If you’re a fan of the romantic comedy genre, you’ve likely heard of “To All the Boys I Loved Before.” This Netflix original movie, based on the novel by Jenny Han, quickly became a fan favorite when it was released in 2018. The story follows high school student Lara Jean Covey, who writes secret love letters to all of her crushes but never intends to send them. However, when the letters are accidentally mailed out, Lara Jean’s love life becomes complicated.
If you loved “To All the Boys I Loved Before” and are looking for similar movies to watch, you’re in luck. Here are some recommendations for movies that share similar themes, diverse casts, and strong female leads.
Why people love “To All the Boys I Loved Before”
Before diving into recommendations for similar movies, it’s important to understand why “To All the Boys I Loved Before” became such a beloved film. One reason is the charming and relatable protagonist, Lara Jean Covey. She’s a smart and quirky high school student who loves baking and spending time with her family. Many viewers saw themselves in Lara Jean and appreciated her vulnerability and authenticity.
Another reason why people love this movie is the romantic storyline. The chemistry between Lara Jean and her love interest, Peter Kavinsky, is undeniable. The slow-burn romance, complete with fake dating and love letters, is a classic trope that many viewers enjoy.
Lastly, “To All the Boys I Loved Before” stands out for its diverse cast and representation. The film features Asian-American actors in the lead roles, which is still rare in Hollywood. Additionally, the movie doesn’t shy away from exploring the characters’ cultural backgrounds and experiences.
Similar movies in the romantic comedy genre
If you’re looking for more romantic comedies with a similar vibe to “To All the Boys I Loved Before,” here are some recommendations:
Set It Up (2018)
“Set It Up” follows two overworked assistants who decide to play matchmaker for their bosses in order to lighten their workload. The movie has a similar feel-good tone to “To All the Boys I Loved Before” and features charming performances from Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Like “To All the Boys I Loved Before,” “Crazy Rich Asians” is a romantic comedy with a diverse cast. The movie follows a Chinese-American professor who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend and discovers that he comes from an incredibly wealthy family. The film is visually stunning, with opulent sets and costumes, and features a strong performance from Constance Wu.
The Half of It (2020)
“The Half of It” is another Netflix original movie that has been compared to “To All the Boys I Loved Before.” The movie follows a shy high school student who helps a jock write love letters to a girl they both secretly like. However, the protagonist ends up falling for the girl as well. “The Half of It” is a sweet and heartfelt movie that explores themes of identity and self-discovery.
Movies with a similar coming-of-age theme
In addition to romantic comedies, “To All the Boys I Loved Before” shares themes with many coming-of-age movies. Here are some recommendations for movies with similar themes:
Lady Bird (2017)
“Lady Bird” is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age movie that follows a high school senior as she navigates her final year of high school and prepares to leave for college. The movie is set in Sacramento in the early 2000s and features a standout performance from Saoirse Ronan.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is based on the popular young adult novel by Stephen Chbosky. The movie follows an introverted freshman as he navigates high school and forms friendships with two seniors. The film explores themes of identity, mental health, and trauma.
Eighth Grade (2018)
“Eighth Grade” is a coming-of-age movie that follows a middle school student as she prepares to enter high school. The movie explores themes of social anxiety and self-doubt and features a breakout performance from Elsie Fisher.
Films with diverse casts and representation
One of the reasons why “To All the Boys I Loved Before” resonated with so many viewers was its diverse cast. If you’re looking for more movies with diverse casts and representation, here are some recommendations:
Moonlight (2016)
“Moonlight” is a critically acclaimed drama that follows a young Black man as he navigates his sexuality, identity, and relationships in Miami. The movie won Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards and features standout performances from Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris.
The Farewell (2019)
“The Farewell” is a dramedy that follows a Chinese-American woman who travels to China with her family to say goodbye to her grandmother, who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The movie explores themes of cultural identity and family relationships and features a strong performance from Awkwafina.
Love, Simon (2018)
“Love, Simon” is a romantic comedy-drama that follows a gay high school student as he navigates his sexuality and comes out to his friends and family. The movie is based on the young adult novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli and features a charming performance from Nick Robinson.
Romantic movies with a strong female lead
If you’re looking for more romantic movies with a strong female lead like Lara Jean Covey, here are some recommendations:
Legally Blonde (2001)
“Legally Blonde” follows a bubbly sorority girl who enrolls in law school to win back her ex-boyfriend. However, she ends up discovering her true passion for the law and excelling in her studies. The movie is a classic romantic comedy with a strong and empowering female lead.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
“Bridget Jones’s Diary” is based on the popular novel by Helen Fielding. The movie follows Bridget, a 30-something single woman who keeps a diary of her romantic misadventures. The film is a charming and witty romantic comedy with a standout performance from Renée Zellweger.
The Notebook (2004)
“The Notebook” is a romantic drama based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. The movie follows a young couple who fall in love in the 1940s but are separated by war and social status. The film features standout performances from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams and is a classic tearjerker.
Movies based on young adult novels
Finally, if you’re a fan of “To All the Boys I Loved Before” because of its source material, here are some recommendations for movies based on young adult novels:
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
“The Fault in Our Stars” is a romantic drama based on the novel by John Green. The movie follows two teenagers with terminal illnesses who fall in love and embark on a journey to meet their favorite author. The film is a tearjerker with standout performances from Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.
The Hunger Games (2012)
“The Hunger Games” is a dystopian action-adventure movie based on the novel by Suzanne Collins. The movie takes place in a future society where teenagers are forced to compete in a televised battle to the death. The film is a thrilling and thought-provoking adaptation with a standout performance from Jennifer Lawrence.
Divergent (2014)
“Divergent” is another dystopian action-adventure movie based on a young adult novel. The movie takes place in a future society where people are divided into factions based on their personalities. The film follows a teenage girl who doesn’t fit into any one faction and must navigate dangerous political intrigue. The movie features a standout performance from Shailene Woodley.
Recommendations for fans of “To All the Boys I Loved Before”
If you loved “To All the Boys I Loved Before,” here are some movies you might enjoy:
- “The Kissing Booth” (2018)
- “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” (2018)
- “The Spectacular Now” (2013)
- “Never Have I Ever” (2020)
- “To the Bone” (2017)
Conclusion and final thoughts
“To All the Boys I Loved Before” is a beloved romantic comedy that resonated with viewers for its relatable protagonist, charming romance, and diverse cast. If you enjoyed this movie, there are plenty of other films that share similar themes and styles. Whether you’re in the mood for a coming-of-age story, a romantic drama, or a movie with a strong female lead, there’s something out there for everyone.
So grab some popcorn and settle in for a movie marathon. Who knows? You might just find your next favorite film.