If you loved the bittersweet romance and nostalgic charm of 'Summer of 85' (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same emotional depth, coming-of-age themes, and sun-soaked aesthetics. Whether you're drawn to tender love stories or evocative period dramas, these recommendations will keep you captivated.

Maurice (1987)
Description: A historical romance about a young man's struggle with his sexuality in Edwardian England, featuring a rare happy ending for its time.
Fact: E.M. Forster wrote the novel in 1913-14 but insisted it not be published until after his death. The film features early performances by Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves.


Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Description: A heartbreaking story of forbidden love and longing between two cowboys, spanning decades of secret meetings and unfulfilled desires.
Fact: The short story it's based on was originally published in The New Yorker. The film's iconic shirts were donated to the Motion Picture Academy's permanent collection.


A Single Man (2009)
Description: A visually stunning meditation on grief, love, and the beauty found in everyday moments after the loss of a partner.
Fact: Tom Ford's directorial debut. The film's distinct color palette shifts to reflect the protagonist's emotional state throughout the story.


The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Description: A poignant coming-of-age story about first love, friendship, and the pain of adolescence, set against a backdrop of mixtapes and tunnel rides.
Fact: Author Stephen Chbosky directed the film adaptation himself. The iconic tunnel scene was filmed in one continuous take with three cameras.


The Way He Looks (2014)
Description: A delicate portrayal of teenage self-discovery and first love, focusing on a blind boy's journey toward independence and romantic awakening.
Fact: Originally a 17-minute short film before being expanded into a feature. The film won the Teddy Award for Best LGBT Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival.


Carol (2015)
Description: A lush, period romance about forbidden love between two women in 1950s New York, told with exquisite attention to emotional detail.
Fact: Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel 'The Price of Salt,' written under a pseudonym. The film used vintage lenses to achieve its distinctive visual style.


Moonlight (2016)
Description: A poetic exploration of identity, sexuality, and masculinity told through three defining chapters of a young man's life.
Fact: First LGBTQ+ film with an all-black cast to win Best Picture at the Oscars. The screenplay was inspired by playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play.


Love, Simon (2018)
Description: A heartwarming teen romance about coming out and finding first love, blending humor with genuine emotional depth.
Fact: First major studio teen rom-com to focus on a gay protagonist. The film's title was changed from 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' to be more inclusive.


God's Own Country (2017)
Description: A raw and tender story about a young man's sexual awakening and emotional growth through an unexpected summer romance in rural England.
Fact: Director Francis Lee drew from his own experiences growing up in Yorkshire. The film was shot chronologically to capture the natural progression of the seasons.


Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Description: A coming-of-age romance set in a sun-drenched European summer, exploring themes of first love, self-discovery, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting relationships.
Fact: The peach scene was improvised by Timothée Chalamet during filming. The film's soundtrack features original piano compositions by Sufjan Stevens.
