Best movies like Paper Towns
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life-dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge-he follows. After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues-and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 107000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: exciting, teen, road movie, emotional, heartbreaking, serious, gloomy, captivating, disturbing, psychological
Best tv shows and movies like Paper Towns (2015):
Similar in 82%
According to Greta (2009)
Plot Summary:
Greta is a waitress who falls for an ambitious cook at the restaurant where they work. But as their summer romance heats up, she has to overcome the concerns of her grandparents about her boyfriend's criminal past.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: realistic, captivating, teen, touching, psychological, romantic, thought provoking, social, emotional, independent film
Similar in 86%
Life in a Year (2020)
Plot Summary:
A 17 year old finds out that his girlfriend is dying, so he sets out to give her an entire life, in the last year she has left.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, sentimental, romantic, clever, inspirational, deep, teen, romantic drama
Similar in 83%
Dakota Skye (2008)
Plot Summary:
For as long as she could remember, Dakota Skye has been cursed with a super power. She has the ability to see the truth in any lie she hears. From small, harmless white lies, to the more devious kind, they have come from the people that she should trust the most; her family, friends and teachers. These lies have snowballed, leading to her becoming bitter and apathetic towards the world around her.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: serious, independent film, captivating, psychological, melancholic, indie film, romantic, offbeat, black comedy, cult classic
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Similar in 79%
Ashby (2015)
Plot Summary:
When new kid in town Ed Wallis is given an assignment to interview an older person, he turns to his mysterious neighbor, Ashby Holt for help. That new connection leads to unexpected journeys for both of them, as Ashby – who turns out to be a retired CIA assassin – deals with a terminal prognosis, and Ed deals with adjusting to life with his newly single mom and developing relationship with a brainy classmate, Eloise.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: melancholic, touching, talky, romantic, enigmatic, funny, light, thought provoking, clever, feel good
Similar in 77%
13 Reasons Why (2017)
Plot Summary:
After a teenage girl's perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 311000
Genere: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: emotional, psychological, thought provoking, serious, suspenseful, dramatic, realistic, teen, tragic ending, exciting
Similar in 75%
If I Stay (2014)
Plot Summary:
Mia Hall, a talented young cellist, thought the most difficult decision she would ever have to make would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at prestigious Juilliard or follow her heart to be with the love of her life, Adam, a rock singer/guitarist. However, a car wreck changes everything in an instant, and now Mia's life hangs in the balance. Suspended between life and death, Mia faces a choice that will decide her future.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 127000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy, Music, Romance, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, tear jerker, sad, uplifting, teen, sincere, heartbreaking, romantic, bleak
Similar in 80%
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Plot Summary:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a patient named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 396000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 126 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, romantic, sentimental, tear jerker, sad, sincere, teen, serious, melancholic
Similar in 86%
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Plot Summary:
Two high school girls are best friends until one dates the other's older brother, who is totally his sister's nemesis.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 138000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA, China
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: teen, emotional, witty, touching, realistic, depressing, suspense, comedy drama, parody, inspirational
Similar in 87%
How to Deal (2003)
Plot Summary:
Mandy Moore stars as Halley, a young hip high school student who's convinced true love doesn't exist based on the crazy relationships around her. Her mother is divorcing her father who is dating a younger woman Halley can't stand. Her crazed sister is planning a wedding but has second thoughts and her best friend has fallen madly in love for the first time leaving Halley to feel even more alone.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: romantic, sweet, sentimental, feel good, semi serious, teen, touching, humorous, realistic, light
Similar in 83%
The Girl Next Door (2004)
Plot Summary:
Exceptionally ambitious high schooler Matthew has aspirations for a career in politics when he falls in love with his gorgeous 19-year-old neighbor, Danielle. But Matthew's bright future is jeopardized when he finds Danielle was once a porn star. As Danielle's past catches up with her, Matthew's love for her forces him to re-evaluate his goals.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 236000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: sex comedy, sexy, teen sex comedy, romantic, teen, sexual, romantic comedy, feel good, funny, hilarious
Similar in 88%
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Plot Summary:
Greg is coasting through senior year of high school as anonymously as possible, avoiding social interactions like the plague while secretly making spirited, bizarre films with Earl, his only friend. But both his anonymity and friendship threaten to unravel when his mother forces him to befriend a classmate with leukemia.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 137000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: touching, independent film, emotional, teen, depressing, black comedy, sad, aesthetic, semi serious, funny
Similar in 86%
Palo Alto (2013)
Plot Summary:
Palo Alto weaves together three stories of teenage lust, boredom, and self-destruction: shy, sensitive April, torn between an illicit flirtation with her soccer coach and an unrequited crush on sweet stoner Teddy; Emily, who offers sexual favors to any boy to cross her path; and the increasingly dangerous exploits of Teddy and his best friend Fred, whose behavior may or may not be sociopathic.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 31000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: melancholic, atmospheric, serious, teen, realistic, indie film, aesthetic, erotic, mumblecore, artsy
Similar in 84%
The Spectacular Now (2013)
Plot Summary:
A hard-partying high school senior's philosophy on life changes when he meets the not-so-typical "nice girl.".
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 160000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: touching, teen, sincere, melancholic, emotional, independent film, romantic, feel good, sweet, heartbreaking
Similar in 83%
The Best of Me (2014)
Plot Summary:
A pair of former high school sweethearts reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 77000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: touching, romantic, sentimental, sad, sexy, emotional, dramatic, tear jerker, sweet, scenic
Similar in 89%
Keith (2008)
Plot Summary:
Natalie (Elisabeth Harnois) is high school royalty, but her queen bee status falls apart when she falls for the new guy at school. Although Keith (Jesse McCartney) ignores her at first, they soon become friends -- even though Natalie suspects that Keith has something to hide. As the free-spirited Keith shows Natalie how to embrace what life offers, they grow closer -- until a secret tests the bounds of their relationship.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 37000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: sad, psychological, romantic, touching, emotional, serious, bad ending, realistic, heartbreaking, sentimental
Similar in 78%
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Plot Summary:
A coming-of-age story based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, which follows 15-year-old freshman Charlie, an endearing and naive outsider who is taken under the wings of two seniors. A moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope - and the unforgettable friends that help us through life.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 539000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: touching, sincere, teen, melancholic, romantic, emotional, realistic, feel good, heartbreaking, independent film
Similar in 87%
The Art of Getting By (2011)
Plot Summary:
George, a lonely and fatalistic teen who's made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, is befriended by Sally, a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 60000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: feel good, independent film, semi serious, humorous, realistic, romantic, indie film, witty, teen, heartbreaking
Similar in 80%
The First Time (2012)
Plot Summary:
Dave, a high school senior, spends most of his time pining away over a girl he can’t have. Aubrey, a junior with artistic aspirations, has a hot boyfriend who doesn’t quite understand her or seem to care. Although they go to different schools, Dave and Aubrey find themselves at the same party. When both head outside to get some air, they meet. A casual conversation sparks an instant connection, and, over the course of a weekend, things turn magical, romantic, complicated, and funny as Aubrey and Dave discover what it's like to fall in love for the first time.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 73000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: romantic, sexy, sincere, touching, realistic, light, feel good, sweet, teen, witty
Similar in 84%
To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
Plot Summary:
Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control when her secret letters to every boy she's ever fallen for are mysteriously mailed out.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 120000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: romantic, touching, sincere, light, sweet, realistic, teen, cute, captivating, romantic comedy
Similar in 77%
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)
Plot Summary:
Nick cannot stop obsessing over his ex-girlfriend, Tris, until Tris' friend Norah suddenly shows interest in him at a club. Thus beings an odd night filled with ups and downs as the two keep running into Tris and her new boyfriend while searching for Norah's drunken friend, Caroline, with help from Nick's band mates. As the night winds down, the two have to figure out what they want from each other.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 95000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: feel good, teen, funny, independent film, romantic comedy, sweet, indie film, heartbreaking, romantic, exciting
Similar in 75%
Can't Buy Me Love (1987)
Plot Summary:
Nerdy high schooler Ronald Miller rescues cheerleader Cindy Mancini from parental punishment after she accidentally destroys her mother's designer clothes. Ronald agrees to pay for the $1,000 outfit on one condition: that she will act as though they're a couple for an entire month. As the days pass, however, Cindy grows fond of Ronald, making him popular. But when Ronald's former best friend gets left behind, he realizes that social success isn't everything.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 41000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, realistic, romantic, teen, semi serious, entertaining, cute, sex comedy, romantic comedy
Similar in 84%
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Plot Summary:
Four best friends (Tibby, Lena, Carmen & Bridget) who buy a mysterious pair of pants that fits each of them, despite their differing sizes, and makes whoever wears them feel fabulous. When faced with the prospect of spending their first summer apart, the pals decide they'll swap the pants so that each girl in turn can enjoy the magic.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 64000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: romantic, feel good, teen, touching, cute, semi serious, humorous, romantic comedy, light, sad
Similar in 79%
The DUFF (2015)
Plot Summary:
Bianca's universe turns upside down when she learns that her high school refers to her as a ‘DUFF' (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). Hoping to erase that label, she enlists the help of a charming jock and her favorite teacher. Together they'll face the school's mean girl and remind everyone that we are all someone's DUFF… and that's totally fine.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 100000
Genere: Comedy, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: feel good, funny, teen, humorous, romantic, cute, semi serious, not serious, uplifting, social
Similar in 77%
After (2019)
Plot Summary:
A young woman falls for a guy with a dark secret and the two embark on a rocky relationship.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 63000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: romantic, sexy, emotional, light, atmospheric, touching, lyrical, erotic, saga, scenic
Similar in 75%
The Way Way Back (2013)
Plot Summary:
Over the course of his summer break, a teenager comes into his own thanks in part to the friendship he strikes up with one of the park's managers.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 155000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, realistic, teen, independent film, sweet, indie film, semi serious, sentimental, witty
Similar in 81%
Say Anything... (1989)
Plot Summary:
A budding romance between noble underachiever Lloyd Dobler and high school valedictorian Diane Court is threatened when Diane's overly possessive, disapproving father interferes with their relationship. With a prized scholarship to study abroad hanging in the balance, Diane must find a way to make both men happy.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 95000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: feel good, sweet, light, romantic, teen, romantic comedy, humorous, sentimental, cult classic, touching
Similar in 90%
She's All That (1999)
Plot Summary:
High school hotshot Zach Siler is the envy of his peers. But his popularity declines sharply when his cheerleader girlfriend, Taylor, leaves him for sleazy reality-television star Brock Hudson. Desperate to revive his fading reputation, Siler agrees to a seemingly impossible challenge. He has six weeks to gain the trust of nerdy outcast Laney Boggs -- and help her to become the school's next prom queen.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 102000
Genere: Comedy, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: romantic, feel good, sweet, teen, romantic comedy, light, humorous, sentimental, entertaining, realistic
Similar in 79%
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Plot Summary:
When the popular, restless Landon Carter is forced to participate in the school drama production he falls in love with Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of the town's minister. Jamie has a "to-do" list for her life and also a very big secret she must keep from Landon.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 219000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: touching, romantic, inspirational, tear jerker, sad, sentimental, emotional, sincere, dramatic, teen
Similar in 88%
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Plot Summary:
Five high school students, all different stereotypes, meet in detention, where they pour their hearts out to each other, and discover how they have a lot more in common than they thought.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 428000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: teen, talky, feel good, realistic, cult classic, humorous, semi serious, funny, inspirational, sincere
Similar in 89%
Sydney White (2007)
Plot Summary:
A modern retelling of Snow White set against students in their freshman year of college in the greek system.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 51000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: feel good, teen, romantic, romantic comedy, cute, funny, humorous, modern fairy tale, fairy tale, light