If you were captivated by the tender romance and lush cinematography of 'Call Me by Your Name' (2017), you're not alone. This coming-of-age love story set in the sun-drenched Italian countryside left audiences yearning for more. In this article, we explore 10 movies and shows that evoke similar emotions—whether it's the bittersweet nostalgia of first love, the beauty of self-discovery, or the intoxicating allure of summer romance. Dive in to find your next cinematic obsession.

Maurice (1987)
Description: Like 'Call Me by Your Name', 'Maurice' is a period drama that explores a same-sex romance with sensitivity and depth. Both films are set in the past and deal with themes of forbidden love, societal constraints, and personal liberation.
Fact: The film is based on E.M. Forster's novel, which was published posthumously. It was directed by James Ivory, who later co-wrote 'Call Me by Your Name'. The film won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.


Happy Together (1997)
Description: Directed by Wong Kar-wai, 'Happy Together' shares with 'Call Me by Your Name' a poetic and visually striking exploration of a tumultuous romantic relationship. Both films use their unique visual styles to convey the intensity and fragility of love.
Fact: The film won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival. It was shot in Argentina, reflecting the protagonists' emotional dislocation. The title is inspired by The Turtles' song of the same name.


Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Description: Similar to 'Call Me by Your Name' in its exploration of forbidden love and emotional depth, 'Brokeback Mountain' delves into a poignant, same-sex romance set against a breathtaking natural backdrop. Both films capture the intensity of first love and the pain of separation, with a strong emphasis on character development and emotional resonance.
Fact: Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal's performances were highly praised, earning the film three Academy Awards. The film is based on a short story by Annie Proulx. It was a groundbreaking film for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema.


The Danish Girl (2015)
Description: This film, like 'Call Me by Your Name', is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story about self-discovery and identity. Both films explore the complexities of love and personal transformation, with a strong emphasis on the protagonist's emotional journey.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Lili Elbe. The film is based on the true story of one of the first known recipients of gender confirmation surgery. Alicia Vikander won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.


A Single Man (2009)
Description: Directed by Tom Ford, 'A Single Man' shares with 'Call Me by Your Name' a meticulous attention to visual aesthetics and a deep exploration of love and loss. Both films use their stunning cinematography to enhance the emotional narrative, focusing on the protagonist's inner life.
Fact: This was Tom Ford's directorial debut. Colin Firth received an Academy Award nomination for his performance. The film is based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood.


The Way He Looks (2014)
Description: Similar to 'Call Me by Your Name', this Brazilian film is a gentle and heartfelt coming-of-age story about a young man discovering his sexuality. Both films emphasize the innocence and intensity of first love, with a focus on emotional authenticity and character growth.
Fact: The film is a feature-length expansion of the director's 2010 short film 'I Don't Want to Go Back Alone'. It won the Teddy Award for Best LGBT Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. The protagonist is blind, adding a unique layer to the narrative.


Carol (2015)
Description: Like 'Call Me by Your Name', 'Carol' is a tender and visually exquisite love story that focuses on the emotional and sensual aspects of a forbidden romance. Both films are set in the past and use their period settings to enhance the narrative's emotional weight and authenticity.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara both received critical acclaim for their performances. The cinematography, by Edward Lachman, is noted for its use of 16mm film to create a nostalgic look.


Moonlight (2016)
Description: 'Moonlight' shares with 'Call Me by Your Name' a deeply personal and intimate portrayal of queer identity and self-discovery. Both films use a coming-of-age narrative to explore themes of love, identity, and societal expectations, with a lyrical and visually stunning approach.
Fact: 'Moonlight' won the Academy Award for Best Picture in


Love, Simon (2018)
Description: While more lighthearted than 'Call Me by Your Name', 'Love, Simon' shares its focus on the emotional journey of a young man coming to terms with his sexuality. Both films highlight the universal aspects of first love and the challenges of self-acceptance.
Fact: It was the first major studio film to focus on a gay teenage romance. The film is based on the novel 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli. It was a commercial success, grossing over $66 million worldwide.


God's Own Country (2017)
Description: This film mirrors 'Call Me by Your Name' in its depiction of a transformative summer romance in a rural setting. Both stories explore themes of self-discovery, first love, and the healing power of emotional connection, with a raw and naturalistic approach.
Fact: The film marked the directorial debut of Francis Lee. It won the World Cinema Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The lead actors, Josh O'Connor and Alec Secareanu, performed many of the farm tasks themselves to add authenticity.
