La La Land (2016), directed by Damien Chazelle, captivated audiences with its dazzling visuals, heartfelt romance, and the bittersweet story of two artists pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. With a soundtrack that lingered long after the credits rolled and the emotional journey of Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) navigating love and ambition, it’s a modern classic. If you’re looking for more movies like La La Land that blend romance, music, and the struggle to achieve your dreams, here are five movies that will resonate with La La Land fans.
The Artist (2011)
What it’s about: Set in Hollywood during the late 1920s, The Artist tells the story of George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), a silent film star whose career is threatened by the arrival of talking pictures. As his star fades, Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), a young dancer he once helped, rises to fame in the new era of sound films. Their paths cross, and a love story unfolds against the backdrop of a changing Hollywood.
Why it’s similar: The Artist and La La Land both celebrate classic Hollywood, drawing inspiration from a bygone era of cinema. Both films use artistic visuals and music to convey emotion, and they explore the tension between love and career ambitions in the entertainment industry. Like Sebastian and Mia, George and Peppy’s journeys are marked by the highs and lows of pursuing a passion in an ever-changing world, making The Artist a must-watch for La La Land fans.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
What it’s about: Set in 1899 Paris, Moulin Rouge! follows the tragic love story of Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young English writer, and Satine (Nicole Kidman), a beautiful courtesan and star of the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub. As Christian falls deeply in love with Satine, they dream of escaping the bohemian world of the Moulin Rouge, but their romance is threatened by Satine’s illness and the demands of a wealthy duke.
Why it’s similar: Like La La Land, Moulin Rouge! is a visually stunning, music-filled film that tells a passionate love story against the backdrop of an artistic setting. Both films are about star-crossed lovers whose ambitions and personal circumstances complicate their relationship. The use of grand musical numbers and heart-wrenching emotion in Moulin Rouge! mirrors the bittersweet tone of La La Land, making it a fitting recommendation for fans of dreamers caught between love and artistic ambition.Once (2007)
What it’s about: Once is a simple yet profoundly moving love story set on the streets of Dublin. It follows a nameless Irish street musician (Glen Hansard) and a Czech immigrant (Markéta Irglová) who bond over their shared love of music. As they collaborate on songwriting, their emotional connection deepens, but their circumstances keep them from fully acting on their feelings for one another.
Why it’s similar: Once shares La La Land’s theme of music as a unifying force in a romantic relationship. Both films feature protagonists whose artistic aspirations drive the narrative, and both explore the complexity of love when dreams and realities collide. The raw, intimate performances in Once and the unforgettable soundtrack resonate in the same way as La La Land, making it a beautifully understated companion film for those seeking a quieter yet equally emotional story of love and ambition.
A Star Is Born (2018)
What it’s about: In A Star Is Born, seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers and falls in love with aspiring singer Ally (Lady Gaga). As Ally’s career skyrockets, Jackson’s struggles with addiction and his declining career threaten to tear them apart. The film is a tragic exploration of fame, love, and the sacrifices made for success in the music industry.
Why it’s similar: Both La La Land and A Star Is Born delve into the intersection of love and career, exploring the sacrifices artists must make in their pursuit of success. The chemistry between Jackson and Ally, much like that between Sebastian and Mia, is electric, but their ambitions pull them in different directions. The powerful performances and emotional depth in A Star Is Born, combined with its unforgettable music, make it a compelling watch for those who loved La La Land’s exploration of love, loss, and the cost of following your dreams.
Begin Again (2013)
What it’s about: Begin Again tells the story of Gretta (Keira Knightley), a singer-songwriter who, after a breakup with her rock-star boyfriend, teams up with a disgraced music producer, Dan (Mark Ruffalo), to create an album using the sounds of New York City as their backdrop. As they record music together, they both find a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration.
Why it’s similar: Like La La Land, Begin Again is a celebration of music, creativity, and the redemptive power of artistic expression. Both films feature characters who are passionate about their craft and willing to take risks to pursue their dreams. The central relationship in Begin Again is more about friendship and artistic collaboration than romance, but it shares La La Land’s heartwarming exploration of the ways music can transform lives. The film’s upbeat tone and focus on the creative process make it a light yet inspiring follow-up to La La Land. Follow our posts and we also have movies like Fantastic Mr Fox.
