Netflix's latest series Heartstopper is taking the world by storm and there are plenty of reasons why. Earning a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the series is praised for its LGBTQ+ representation and its ability to maintain an aura of lightness and positivity throughout. There's also the good writing, likable characters, and impressive cast.
Heartstopper is certainly unique to other shows and movies in several ways, but audiences awaiting a season 2 announcement can find solace in content with similar themes and auras.
Love, Simon (2018)
Stream On FXNow
Starring Nick Robinson, Love, Simon tells the story of a teen who forges an online relationship with an anonymous boy from school. When he’s blackmailed by a classmate, Simon feels forced to meddle in his friends’ lives so as to keep from being outed by someone else.
Like Heartstopper, Love, Simon is adapted from a YA novel and focuses on the secret relationship between two young men. The movie exudes similar vibes to that of Heartstopper, as it tells of a sweet budding romance in a heart-warming fictional universe. Love, Simon was one of the first modern teen LGBTQ+ films to earn high praise, paving the way for other movies and shows like it to be made, including its spin-off show Love, Victor.
The Crown (2016 - )
Stream On Netflix
Netflix's The Crown explores the personal and professional life of Queen Elizabeth II and those around her throughout the 20th century, from romance and rivalries to the brevity of running a monarchy. Seasons 3 and 4 see Olivia Colman portray the character.
Olivia Colman is possibly the most famous actor to appear in Heartstopper, owning the role of Nick’s lovely mother in the series. Many audiences were delightfully surprised when they realized Colman was a part of Heartstopper. Even the actors have expressed how amazing it was to work with her. The Crown is arguably Colman’s most well-known project and it may be worth checking out to witness the depths of her acting talent.
The Prom (2020)
Stream On Netflix
Netflix's The Prom is a movie musical based on a Broadway show about Emma, a girl in Indiana who wants to bring another girl as her date to Prom but her town is against it. Several wildly arrogant Broadway stars visit Emma to help her cause and improve their image. This film features big stars such as Ariana DeBose, Nicole Kidman, and multiple-time Oscar winner, Meryl Streep.
Beyond the flashiness and big character personalities, is a sweet teenage love story that confronts traditionalist values and the error of doing things for one’s own image. The Prom received mixed reviews but there is no denying that it succeeds in telling a light and beautiful story similar to that of Heartstopper. Both projects may leave audiences with a smile on their face.
The Thing About Harry (2020)
Stream On FuboTV
The Thing About Harry tells the story of Sam and Harry and their years-long journey of pining for each other, dating around, and denying their feelings. Sam has trouble trusting people and Harry has trouble committing to relationships, making for a messy, but cute story about friendship, forgiveness, and romantic gestures.
Fans of Heartstopper may like The Thing About Harry for its representation and heart-warming moments. Unique to most films today, The Thing About Harry barely discusses the difficulties of being out about one’s sexuality. Rather, this is just a romantic film and the two lead characters happen to be gay. They struggle with problems every relationship has, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Julie & The Phantoms (2020)
Stream On Netflix
Netflix's Julie And The Phantoms follows a young musician who meets three ghosts with unfinished business. Julie stopped making music when her mom died but with a new presence in her life, she picks it back up and forms a ‘holographic’ band.
Julie And The Phantoms covers important themes of learning how to move forward and reignite passion. This show is similar to Heartstopper because while it covers hard topics, it also maintains a happy and hopeful undertone. The show also features a beloved LGBTQ+ character in Alex, the drummer in Julie’s band. His sexuality is treated as nothing but normal and a part of what makes him awesome, something that should happen in the media more often. Unfortunately, Julie And The Phantoms was canceled after one season, leaving audiences with unanswered questions.
Handsome Devil (2016)
Stream On Netflix, Peacock, Kanopy, & Tubi
Handsome Devil takes place at a boarding school and follows roommates Ned, an openly gay student who is frequently bullied, and Conor, a closeted rugby player, who become friends. When the school team makes it further than it has in years, the coach forces Conor to reject Ned, creating conflict between the mates and sending them both into a downward spiral.
Contrary to what audiences may assume going into this film, there is no romantic subplot. Rather, Handsome Devil is about two buddies who help each other come to terms with who they are. Fans of Heartstopper will find many similarities between the two projects. The characters and themes are parallel to one another, along with the feeling of satisfaction the beautiful moments bring. There are scenes within the movie that can be triggering, including a public outing of a character’s sexuality.
Young Royals (2021 - )
Stream On Netflix
Young Royals is a Swedish show about a troubled young prince who is sent to a boarding school primarily for royal youth and those of nobility and status. He is discovering his sexuality when he meets Simon, a singer in the school’s choir. Prince Wilhelm and Simon quickly form a bond as close friends, then something more.
Those looking for a show that will produce warm thoughts and feelings, will not find solace within Young Royals. The show covers familial struggles, extreme hazing, drug abuse, sex, and the difficulties of living up to high expectations. While the ambiance of Young Royals is much darker than Heartstopper, the romance at the heart of it is beautiful and characters that aren’t normally seen on TV are represented, including a girl with autism. A season 2 has been confirmed, and fans are hopeful to see some conflict resolution.
The Half Of It (2020)
Stream On Netflix
The Half Of It follows Ellie Chu, a teenager with a business of writing essays for her classmates. When Paul offers her money to write love letters to Aster Flores, her crush from her music class, she accepts and finds she has a lot in common with the girl. When the facade begins to crumble, things get complicated.
Sure, The Half Of It can be extremely cringe at times, but Ellie’s love for Aster and friendship with Paul make for a cute film and interesting character dynamics. The plot gives off remnants of Sierra Burgess Is A Loser with more likability, but the indie vibes of the film and the bitter-sweet conflict resolution is similar to Heartstopper, making it worth a watch.
Rocketman (2019)
Rent On Vudu
In a lot of ways, Rocketman is one of the best movie musicals of the 2010s. It's about the life and career of Sir Elton John, one of rock and roll’s most iconic musicians, and an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. This film is so fun and upbeat, but it also doesn’t shy away from discussing and showing Elton’s mental health and drug abuse problems.
Rocketman perfectly grasps how Elton is feeling at any given moment with music, dance, and choreography. Kit Connor, who plays Nick in Heartstopper, stars in the first 20 minutes of Rocketman as a young Elton John. Fans of the new Netflix show can watch Kit play piano, deal with tough parents, and rock out to Elton’s biggest hits. Even as a young boy, Kit Connor was proving himself to be a brilliant actor.
Steven Universe (2013 - 2020)
Stream On HBO Max & Hulu
Steven Universe is an animated Cartoon Network series about a half-gem, half-human boy with powers, raised by crystal gems who protect Earth from dangerous and magical creatures. Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl train Steven to harness his powers and they embark on adventures together, discovering new things and making new friends along the way.
Steven Universe is praised for its light representation of the LGBTQ+ community. This animated series features characters and images of non-traditional love, non-binary individuals, asexuality, and more. It also covers topics such as consent and mental health. Fans of Heartstopper may enjoy Steven Universe because even though it’s a sci-fi show geared towards kids and young teens, it doesn’t shy away from providing representation for those who don’t normally see themselves in the media.