If you loved the poetic and emotional depth of 'Reaching for the Moon' (2013), a film that beautifully captures the life of poet Elizabeth Bishop and her passionate romance with architect Lota de Macedo Soares, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that share its themes of love, artistry, and historical drama. Whether you're drawn to its lyrical storytelling or its poignant portrayal of real-life relationships, these recommendations will satisfy your craving for more cinematic gems.

The Hours (2002)
Description: An interwoven narrative exploring the lives of three women across different time periods, all connected by themes of longing, identity, and suppressed desires.
Fact: The film's structure mirrors Virginia Woolf's novel 'Mrs. Dalloway,' which serves as a central motif throughout the story.


Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Description: A heartbreaking story of a secret love affair between two men, set against the vast, isolating landscapes of rural America.
Fact: The screenplay was adapted from a short story by Annie Proulx, which was originally published in The New Yorker in


The Danish Girl (2015)
Description: A poignant story of identity and transformation, focusing on the emotional and societal challenges faced by a transgender woman in the early 20th century.
Fact: The film is inspired by the lives of Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery.


A Single Man (2009)
Description: A deeply emotional film about grief and love, following a man reflecting on his life and lost relationship with striking visual poetry.
Fact: The film marked the directorial debut of fashion designer Tom Ford, who also co-wrote the screenplay.


Carol (2015)
Description: A period drama exploring a forbidden love affair between two women, set against a backdrop of societal constraints and personal discovery.
Fact: The film was shot on Super 16mm film to achieve a nostalgic, vintage look reminiscent of 1950s photography.


The Handmaiden (2016)
Description: A visually stunning tale of love and deception, featuring a complex relationship between two women in a highly stylized historical setting.
Fact: The film is an adaptation of Sarah Waters' novel 'Fingersmith,' but transposed from Victorian England to 1930s Korea under Japanese rule.


The Favourite (2018)
Description: A darkly comedic period piece that delves into power dynamics and romantic entanglements within a royal court, featuring strong female leads.
Fact: The film uses fisheye lenses and natural lighting to create an unconventional, almost surreal visual style for a period drama.


Colette (2018)
Description: A biographical drama about a woman finding her voice and independence through her writing, while navigating a complicated romantic relationship.
Fact: The real Colette was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 and is celebrated as one of France's most iconic writers.


Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Description: A lush, sensual coming-of-age story about a summer romance that leaves a lasting impact, filled with emotional nuance and breathtaking scenery.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Crema, Italy, with many scenes captured in natural light to enhance the authenticity of the setting.


Ammonite (2020)
Description: A quiet yet intense portrayal of a romantic relationship between two women, set in a bleak coastal town, emphasizing emotional depth and subtle storytelling.
Fact: The film is loosely inspired by the life of British paleontologist Mary Anning, though the romantic storyline is fictionalized.
