10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Past Lives (2023)

Description: Like 'Past Lives', 'Before Sunrise' explores the fleeting nature of human connections and the profound impact of brief encounters. Both films delve into themes of love, destiny, and the passage of time, with a focus on deep, introspective conversations between characters. The naturalistic dialogue and minimalist storytelling style in both films create an intimate and emotionally resonant experience.

Fact: The film was shot in just 15 days, with much of the dialogue improvised. Director Richard Linklater initially conceived the idea while spending a night wandering around Philadelphia with a woman he'd just met. The famous scene in the listening booth was filmed in one take with a hidden camera to capture authentic reactions.

Description: Like 'Past Lives', this masterpiece explores unconsummated love and the lingering impact of missed connections. Both films use visual poetry and restrained performances to convey intense emotions. The themes of cultural displacement and the weight of societal expectations resonate strongly between the two works.

Fact: Maggie Cheung wore 23 different cheongsam dresses throughout the film. Wong Kar-wai shot without a completed script. The film's famous alleyway scenes were shot in a Bangkok backlot.

Description: While more melodramatic, this shares with 'Past Lives' the theme of enduring love across time and circumstance. Both films use framing devices that contrast youthful romance with mature reflection. The exploration of 'what might have been' and the power of memory connect these emotionally charged stories.

Fact: Ryan Gosling built the kitchen table seen in the film himself. The rain scene took a week to film. Nicholas Sparks based the story on his wife's grandparents.

Description: Like 'Past Lives', this film captures the bittersweet beauty of transient connections between people who profoundly understand each other. Both feature cross-cultural elements and explore themes of loneliness and connection in foreign environments. The restrained performances and atmospheric storytelling create similar emotional textures.

Fact: Bill Murray didn't see the script until arriving in Tokyo. Many scenes were improvised, including the famous whisper at the end. Sofia Coppola based parts of the story on her own experiences in Tokyo.

Description: Both films explore the persistence of emotional connections despite time and circumstance. While more surreal than 'Past Lives', it similarly examines how past relationships shape our identities. The nonlinear storytelling in both films mirrors the way memory works, with emotional truth prioritized over chronological accuracy.

Fact: Jim Carrey took the role specifically to break from his comedic image. The memory-erasure procedure was based on real neurological research. Michel Gondry storyboarded the entire film by hand before shooting.

Description: This sequel continues exploring the themes of connection and missed opportunities that resonate with 'Past Lives'. Both films examine how time changes relationships and the lingering 'what if' questions about paths not taken. The real-time narrative structure and walking conversations mirror 'Past Lives'' contemplative pacing and emphasis on emotional authenticity.

Fact: The film was shot in just 15 days to maintain continuity with the first film's production schedule. Julie Delpy contributed significantly to the screenplay, including writing her character's song. The ending was deliberately ambiguous, with the crew filming multiple versions.

Description: This film shares with 'Past Lives' an unflinching look at how relationships evolve over time, juxtaposing romantic beginnings with painful realities. Both use nonlinear storytelling to contrast different relationship phases. The raw emotional performances and intimate cinematography create similar visceral impacts.

Fact: Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling lived together for a month to build chemistry. The film initially received an NC-17 rating for its realistic sex scenes. Director Derek Cianfrance worked on the script for 12 years before filming.

Description: Both films examine unconventional relationships and the nature of connection in modern life. While 'Her' uses futuristic elements, it shares with 'Past Lives' a meditative pace and focus on emotional intimacy. The themes of longing and the difficulty of sustaining relationships resonate strongly between both works.

Fact: Scarlett Johansson was cast after filming had already begun. The futuristic Los Angeles was actually shot in Shanghai. Spike Jonze wrote the screenplay as a personal response to his divorce.

Description: The final chapter in the trilogy shares with 'Past Lives' a mature examination of love's complexities over time. Both films present relationships with remarkable honesty, showing how initial romantic connections evolve (or don't) through life's challenges. The long takes and natural dialogue create similar immersive experiences.

Fact: The famous 14-minute single-take argument scene required 11 takes to perfect. The film was shot in just 15 days like its predecessors. The Greek locations were chosen specifically to contrast with the previous films' urban settings.

Description: Both films capture the intensity and transience of a summer romance that leaves lasting emotional imprints. They share a sensual, atmospheric quality and explore how brief relationships can shape our identities. The focus on unspoken emotions and naturalistic performances creates similar emotional authenticity.

Fact: Timothée Chalamet learned to play piano and speak Italian for the role. The peach scene was filmed in one take. Director Luca Guadagnino had the cast live together before filming.