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| 23 Movies Like Girls Like Girls You Need to Watch Next After Hayley Kiyoko’s Emotional Coming-of-Age Romance. (Credits: Focus) |
Ever since Girls Like Girls arrived in cinemas, audiences have been searching for another film capable of recreating the same emotional whirlwind. Hayley Kiyoko's long-awaited adaptation of her bestselling novel and iconic music video has struck a chord with viewers thanks to its blend of first love, heartbreak, grief, small-town tensions and mid-2000s nostalgia. The story of Coley and Sonya has sparked countless conversations online, with many fans admitting they left the cinema immediately looking for movies that capture the same aching romance, complicated feelings and unforgettable summer atmosphere. Thankfully, there is no shortage of films that explore similar themes, even if replacing the emotional damage caused by Girls Like Girls might be slightly more difficult.
Fan reactions have been varied but passionate. Some viewers have praised the film's heartfelt portrayal of teenage romance and grief, while others have become completely obsessed with the chemistry between Coley and Sonya.
Across social media, many are comparing the film to a blend of classic coming-of-age dramas and modern queer romance stories. The consensus seems clear: once the credits roll, many viewers are left wanting more stories that explore identity, longing and complicated young love.
Movies Like GIRLS LIKE GIRLS
ICYMI: Where Was Girls Like Girls Filmed?
1. The Half of It
Perhaps the closest spiritual companion to Girls Like Girls, this heartfelt drama follows shy student Ellie as she helps a boy write love letters to a girl she secretly likes herself.
Like Coley and Sonya's story, it unfolds in a small town where fitting in often feels impossible. The quiet yearning, emotional restraint and bittersweet atmosphere make it essential viewing.
2. My First Summer
This beautifully shot Australian romance centres on two teenage girls who form an intense connection during one transformative summer. Much like Girls Like Girls, grief, vulnerability and first love become intertwined in ways that feel both painful and hopeful.
3. Bottoms
If Girls Like Girls is emotional poetry, Bottoms is pure chaos written on a school detention slip. The comedy follows two students creating a fight club to impress girls they like. While the tone is wildly different, the focus on queer teenage experiences makes it a natural follow-up.
4. But I'm a Cheerleader
A cult classic for good reason, this colourful satire follows a teenager sent to a conversion camp after others suspect she likes girls. Beneath the humour lies a touching story about self-acceptance, identity and finding love despite overwhelming pressure.
5. Carol
Different era, same emotional devastation. Set in the 1950s, Carol is built on stolen glances, suppressed feelings and impossible choices. Anyone who appreciated the tension between Coley and Sonya will find plenty to admire here.
6. Pariah
This powerful coming-of-age drama follows a teenager navigating identity, family expectations and personal freedom. It shares many of the same themes that make Girls Like Girls resonate so strongly with audiences.
7. Crush
A charming high-school romance filled with awkward moments, humour and teenage confusion. It explores first love through a lighter lens while still capturing the emotional uncertainty that defines adolescence.
8. Booksmart
Although primarily a comedy, Booksmart features one of the most refreshing modern coming-of-age stories. Friendship, identity and self-discovery drive the narrative in ways that will feel familiar to fans of Hayley Kiyoko's film.
9. The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Set in the 1990s, the film follows a teenager sent away after being discovered with another girl. It balances humour and heartbreak while examining acceptance, identity and resilience.
10. Princess Cyd
This thoughtful indie drama explores a young woman's emotional awakening during a summer spent with relatives. The film captures the same reflective energy and romantic curiosity that defines Girls Like Girls.
11. Imagine Me & You
A romantic comedy with plenty of charm, it follows a woman who unexpectedly falls for another woman shortly after getting married. The story explores difficult choices and emotional honesty without becoming overly dramatic.
12. Saving Face
This smart and engaging romance explores love, family expectations and identity. Like Girls Like Girls, it focuses heavily on balancing personal truth with outside pressures.
13. Bloomington
A former child actress arrives at university and develops a complicated relationship with an older woman. While more mature in tone, the emotional intensity mirrors many aspects of Coley's journey.
14. Tell It to the Bees
Set in a conservative community, this period drama explores forbidden romance against a backdrop of social judgment. Themes of secrecy and acceptance strongly echo those found in Girls Like Girls.
15. The World to Come
This slow-burning romance unfolds between two women living in rural America during the 19th century. Emotional longing practically becomes a supporting character.
16. Kajillionaire
A quirky indie film that blends family dysfunction with an unexpected romantic awakening. While unconventional, it offers a unique exploration of emotional growth and self-discovery.
17. Summerland
Part wartime drama, part romance, this film tells a moving story about connection and hidden emotions. Fans looking for heartfelt storytelling will find plenty to enjoy.
18. Blue Jean
Set during a politically tense period in Britain, the film follows a teacher trying to balance her private life and public image. It explores fear, identity and courage with remarkable depth.
19. Disobedience
Featuring a powerful central relationship, this drama examines love, faith and community expectations. The emotional stakes remain high from beginning to end.
20. Gia
Based on the life of model Gia Carangi, this drama explores relationships, identity and personal struggles. While darker than Girls Like Girls, it delivers equally powerful emotional performances.
21. Ammonite
Set against dramatic coastal landscapes, this period romance explores a relationship that develops quietly before becoming emotionally overwhelming. Think longing, but with significantly more fossils.
22. Elisa & Marcela
Inspired by historical events, this romantic drama follows two women determined to be together despite social barriers. The story's themes of courage and authenticity closely align with Hayley Kiyoko's film.
23. Love, Simon
While centred on a different perspective, the film remains one of the strongest modern coming-of-age stories about identity and acceptance. It captures many of the same emotional milestones that make Girls Like Girls so relatable.
The appeal of Girls Like Girls goes beyond romance. Viewers have connected with its exploration of grief, friendship, identity and the terrifying experience of putting your heart on the line when there are absolutely no guarantees.
Some audiences have called it one of the most emotional young adult adaptations in recent years, while others have admitted they spent half the runtime wanting to shake certain characters and tell them to communicate properly. Fair enough.
Whether you're searching for small-town romance, first-love heartbreak, queer coming-of-age stories or simply another film that captures that messy period between adolescence and adulthood, these 23 movies should keep the emotional rollercoaster moving. The bigger question now is which one deserves the top spot after Girls Like Girls. Did we miss your favourite?