bittersweet backdrop

Movies with bittersweet vibe

Lost in Translation

1. Lost in Translation

Drama Romance Comedy Bittersweet Romance Relationship Drama
7.7
20031h 42min

Overview

A washed-up movie star and a young wife drift through Tokyo on separate, lonely trips—until a chance meeting in a hotel bar pulls them into a fragile, electric connection that makes going back to their real lives suddenly unbearable.

Themes

Culture clash and loneliness, Midlife crisis and longing, Homesickness in foreign city, Age-difference relationship, Quiet companionship in foreign city, Nostalgic melancholy and hope

Available on

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

A Mighty Wind

2. A Mighty Wind

Comedy Music Ensemble Comedy Narrative Musical
7.2
20031h 32min

Overview

Three eclectic, never-quite-famous folk bands come together for the first time in decades following the death of their manager to put on an reunion concert in his honor, at the request of his son.

Themes

Authenticity vs performance, Intergenerational transmission of craft, Satire of showbiz, Fading fame and legacy, Romantic tension within groups, Reunion under pressure

Available on

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

The Classic

3. The Classic

Drama Romance Passionate Romance Relationship Drama
7.7
20032h 13min

Overview

Ji-hae's friend is having problems expressing her feelings to the boy she loves, so she asks Ji-hae to write e-mails to him in her name. As the boy falls in love with her letters, Ji-hae discovers the story of her mother's romance which is remarkably similar to her own circumstances.

Themes

Duty vs desire, Love letter, Love at first sight, Impossible love, Bittersweet memory, Necklace symbolism


Riding in Cars with Boys

4. Riding in Cars with Boys

Drama Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
6.5
20012h 12min

Overview

In 1965, a young woman with dreams of becoming a writer has a son at the age of 15 and struggles to make things work with the drug-addicted father.

Themes

Addiction and relationship strain, Teen pregnancy consequences, Female ambition vs motherhood, Education as escape and goal, Family loyalty under crisis

Available on

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

Son of the Bride

5. Son of the Bride

Comedy Drama Romance Family Drama Romantic Comedy
7.8
20012h 3min

Overview

At age 42, Rafael Belvedere is having a crisis. He lives in the shadow of his father, he feels guilty about rarely visiting his aging mother, his ex-wife says he doesn't spend enough time with their daughter and he has yet to make a commitment to his girlfriend. At his lowest point, a minor heart attack reunites him with Juan Carlos, a childhood friend, who helps Rafael to reconstruct his past.

Themes

Midlife crisis and purpose, Family obligation vs independence, Tradition vs personal freedom, Caregiving for aging parents, Wedding pressure on relationships, Heart attack as catalyst

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Movistar Plus+
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Sweet November

6. Sweet November

Drama Romance Passionate Romance Relationship Drama
6.7
20011h 59min

Overview

Nelson is a man devoted to his advertising career in San Francisco. One day, while taking a driving test at the DMV, he meets Sara. She is very different from the other women in his life. Nelson causes her to miss out on taking the test and later that day she tracks him down. One thing leads to another and Nelson ends up living with her through a November that will change his life forever.

Themes

Workaholic lifestyle, Emotional vulnerability, Time bound romance, Protection and departure, Terminal illness impact, Healing through companionship

Available on

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

Almost Famous

7. Almost Famous

Drama Music Coming-of-Age Drama Backstage & Showbiz Music
7.9
20002h 4min

Overview

In 1973, 15-year-old William Miller's unabashed love of music and aspiration to become a rock journalist lands him an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview and tour with the up-and-coming band, Stillwater.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Coming of age on tour, Groupie culture and desire, Fame and exploitation, Creative ambition under pressure, Mentorship and gatekeeping

Available on

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

Magnolia

8. Magnolia

Drama Relationship Drama
8.0
19993h 9min

Overview

On one random day in the San Fernando Valley, a dying father, a young wife, a male caretaker, a famous lost son, a police officer in love, a boy genius, an ex-boy genius, a game show host and an estranged daughter will each become part of a dazzling multiplicity of plots, but one story.

Themes

Chance and choice, Parent-child estrangement, Reconciliation and contact, Pressure of performance, Mortality and illness, Fragmented urban life

Available on

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

Mermaids

9. Mermaids

Comedy Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Romantic Comedy
6.7
19901h 50min

Overview

Fifteen-year-old Charlotte Flax is tired of her wacky mom moving their family to a different town any time she feels it is necessary. When they move to a small Massachusetts town and Mrs. Flax begins dating a shopkeeper, Charlotte and her 9-year-old sister, Kate, hope that they can finally settle down. But when Charlotte's attraction to an older man gets in the way, the family must learn to accept each other for who they truly are.

Themes

Coming of age under upheaval, Relocation and instability, Romance across age difference, Religious tension vs secular longing, Parental boundaries and friendship, Family resilience and repair

Available on

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