12 Movies Like 500 Days Of Summer You’ll Love

In most romantic comedies, we see a typical pattern unfold: two characters meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after. But the movie “(500) Days of Summer” offers a twist on this formula by questioning what happens when the ideal woman turns out not to be so perfect. The story follows Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel), and it delves into the idea that perhaps the girl you’ve been dreaming of isn’t quite as perfect as you thought.

Although the opening voiceover clarifies that “500 Days of Summer” isn’t a conventional love story, it challenges our deeply-rooted expectations about romantic relationships. The relationship between Tom and Summer appears flawless at first glance, but it doesn’t follow the typical trajectory we expect from movies. This film questions our understanding of on-screen romance, suggesting that our ideas of love, which are often shaped by too many films or misinterpretations, can distort our perception when searching for the perfect partner.

If you’re in search of films similar to “500 Days of Summer” with a romantic twist, here are some options you might adore. Some of them deviate from typical endings, others share a similar unconventional narrative structure, and there are a few more that offer a tasteful dose of bittersweet love stories which challenge the conventional portrayal of romance in movies.

La La Land

Movies frequently shape our perspectives on love, as “500 Days of Summer” openly acknowledges. Moreover, if you’re searching for a movie genre that generally wraps up with a happy ending, look no further than musical films. In “La La Land,” director Damien Chazelle embraces this concept and skillfully extracts emotional responses from viewers.

In the film, we come across Mia, portrayed by Emma Stone, and Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling. Mia is a hopeful actress, while Sebastian yearns to be a successful jazz musician and establish his own club in sunny Los Angeles. Initially, their lives clash, but eventually, a charming romance unfolds. However, as they chase their personal ambitions, the dream of maintaining their relationship becomes increasingly elusive.

In the masterful creation of “La La Land,” director Chazelle skillfully twists conventional storytelling norms. The film’s homages to classics like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Sweet Charity,” and “Top Hat” seem to set up Mia and Sebastian’s tale for a romantic ending where they journey off into the sunset together. However, the poignant truth is quite distinct, echoing the bittersweet finale of “500 Days of Summer.” Despite achieving their dreams, Mia and Sebastian ultimately find happiness apart from one another.

Ruby Sparks

In the movie “500 Days of Summer,” Tom sees Summer as his ideal woman, someone he thinks he couldn’t have crafted better if he had tried – or at least that’s what he firmly believes. The film “Ruby Sparks” explores a similar theme, with its intriguing premise. Calvin (played by Paul Dano) is a talented writer, grappling with his current novel and finding it hard to connect with anyone other than his dog and therapist. When Calvin writes about the perfect woman he desires, whom he names Ruby Sparks (portrayed by Zoe Kazan), he’s stunned to find that he has inadvertently brought his literary creation to life.

After Calvin’s initial skepticism subsides, he finds it hard to accept the reality – his ideal woman has stepped out from the pages of his typewriter. However, Ruby is independent-minded and when she begins to develop her own thoughts, Calvin’s behavior becomes overbearing, leading to chaos. The lesson in “Ruby Sparks” is that there’s no perfect partner on paper – a truth that even Calvin learns about Summer. People are complex and unpredictable, often not behaving as we expect or hope. Appreciating someone’s peculiarities and understanding that nobody is flawless – even if they initially seem so – is a more lasting approach than trying to shape them into our ideal partner.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

One compelling aspect of the movie “500 Days of Summer” is its unconventional narrative style. By deviating from the traditional format of romantic films, it presents a unique perspective – showing the outcome first, then moving backward and forward to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the relationship. This non-linear approach mirrors not only how our minds function but also how we remember events, as can be seen in movies like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

After a split, Clementine (Kate Winslet) chooses to wipe out her recollections of Joel (Jim Carrey), while he opts for the same. As he revisits some joyful moments they shared, he finds himself not wanting to erase her memories and maybe there’s a chance that they could restore their relationship and try again.

The topic of memory is intriguing, and the movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” skillfully combines science fiction concepts with a romantic narrative. For Joel, re-living the joyful moments he shared with Clementine has a dual impact. On one side, it triggers memories of their initial love and motivates him to search for her again. However, it could also distort reality by focusing on the good times while overlooking their contentious interactions. This thought-provoking theme will leave you pondering long after the movie ends.

Blue Valentine

Watching ‘Blue Valentine’ can be quite intense, yet it’s remarkably authentic. It takes us to the point of breakdown before rewinding to show us the origins of the story. On the other hand, ‘500 Days of Summer’ has a similar approach, but it hops around in time, whereas ‘Blue Valentine’ offers two separate, clearly chronological narratives that intertwine as they progress.

At the outset, Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) are on the verge of divorce, and a failed attempt to reconcile at a remote motel leads to a heated argument. The narrative then jumps back in time via flashbacks, revealing how their passionate yet troubled relationship began. As young lovers, they faced numerous issues such as an unexpected pregnancy and Cindy’s parents’ marital difficulties.

In both “Blue Valentine” and “500 Days of Summer,” there’s a significant difference in what each character wants from their relationships, leading one to gradually lose parts of themselves. These films depict the consequences of unaddressed resentments and hint at potential outcomes for characters like Tom and Summer had they continued down their current paths.

10 Things I Hate About You

In a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this ’90s teen movie reimagines the story within a high school environment, centering around two contrasting sisters. Bianca, played by Larisa Oleynik, is the younger and more sociable sister eager to begin dating. On the other hand, Kat (Julia Stiles) exhibits a rebellious demeanor that appears to dissuade potential suitors. To prevent Bianca from dating, their father (Larry Miller) sets a condition: Bianca can date only when Kat starts dating. With numerous boys eager to court Bianca – including newcomer Cameron (portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – a strategy is concocted to pair Kat with the charismatic troublemaker Patrick (Heath Ledger).

While many people might recall the touching moments like Kat’s emotional poem reading or Patrick’s serenade from the bleachers in this movie, there’s more to it than just those romantic scenes that make it so popular. Beyond these classic romantic-comedy moments, characters undergo meaningful transformations and personal growth throughout the story. Initially, Kat is adamantly against relationships (much like Summer in “500 Days of Summer”), but she eventually comes to understand that not only can she feel love but she deserves it too. Unfortunately for Tom, this realization doesn’t involve him, but it’s a mature understanding all the same. Both films illustrate that each relationship we encounter has the power to shape and evolve us as individuals – something far more significant than the relationship itself.

Submarine

Back in 2010, I stumbled upon a movie called “Submarine” that shares a quirky, self-aware charm with the off-beat love tale, “500 Days of Summer.” Both of these films left an indelible mark on me due to their unique storytelling and humorous take on love and relationships.

In the movie “Submarine,” we are introduced to Oliver, a socially awkward teenager who frequently daydreams about various situations that he believes are more intriguing than his current reality. These fantasies range from contemplating his own demise and the subsequent emotional response of his classmates, to orchestrated candlelit vigils in his honor. As the story unfolds, Oliver initiates a relationship with his crush, Jordana. However, his emotional immaturity and increasing worries about his parents’ marital troubles could potentially disrupt this blossoming romance.

Submarine” and “500 Days of Summer” share a similar structural approach, with both utilizing voiceovers, on-screen titles, and dividers to structure their narratives. Both films occasionally delve into the surreal and employ stylistic elements like freeze-frames. Remarkably, in both productions, the storyteller appears to have control over the narrative flow, a trait notably showcased in “500 Days of Summer” through the iconic “expectations versus reality” scene.

Marriage Story

In a surprising twist, “Marriage Story” is actually more about the painful dissolution of a marriage rather than the story of a marriage itself. The film revolves around Charlie (played by Adam Driver), a theater director, and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), an actress, as they navigate their contentious divorce while attempting to jointly parent their son amidst the turmoil. Despite their separation being triggered by work commitments that took them to different parts of the country – Charlie in New York and Nicole in L.A. – their long-standing resentments, which had been simmering beneath the surface for quite some time, eventually boil over during the process of parting ways.

In the dramatic confrontation between Charlie and Nicole, the film “Marriage Story” mirrors the potential fate of Tom and Summer in “500 Days of Summer,” had she chosen to stay in a relationship with him when it wasn’t truly what she desired. Like “Blue Valentine,” “Marriage Story” presents a strikingly authentic portrayal of love, emphasizing the significance of recognizing incompatibility before things reach their breaking point. It seems modern cinema is shifting towards this theme, maybe as a counterbalance to traditional romantic films where the story always concludes with an idealistic happily ever after. Interestingly, despite its explosive argument and eventual divorce, “Marriage Story” and “500 Days of Summer” both conclude on hopeful notes, suggesting that while these relationships or periods have ended, it was ultimately for the best and will lead to personal growth and improvement for the individuals involved.

High Fidelity

In a nod to cinephiles who’ve watched both “High Fidelity” and “500 Days of Summer,” it can be argued that John Cusack’s character in “High Fidelity” shows strong resemblance to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal, or vice versa. Both characters exhibit striking similarities as the male leads in these movies. Rob (Cusack) is a record store owner struggling with romantic misfortune, unable to discern why his relationships consistently falter. As he reminisces about past loves, Rob must confront the reality that his actions played a role in their demise and, importantly, that he’s neglected the lessons from these relationships over time.

One key theme in “500 Days of Summer” is that relationships can be fleeting or temporary, as symbolized by Tom’s love interest being called Summer. Yet, both “500 Days of Summer” and “High Fidelity” convey the message that we can learn valuable lessons from these transient connections. Rob’s decision to reexamine his Top 5 exes helps him understand past mistakes, eventually leading him to the person who was right for him all along. Similarly, Tom’s heartache over Summer leads him to quit a job he dislikes, grow as an individual, and opens the possibility of starting a new phase in life when he encounters someone named Autumn (Minka Kelly).

Her

This is a captivating and contemporary tale of love, delving into our interaction with technology in a thought-provoking way. The narrative revolves around Theodore, a timid author who finds it challenging to establish meaningful real-life connections after his marriage ends. Despite his difficulties, Theodore skillfully expresses emotions through his writing, crafting heartfelt letters for others. An unexpected bond develops when Theodore encounters the voice of his innovative operating system, Samantha, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson.

In the portrayed future of “Her,” it appears as though this scenario might not be too distant, especially given its insightful examination of technology’s role in shaping our communication and interactions with others. For Theodore, similar to Tom in “500 Days of Summer,” Samantha represents his ideal partner. However, the constraints of engaging romantically with an AI system are seldom addressed. Though we wish for Theodore to find contentment, there’s a sense that he tries to control Samantha, even as she transcends his understanding. Eventually, Theodore learns a valuable lesson and achieves closure with his ex-wife, paving the way for potential happiness moving forward.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

In “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” the events unfold over a single eventful night, unlike the 500 days chronicled in Tom and Summer’s relationship. Heart-stricken after his girlfriend ends their relationship, Nick (played by Michael Cera) encounters Norah (Kat Dennings) at a club. To ward off his ex, they feign being a couple and spend an unforgettable night seeking out their beloved band, who are performing a secret gig somewhere in New York City.

In a somewhat unconventional vein, both “500 Days of Summer” and “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” share a unique, indie ambiance, complemented by fitting soundtracks. Interestingly, the professional bond between Tom and Summer deepens beyond the office when they discover their mutual love for The Smiths. Similarly, music ignites the spark between Nick and Norah, with Norah having admired Nick’s mixtapes from afar, even before their fateful night.

While a pessimist might claim that Nick and Norah’s relationship won’t last beyond this single night, or that it could mirror Tom and Summer’s if they tried to make it work, there’s reason to be optimistic. Beyond their shared love for music, they appear to have a genuine bond, hinting at potentially many more memorable nights like this one.

Comet

This 2014 indie film is a hidden treasure deserving of more recognition. Its structure and certain elements, such as flashes of parallel universes, make it reminiscent of “500 Days of Summer”. The story follows Dell (Justin Long) and Kimberly (Emmy Rossum), who meet at a meteor shower and have a relationship that appears destined but doesn’t lack its share of highs and lows. After their meeting, they navigate through six years together in an unconventional manner.

As a gamer, I found that “Comet” doesn’t follow events in a straight line, but it skillfully weaves a mesmerizing tale of a relationship where the outcome remains unclear until the very end. Dell, much like Tom, has a mind that wanders, often leading him to make questionable decisions and overlook others’ feelings. This dynamic clashes with Kimberly, who is all about living in the present moment rather than worrying too much about the future. Both movies end on ambiguous notes, with “Comet” adding a philosophical touch by suggesting that us humans may never truly grasp the grand schemes the universe has in store for us.

Lars and the Real Girl

500 Days of Summer” explores the notion that the perfect partner you envision may not truly exist. On the other hand, “Lars and the Real Girl” offers an unusual perspective, depicting a situation where your ideal woman was not a flesh-and-blood person but rather a lifelike doll. Despite its peculiar premise, this film is endearingly sweet and boasts a captivating performance by Ryan Gosling that brings the concept to life with sincerity and heartfelt authenticity.

Living in his family’s garage, Lars (Gosling) – a gentle but socially awkward individual – finds solace in a realistic doll named Bianca. Instead of viewing her as a mere substitute, he interacts with her as if she were genuine, which puzzles his kin. As time passes, the community starts to warm up to Bianca, perceiving her as a symbol of Lars’ quest to overcome past hardships and rejoin society.

As a gamer, I’ve been Lars’s ally, boosting his spirits when he faced his mental health battles and social anxiety. In “Lars and the Real Girl,” there comes a pivotal moment, symbolic of letting go, where Lars no longer needs to hide behind me. Though I wasn’t flesh and blood, the essence I embodied held immense significance – much like Tom’s relationship with Summer, it was a love destined for a certain period, not an eternal bond. The true delight lay in the journey that followed.

2025-01-27 15:31