Are you obsessed with the steamy Spanish romance film “Through My Window” and craving more forbidden love stories that will give you all the feels? Well, grab some popcorn and get cozy, because I’ve rounded up the 15 best movies like “Through My Window” that are sure to make your heart race. From classic tearjerkers to modern Netflix hits, these films explore the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of young love against all odds. Get ready to swoon, cry, and fall head over heels for these irresistible romances.
1. After (2019)
Based on the wildly popular Wattpad fanfiction about Harry Styles, “After” follows good girl Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) as she heads off to college and meets the mysterious, brooding Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). Despite coming from completely different worlds, Tessa and Hardin can’t deny their intense chemistry. But Hardin’s dark secrets threaten to tear them apart. With palpable sexual tension and angsty drama, “After” delivers the same addictive forbidden romance vibes as “Through My Window.”
2. The Kissing Booth (2018)
“The Kissing Booth” centers on quirky late bloomer Elle Evans (Joey King) who falls for bad boy Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi), who just happens to be her best friend Lee’s older brother. Elle and Noah’s secret romance puts Elle’s lifelong friendship with Lee in jeopardy. Like “Through My Window,” this Netflix original explores a complicated love triangle and the fallout when the truth is exposed. It launched a trilogy, so there’s plenty more drama where that came from!
3. Palm Trees in the Snow (2015)
For a more grown-up forbidden love story, check out the lush historical drama “Palm Trees in the Snow.” When a young Spanish woman named Clarence discovers mysterious letters after her father’s death, she travels from snowy mountains to a tropical island, uncovering her family’s hidden past on a 1950s cocoa plantation in Spanish Guinea. There, her uncle Kilian fell in love with a local Black woman named Bisila despite racial segregation and political unrest. This sweeping, decades-spanning romance grapples with weighty themes while delivering breathtaking visuals and heartbreaking performances.
4. Endless Love (1981)
A quintessential tale of star-crossed teenage lovers, Franco Zeffirelli’s “Endless Love” stars Brooke Shields as Jade, a sheltered rich girl who falls for David (Martin Hewitt), a working-class boy. When Jade’s parents forbid the relationship, David’s obsession spirals out of control, leading to deadly consequences. Though it was panned by critics, the film’s eponymous theme song by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie became a #1 hit. If you’re a sucker for doomed young love, this overwrought melodrama is a must-watch.
5. Along for the Ride (2022)
Based on the YA novel by Sarah Dessen, “Along for the Ride” is a sweet, summery Netflix romance about two insomniac teens finding love and themselves over one transformative season. Studious Auden (Emma Pasarow) spends the summer before college in a sleepy beach town, where she meets the mysterious Eli (Belmont Cameli). The two embark on nightly quests to help Auden experience the carefree fun she never had, while also processing their own grief and family issues. It’s a poignant coming-of-age story that will give you the warm fuzzies.
6. Anonima (2021)
“Anonima,” also known as “Anonymously Yours,” is a charming Mexican teen romcom about two high school rivals who unknowingly develop feelings for each other through an anonymous social media friendship. Valeria can’t stand her arrogant new classmate Alex, but she pours her heart out to her caring online confidant – not realizing it’s him! With a fun digital twist on secret identities and lots of witty banter, “Anonima” keeps you rooting for this unlikely couple to get together IRL.
7. The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022)
If you’re looking for a breezy summer romance with a messy love triangle, look no further than “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Based on the book series by Jenny Han (of “To All the Boys” fame), this Amazon original follows 15-year-old Belly as she reunites with her childhood friends Jeremiah and Conrad at their families’ beach houses. The brothers start seeing Belly in a new light, leading to simmering jealousy and steamy poolside encounters. With a nostalgia-inducing soundtrack and idyllic setting, you’ll wish you could transport yourself into Belly’s sun-soaked world.
8. Endless Love (2014)
Not to be confused with the 1981 film, this remake takes some liberties with the source material but maintains the core of a passionate, against-all-odds young romance. After a chance meeting, privileged Jade (Gabriella Wilde) and charismatic David (Alex Pettyfer) fall deeply in love the summer before she heads off to college. But their different backgrounds and protective fathers threaten to break them apart. Though it leans into sappy clichés at times, the attractive leads and lush Georgia scenery make it an enjoyable guilty pleasure watch.
9. Candy Jar (2018)
For a quirky enemies-to-lovers romcom in the vein of “Through My Window,” queue up “Candy Jar” on Netflix. Lona and Bennet are hyper-competitive high school debate champions who can’t stand each other. When they get locked in a candy store overnight, they discover there may be more to their rivalry than meets the eye. The witty leads have crackling chemistry, and it’s refreshing to see two unapologetically ambitious characters learn to embrace both love and their goals. Plus, it features a young Jacob Latimore pre-“The Chi”!
10. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Lana Condor stars as shy romantic Lara Jean, who pens secret love letters to her crushes that are never meant to be sent. But when the letters leak, Lara Jean finds herself in a fake relationship with popular jock Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) to save face in front of her sister’s ex. Their pretend romance soon blossoms into real feelings, despite doubts, jealousy, and the shadow of Lara Jean’s past loves. Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling novel, this cozy romcom launched Condor and Centineo to stardom and kicked off a delightful trilogy.
11. Sounds Like Love (2021)
“Sounds Like Love” is a Spanish romcom about unlucky-in-love Maca, who keeps running into her most soul-crushing ex. To help Maca get over him, her two best friends make a pact to swear off men. But when handsome musician Leo enters the picture, Maca’s resolve is tested. Featuring a vibrant friend group and set against the colorful backdrop of Madrid, “Sounds Like Love” is an endearing celebration of female friendship and finding yourself before falling in love.
12. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
For a sci-fi spin on the teen romance genre, check out “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” on Amazon. Mark is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. But everything changes when he meets Margaret, who is also caught in the temporal anomaly. Together, they set out to uncover all the tiny perfect moments that make life worth living. With shades of “Groundhog Day” and “Before Sunrise,” this introspective and bittersweet film is a poetic meditation on love, loss, and living in the present.
13. Chemical Hearts (2020)
Based on the novel by Krystal Sutherland, “Chemical Hearts” follows hopeless romantic Henry Page (Austin Abrams), who falls for transfer student Grace Town (Lili Reinhart) while co-editing the school paper. But Grace is hiding a tragic past and grappling with grief and survivor’s guilt. As Henry tries to unravel the mystery behind her sadness, the two develop a profound connection born of shared trauma and a love of the written word. Anchored by Reinhart’s raw and vulnerable performance, this melancholy drama is a cathartic portrait of first love and heartbreak.
14. The Half of It (2020)
“The Half of It” is a tender and unconventional coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and identity. Ellie Chu is a shy, introverted teen who makes money writing essays for her classmates. When inarticulate jock Paul asks her to pen a love letter to his crush Aster, Ellie discovers she also has feelings for Aster. The three form an unlikely bond as Ellie and Paul learn to communicate from the heart. With poignant LGBTQ representation and an emphasis on self-discovery, “The Half of It” is a quietly groundbreaking spin on Cyrano de Bergerac.
15. The Spectacular Now (2013)
Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley star in this critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama about two very different teens falling in love and grappling with uncertain futures. Sutter is a charming but aimless party boy drifting through senior year. Amy is a shy, studious girl with dreams of escaping their small town. When a chance encounter brings them together, they help each other confront painful realities and grow in ways they never expected. With naturalistic performances and an emotionally honest script, “The Spectacular Now” is a bittersweet snapshot of the joys and pains of young adulthood.
Whether you’re in the mood for a guilty pleasure Wattpad adaptation, a sun-drenched summer fling, or an introspective indie drama, this list has a movie like “Through My Window” for every hopeless romantic. These 15 films capture the exhilarating rush of first love, the agony of heartbreak, and the transformative power of human connection. So go ahead and indulge in a cathartic cry or swoon over a dreamy fictional boyfriend – we won’t judge! And if you’ve already devoured all these titles, never fear. The beauty of Netflix is there’s always another teen romcom waiting to be discovered. Happy watching!
