More Movies Like Love Simon
Okay, so you know how we all just loved Love, Simon? Like, hugged our screens and maybe shed a little happy tear or two? Yeah, me too. It was just so... sweet. And honest. And that whole journey of figuring yourself out while juggling crushes and awkward family dinners? So relatable, right? Like, even if your biggest secret wasn't about who you were crushing on, it was still that feeling of being a little bit lost in the teen maze.
Well, if your heart is still doing a little flutter for that kind of vibe, you’re in luck! Because the world of movies has, thankfully, heard our collective plea for more of that heartwarming, coming-of-age magic. Seriously, it’s like a secret handshake for people who appreciate a good dose of awkward teenage romance with a side of self-discovery. Who knew feeling seen could be so darn satisfying?
So, grab your coffee (or your tea, no judgment!) and let’s dive into some flicks that totally capture that Love, Simon essence. Think of me as your personal recommendation guru, guiding you through the cinematic landscape of teen angst and first love. It’s gonna be a fun ride, promise!
The "Who Am I Supposed to Be?" Crew
First up, let's talk about the movies that really nail that identity exploration thing. Because let’s be real, being a teenager is basically one big experiment in "What makes me, me?" and sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s hilarious, and sometimes it feels like you’re trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded.
Have you seen Booksmart? Oh. My. Goodness. If you haven't, stop everything and go watch it. It's like Love, Simon, but with two best friends trying to cram a lifetime of high school fun into one chaotic night before graduation. These girls are smart, they're hilarious, and they are on a mission. It’s got that same kind of genuine friendship at its core, and watching them navigate their anxieties and desires is just… chef’s kiss. Plus, Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever have such incredible chemistry, you’ll wish they were your besties too. And that scene where they’re high on edibles and talking to a guy who looks like a melted candle? Pure gold!
Then there’s The Edge of Seventeen. This movie is, in a word, raw. Hailee Steinfeld plays Nadine, a girl who feels like her entire life is falling apart when her best friend starts dating her brother. Sound familiar? Maybe not the brother part, but definitely the feeling of your world being turned upside down by teenage relationships. It's got that awkward humor that feels so incredibly real, and Nadine’s internal monologues are everything. She’s not always likable, which is actually what makes her so perfect. We all have those moments, right? That feeling of being utterly convinced you’re the only one who understands how truly terrible things are.
And for a slightly different flavor, but still with that coming-of-age heart, check out Lady Bird. Saoirse Ronan is just phenomenal as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson. It’s all about her senior year in Sacramento, her complicated relationship with her mom, and her desperate desire to escape her hometown for something… more. It’s funny, it’s poignant, and it perfectly captures the messy, confusing transition from adolescence to adulthood. That scene where she’s trying to get her dad to connect with her? Ugh, my heart.
Finding Your Tribe (and Your Crush!)
Okay, so we've talked about figuring out who you are, but let’s get to the good stuff: finding your people and, you know, the butterflies. Because what’s a coming-of-age story without a little bit of romantic uncertainty and the thrill of a potential new love? It’s like trying to eat pizza without cheese – something crucial is missing!
If you’re looking for that secret crush vibe, but with a slightly different coming-out story, you have to watch Alex Strangelove. It's got that charming, slightly dorky feel that made Love, Simon so appealing. Alex is your typical high school senior, trying to navigate his first serious relationship… and also grappling with the fact that he might be gay. It’s got some really sweet and honest moments, and watching him try to figure it all out while dealing with his friends and his crush is just… so wonderfully relatable.
And for a dose of pure, unadulterated sweetness with a strong queer storyline, have you heard of Hearts Beat Loud? Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons are just everything in this. It’s about a father and daughter who are in a band together, and their journey through music, life, and, yes, love. Kiersey’s character, Sam, is figuring out her sexuality, and the movie handles it with such a light touch and so much warmth. It's got that feel-good energy that makes you want to blast the soundtrack and dance around your living room. Plus, Nick Offerman singing? Yes, please.
Now, let’s talk about a film that really understands the power of a quirky, unconventional romance. Have you seen Perks of Being a Wallflower? It’s a classic for a reason! Charlie, the main character, is a shy freshman navigating high school, trying to make friends, and dealing with some pretty heavy stuff. But he finds his place with this incredible group of older students who embrace his quirks. It's got that sense of finding your chosen family, and the relationships that blossom from that are just so beautiful. And Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller? Their dynamic is just… everything.
Beyond the Teen Scene (But Still with That Heart!)
Sometimes, the magic of Love, Simon isn't just about being a teenager. It's about that feeling of finding acceptance, of being able to be your true self, and of that beautiful, messy journey of life. So, even if the characters aren't strictly in high school, these movies still capture that essential spirit.
Let’s talk about Love, Rosie. Okay, so this one is a bit more of a romantic comedy that spans a longer period, but hear me out! It’s about two best friends, Rosie and Alex, who have been in love with each other for years but keep missing their chances. It's got that slow-burn romance that’s so satisfying. And the characters, even as they grow and change, always have that underlying connection. It's about the journey, the mistakes, and the eventual realization of what truly matters. Plus, Lily Collins and Sam Claflin have such fantastic chemistry. It makes you root for them so hard!
And for something that’s incredibly charming and surprisingly profound, check out Brittany Runs a Marathon. Brittany is a woman who decides to get her life together by training for the New York City Marathon. It’s hilarious, it’s inspiring, and it’s all about self-love and finding your strength. While it's not a romantic comedy in the traditional sense, Brittany's journey to accepting herself and her body is so powerful, and it resonates with that core message of self-discovery that Love, Simon does so well. It’s about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and that’s a pretty awesome thing to watch.
Finally, let’s get a little whimsical with Palm Springs. This one’s a bit of a curveball, I know, but stick with me! It’s a time-loop romantic comedy, which sounds bonkers, but it is so charming and surprisingly sweet. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti are fantastic as two strangers who find themselves stuck reliving the same wedding day over and over. Their relationship develops in this really unique way, and it’s all about finding connection and meaning in unexpected circumstances. It has that unexpected joy and the feeling of finding someone who just gets you, even if you’re stuck in a temporal anomaly. Plus, it's genuinely funny!
The Takeaway
So, there you have it! A little cinematic buffet of movies that hopefully tickle that same warm, fuzzy spot in your heart that Love, Simon left behind. Whether you’re looking for the awkwardness of first crushes, the journey of self-discovery, the comfort of true friendship, or just a good old-fashioned happy ending, there’s something out there for you.
It’s so important to have stories that reflect different experiences, that show us we’re not alone in our struggles and our joys. And when a movie like Love, Simon comes along and makes us feel so seen and so understood? Well, that’s just pure magic. And the good news is, that magic is still being made. So go forth, my friend, and explore! Let me know which ones you end up watching. I’m always looking for more recommendations myself!