looks stunning, Dean’s performance is superb, and Kazan does a superb job of directing. Rent East of Eden on Prime Video .
Giant (1956)
Another option for an epic family drama is Giant , James Dean’s latest offering, which offers plenty of family drama. Like East of Eden , the film follows a family over decades, with patriarch Jordan “Bick” Benedict Jr. (Rock Hudson) struggling to maintain the family ranch amidst changes and a flood of oil money, while his former farmhand, Jett Rink (Dean), pines for Bick’s wife, Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor), and strikes it rich in oil. As the ravages of money begin to take their toll on Jett, the Benedict family grows and changes, leaving no room for drama along the way. Watch Giant on Prime Video .
The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
If East of Eden has piqued your interest in other Steinbeck adaptations, your next step should be John Ford’s 1940 version of The Grapes of Wrath . Set during the Great Depression, the film follows Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) after his release from prison for murder. He discovers his family has been forced to leave their land and joins them on a desperate migration to California in hopes of finding work and safety. Along the way, Joad kills again and undergoes what can only be described as a radicalization, dedicating his life to organizing the labor movement and fighting the predatory behavior of capitalist society. It’s a remarkable film, filled with emotional depth and profound family drama, and while its plot and setting are vastly different from East of Eden, the impact is similar. Watch The Grapes of Wrath on Hoopla or rent it on Prime Video .