12 Movies Like Call Me By Your Name You Can’t Miss

If you were touched by the tender, emotionally rich storytelling of Call Me By Your Name, you’re probably seeking more films that evoke similar feelings—those quiet, powerful tales of first love, identity, and personal transformation. Below is a carefully curated list of 12 heartfelt films that echo the intimate charm and emotional resonance of Call Me By Your Name. These stories dive deep into love, longing, and self-discovery, each with its own unique style and sentiment.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

A timeless and often-compared companion to Call Me By Your Name, Brokeback Mountain follows the complicated love story between Ennis and Jack—two cowboys whose forbidden romance spans several decades. With stunning visuals and a deeply moving narrative, this film captures the anguish, passion, and beauty of a love that dares not speak its name. Both films share a lyrical, melancholic tone that lingers long after the credits roll.

Moonlight (2016)

Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning Moonlight explores the life of Chiron, a young Black man navigating his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighbourhood. Divided into three poignant chapters, the film takes viewers on a journey of vulnerability, love, and acceptance. It mirrors Call Me By Your Name’s emotional depth and delicate storytelling, making it essential viewing for fans of nuanced coming-of-age cinema.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Set in 18th-century France, this mesmerising drama tells the story of Marianne, a painter, and Héloïse, the woman she’s been hired to paint. As their relationship quietly intensifies, the film explores themes of desire, memory, and the limitations imposed by society. Much like Call Me By Your Name, Portrait of a Lady on Fire leans into quiet, slow-burning emotion, brought to life by breathtaking cinematography and restrained performances.

God’s Own Country (2017)

Set amidst the rugged Yorkshire countryside, this British indie gem follows Johnny, a hardened young farmer, and Gheorghe, a Romanian migrant worker, as they fall in love under unlikely circumstances. The raw, earthy storytelling and powerful performances draw strong parallels to Elio and Oliver’s bond. It’s an emotional, grounding film that celebrates love’s ability to heal and transform.

Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013)

This French film chronicles the intense, all-consuming relationship between Adèle and Emma, capturing the highs and heartbreaks of young love. Like Call Me By Your Name, it delves into the exploration of identity, desire, and the evolution of romantic relationships. The film’s deeply personal narrative and raw performances make it a compelling, if at times painful, watch.

The Way He Looks (2014)

Sweet and sincere, this Brazilian coming-of-age film tells the story of Leonardo, a blind teenager, and Gabriel, his new classmate, who slowly becomes something more. This tender depiction of first love explores the uncertainties and joys of self-discovery. It’s a beautifully understated film that shares Call Me By Your Name’s affection for youth, innocence, and quiet emotional growth.

Weekend (2011)

Over the course of a weekend, two men—Russell and Glen—form a bond that is intimate, candid, and transformative. What begins as a casual hook-up evolves into something far deeper, revealing vulnerabilities and yearnings. The film’s naturalistic style and emotional honesty make it a deeply affecting piece, reminiscent of the fragile yet powerful moments in Call Me By Your Name.

The Handmaiden (2016)

This intricate South Korean thriller combines romance, deceit, and unexpected passion. Adapted from Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith, The Handmaiden charts the connection between two women caught in a complex web of manipulation and desire. Though more suspenseful in tone, its exploration of forbidden love and stunning cinematography align it with the emotional richness of Call Me By Your Name.

Maurice (1987)

Based on E.M. Forster’s novel, Maurice tells the story of a young man coming to terms with his sexuality in Edwardian England. With its tender portrayal of same-sex love amidst societal repression, the film beautifully captures the tension between societal expectations and personal truth. Fans of Call Me By Your Name will appreciate its introspective tone and romantic depth.

The Half of It (2020)

This modern teen drama follows Ellie, an introverted and intelligent high school student, as she helps a boy woo the same girl she secretly loves. Witty, heartfelt, and refreshingly quiet, The Half of It explores the blurry lines between friendship and love, and the confusion of adolescence. Its gentle storytelling and authentic characters will resonate with those who admired the emotional subtleties of Elio’s journey.

A Single Man (2009)

Tom Ford’s directorial debut is a visually elegant and emotionally searing portrayal of a grieving professor, George, navigating life after the sudden death of his partner. Colin Firth delivers a career-best performance as a man wrestling with isolation and memory. Like Call Me By Your Name, A Single Man lingers in moments of silence, reflection, and unspoken yearning.

Summer of 85 (2020)

This French drama captures the fleeting intensity of a teenage romance between Alexis and David on the Normandy coast. Set against a backdrop of sunshine and waves, the film echoes Call Me By Your Name in both tone and content—an ode to youthful love, nostalgia, and inevitable loss. It’s visually captivating, emotionally rich, and quietly devastating.

Final Thoughts

Each of these films holds a mirror to the same emotional honesty and vulnerability that made Call Me By Your Name such a beloved work. Whether set in rural England, sun-drenched Italy, or 18th-century France, these stories share an emotional lineage—one that speaks to the beauty of connection, the courage it takes to love, and the bittersweet sting of letting go.

If you’re yearning for more poignant, beautifully told stories of love and identity, explore further recommendations at , where you’ll find more cinematic treasures waiting to move you.

Victoria Hughes