18 Must-Watch Movies Similar to ‘In the Mood for Love’

Chungking Express takes us on a whirlwind journey through the bustling streets of Hong Kong, where two melancholy policemen find love in unexpected places. Wong Kar-Wai, the brilliant mind behind this film, explores the theme of love in a way that is both poetic and unconventional. The film is divided into two tales, each showcasing the bittersweet nature of love. The first story follows a police officer, played by Takeshi Kaneshiro, who falls for a mysterious heroin smuggler, portrayed by Bridgitte Lin. Their brief encounter leaves a lasting impression, reminding us that even the most fleeting connections can leave a profound impact. The second story, which is the stronger of the two, centers around a rejected lover, brilliantly portrayed by Tony Leung, and a free-spirited counter girl, played by Faye Wong. Their quirky relationship illustrates that love can take on various forms, often defying societal norms.

2046 is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love in its exploration of love, loneliness, and nostalgia. Just like its predecessor, 2046 captivates with its stunning cinematography, courtesy of Christopher Doyle, Kwan Pun Leung, and Yiu-Fai-Lai, and an enchanting musical score by Peer Raben and Shiguru Umebayashi. While both films delve into the complexities of romantic relationships, 2046 takes us on a journey through time, introducing several women who enter the life of a science fiction author, played brilliantly by Tony Leung Chiu-wai. The film seamlessly weaves together past and present, revealing hidden connections and unfulfilled desires. With its infinite amount of medium shots and intense conversations, 2046 keeps us engaged, while the futuristic sequences add an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Days of Being Wild is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love in its exploration of complex relationships and the impact they have on individuals. Both films delve into the depths of human emotions and the consequences of our actions. In the case of Days of Being Wild, the protagonist's casual and manipulative approach to relationships leaves a trail of broken hearts, highlighting the damaging effects of his behavior. This film, like In the Mood for Love, offers a profound examination of connections and the inability of some characters to form meaningful and lasting bonds. However, while In the Mood for Love focuses on the platonic relationship between neighbors, Days of Being Wild explores a wider range of relationships and the impact they have on the characters' lives. The film's unconventional storytelling and insightful observations make it a compelling watch for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of human connections.

The Sign of Venus, released in 1955, shares some similarities with the captivating In the Mood for Love. Both films explore themes of loneliness and the complexities of human relationships. While In the Mood for Love focuses on two neighbors who form a strong bond while suspecting their spouses' infidelity, The Sign of Venus follows Agnese, a woman who attracts many suitors, and her cousin Cesira, who longs for the same attention. Both films highlight the yearning for connection and the delicate balance between love and restraint. However, the similarities end there. In the Mood for Love, set in Hong Kong, showcases the cultural barriers and language differences that hinder the characters' expression of love. On the other hand, The Sign of Venus, an Italian gem, presents Sofia Loren at her best, effortlessly portraying Venus herself. The film is an entertaining comedy that immerses us in the vibrant world of Agnese and Cesira.

Yi Yi: A One and a Two... is a film that takes a similar approach to storytelling as In the Mood for Love, but with a twist. While both movies explore human relationships and the complexities of love, Yi Yi takes it a step further by delving into the lives of an entire middle-class Taipei family. In the Mood for Love focuses on the intimate connection between two neighbors, whereas Yi Yi zooms out to capture a broader perspective. It's like moving from a close-up shot to a wide-angle lens. Just as In the Mood for Love is a masterpiece of perfectly balanced photographs, Yi Yi is a masterpiece of subtlety and understatement. Its three-hour runtime might seem daunting, but it's worth every minute as it covers the entire range of human experience. If you enjoyed the poetic storytelling and emotional depth of In the Mood for Love, then Yi Yi: A One and a Two... is a must-watch.

Happy Together is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love in its exploration of complex relationships and the emotional turmoil that arises within them. While In the Mood for Love delves into the intricacies of a platonic bond between two neighbors, Happy Together takes us on a journey of a romantic relationship on the brink of collapse. Both films captivate the audience with their raw portrayal of human emotions and the challenges faced by the characters. However, Happy Together stands out with its portrayal of alienation, both within the relationship and in the unfamiliar surroundings of Argentina. Director Wong Kar Wai's stunning visual style, conveyed through colors and camera movements, adds to the sense of claustrophobia and longing for connection. The film immerses us in the characters' silent, detached loneliness, making it physically painful yet deeply impactful to watch. Despite the differences in plot and setting, Happy Together resonates with viewers who appreciate the complexity of human relationships and the profound emotions that accompany them.

Tokyo Raiders is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love, but with a twist of action and comedy. While the first movie explores the complexities of forbidden love and loneliness, Tokyo Raiders takes us on a wild ride through Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Tokyo, with a dash of mystery and mistaken identities. Instead of two neighbors forming a platonic bond, we have a disconsolate bride, Macy, searching for her businessman boyfriend, Ken, who has mysteriously disappeared. The plot thickens as members of the Ito gang and a crew of look-alike cuties get involved, all while a private investigator named Lin is hot on their trail. It's like a blend of James Bond, Mission Impossible, and Indiana Jones, with its own unique flavor. The movie might not be everyone's cup of tea, but those who stick with it will be treated to an enjoyable Hong Kong action movie.

"Lust, Caution" is reminiscent of "In the Mood for Love" in several ways. Both movies are visually stunning and evoke a sense of melancholy and longing. They both explore themes of forbidden love and the complexities of human relationships. While "In the Mood for Love" focuses on the subtle emotions and unspoken desires between two neighbors, "Lust, Caution" takes place during the World War II era and delves into a dangerous game of emotional intrigue between a young woman and a powerful political figure. The performances in both films are remarkable, with Tony Leung Chiu-wai delivering captivating performances in both movies. However, "Lust, Caution" has a more intense and suspenseful plot, incorporating elements of espionage, war, and romance. It is a gripping film that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Lost, a Korean drama series released on September 3, 2021, has a reminiscent feel to the movie In the Mood for Love. Both explore the themes of loneliness, anxiety, and the struggles of relationships. Lost tells the story of a forty-year-old woman who feels unaccomplished in life and a twenty-seven-year-old man who is frightened of himself. Similarly, In the Mood for Love revolves around two neighbors who form a strong bond after suspecting extramarital activities from their spouses. However, they agree to keep their relationship platonic to avoid committing similar wrongs. While In the Mood for Love is set in Hong Kong in the 1960s, Lost takes place in modern-day South Korea. The two productions differ in format, with In the Mood for Love being a cinema movie and Lost being a drama series. Both productions excel in their performances, with the protagonists delivering their lines with impeccable facial expressions and emotional depth.

His and Her Circumstances, also known as Kareshi kanojo no jijou, is a series that shares some similarities with In the Mood for Love. Both stories revolve around relationships, but while In the Mood for Love explores the consequences of suspicion and secrecy in a mature and elegant way, His and Her Circumstances takes a more light-hearted approach, focusing on the romances and personal problems of a group of high-school teenagers. The animation style of His and Her Circumstances is fantastic, with well-drawn and complex characters that add depth to the plotlines. Although the series suffers from some repetitiveness and an inconclusive ending, it still manages to be funny and moving, leaving a smile on the viewer's face. If you enjoyed the introspective nature of In the Mood for Love and are looking for a charming and relatable anime series, His and Her Circumstances is definitely worth a watch.

Heavy is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love because both movies explore themes of loneliness and feature characters who form a deep connection. In In the Mood for Love, the two neighbors bond over their suspicion of extramarital affairs but choose to keep their relationship platonic. Similarly, Heavy tells the story of an overweight and unhappy cook whose life changes when a kind and beautiful college drop-out becomes a waitress at his roadside restaurant. Both films delve into the complexities of human emotions and the longing for connection. However, while In the Mood for Love is set in Hong Kong and focuses on the cultural barriers that prevent the characters from acting on their love, Heavy takes place in small-town America and portrays the struggles of its socially awkward protagonist. Despite their differences, both movies offer a profound exploration of human relationships and the impact they can have on our lives. If you enjoyed In the Mood for Love, you should definitely watch Heavy for its unique take on loneliness and captivating performances.

While You Were Sleeping is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love in its exploration of unconventional romance. Both films delve into the complexities of love, albeit in different ways. In the Mood for Love portrays a platonic relationship between two neighbors who form a strong bond after suspecting their spouses of infidelity. The film beautifully captures the loneliness and longing that comes with unrequited love, showcasing the characters' restraint in not acting upon their feelings. On the other hand, While You Were Sleeping takes a more comedic approach, with Sandra Bullock's character being mistaken for the fiancée of a coma patient. The film is a delightful romantic comedy that skillfully combines solid writing and humor. Sandra Bullock's charm and comic presence shine through, making her a joy to watch. While You Were Sleeping may not have the same depth as In the Mood for Love, but it offers a fun and heartwarming experience, especially during the holiday season.

Venus Beauty Institute is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love, but with a French twist. While the former is set in a Parisian spa and revolves around the lives of four women, the latter takes place in Hong Kong and focuses on the relationship between two neighbors. Both movies explore themes of love, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships. However, In the Mood for Love takes a more subtle and restrained approach, emphasizing the unspoken connection between its characters, whereas Venus Beauty Institute opts for a more comedic and dramatic tone. While In the Mood for Love is a visually stunning masterpiece with exquisite cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Venus Beauty Institute offers a raw and realistic portrayal of women dealing with their own insecurities and issues with men. If you loved the poetic and mesmerizing nature of In the Mood for Love, you should give Venus Beauty Institute a watch for its refreshing and relatable take on love and self-image.

Coronation. A lonely man becomes increasingly obsessed with the beautiful teenager he used to help care for his grandmother. This Chilean film, like "In the Mood for Love," explores themes of loneliness and obsession. However, while "In the Mood for Love" focuses on the platonic bond between two neighbors, "Coronation" takes a darker turn with its protagonist's unhealthy fixation. Both films showcase remarkable performances and stunning cinematography that effectively capture the emotions of the characters. "Coronation" is a hidden gem that offers a unique perspective on human connections and the consequences of unrequited love. If you enjoyed "In the Mood for Love," you'll appreciate the raw intensity and thought-provoking storytelling of "Coronation.

Love in the Time of Money is reminiscent of In the Mood for Love in its exploration of complex human relationships. While In the Mood for Love delves into the emotional intricacies of two neighbors who form a platonic bond after suspecting their spouses' infidelity, Love in the Time of Money takes place in New York and follows a cast of characters in search of love, lust, or money. The similarity lies in their portrayal of characters who use sex as a coping mechanism when all else fails. Both films offer a glimpse into the human spirit and the different ways in which we navigate love and loneliness. However, Love in the Time of Money differs from In the Mood for Love in its more abstract and deliberate depiction of characters, accentuating their primal motivations and lusts. While In the Mood for Love is known for its cinematography and acting, Love in the Time of Money showcases the skillful depiction of complex character profiles in short time-slices.

Happy End reminds me of In the Mood for Love in several ways. Both movies explore themes of loneliness and the complexities of human relationships. They also take place in vibrant cities, with In the Mood for Love set in Hong Kong and Happy End in New York City. However, while In the Mood for Love focuses on the platonic bond between two neighbors, Happy End delves into the life of a young French woman who comes to NYC to pursue her acting dreams. The movies differ in tone, with In the Mood for Love being a romantic drama and Happy End blending comedy, romance, and drama. Despite their differences, both films offer captivating stories and beautiful cinematography, making them worth watching for anyone who appreciates unique storytelling and visually stunning films.