10 Movies & Shows Like (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Description: Like (500) Days of Summer, this film explores the complexities of love and relationships through a non-linear narrative. Both films delve into the emotional highs and lows of romance, with a focus on memory and perception. The visual aesthetics in both films are distinctive, using color and cinematography to reflect the protagonists' emotional states.

Fact: The film's title is taken from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard'. Jim Carrey was cast against type for his serious role as Joel. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: This film shares with (500) Days of Summer a quirky, realistic portrayal of love and mental health. Both protagonists have idealized views of relationships that are challenged by reality. The blend of humor and pathos, along with strong character development, makes them similar in tone.

Fact: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence's first collaboration. David O. Russell rewrote the script specifically for Cooper. The first film since 1981 to receive Oscar nominations in all four acting categories.

Description: This shares with (500) Days of Summer a nostalgic, bittersweet tone in depicting young love and post-college uncertainty. Both films use period-specific music effectively to create atmosphere. The realistic portrayal of awkward, imperfect relationships is a common strength.

Fact: Directed by Greg Mottola, who also directed Superbad. Based on Mottola's own experiences working at an amusement park. Kristen Stewart's character was originally written as a redhead.

Description: Like (500) Days of Summer, this film presents a raw, nonlinear examination of a relationship's rise and fall. Both use contrasting time periods to highlight how love changes. The realistic performances and avoidance of romantic clichés make them similarly impactful.

Fact: Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams lived together for a month to prepare. The film initially received an NC-17 rating before being overturned. Much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors.

Description: Like (500) Days of Summer, this coming-of-age story deals with young love, personal growth, and the pain of unrequited feelings. Both films feature protagonists who are somewhat naive about relationships and life. The nostalgic tone and focus on music as emotional catalyst are similar elements.

Fact: Author Stephen Chbosky adapted and directed his own novel. Emma Watson's first major role post-Harry Potter. The iconic tunnel scene was filmed with the actors actually standing in a moving pickup truck.

Description: Like (500) Days of Summer, this film presents a nuanced coming-of-age romance that subverts expectations. Both feature charismatic but flawed male protagonists learning hard lessons about love. The authentic teenage dialogue and avoidance of clichés make them similar in approach.

Fact: Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley's first collaboration. Based on the novel by Tim Tharp. The screenplay was written by the same team that wrote (500) Days of Summer.

Description: This intimate romance shares with (500) Days of Summer a raw, realistic portrayal of young love's challenges. Both films use subtle performances and naturalistic dialogue to explore the gap between romantic ideals and reality. The bittersweet ending and focus on emotional authenticity are similar.

Fact: Much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors. Felicity Jones learned an American accent specifically for the role. Won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival.

Description: Similar to (500) Days of Summer, 'Her' examines modern relationships and the idea of love in unconventional forms. Both films feature protagonists who idealize their romantic partners and struggle with the reality of their relationships. The melancholic yet hopeful tone is a common thread, as is the use of music to enhance emotional depth.

Fact: Spike Jonze wrote the screenplay inspired by his own experiences with artificial intelligence chat programs. The film's futuristic Los Angeles was shot in Shanghai to avoid recognizable landmarks. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: This meta-romantic comedy shares with (500) Days of Summer an exploration of male fantasy versus relationship reality. Both films deconstruct romantic comedy tropes while maintaining heartfelt emotion. The theme of creating versus discovering love is central to both stories.

Fact: Real-life couple Zoe Kazan (writer/star) and Paul Dano (star) collaborated on the project. The directors, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, also directed Little Miss Sunshine. The typewriter used in the film was Kazan's personal one.

Description: This film shares with (500) Days of Summer a bittersweet exploration of love and ambition, set against a vibrant musical backdrop. Both films use stylistic elements (like split screens in (500) Days and long takes in La La Land) to enhance storytelling. The theme of reconciling dreams with reality is central to both narratives.

Fact: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's third on-screen pairing. The opening highway sequence was shot in one take with over 100 dancers. Won 6 Academy Awards including Best Director for Damien Chazelle.