Harsh Vardhan
If you’re a hopeless romantic with a penchant for heart-wrenching love stories, Netflix has a treasure trove of films that capture the essence of Nicholas Sparks’ iconic storytelling. In this article, we’ve curated a list of movies that will sweep you off your feet and evoke the same emotions as Sparks’ novels. From picturesque small towns to star-crossed lovers facing impossible odds, these films bring to life the timeless themes of love, loss, and second chances. So, grab a box of tissues and prepare to embark on a cinematic journey filled with passionate romance and emotional rollercoasters. Whether you’re a longtime Sparks fan or simply in the mood for a heartwarming love story, these Netflix picks are sure to satisfy your craving for tales of love against all odds.
18. Lonely Planet (2024)
Co-starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, ‘Lonely Planet’ is about a female novelist who falls for a younger man at a Moroccan retreat. While love is evident, there are ample obstacles to keep them apart, including heartbreak and personal loss. Will these prevent the two from accepting and acknowledging their love for each other? Beautifully shot and with its Nicholas-Sparks style visual charm, ‘Lonely Planet’ is a yet-another addition to Netflix’s string of bingworthy romances. You can watch it here.
17. Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Starring Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, ‘Two Weeks Notice’ centers on two people, liberal lawyer Lucy Kelson (Bullock) and playboy real-estate developer George Wade (Grant), who hires her. As lucrative as the deal is for Kelson, she soon realizes that she has almost become Wade’s emotional nanny, helping him solve his life’s issues. How long can she endure this? Well, the title is suggestive enough. With Bullock and Grant adding charm to their respective roles, ‘Two Weeks Notice’ turns from a passable rom-com into a fun binge-worthy one. It can be watched here.
16. Mr. & Mrs. Mahi (2024)
An Indian Hindi-language rom-com, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Mahi’ incorporates cricket into romance in a heartwarming manner. We have Mahendra (Rajkummar Rao) and Mahima (Janhvi Kapoor), a lovely married (arranged) couple, both of whom share their titular nickname with former captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, AKA Mahi.
Mahendra failed to give shape to his dream of being a cricketer, but after noticing Mahima’s talent for the game, he encourages her to turn it into her career. With her husband’s support, she takes on the challenge and builds on her talent. With a sweet chemistry that is garnished with a mutual love for a sport, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Mahi’ is a heartwarming, binge-worthy drama that you can watch right here.
15. Falling Inn Love (2019)
A sweet rom-com that offers an escape from the mundane life, ‘Falling Inn Love’ brings together a heartwarming story and beautiful visuals. The Roger Kumble directorial revolves around Gabriela Diaz (Christina Milian), who arrives in New Zealand from San Francisco after winning a local inn in an online contest. Upon finding out that the inn is on the verge of crumbling down, she hires a contractor, Jake Taylor (Adam Demos), to renovate the structure inside-out.
As the two work together, an initial friction slowly gives rise to sparks, and Gabriela and Jake start healing from their past pains. Set against the gorgeous New Zealand backdrop, ‘Falling Inn Love’ does a good job of blending romance and teamwork. You can watch the film here.
14. Find Me Falling (2024)
A Mediterranean rom-com, ‘Find Me Falling’ follows New Yorker John Allman (3-time Grammy and 2-time Emmy winner Harry Connick Jr.), who retreats to a small village retreat in Cyprus after a failed comeback. The relocation is supposed to help him get over his devastating breakup as well, one that has turned him unsocial of sorts. Noticing his helpless state, a local lady reaches out to him, inadvertently bringing him face to face with Sia (Agni Scott), John’s very ex. If this wasn’t complicated enough, we also have Sia’s daughter Melina (Ali Fumiko Whitney), a singer. Will this be too much for John? Or will he give love another chance? ‘Find Me Falling’ is yet another addition to Netflix’s Nicholas Sparks-style movies: an old wine in a new bottle blended by connoisseur/director Stelana Kliris, which is undoubtedly attractive and deserves a sip. You can watch the movie here.
13. See You on Venus (2023)
Love blooms in mysterious and magical ways. This is what ‘See You on Venus’ shows as we follow two strangers, Mia and Kyle, who travel to Spain to look for Mia’s biological mother. Mia is fun-loving and tries to bring Kyle, who is carrying a certain guilt, out of his shell. However, as Mia’s list of women keeps on shortening, Kyle decides to not just be by her side but be with her and help her find her mom. Mia, too, has a heavy secret that makes the whole trip worthwhile. But do they find her mom? ‘See You on Venus’ is based on the novel of the same name by Victoria Vinuesa. Starring Virginia Gardner as Mia and Alex Aiono as Kyle, ‘See You on Venus’ can be streamed here.
12. The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021)
Does love ever die? This is the question that this Augustine Frizzell directorial aims to answer. When journalist Ellie Haworth (Felicity Jones) comes across a handful of secret love letters from 1965, she decides to solve the mystery they seem to carry within them. The film jumps between past and present, showing Ellie’s quest and that of the secret lovers, Jennifer Stirling (Shailene Woodley), who is the wife of industrialist Laurence Stirling (Joe Alwyn), and Anthony O’Hare (Callum Turner) who is a journalist covering Jennifer’s husband. We get a powerful romance that transcends time itself. How Ellie also finds her love during her endeavor further makes this film a worthy addition to this list. You can stream it here.
11. Along For the Ride (2022)
In Sofia Alvarez’s directorial and screenwriting venture, ‘Along for the Ride,’ a romantic drama adapted from Sarah Dessen’s novel, a stellar ensemble cast, including Emma Pasarow, Belmont Cameli, Kate Bosworth, Laura Kariuki, Andie MacDowell, and Dermot Mulroney, brings the narrative to life. The film unfolds against the backdrop of the summer preceding college for Auden and her chance meeting with the mysterious Eli, another soul plagued by insomnia. Set in the serene coastal town of Colby, Auden and Eli embark on nightly escapades that illuminate a world of spontaneity and joy previously unexplored by Auden. The movie captures the transformative power of unexpected connections, painting a poignant picture of self-discovery and love in the moonlit nights of Colby. You can watch it here.
10. Tall Girl (2019)
‘Tall Girl,’ a coming-of-age Netflix film directed by Nzingha Stewart, follows the story of Jodi (Ava Michelle), a high school student struggling with insecurities about her height. While the movie doesn’t directly align with Nicholas Sparks’ romance genre, it shares themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the complexities of teenage relationships. Much like Sparks’ narratives, ‘Tall Girl’ explores the emotional landscape of its protagonist, delving into her journey of overcoming societal expectations to find confidence and love. The film resonates with Sparks’ emphasis on personal growth and the transformative power of relationships, making it a heartfelt addition to the realm of teen dramas. You can stream it here.
9. Alex Strangelove (2018)
‘Alex Strangelove,’ directed by Craig Johnson, is a refreshing teen comedy that navigates the complexities of sexual identity and self-discovery. The film follows Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny), a high school senior with a seemingly perfect girlfriend, Claire (Madeline Weinstein), and a plan for the future. However, when he befriends Elliot (Antonio Marziale), an openly gay classmate, Alex’s world is turned upside down as he questions his own sexuality. With humor and sincerity, ‘Alex Strangelove’ explores the challenges of adolescence, friendship, and coming to terms with one’s true self. The film’s genuine portrayal of identity struggles and relationships adds depth to its lighthearted approach, making it a standout in the genre. You can watch the movie here.
8. Candy Jar (2018)
‘Candy Jar,’ a film directed by Ben Shelton, revolves around the competitive world of high school debate. The story follows two fiercely competitive debate champions, Lona (Sami Gayle) and Bennett (Jacob Latimore), who form an unlikely alliance as they navigate the pressures of academics and personal growth. While ‘Candy Jar’ doesn’t directly mirror Nicholas Sparks’ romantic themes, it shares undertones of emotional depth and the transformative power of human connections. The film explores the complexities of relationships, personal ambition, and the importance of understanding others. In its portrayal of characters facing challenges and forging meaningful connections, ‘Candy Jar’ echoes the emotional resonance found in Sparks’ storytelling. You can watch it here.
7. Work It (2020)
The age-old trope of falling in love on the dance floor takes center stage in this contemporary dance comedy featuring Jordan Fisher and Sabrina Carpenter. As an ambitious high school senior who aims to enhance her college résumé by starting a dance troupe, she unexpectedly uncovers a genuine passion for dance. Amidst the rhythmic movements, she also discovers a profound connection with a budding choreographer, adding a touch of romance to her journey of self-discovery. With its vibrant energy and delightful twists, this film celebrates the joy of dance and the unexpected pathways to love in the world of teenage romance. You can stream the movie here.
6. The Last Summer (2019)
‘The Last Summer,’ a coming-of-age film directed by William Bindley, captures the bittersweet essence of transitional moments. Set against the backdrop of a group of friends (played by KJ Apa, Maia Mitchell, Tyler Posey, and Halston Sage) navigating the final summer before college, the movie explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. While not a direct emulation of Nicholas Sparks’ romantic tales, ‘The Last Summer’ shares his penchant for portraying the complexities of relationships amidst life-changing transitions. The intertwining stories and heartfelt emotions echo Sparks’ narrative style, creating a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and the enduring impact of summer romances. Feel free to check out the movie here.
5. Let It Snow (2019)
‘Let It Snow,’ adapted from the novel co-authored by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle, weaves a tapestry of interconnected love stories set during a snowstorm in a small town. As a group of high school students come together, friendship and love collide, leading to a string of situations, likely for some, unlikely for others. The young and talented cast includes Mitchell Hope, Isabela Merced, Kiernan Shipka, Jacob Batalon, and Shameik Moore.
While distinct from Nicholas Sparks’ works, the film resonates with Sparksian themes of love and serendipity. It embraces the magic of the holiday season, much like Sparks’ tales set against charming backdrops. Amidst the winter wonderland, ‘Let It Snow’ explores the transformative power of unexpected connections, echoing Sparks’ emphasis on the profound impact of love in the most unforeseen moments, creating a heartwarming narrative in the spirit of both authors. You can check out the movie here.
4. Anyone But You (2023)
Directed by Will Gluck, ‘Anyone But You’ stars Hollywood heartthrobs Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as Beatrice (aka Bea) and Ben, respectively, whose first date with each other doesn’t turn out as expected. However, fate brings them back on literally the same boat that serves as the wedding venue for their sisters. Not intending to ruin the event due to their mutual issue, the two decide to pretend that all’s well between them. With sexual tension on the rise, Bea and Ben work together to keep things from falling apart but without realizing that they are slowly growing closer to one another. Based on William Shakespeare’s play ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ ‘Anyone But You’ offers a modern take on Nicholas Sparks-style movies. You can watch it here.
3. The Perfect Date (2019)
Brooks Rattigan (Noah Centineo) wants to date the most beautiful girl in high school, drive the nicest car, and go to Yale. If only he could afford them all! A chance to make some cash comes in the form of taking a guy’s cousin, Celia Lieberman (Laura Marano), to a party. She is the one to tell him that he can pose as a chaperone for troubled rich girls. And so he starts providing his services through an app, becoming a listener, a talker, a cowboy, an art connoisseur, among others, depending on what the girls want, and making money for the same.
It eventually allows him to be with Shelby Pace (Camila Mendes), the girl he always wanted to date. But he seems to be having a tough time stopping to think about Celia, his first employer. Feelings come in the way, and he finds himself conflicted between his wants and needs. A teenage drama underscored by friendship, love, and dreams, ‘The Perfect Date’ is one of Netflix’s true-to-form Nicholas Sparks-style movies. Directed by Chris Nelson, the movie is based on Steve Bloom’s 2017 novel ‘The Stand-In.’ You can watch it here.
2. Love per Square Foot (2018)
Directed by Anand Tiwari, ‘Love per Square Foot’ is a Bollywood film starring Vicky Kaushal, Angira Dhar, Ratna Pathak Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Raghubir Yadav. It revolves around Sanjay (Kaushal) and Karina (Dhar), both of whom are working professionals who dream of owning their own houses. How the two come together and plot a plan to apply for a Housing scheme loan by posing as a married couple and whether their plan is successful is what the movie shows in a humorous manner that is nothing but human folly. You can stream it here.
1. Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)
Looking for a ring in an alien continent sounds too much, isn’t it? Especially when the ring is not even lost! Well, this is the case with Sejal (Anushka Sharma) and Harry (Shah Rukh Khan) in the Imtiaz Ali-directed Indian Bollywood (Hindi) film ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal.’ Sejal was on a trip with her family, and somewhere during the trip, she apparently lost her engagement ring. She hires the help of a tour guide, Harry, who reluctantly agrees to help her. As they look for the ring, Harry slowly starts falling for Sejal but doesn’t tell her because she is about to be married. Meanwhile, Sejal, who finds the ring in her bag within some days, doesn’t tell Harry about it, and they continue their “search.” Indeed, she, too, is falling for him and wants to be with him for some more time. But will they reveal their feelings to each other? To find out, you have to join them in their search. You can do so right here.
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