Call Me by Your Name, the 2017 coming-of-age romantic drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, left an indelible mark on audiences with its poignant exploration of first love, self-discovery, and the complexities of desire. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of 1980s Italy, the film beautifully captured the tender romance between 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and his father’s research assistant, Oliver (Armie Hammer). If you found yourself enchanted by the film’s raw emotions, stunning cinematography, and nuanced performances, here are 20 more movies that evoke similar themes and aesthetics.
1. Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight, Barry Jenkins’ Academy Award-winning masterpiece, shares Call Me by Your Name‘s intimate exploration of identity, sexuality, and the challenges of growing up. The film follows Chiron, a young black man, through three pivotal stages of his life as he grapples with his sexuality, the complexities of masculinity, and the search for connection in a world that often seems hostile. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, Moonlight is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the raw, honest storytelling of Call Me by Your Name.
2. God’s Own Country (2017)
Set in the rugged landscapes of Yorkshire, England, God’s Own Country tells the story of Johnny, a young sheep farmer who numbs his daily frustrations with binge drinking and casual sex. When a Romanian migrant worker named Gheorghe arrives to help during lambing season, an intense relationship develops between the two men, setting Johnny on a new path of self-discovery. Like Call Me by Your Name, this film explores the transformative power of love and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self.
3. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire, a French historical drama directed by Céline Sciamma, is a visually stunning and emotionally charged tale of forbidden love. Set in 18th-century Brittany, the film follows Marianne, a painter commissioned to create a portrait of Héloïse, a young noblewoman, for her upcoming wedding. As the two women spend time together, a deep connection blossoms between them, leading to a passionate and transformative romance. With its exquisite cinematography and powerful performances, this film is a must-see for fans of Call Me by Your Name.
4. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
Blue Is the Warmest Color, a French coming-of-age romantic drama, explores the intense and tumultuous relationship between Adèle, a high school student, and Emma, an aspiring painter. As Adèle navigates her sexuality and the challenges of first love, the film delves into themes of identity, class, and the complexities of long-term relationships. Known for its raw, intimate portrayal of desire and heartbreak, this film will resonate with fans of Call Me by Your Name.
5. The Way He Looks (2014)
The Way He Looks is a heartwarming Brazilian coming-of-age film that follows Leonardo, a blind teenager who longs for independence and his first romantic experience. When a new student, Gabriel, joins his class, Leonardo finds himself drawn to the boy’s kindness and understanding. As their friendship deepens, Leonardo must navigate the challenges of his disability, his overprotective parents, and his growing feelings for Gabriel. This tender, beautifully crafted film shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes of self-discovery and the exhilaration of first love.
6. Carol (2015)
Set in 1950s New York, Carol is a visually stunning and emotionally charged adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Price of Salt.” The film follows the forbidden romance between Therese, a young aspiring photographer, and Carol, an elegant older woman going through a difficult divorce. As the two women embark on a road trip and their relationship deepens, they must confront the societal pressures and personal challenges that threaten to tear them apart. With its lush cinematography and powerful performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, Carol is a must-see for fans of Call Me by Your Name.
7. Weekend (2011)
Weekend is a British romantic drama that takes place over the course of a single weekend in Nottingham. The film follows Russell, a reserved lifeguard, who meets Glen, an outspoken artist, at a gay club. As the two men spend time together, they engage in intimate conversations about love, life, and the challenges of being gay in a sometimes hostile world. With its naturalistic style and honest exploration of identity and connection, Weekend shares Call Me by Your Name‘s commitment to authentic storytelling.
8. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee’s groundbreaking romantic drama, tells the story of Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who fall in love while working together as sheepherders in 1960s Wyoming. Over the course of two decades, the men maintain a secret relationship, stealing moments together while navigating the pressures of societal expectations and their own internalized homophobia. With its stunning cinematography and heartbreaking performances by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain is a classic of queer cinema that shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes of forbidden love and the challenges of self-acceptance.
9. A Single Man (2009)
A Single Man, Tom Ford’s directorial debut, is a visually stunning adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s novel of the same name. Set in 1960s Los Angeles, the film follows George, a gay college professor struggling to find meaning in his life after the death of his long-term partner. As George navigates his grief and the complexities of his relationships with a close friend and a young student, the film explores themes of love, loss, and the search for connection in a sometimes isolating world. With its lush cinematography and powerful performance by Colin Firth, A Single Man is a must-see for fans of Call Me by Your Name.
10. Summertime (2015)
Summertime (La Belle Saison) is a French romantic drama set in the early 1970s. The film follows Delphine, a young woman who leaves her family’s farm to explore Paris and her burgeoning sexuality. There, she meets Carole, a feminist activist, and the two women fall deeply in love. When Delphine is called back home to help with the farm, Carole follows, and the couple must navigate the challenges of their relationship in a more conservative rural setting. With its sun-drenched cinematography and honest exploration of love and identity, Summertime shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes and aesthetics.
11. The Handmaiden (2016)
The Handmaiden, a South Korean erotic psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, is a visually stunning and emotionally complex adaptation of Sarah Waters’ novel “Fingersmith.” Set in 1930s colonial Korea, the film follows Sook-hee, a young pickpocket hired to serve as a handmaiden to Lady Hideko, a wealthy heiress living under the control of her domineering uncle. As Sook-hee and Hideko develop a deep connection, they become entangled in a web of deception, desire, and betrayal. With its lush cinematography, intricate plot, and exploration of forbidden love, The Handmaiden is a must-see for fans of Call Me by Your Name.
12. Happy Together (1997)
Happy Together, a Hong Kong romantic drama directed by Wong Kar-wai, follows the tumultuous relationship between Ho Po-Wing and Lai Yiu-fai, a gay couple who travel from Hong Kong to Argentina in an attempt to save their failing relationship. As they navigate the challenges of their new environment and their own personal demons, the film explores themes of love, identity, and the search for happiness in an often chaotic world. With its stunning cinematography, non-linear narrative, and powerful performances by Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung, Happy Together is a classic of queer cinema that shares Call Me by Your Name‘s raw, honest approach to storytelling.
13. Shelter (2007)
Shelter is an American romantic drama that follows Zach, a young artist struggling to balance his responsibilities to his family with his dreams of attending art school. When Zach meets Shaun, his best friend’s older brother, he finds himself drawn to the confident, openly gay writer. As their relationship deepens, Zach must confront his own fears and the expectations of those around him. With its honest exploration of identity, family, and the transformative power of love, Shelter shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes and emotional depth.
14. My Summer of Love (2004)
My Summer of Love, a British romantic drama directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, follows the intense and tumultuous relationship between Mona, a working-class teenager, and Tamsin, an upper-class girl, during a hot summer in Yorkshire. As the two young women bond over their shared sense of isolation and desire for escape, they become entangled in a web of deception and obsession. With its dreamy cinematography, complex characters, and exploration of class, sexuality, and the blurred lines between love and manipulation, My Summer of Love shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes and atmospheric storytelling.
15. Beach Rats (2017)
Beach Rats, an American coming-of-age drama directed by Eliza Hittman, follows Frankie, a teenage boy living in Brooklyn who spends his summer days hanging out with his delinquent friends and his evenings exploring his sexuality through online chatrooms. As Frankie navigates the complexities of his desires and the expectations of his macho social circle, he becomes entangled in a relationship with an older man that forces him to confront his own identity. With its raw, honest portrayal of adolescent sexuality and the challenges of self-discovery, Beach Rats shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes and emotional intensity.
16. Stranger by the Lake (2013)
Stranger by the Lake (L’Inconnu du lac) is a French erotic thriller that takes place over the course of one summer at a secluded gay cruising spot by a lake. The film follows Franck, a young man who becomes infatuated with Michel, a handsome but dangerous stranger, despite witnessing him commit a terrible crime. As Franck’s obsession deepens, he becomes entangled in a web of desire, fear, and moral ambiguity. With its stunning cinematography, slow-burn pacing, and exploration of the darker aspects of desire, Stranger by the Lake shares Call Me by Your Name‘s atmospheric storytelling and unflinching approach to sexuality.
17. Beginners (2010)
Beginners, an American romantic comedy-drama directed by Mike Mills, tells the story of Oliver, a young man reflecting on the life and death of his father, Hal, who came out as gay at the age of 75 after the death of his wife. As Oliver navigates his own struggles with love and commitment, he draws inspiration from his father’s late-in-life embrace of his true self. With its non-linear narrative, quirky humor, and poignant exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, Beginners shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes and emotional depth.
18. Keep the Lights On (2012)
Keep the Lights On, an American romantic drama directed by Ira Sachs, is based on the director’s own experiences and follows the tumultuous, decade-long relationship between Erik, a documentary filmmaker, and Paul, a closeted lawyer struggling with drug addiction. As the couple navigates the challenges of intimacy, trust, and personal demons, the film offers a raw, honest portrayal of love in the face of adversity. With its naturalistic style, strong performances, and exploration of the complexities of long-term relationships, Keep the Lights On shares Call Me by Your Name‘s commitment to authentic storytelling.
19. Heartbeats (2010)
Heartbeats (Les Amours Imaginaires), a Canadian romantic drama directed by Xavier Dolan, follows the complicated relationship between two close friends, Francis and Marie, who both fall for the same mysterious young man, Nicolas. As the trio navigates their growing attraction and jealousy, the film explores themes of desire, friendship, and the blurred lines between love and obsession. With its stylish cinematography, witty dialogue, and honest portrayal of the sometimes messy nature of young love, Heartbeats shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes and emotional complexity.
20. The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
The Miseducation of Cameron Post, an American coming-of-age drama directed by Desiree Akhavan, follows Cameron, a teenage girl who is sent to a gay conversion therapy center after being caught with another girl on prom night. As Cameron navigates the center’s oppressive rules and pseudo-scientific practices, she forms deep bonds with her fellow “disciples” and begins to assert her own identity and agency. With its powerful performances, nuanced exploration of identity and resilience, and critique of the harmful practice of conversion therapy, The Miseducation of Cameron Post shares Call Me by Your Name‘s themes of self-discovery and the challenges of being true to oneself in the face of societal pressure.
These 20 films, each in their own unique way, capture the essence of what made Call Me by Your Name such a powerful and resonant work of art. From the sun-drenched romance of Portrait of a Lady on Fire to the raw, honest exploration of identity in Moonlight, these movies offer a diverse range of perspectives on love, desire, and the complexities of the human experience. Whether you’re drawn to the atmospheric storytelling, the nuanced performances, or the poignant themes, these films are sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire further exploration of the rich and varied landscape of queer cinema.
