If you were moved by the heartwarming yet bittersweet romance of “Me Before You,” you’re not alone. This touching story of love, loss, and living life to the fullest has resonated with audiences worldwide. For those seeking more films that capture a similar emotional depth and romantic spirit, we’ve compiled a list of the 18 best movies like Me Before You. These carefully selected films offer a perfect blend of laughter, tears, and profound reflections on love and life. From classic tearjerkers to modern romantic dramas, each of these movies shares the emotional resonance and captivating storytelling that made “Me Before You” so memorable. So grab your tissues and prepare for a cinematic journey through love’s triumphs and tribulations with these must-watch films.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, this heartbreaking love story follows teenagers Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) as they meet and fall in love at a cancer support group. Despite the challenges of their illnesses, they embark on an unforgettable journey together, including a romantic trip to Amsterdam. With witty dialogue, poignant moments, and incredible performances, The Fault in Our Stars beautifully captures the joy and pain of being alive and in love.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Set in a small North Carolina town, rebellious teen Landon Carter (Shane West) and reverend’s daughter Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore) seem like an unlikely match. But after Landon gets in trouble and is forced to do community service with Jamie, the two grow closer and eventually fall in love, despite her revealing a life-changing secret. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, A Walk to Remember is a touching story about the transformative power of love.
The Notebook (2004)
In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel McAdams) spend an unforgettable summer together before being separated by her disapproving parents and World War II. Years later, Allie is engaged to another man but can’t forget her first love when Noah unexpectedly returns to her life. Also based on a Nicholas Sparks book, The Notebook is an epic romance that proves true love can overcome any obstacle.
The Vow (2012)
Inspired by a true story, The Vow stars Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams as Leo and Paige, a happily married couple whose lives are turned upside down after a car accident leaves Paige with severe memory loss. With no recollection of Leo or their life together, he must find a way to make her fall in love with him again. Sweet, sad, and ultimately hopeful, it’s a moving portrait of devotion and the enduring power of love.
The Intouchables (2011)
After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, wealthy aristocrat Philippe (François Cluzet) hires a young man from the projects named Driss (Omar Sy) to be his new caregiver. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely friendship filled with laughter and important life lessons. This heartwarming French film, based on a true story, was a huge box office hit in Europe. The Intouchables reminds us that the most meaningful connections can come from the most unexpected places.
Love and Other Drugs (2010)
Charming pharmaceutical sales rep Jamie (Jake Gyllenhaal) falls for Maggie (Anne Hathaway), a free-spirited artist with early onset Parkinson’s disease. As Jamie’s career takes off with the launch of Viagra, their no-strings-attached relationship grows more complicated as real feelings develop and Maggie’s health declines. Love and Other Drugs is a funny, sexy, and bittersweet look at modern love and living life to the fullest.
PS I Love You (2007)
When Holly’s (Hilary Swank) beloved husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) dies from an illness, she is lost and struggling to move on. But on her 30th birthday, she gets a surprise gift from Gerry – a cake and a tape recording with instructions for her to listen to a series of letters he wrote before his death, all ending with “P.S. I Love You.” With the help of her friends and Gerry’s words guiding her on new adventures, Holly slowly learns to embrace life again. Keep the tissues handy for this tearjerker!
The Theory of Everything (2014)
This biographical romantic drama tells the extraordinary story of renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his relationship with his first wife Jane (Felicity Jones). While studying at Cambridge, 21-year-old Stephen falls in love with fellow student Jane Wilde. But their budding romance and his groundbreaking scientific work are tested when Stephen is diagnosed with ALS. The Theory of Everything is an inspiring film about the strength of the human spirit and the endurance of love in the face of incredible challenges. Redmayne won the Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of Hawking.
Begin Again (2013)
Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who move to New York when he lands a major label deal. But when Dave’s newfound fame leads to temptation and betrayal, a reeling Gretta is discovered by down-on-his-luck record label exec Dan (Mark Ruffalo) during an open mic night. The two decide to collaborate on an album recorded live on the streets of NYC, leading to an unexpected creative partnership and deep bond. With great music and charming performances, Begin Again is a refreshing, feel-good film about starting over.
Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)
Hector (Simon Pegg) is a quirky psychiatrist who has become increasingly tired of his humdrum life. Deciding to break out of his routine, he embarks on a global quest to find the secret formula for true happiness. Along the way, he experiences a series of wild adventures and valuable lessons that lead to eye-opening revelations about life, love, and happiness. Based on the novel by François Lelord, this delightful film reminds us of the importance of living in the moment.
One Day (2011)
After spending the night together on their college graduation on July 15, 1988, Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) begin a friendship that will last a lifetime. One Day checks in with them on that same date every year for the next 20 years, following their ups and downs and near misses as they navigate their careers, relationships, and dreams. Will they ever realize they’re meant to be more than friends? Based on David Nicholls’ bestselling novel, this poignant film is a reminder that sometimes the love of your life is right in front of you.
Love, Rosie (2014)
Since the age of 5, Rosie (Lily Collins) and Alex (Sam Claflin) have been best friends, facing the highs and lows of growing up together. But a fleeting shared moment and a series of misunderstandings lead them in different directions. Over the next decade and beyond, the two remain connected despite time and distance, but will they gamble everything for true love? Based on the novel Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern, Love, Rosie is a heartwarming story about friendship, destiny, and the courage it takes to follow your heart.
Lion (2016)
In this incredible true story, five-year-old Saroo (Sunny Pawar) gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. After surviving alone on the streets of Kolkata, he’s adopted by an Australian couple (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham). Twenty-five years later, haunted by memories of his lost family, the adult Saroo (Dev Patel) sets out to find his way back home with only Google Earth and his unwavering determination to guide him. Lion is a moving film about identity, family, and the meaning of home.
Midnight Sun (2018)
17-year-old Katie (Bella Thorne) has a rare genetic condition that causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight. Confined to her house during the day, her world opens up at night when she ventures out to play her guitar. One evening, she meets Charlie (Patrick Schwarzenegger), whom she has secretly admired for years from her bedroom window. As they embark on a summer romance, Katie faces the dilemma of hiding her condition from Charlie while living her dreams. Based on the Japanese film Song to the Sun, Midnight Sun is a heartbreaking yet life-affirming story about seizing the moment.
The Big Sick (2017)
Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) connects with grad student Emily (Zoe Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, complicating the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, Kumail must navigate the crisis with her parents (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart. Written by Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick is based on their real-life courtship and is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
After a near-fatal accident in the 1930s, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) stops aging and remains 29 years old for almost eight decades, never allowing herself to get close to anyone for fear of revealing her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reawakens her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to expose the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever. The Age of Adaline is a sweeping romance about the timeless power of love.
Five Feet Apart (2019)
Stella Grant (Haley Lu Richardson) is a vibrant 17-year-old who spends much of her time living in a hospital as a cystic fibrosis patient. Her life is full of routines and boundaries – including keeping six feet apart from anyone with the same illness. That’s all put to the test when she meets Will Newman (Cole Sprouse), a charming teen with the same condition. There’s an instant flirtation, though restrictions dictate that they must maintain a safe distance between them. As their connection intensifies, so does the temptation to break the rules and embrace that attraction. Five Feet Apart is a poignant story about the crazy, life-changing power of first love.
The Best of Me (2014)
The story of Dawson (James Marsden) and Amanda (Michelle Monaghan), two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they’ve never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me asks if love can truly rewrite the past.
These 18 movies like Me Before You explore the joys, heartbreaks, laughter, and tears that come with falling in love, especially in the face of adversity. Whether the characters are dealing with illness, loss, missed opportunities, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, these films remind us of the incredible resilience of the human heart and the power of love to change our lives in profound and unexpected ways. So grab some popcorn and tissues and settle in for an emotional movie marathon that will make you believe in the magic of love!
