If you’re a fan of the heartwarming coming-of-age film Flipped, you’re probably on the lookout for more movies that capture the same magic of young love, friendship, and self-discovery. Flipped tells the sweet story of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski as they navigate their feelings for each other from grade school through junior high. It’s a nostalgic and touching tale that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Luckily, there are plenty of other great films out there that explore similar themes and evoke the same feelings of warmth, humor, and tenderness. In this post, we’ll count down 18 of the best movies like Flipped that are sure to charm you with their endearing characters, relatable storylines, and touching moments. Get ready to fall in love with these delightful films.
1. Little Manhattan (2005)
Little Manhattan is an utterly charming tale of first love set against the backdrop of New York City. The film follows 10-year-old Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) as he falls head over heels for his classmate Rosemary (Charlie Ray). Gabe navigates the ups and downs of his first crush while dealing with his feuding parents and the everyday challenges of being a kid in the big city.
With its precocious young leads, witty dialogue, and nostalgic portrayal of childhood innocence, Little Manhattan perfectly captures the bittersweet essence of young love. It’s a sweet, funny, and relatable film that will make you reminisce about your own first crush.
2. My Girl (1991)
A classic coming-of-age story, My Girl follows 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) during the summer of 1972. Vada is a precocious young girl obsessed with death, as her father (Dan Aykroyd) runs a funeral parlor out of their home. She spends her days with her best friend Thomas J. Sennett (Macaulay Culkin) and develops a crush on her teacher Mr. Bixler (Griffin Dunne).
My Girl is a poignant and nostalgic film that deals with themes of loss, friendship, and growing up. It’s a touching and bittersweet story that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the fleeting nature of childhood. The chemistry between Chlumsky and Culkin is undeniable, making their friendship the heart of the film.
3. The Kissing Booth (2018)
The Kissing Booth is a fun, frothy teen romance that follows Elle Evans (Joey King), a quirky high school junior who’s never been kissed. When she decides to run a kissing booth at the school carnival, she unexpectedly locks lips with her secret crush – her best friend’s older brother Noah (Jacob Elordi).
As Elle and Noah embark on a forbidden romance, they must navigate the challenges of keeping their relationship a secret while dealing with the ups and downs of high school life. The Kissing Booth is a light, entertaining film that captures the giddy excitement and drama of young love. It’s a perfect pick for fans of teen rom-coms.
4. Eighth Grade (2018)
Eighth Grade is a raw, honest portrayal of the awkwardness and anxiety of adolescence. The film follows 13-year-old Kayla (Elsie Fisher) during her last week of middle school as she navigates the challenges of fitting in, making friends, and discovering her identity in the age of social media.
With its authentic dialogue, cringey humor, and empathetic storytelling, Eighth Grade perfectly captures the universal experience of being a teenager. Fisher gives a breakout performance as the shy, self-conscious Kayla, making her journey of self-discovery both relatable and inspiring. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s ever struggled to find their place in the world.
5. A Walk to Remember (2002)
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, A Walk to Remember is a touching romance about two unlikely high school sweethearts. When rebellious Landon Carter (Shane West) is forced to participate in community service, he meets Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the shy, religious daughter of the town’s minister.
As Landon and Jamie grow closer, they challenge each other to become better versions of themselves and discover the transformative power of love. A Walk to Remember is a sweet, sentimental film that will tug at your heartstrings with its themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring nature of true love.
6. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
500 Days of Summer is a unique and unconventional romantic comedy that chronicles the 500-day relationship between Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel). Told in a non-linear format, the film jumps back and forth in time, showing the highs and lows of Tom and Summer’s romance.
With its clever screenplay, indie soundtrack, and charming performances from Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel, 500 Days of Summer offers a fresh and realistic take on modern love. It’s a film that celebrates the joys and pains of relationships while challenging the notion of soulmates and happily ever afters.
7. Letters to Juliet (2010)
Letters to Juliet is a romantic drama about a young American woman named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) who travels to Verona, Italy and discovers a group of women who respond to letters written to Shakespeare’s Juliet. When Sophie finds an unanswered letter from 1957, she decides to write back to its author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), and sets off on a journey to help her find her long-lost love.
With its stunning Italian scenery, charming performances, and themes of second chances and the enduring power of love, Letters to Juliet is a sweet and heartwarming film that will make you believe in the magic of romance. It’s a perfect pick for fans of Flipped‘s nostalgic and idealistic portrayal of love.
8. Drive Me Crazy (1999)
Drive Me Crazy is a classic ’90s teen rom-com about two next-door neighbors who pretend to date each other to make their respective crushes jealous. Nicole Maris (Melissa Joan Hart) is a popular girl who wants to win back her ex-boyfriend, while Chase Hammond (Adrian Grenier) is a rebellious outsider who’s trying to impress his edgy new girlfriend.
As Nicole and Chase spend more time together, they start to develop real feelings for each other and question whether they’re really meant to be with their original crushes. Drive Me Crazy is a fun, fluffy film that captures the spirit of ’90s teen movies with its quirky characters, catchy soundtrack, and themes of self-discovery and unexpected love.
9. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), a awkward and angsty high school junior who feels like an outsider in her own life. When her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) starts dating her popular older brother Darian (Blake Jenner), Nadine feels more alone than ever and turns to her sarcastic teacher Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson) for guidance.
With its sharp wit, honest portrayal of teenage struggles, and standout performance from Steinfeld, The Edge of Seventeen is a refreshingly authentic and relatable film about growing up and finding your place in the world. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in.
10. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Set on a New England island in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the whimsical story of two 12-year-old misfits who fall in love and run away together. Sam (Jared Gilman) is an orphaned Khaki Scout with a troubled past, while Suzy (Kara Hayward) is a moody bookworm with a dysfunctional family.
As the adults in their lives – including Suzy’s parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) and Sam’s scoutmaster (Edward Norton) – search for the missing kids, Sam and Suzy embark on a magical adventure filled with young love, quirky characters, and nostalgic charm. With its distinctive visual style, deadpan humor, and touching story, Moonrise Kingdom is a delightful film that captures the innocence and wonder of childhood romance.
11. Keeping the Faith (2000)
Keeping the Faith is a romantic comedy-drama about two childhood best friends – a priest (Edward Norton) and a rabbi (Ben Stiller) – who fall in love with the same woman (Jenna Elfman). As the three navigate their complicated feelings for each other, they must also grapple with issues of faith, identity, and the challenges of maintaining lifelong friendships.
With its witty dialogue, likable characters, and themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, Keeping the Faith is a charming and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of relationships and the power of human connection. It’s a perfect pick for fans of Flipped‘s heartfelt and character-driven storytelling.
12. Three Steps Above Heaven (2010)
Three Steps Above Heaven is a Spanish romantic drama about the unlikely love story between Babi (María Valverde), a wealthy and studious girl, and Hache (Mario Casas), a rebellious and troubled biker. Despite their differences, Babi and Hache are drawn to each other and embark on a passionate and tumultuous relationship that challenges their beliefs and changes their lives forever.
With its intense emotions, stunning visuals, and themes of love, class differences, and personal growth, Three Steps Above Heaven is a powerful and moving film that will sweep you off your feet. It’s a must-see for fans of epic and unconventional love stories.
13. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Based on the popular YA novel by Jenny Han, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a charming and heartfelt romantic comedy about Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor), a shy high school junior who writes secret love letters to her crushes that she never intends to send. When the letters are accidentally mailed out, Lara Jean must confront her feelings and navigate the fallout with her crushes, including her sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh (Israel Broussard) and the popular jock Peter (Noah Centineo).
With its lovable characters, sweet romance, and themes of self-discovery and family, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a delightful and feel-good film that will make you swoon and smile. It’s a perfect pick for fans of Flipped‘s nostalgic and idealistic portrayal of young love.
14. Something Borrowed (2011)
Something Borrowed is a romantic comedy-drama about Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin), a young lawyer who has always played it safe and put others’ needs before her own. On the night of her 30th birthday, Rachel sleeps with Dex (Colin Egglesfield), her best friend Darcy’s (Kate Hudson) fiancé, and must confront her long-buried feelings for him.
As Rachel and Dex navigate their complicated relationship and the fallout with Darcy, they must also grapple with issues of loyalty, friendship, and the choices we make in life. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, Something Borrowed is a heartfelt and entertaining film that will make you laugh, cry, and root for its imperfect but lovable protagonists.
15. She’s All That (1999)
She’s All That is a classic ’90s teen rom-com about Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.), a popular high school jock who makes a bet that he can turn any girl into the prom queen. When he chooses Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook), a nerdy art student, as his project, he starts to fall for her and question his superficial values and social status.
With its charming leads, memorable moments, and themes of self-discovery and unexpected love, She’s All That is a fun and feel-good film that captures the spirit of ’90s teen movies. It’s a perfect pick for fans of Flipped‘s sweet and idealistic portrayal of high school romance.
16. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Based on the bestselling novel by John Green, The Fault in Our Stars is a poignant and powerful romance about two teenage cancer patients who fall in love. Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) is a witty and sarcastic 16-year-old who meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), a charming and optimistic amputee, at a cancer support group.
As Hazel and Augustus embark on a journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, they must also confront the harsh realities of their illnesses and the fleeting nature of life. With its heartbreaking performances, beautiful cinematography, and themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection, The Fault in Our Stars is a moving and unforgettable film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
17. The Best of Me (2014)
Another Nicholas Sparks adaptation, The Best of Me is a romantic drama about two high school sweethearts who reunite after 20 years apart. Dawson Cole (James Marsden) and Amanda Collier (Michelle Monaghan) were once deeply in love, but life took them in different directions. When they return to their hometown for a friend’s funeral, they must confront their unresolved feelings and the secrets of their past.
With its sweeping romance, lush visuals, and themes of second chances and the enduring power of love, The Best of Me is a heartwarming and emotional film that will make you believe in the magic of true love. It’s a perfect pick for fans of Flipped‘s nostalgic and idealistic portrayal of romance.
18. If I Stay (2014)
Based on the YA novel by Gayle Forman, If I Stay is a poignant and powerful drama about a teenage girl who must choose between life and death. Mia Hall (Chloë Grace Moretz) is a talented cellist with a loving family and a bright future ahead of her. When she’s involved in a tragic car accident, Mia finds herself in a coma and must decide whether to wake up and face a life without her loved ones or let go and move on to the afterlife.
As Mia reflects on her past and the people she loves, including her boyfriend Adam (Jamie Blackley), she must confront the meaning of life, love, and the choices we make. With its heartbreaking performances, beautiful music, and themes of love, loss, and the power of the human spirit, If I Stay is a moving and thought-provoking film that will make you cherish every moment of life.
There you have it – 18 of the best movies like Flipped that will charm you with their endearing characters, relatable storylines, and touching moments. From sweet and nostalgic tales of first love to poignant and powerful dramas about life, love, and loss, these films capture the same magic and heart that made Flipped such a beloved movie. Whether you’re in the mood for a light and fun rom-com or a deep and emotional journey, there’s something on this list for everyone.
