reflective backdrop

Movies with reflective vibe

The Spectacular Now

1. The Spectacular Now

Comedy Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Romantic Comedy
7.0
20131h 35min

Overview

Sutter, a popular party animal, unexpectedly meets the introverted Aimee after waking up on a stranger's lawn. As Sutter deals with the problems in his life and Aimee plans for her future beyond school, an unexpected romance blossoms between them.

Themes

Risk and consequence, Coming of age pressures, Caregiving burden, Romance versus responsibility, Sobriety and self-control, Family boundaries

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Frances Ha

2. Frances Ha

Comedy Drama Awkward Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
7.4
20131h 26min

Overview

An aspiring dancer moves to New York City and becomes caught up in a whirlwind of flighty fair-weather friends, diminishing fortunes and career setbacks.

Themes

Economic precarity, Loyalty under strain, Friendship and ambition, Self-discovery through mobility, Urban independence, Ambition vs dependence

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A Perfect Plan

3. A Perfect Plan

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy
6.3
20121h 44min

Overview

Successful woman in love tries to break her family curse of every first marriage ending in divorce, by dashing to the altar with a random stranger before marrying her boyfriend.

Themes

Trust vs manipulation, Family curse pressure, Love vs calculation, Marriage as performance, Deception and consent, Arranged marriage risk

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.9
20121h 43min

Overview

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1991. High school freshman Charlie is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two senior students, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick, become his mentors, helping him discover the joys of friendship, music and love.

Themes

Belonging vs isolation, Coming of age tension, Peer mentorship dynamics, Adolescent mental health, First love and intimacy, Trauma memory disclosure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Magic of Belle Isle

5. The Magic of Belle Isle

Drama Comedy Family Drama Buddy Comedy
7.0
20121h 49min

Overview

In an effort to tap into his original talent, a wheelchair-bound author moves to a rural town, where he befriends a single mother and her three kids, who help reignite his passion for writing.

Themes

Mentorship and growth, Grief and renewal, Resilience through art, Mother-daughter bonds, Addiction and recovery, Community-based inspiration

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Sessions

6. The Sessions

Drama Romance Comedy Romantic Comedy Relationship Drama
7.2
20121h 35min

Overview

Though a childhood bout with polio left him dependent on an iron lung, Mark O'Brien maintains a career as a journalist and poet. A writing assignment dealing with sex and the disabled piques Mark's curiosity, and he decides to investigate the possibility of experiencing sex himself. When his overtures toward a caregiver scare her away, he books an appointment with sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen-Greene to lose his virginity.

Themes

Jealousy and loyalty, Caregiving boundaries, Disability and sexuality, Religion and desire, Vulnerability and agency, Ethics of care

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Five-Year Engagement

7. The Five-Year Engagement

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy Awkward Comedy
6.2
20122h 4min

Overview

Exactly one year after Tom meets Violet, he surprises her with a wedding ring. By all accounts, Tom and Violet are destined for their happily ever after. However, this engaged couple just keep getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle.

Themes

Adaptation and resilience, Career vs relationship, Ambition vs stability, External pressures on plans, Commitment under strain, Reconciliation and renewal

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

W.E.

8. W.E.

Drama Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.2
20111h 59min

Overview

In 1998, an auction of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor causes great excitement. For one woman, Wally Winthrop, it has much more meaning. Wally becomes obsessed by their historic love story. As she learns more about the sacrifices involved, Wally gains her own courage to find happiness.

Themes

Class inequality, Forbidden romance, Social pressure, Public scrutiny, Marriage legitimacy, Personal autonomy

Available on

Amazon Video
The Roku Channel
Kanopy
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Friends with Benefits

9. Friends with Benefits

Romance Comedy Romantic Comedy Parody
6.5
20111h 49min

Overview

Dylan is done with relationships. Jamie decides to stop buying into the Hollywood clichés of true love. When the two become friends they decide to try something new and take advantage of their mutual attraction - but without any emotional attachment.

Themes

Career vs personal life, Casual sex boundaries, Independence vs love, Elder care pressures, Platonic romance tension, Trust erosion in dating

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Something Borrowed

10. Something Borrowed

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Relationship Drama
5.8
20111h 52min

Overview

Though Rachel is a successful attorney and a loyal, generous friend, she is still single. After one drink too many at her 30th-birthday celebration, Rachel unexpectedly falls into bed with her longtime crush, Dex -- who happens to be engaged to her best friend, Darcy. Ramifications of the liaison threaten to destroy the women's lifelong friendship, while Ethan, Rachel's confidant, harbors a potentially explosive secret of his own.

Themes

Loyalty under strain, Deception and disclosure, Romance versus friendship, Pregnancy and commitment, Wedding obligations and choice, Secret crush dynamics

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.