8 Movies like 'Endless Love' to Watch If You Need a Good Cry

Movies like "Endless Love" have a remarkable way of delving into the timeless themes of youthful passion, rekindling romance, and the evolution of friendships into lifelong lovers. Other similar movies aim to tug at viewers' hearts.

"Endless Love" is just one of the many romantic films that gained worldwide acclaim due to its relatable plotlines, which resonate with those who have experienced similar events.

Although romance is a central theme in movies like "Endless Love," it comprehensively explores friendship, family relationships, and personal growth.

Jade and David's Eternal Romance: 'Endless Love' Then and Now

"Endless Love" has been brought to life in two distinct versions. The first, released in 1981, featured Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt in the lead roles. In contrast, the 2014 adaptation stars Gabriella Wilde and Alex Pettyfer.

The story explores teenage romance, centering around the lives of Jade, a privileged young woman, and David, a charismatic young man. Their immediate attraction sparks a passionate and tumultuous love affair, complicated further by their parents' efforts to keep them apart.

While the two films share a similar plot, they differ in some ways. The 2014 remake takes a more restrained and emotionally distant approach, unlike the 1981 original, which portrayed intense drama and passion.

Despite the differences, "Endless Love" has captured numerous hearts, inspiring great lengths for love and reaffirming love knows no bounds. Much like David and Jades' story, many films evoke one's inner hopeless romantic, from classics like "A Walk to Remember" to contemporary gems like "The Best of Me."

'A Walk to Remember': Landon & Jaime's High School Heartstrings

Premiered in 2002, the movie "A Walk to Remember" captured audiences' hearts with its mix of drama, romance, and heartbreak. The story revolves around two high school students, Landon Carter, played by Shane West, and Jamie Sullivan, played by Mandy Moore.

Landon, a carefree senior who loves to party, and Jamie, a kind and introverted girl, embark on an extraordinary journey when their paths cross. His life takes a profound turn when he meets Jamie during his involvement in a school play for community service.

As Landon gets to know Jamie better, he falls deeply in love with her. However, Jamie harbors a devastating secret that threatens to change the course of their romance.

'The Spectacular Now': A Spectacularly Unconventional Romance

In a story reminiscent of "Endless Love," the 2013 film "The Spectacular Now" introduces viewers to Sutter, a party-loving guy, and Aimee, a studious girl who juggles a paper route for extra income and has clear post-high school plans.

The film revolves around a high school romance. A break-up with a girlfriend caused Sutter to step back and reevaluate his life. He found himself drunk on the lawn of one of his classmates, Aimee.

Sutter and Aimee spend more time together as time passes, leading to Sutter's transformational outlook on life and developing a deep and meaningful connection between them. Actor Miles Teller plays Sutter, and Shailene Woodley portrays Aimee.

'Love, Rosie': Second Chances & Serendipity

With its compelling storyline and talented cast, the 2014 film "Love, Rosie" depicts a classic friends-to-lovers story, starring Sam Claflin as Alex and Lily Collins as Rosie. Adapted from Cecelia Ahern's bestselling novel, it explores whether true love allows for second chances.

The movie tracks the enduring connection between Alex and Rosie from childhood to adulthood, marred by missed opportunities and persistent misunderstandings. Despite their strong feelings for each other, they struggle to express their love due to bad timing.

As they navigate life's complexities, they repeatedly find their way back to each other, raising the question of whether they can go beyond their familial friendship.

'The Notebook': A Love Story for the Ages

A film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' 1996 novel, "The Notebook," explores the romance of Allie and Noah in the summer of the 1940s, played by actors Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling.

Allie and Noah are from different social classes: she belongs to a wealthy family, while he comes from a poor background. Allie's parents strongly disapprove of their relationship, going to lengths to keep them apart.

Years later, Allie and Noah cross paths again and discover that their love for each other has endured, even though Allie is engaged to someone else. The story is narrated by an elderly man in a nursing home, revealing that he and another resident are the older versions of the main characters.

'One Day': Love through Changing Seasons

Drama and romance blend beautifully in the 2011 film "One Day." The story unfolds when Emma, played by the talented Anne Hathaway, and Dexter, portrayed by Jim Sturgess, meet on July 15, 1988, during their college graduation in Scotland.

Emma is a principled working-class woman with ambitious dreams of changing the world, while Dexter is a wealthy man who views life as his playground. Despite their different backgrounds, they form a tradition of meeting every July 15 to reflect on their personal growth over the past year.

As they continue their friendship, they navigate conflicts, pursue their dreams, miss opportunities, share laughter, and shed tears. Along the way, they slowly discover that what they've been searching for may have been right in front of them all along.

'Say Anything': Discovering Love in the Last Days of Summer

The 1989 film "Say Anything" packs comedy, drama, and romance, starring Ione Skye as Diane and John Cusack as Lloyd. This classic story follows an unlikely pair as they navigate the ups and downs of love during their last summer before heading off to college.

Diane, a brilliant high school valedictorian who has never been in a relationship, is about to move to England for further education. It's during this time that she crosses paths with Lloyd.

Lloyd has no concrete plans for the future except for one undeniable ambition: to make Diane fall for him. However, their blossoming romance encounters an unexpected obstacle in the form of Diane's protective father.

'The Fault in Our Stars': A Tale of Love & Resilience

The 2014 film "The Fault in Our Stars" leaves its viewers emotional and in tears. Adapted from author John Green's book of the same title, the plot follows the touching story of two teenage cancer patients who discover love despite their health struggles.

Actress Shailene Woodley portrays 16-year-old Hazel Grace, whose parents urge her to join a support group. In that group session, she meets Augustus, played by Ansel Elgort.

Together, they help each other achieve their goals, like visiting a reclusive author in Amsterdam. As they embark on a romantic journey, their connection deepens, highlighting the enduring power of love, even in the face of tragedy.

'Best of Me': Reviving Old Flames & Feelings

Released in 2014, the captivating film "Best of Me" is a poignant love story that masterfully captures the enduring power of first, innocent, true love. The movie was adapted from Nicholas Sparks's bestselling novel of the same name.

Centered around Dawson and Amanda, former high school sweethearts portrayed by actors James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan, the movie takes viewers on a heartfelt journey of reconnection after two decades apart.

As they rebuild their connection, they come to a poignant realization: the same forces that separated them in the past still exert their influence, adding depth and complexity to their story.

In addition to the films mentioned above, there's a treasure trove of cinematic gems for viewers to explore. Among these are "50 First Dates," "Serendipity," "The Time Traveler's Wife," and "Bridget Jones's Diary," all waiting to captivate one's imagination.