Introduction
Call Me by Your Name beautifully captures the intensity of first love, with its lush Italian settings and tender exploration of identity, desire, and self-discovery. If you were swept away by the poignant storytelling and emotional depth of the film, you’ll likely be looking for more movies that evoke similar feelings. From coming-of-age stories to deeply intimate romances, here are 13 movies like Call Me by Your Name that offer unforgettable narratives. For even more cinematic recommendations, don’t forget to explore 7 Best Movies Like Free Guy You Must Watch | Similar-List.
1. Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)
Blue is the Warmest Color is an intense and raw portrayal of love, passion, and heartbreak. The film follows the journey of Adèle, a young woman who embarks on a passionate relationship with an older art student named Emma. Like Call Me by Your Name, this movie is about self-discovery and the emotional turmoil that accompanies first love. The depth of emotion and the evolving dynamic between the two women make it a must-watch for fans of romantic and coming-of-age dramas.
2. Moonlight (2016)
A deeply emotional film, Moonlight explores themes of identity, love, and the struggles of growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. Following the life of Chiron from childhood to adulthood, the film masterfully captures the pain and confusion of discovering one’s sexuality. The tender and vulnerable portrayal of love and self-acceptance makes it a powerful film, much like Call Me by Your Name. The understated moments of connection and longing will resonate with fans of Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer’s performances.
3. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
This French period drama is a masterpiece of subtle emotion and artistic beauty. The film tells the story of Marianne, a painter, and Héloïse, the woman she has been commissioned to paint. As they spend time together, a passionate romance blossoms between them. The film’s quiet intensity and breathtaking visuals echo the tenderness found in Call Me by Your Name. Both films are deeply emotional, exploring fleeting moments of love and connection.
4. A Single Man (2009)
Directed by Tom Ford, A Single Man follows George Falconer, an English professor, as he grapples with the loss of his longtime partner. Set in 1960s Los Angeles, the film is a meditation on grief, love, and the meaning of life. Like Call Me by Your Name, it deals with themes of longing and emotional intimacy. Colin Firth’s stunning performance elevates the film into a heart-wrenching and beautiful portrayal of love lost and remembered.
5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two cowboys, Ennis and Jack, who fall in love while working together in the Wyoming mountains. Spanning decades, the film explores their complicated and forbidden relationship as they navigate societal expectations. The unspoken longing and the heartache of a love that can never fully be realized resonate deeply with themes found in Call Me by Your Name. It’s a film about love, loss, and the passing of time.
6. Carol (2015)
Set in 1950s New York, Carol is a beautifully crafted film about the forbidden romance between an older woman, Carol, and a younger aspiring photographer, Therese. The subtle and restrained performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara capture the emotional complexity of their relationship. Like Call Me by Your Name, Carol focuses on the intense yet quiet nature of falling in love and the societal constraints that complicate it.
7. God’s Own Country (2017)
God’s Own Country is often compared to Brokeback Mountain for its exploration of a rural gay romance. The film follows Johnny, a young farmer in England, who begins a passionate relationship with a Romanian migrant worker. The emotional intensity of their love affair mirrors the longing and intimacy found in Call Me by Your Name. The stark beauty of the English countryside adds to the film’s atmosphere of raw emotion and desire.
8. Weekend (2011)
This intimate British film captures the fleeting nature of connection, focusing on a brief but meaningful romance between two men who meet at a nightclub and spend the weekend together. The authenticity of their interactions and the emotional depth of their conversations make Weekend a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the challenges of relationships. The film’s raw honesty and simplicity echo the emotional undercurrents of Call Me by Your Name.
9. The Way He Looks (2014)
This Brazilian coming-of-age film is a tender story about Leonardo, a blind teenager, who develops feelings for his new classmate Gabriel. As Leonardo navigates his growing independence, his evolving friendship with Gabriel blossoms into something deeper. The Way He Looks captures the innocence and confusion of first love, much like Call Me by Your Name. The film’s sweet and heartfelt tone makes it a beautiful watch for fans of romantic dramas.
10. Maurice (1987)
Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, Maurice is a British film set in the early 20th century that explores the life of Maurice Hall as he comes to terms with his homosexuality in a repressive society. The film’s focus on identity, love, and societal expectations makes it a compelling watch for fans of Call Me by Your Name. Maurice delves into the emotional struggles of its characters with sensitivity and depth, offering a poignant reflection on love and acceptance.
11. The Handmaiden (2016)
This South Korean film, directed by Park Chan-wook, is a psychological thriller and romantic drama rolled into one. The story follows a young pickpocket who becomes the handmaiden to a wealthy heiress, with a plot to con her out of her fortune. As the two women grow closer, a passionate and dangerous romance unfolds. While The Handmaiden takes a darker turn than Call Me by Your Name, the film shares an exploration of desire and identity in a lush, atmospheric setting.
12. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
While not strictly a romance film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores love, friendship, and the difficulties of adolescence. The film follows Charlie, an introverted teenager, as he navigates high school and forms deep connections with his new friends. Like Call Me by Your Name, the film touches on the complexities of growing up and the emotional intensity of first loves and friendships.
13. North Sea Texas (2011)
North Sea Texas is a Belgian coming-of-age drama that tells the story of Pim, a shy teenager who falls in love with his best friend, Gino. The film beautifully captures the innocence and heartache of unrequited love, with a focus on self-discovery and the trials of adolescence. Its quiet, reflective tone and exploration of young love make it a great fit for fans of Call Me by Your Name.
Conclusion
If you loved the emotional depth and intimate storytelling of Call Me by Your Name, these 13 films offer similar journeys into the realms of love, identity, and self-discovery. Each film explores the complexities of relationships in unique and powerful ways. For more recommendations, be sure to check out 7 Best Movies Like Free Guy You Must Watch | Similar-List, where you can discover even more heartfelt and thought-provoking films.
