Best Movies like La La Land (2016)

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg centers on a love affair tested by ambition and circumstance, much like La La Land. Both films follow couples whose relationships become strained as they pursue their dreams in the arts, and are notable for their vibrant musical storytelling techniques.

This simple romantic tragedy begins in 1957. Guy Foucher, a 20-year-old French auto mechanic, has fallen in love with 17-year-old Geneviève Emery, an employee in her widowed mother's chic but financially embattled umbrella shop. On the evening before Guy is to leave for a two-year tour of combat in Algeria, he and Geneviève make love. She becomes pregnant and must choose between waiting for Guy's return or accepting an offer of marriage from a wealthy diamond merchant. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 1964 with an average rating of 7.4 by 898 people. The movie made an estimated total of $7,600,000 in the box office.

The Young Girls of Rochefort features romantic longing and musical sequences built around characters striving for creative and personal fulfillment—paralleling the aspirations and challenges faced by the central couple in La La Land as they navigate love and ambition.

In the seaside town of Rochefort, twin sisters Delphine and Solange dream of love and artistic fulfillment beyond their quiet lives. As sailors, artists, musicians, and chance visitors pass through town during a weekend fair, a web of near-misses and romantic longing brings ideal partners tantalizingly close—without their realizing it. The Young Girls of Rochefort is a movie from France in French, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 1967 with an average rating of 7.7 by 663 people.

Begin Again also explores the intersection of romance and music, focusing on characters rebuilding their lives and careers in the performing arts. Like La La Land, it delves into how the pursuit of creative passions impacts personal relationships.

Gretta, a budding songwriter, finds herself alone after her boyfriend Dave ditches her. Her life gains purpose when Dan, a record label executive, notices her talent. Begin Again is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.2 by 4,039 people. The movie made an estimated total of $63,500,000 in the box office.

Once is centered on two struggling musicians connecting in an urban setting, echoing the artistic and emotional journeys of the leads in La La Land. Both films examine how collaboration and mutual inspiration can transform both careers and personal bonds.

A vacuum repairman moonlights as a street musician and hopes for his big break. One day a Czech immigrant, who earns a living selling flowers, approaches him with the news that she is also an aspiring singer-songwriter. The pair decide to collaborate, and the songs that they compose reflect the story of their blossoming love. Once is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.4 by 1,478 people. The movie made an estimated total of $20,710,513 in the box office.

A Star Is Born deals with musical ambition and romance, following two artists whose relationship is deeply impacted by the pursuit of fame. Like La La Land, it balances intimate drama with the pressures of artistic success and sacrifice.

Seasoned musician Jackson Maine discovers — and falls in love with — struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer — until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. A Star Is Born is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 16m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 7.5 by 12,306 people. The movie made an estimated total of $436,388,866 in the box office.

Sing Street charts the journey of aspiring musicians navigating young love and creative ambition. Like La La Land, it explores how dreams and romantic connections intersect, all set against the backdrop of forming a career in music.

A boy growing up in Dublin during the 1980s escapes his strained family life by starting a band to impress the mysterious girl he likes. Sing Street is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.9 by 2,480 people. The movie made an estimated total of $13,624,522 in the box office.

The Last Five Years chronicles the rise and fall of a romantic relationship as both characters chase artistic careers. Much like La La Land, it uses music and nonlinear storytelling to explore how ambition can test love’s endurance.

In New York, a struggling actress and a successful writer sing about their failed marriage from two perspectives. The Last Five Years is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 5.9 by 349 people. The movie made an estimated total of $292,092 in the box office.

All That Jazz offers a close look at the demands of a life in the performing arts, with its protagonist facing personal and professional conflicts. The focus on artistic drive and its effects on relationships connects it to La La Land’s core themes.

Joe Gideon is at the top of the heap, one of the most successful directors and choreographers in musical theater. But he can feel his world slowly collapsing around him - his obsession with work has almost destroyed his personal life, and only his bottles of pills keep him going. All That Jazz is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 1979 with an average rating of 7.5 by 613 people. The movie made an estimated total of $37,823,676 in the box office.

Whiplash highlights the sacrifices and intense pressure associated with pursuing a music career. Like La La Land, the film examines the personal costs of creative ambition and what striving for greatness means for one’s relationships.

Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity. Whiplash is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 8.4 by 16,862 people. The movie made an estimated total of $50,307,484 in the box office.

An American in Paris explores the joys and challenges of artistic life in a city celebrated for its creativity. Romantic complications and the pursuit of artistic dreams make it resonate thematically with the central journey in La La Land.

Jerry Mulligan is an exuberant American expatriate in Paris trying to make a reputation as a painter. His friend Adam is a struggling concert pianist who's a long time associate of a famous French singer, Henri Baurel. A lonely society woman, Milo Roberts, takes Jerry under her wing and supports him, but is interested in more than his art. An American in Paris is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 1951 with an average rating of 7.0 by 655 people. The movie made an estimated total of $6,981,000 in the box office.

New York, New York blends romantic drama with musical ambition, following two people whose love is complicated by their evolving artistic pursuits. The interplay between relationship dynamics and creative aspirations draws a clear parallel with La La Land.

An egotistical saxophone player and a young singer meet on V-J Day and embark upon a strained and rocky romance, even as their careers begin a long uphill climb. New York, New York is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 43m runtime, released in 1977 with an average rating of 6.5 by 509 people. The movie made an estimated total of $16,400,000 in the box office.

Moulin Rouge! entangles a passionate romance with the world of performing arts, examining how love and artistic ambition can be both uplifting and destructive. Both films set their stories in worlds where musical expression is central to character experience.

A celebration of love and creative inspiration takes place in the infamous, gaudy and glamorous Parisian nightclub, at the cusp of the 20th century. A young poet, who is plunged into the heady world of Moulin Rouge, begins a passionate affair with the club's most notorious and beautiful star. Moulin Rouge! is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 8m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 7.5 by 4,898 people. The movie made an estimated total of $179,213,434 in the box office.

Inside Llewyn Davis follows a struggling musician making difficult choices in pursuit of his artistic vision. Both films intimately portray how the grind of the creative hustle can impact personal relationships and self-identity.

In Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, gifted but volatile folk musician Llewyn Davis struggles with money, relationships, and his uncertain future. Inside Llewyn Davis is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 7.2 by 2,961 people. The movie made an estimated total of $32,935,319 in the box office.

Meet Me in St. Louis presents a blend of romance, aspiration, and musical numbers, emphasizing family bonds and the bittersweet nature of change—echoing La La Land’s approach to dreamers at crossroads in their lives.

A year in the life of a turn-of-the-century middle class family, leading up to the opening of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Meet Me in St. Louis is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 54m runtime, released in 1944 with an average rating of 7.0 by 433 people. The movie made an estimated total of $7,566,000 in the box office.

Breakfast on Pluto follows a young person navigating identity and aspirations amid love and music. Both stories examine how creative dreams and personal relationships shape self-discovery on the path to adulthood.

In the 1970s, a young transgender woman called “Kitten” leaves her small Irish town for London in search of love, acceptance, and her long-lost mother. Breakfast on Pluto is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 2h 8m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.2 by 443 people. The movie made an estimated total of $3,900,000 in the box office.

(500) Days of Summer employs a nonlinear narrative to depict the evolution and eventual dissolution of a romantic relationship. Like La La Land, it explores the interplay of hope, disappointment, and personal growth as dreams and realities collide.

Tom, greeting-card writer and hopeless romantic, is caught completely off-guard when his girlfriend, Summer, suddenly dumps him. He reflects on their 500 days together to try to figure out where their love affair went sour, and in doing so, Tom rediscovers his true passions in life. (500) Days of Summer is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.3 by 11,168 people. The movie made an estimated total of $60,781,545 in the box office.

The Artist tells of the promises and heartbreaks tied to careers in entertainment, centered on how changing artistic fortunes affect personal relationships. The focus on self-realization through performance aligns it with La La Land’s concerns.

Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break. The Artist is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 7.4 by 3,564 people. The movie made an estimated total of $133,432,856 in the box office.

Bright Star dramatizes the intertwining of artistic aspiration and romantic longing, focusing on characters whose love grows amidst personal ambitions. Both films reflect on how artistic drive complicates intimacy.

In 1818, high-spirited young Fanny Brawne finds herself increasingly intrigued by the handsome but aloof poet John Keats, who lives next door to her family friends the Dilkes. After reading a book of his poetry, she finds herself even more drawn to the taciturn Keats. Although he agrees to teach her about poetry, Keats cannot act on his reciprocated feelings for Fanny, since as a struggling poet he has no money to support a wife. Bright Star is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.6 by 490 people. The movie made an estimated total of $14,374,652 in the box office.

Her thematically addresses emotional connection and longing set against the backdrop of a creative, evolving city. The introspective journey of finding love and oneself amid changing circumstances aligns with the dilemmas faced in La La Land.

In the not so distant future, Theodore, a lonely writer, purchases a newly developed operating system designed to meet the user's every need. To Theodore's surprise, a romantic relationship develops between him and his operating system. This unconventional love story blends science fiction and romance in a sweet tale that explores the nature of love and the ways that technology isolates and connects us all. Her is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 7.8 by 15,470 people. The movie made an estimated total of $47,351,251 in the box office.

Café Society observes romance and yearning in a glamorous entertainment setting, with characters caught between dreams and reality. The story’s focus on love in a world driven by ambition creates a thematic resonance with La La Land.

The story of a young man who arrives in Hollywood during the 1930s hoping to work in the film industry, falls in love, and finds himself swept up in the vibrant café society that defined the spirit of the age. Café Society is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.4 by 2,837 people. The movie made an estimated total of $43,763,247 in the box office.

Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench follows two aspiring musicians in the city as they navigate love and dream-chasing. Its exploration of romantic and artistic pursuit in an urban landscape mirrors many elements found in La La Land.

After connecting with the shy Madeline, a jazz trumpeter embarks on a quest for a more gregarious paramour, but through a series of twists and turns punctuated by an original score, the two lovers seem destined to be together. Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 23m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 5.4 by 65 people. The movie made an estimated total of $35,556 in the box office.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani traces young adults balancing romance, friendship, and ambitions, paralleling the emotional and professional crossroads featured in La La Land, where following dreams can change relationships in unexpected ways.

On a trekking trip, an introverted Naina falls for a charming ex-classmate, whose thirst for adventure drives them apart. Years later, their paths cross again. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a movie from India in Hindi, with a total 2h 40m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 7.3 by 307 people. The movie made an estimated total of $46,000,000 in the box office.

De-Lovely explores the complex relationship between personal life and artistic accomplishment in the world of musical performance. The film’s concern with how creative ambition impacts love closely mirrors the emotional structure of La La Land.

From Paris to Venice to Broadway to Hollywood, the lives of Cole Porter and his wife, Linda Lee Thomas were never less than glamorous and wildly unconventional. And though Cole's thirst for life strained their marriage, Linda never stopped being his muse, inspiring some of the greatest songs of the twentieth century. De-Lovely is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 5m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.1 by 150 people. The movie made an estimated total of $18,400,000 in the box office.

Brooklyn focuses on a protagonist torn between ambition and love as she navigates a new life. The struggle to build a future while maintaining relationships aligns with the narrative arc and theme of personal growth present in La La Land.

In 1950s Ireland and New York, young Eilis Lacey has to choose between two men and two countries. Brooklyn is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.3 by 3,291 people. The movie made an estimated total of $62,076,141 in the box office.

Her Smell concentrates on a musician whose professional drive affects her relationships and personal well-being. This examination of the costs of fame and ambition relates closely to La La Land’s portrayal of love strained by creative careers.

A self-destructive punk rocker struggles with sobriety while trying to recapture the creative inspiration that led her band to success. Her Smell is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 16m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 5.8 by 144 people.

Nashville weaves together the lives of various performers, highlighting the entangled nature of ambition and personal connection in the music industry. Its ensemble view of dreams and interpersonal conflict aligns with La La Land’s focus on artistic aspiration and emotional stakes.

The intersecting stories of twenty-four characters—from country star to wannabe to reporter to waitress—connect to the music business in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 40m runtime, released in 1975 with an average rating of 7.3 by 468 people. The movie made an estimated total of $9,995,555 in the box office.

Stardust Memories examines the introspective journey of an artist reflecting on career and relationships. The film’s engagement with self-doubt, growth, and the costs of creative ambition draws clear parallels with the character arcs in La La Land.

While attending a retrospect of his work, a filmmaker recalls his life and his loves: the inspirations for his films. Stardust Memories is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 29m runtime, released in 1980 with an average rating of 6.9 by 468 people. The movie made an estimated total of $10,389,003 in the box office.

Inside Out explores the interplay of dreams, change, and emotional upheaval, focusing on the difficulties and bittersweet realities of growing up. Its examination of hope, loss, and aspiration offers an emotional perspective reminiscent of themes in La La Land.

When 11-year-old Riley moves to a new city, her Emotions team up to help her through the transition. Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness work together, but when Joy and Sadness get lost, they must journey through unfamiliar places to get back home. Inside Out is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.9 by 23,701 people. The movie made an estimated total of $857,611,174 in the box office.

Paris, 13th District depicts intersecting relationships in a cityscape, portraying romantic longing and personal change. Its look at love in the context of self-exploration and new beginnings echoes the emotional journeys found in La La Land.

Émilie meets Camille who is attracted to Nora, who crosses paths with Amber. Three girls and a boy – They're friends, sometimes lovers and often both. Paris, 13th District is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 6.9 by 402 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,480,870 in the box office.

Sweet Charity combines musical storytelling with the romantic trials of a young woman seeking fulfillment in the city. The film’s structure and themes of aspiration and love’s challenges echo key elements present in La La Land.

Taxi dancer Charity continues to have faith in the human race despite apparently endless disappointments at its hands, and hope that she will finally meet the nice young man to romance her away from her sleazy life. Maybe, just maybe, handsome Oscar will be the one to do it. Sweet Charity is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 33m runtime, released in 1969 with an average rating of 6.9 by 90 people. The movie made an estimated total of $20,000,000 in the box office.

Ema addresses relationships and personal ambition within the performing arts. The focus on how creative expression can both bind and divide lovers aligns with the central dynamic in La La Land.

Ema is a magnetic and impulsive dancer in a reggaeton troupe. Her toxic marriage to choreographer Gastón is beyond repair, following a decision to give up on their adopted child Polo. She sets out on a mission to get him back, not caring who she’ll need to fight, seduce or destroy to make it happen. Ema is a movie from Chile in Spanish, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.7 by 254 people.

August Rush follows a musically gifted child who seeks connection and belonging through his art. Both films intertwine the pursuit of musical excellence with the longing for personal fulfillment and love.

Evan, a musically gifted orphan, runs away from his orphanage and searches New York City for his birth parents. On his journey, he's taken under the wing of the Wizard, a homeless man who lives in an abandoned theater. After discovering his talent, the Wizard gives Evan the name "August Rush" and devises a plan to profit from his talent. Little does Evan know that his parents, Lyla and Louis, are searching for him too. August Rush is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 54m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.4 by 2,855 people. The movie made an estimated total of $66,122,026 in the box office.

Begin the Beguine explores memory, lost love, and personal dreams—themes central to La La Land’s exploration of what is gained and lost in the pursuit of one’s ambitions and matters of the heart.

A Nobel prize winner returns to his natal city looking for his home. Begin the Beguine is a movie from Spain in Spanish, with a total 1h 27m runtime, released in 1982 with an average rating of 6.5 by 37 people.

tick, tick... BOOM! is centered around a struggling composer navigating love, artistic ambition, and the uncertainties of pursuing a creative career. Its focus on the intersection of romance and aspiration mirrors the journey in La La Land.

On the brink of turning 30, a promising theater composer navigates love, friendship and the pressure to create something great before time runs out. tick, tick... BOOM! is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 7.6 by 2,331 people.

Frances Ha is a portrait of a young woman pursuing her artistic dreams while confronting the evolving dynamics of friendship and relationships. The story’s examination of self-realization through creative struggle aligns with La La Land’s central themes.

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. Frances Ha is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 7.3 by 1,842 people. The movie made an estimated total of $8,986,144 in the box office.

Cesar and Rosalie delves into romantic complications and personal choices, reflecting the impact of emotional decisions on future happiness—an intersection similar to the dilemmas faced by the protagonists in La La Land.

A young woman becomes entangled with a successful businessman, but her ex tries to win her back, provoking intense jealousy that leads her to reconsider her choice. Ultimately, one man's actions force a resolution to her dilemma. Cesar and Rosalie is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 1972 with an average rating of 7.2 by 192 people.