Have you ever wondered if your best friend is actually your soulmate, but life just keeps getting in the way? That feeling of missed moments, unspoken words, and the “what ifs” that haunt a lifelong friendship turning into something more is exactly what makes Love Rosie so special. If you adored the rollercoaster journey of Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart, navigating decades of friendship, love, and near misses, you’re probably searching for more movies like Love Rosie. You’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered a list of heartwarming, funny, and sometimes tear-jerking films that capture that same magic of complicated relationships, perfect timing (or lack thereof), and the enduring power of connection.
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Love Rosie, based on Cecelia Ahern’s novel “Where Rainbows End,” charmed audiences with its tale of two best friends seemingly destined for each other but constantly thwarted by life circumstances, misunderstandings, and bad timing. It’s a story spanning years, showing how their bond deepens even as their romantic paths diverge and occasionally, almost, intersect. Finding movies like Love Rosie means looking for stories with similar themes: deep friendships bordering on love, the pain and humor of missed connections, personal growth alongside a relationship, and ultimately, the hope for a happy ending, however long it takes. Get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe text your own best friend after watching these incredible films.
Our Top Picks for Movies Like Love Rosie
Here are 20 fantastic movies like Love Rosie that explore friendship, love, timing, and everything in between.
One Day (2011)
This film follows Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew on the same day, July 15th, over 20 years. After spending the night together following their graduation, they agree to just be friends. Each year, we glimpse their lives – their successes, failures, heartbreaks, and joys – and watch their complex relationship evolve. Their friendship remains a constant anchor, but the question of whether their connection could be something more lingers through the decades, shaped by their individual journeys and the different paths they take. It’s a poignant look at how time changes people and relationships.
One Day shares many heartstrings with Love Rosie. Both films span many years, showcasing how the central characters grow and change while maintaining a deep, albeit complicated, bond. The theme of missed timing and unspoken feelings is central, just like Rosie and Alex’s story. You see Emma and Dexter orbit each other’s lives, sometimes close, sometimes distant, always connected, mirroring the central dynamic in movies like Love Rosie. The blend of humor, romance, and gut-wrenching sadness will feel very familiar.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Can men and women ever really be just friends? This iconic romantic comedy explores this very question through the relationship between Harry Burns and Sally Albright. They meet sporadically over twelve years, initially disliking each other but eventually forming a close friendship. As they navigate careers, relationships with other people, and life’s ups and downs in New York City, their bond deepens. The film cleverly uses interviews with elderly couples talking about how they met, contrasting with Harry and Sally’s evolving, often argumentative, but undeniably affectionate relationship.
The core similarity to Love Rosie is the central “best friends who might be more” trope. Like Rosie and Alex, Harry and Sally spend years denying or misunderstanding their feelings for each other. Their journey is long, filled with witty banter, relatable life moments, and the constant underlying question of whether friendship can seamlessly transition into romance. If you enjoyed the slow burn and the deep-seated connection built over years in movies like Love Rosie, this classic is a must-watch.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Max | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
About Time (2013)
At age 21, Tim Lake discovers he can travel in time, a secret passed down through the men in his family. He decides to use this ability to improve his life, primarily by finding a girlfriend. He meets Mary, falls deeply in love, and uses his time-traveling gift to perfect their meeting and relationship milestones. However, he soon learns that changing the past has consequences, and the real key to happiness isn’t about fixing every mistake but appreciating the ordinary moments of life and love, even with their imperfections.
While About Time introduces a fantasy element, its heart lies in themes very similar to Love Rosie. It emphasizes the importance of timing in relationships and the idea that even with the ability to change things, life and love are messy and unpredictable. Like Rosie and Alex, Tim and Mary’s relationship faces challenges, though Tim has a unique way of trying to navigate them. The film shares that warm, British sensibility and focuses on the enduring nature of love through life’s ups and downs, making it a great choice for fans looking for movies like Love Rosie with a touch of magic.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Childhood sweethearts Sasha Tran and Marcus Kim had a falling out after an awkward teenage encounter and haven’t spoken in 15 years. Now, Sasha is a celebrity chef in Los Angeles, engaged to a successful restaurateur, while Marcus still lives in their San Francisco hometown, playing in the same band and working with his dad. When Sasha returns home to open a new restaurant, they reconnect. Old sparks fly amidst humorous clashes between their very different worlds, forcing them to confront their past and figure out if they can build a future together.
This film hits many notes familiar to Love Rosie fans. It features childhood best friends who clearly had feelings for each other, separated by circumstance and time. Like Rosie and Alex, Sasha and Marcus live vastly different lives when they reconnect, leading to humorous and awkward situations. The core of the story revolves around overcoming past hurts and figuring out if their deep-rooted connection can survive their adult realities. It’s a funny, charming take on the friends-to-lovers trope, perfect for those seeking movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Subscription |
13 Going on 30 (2004)
Unhappy 13-year-old Jenna Rink makes a wish on her birthday after a humiliating party: she wants to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving.” Magically, her wish comes true, and she wakes up as a successful 30-year-old magazine editor in New York City. While initially thrilled with her glamorous life, she soon realizes she doesn’t like the person she’s become – ruthless and estranged from her family and her childhood best friend, Matty. She seeks out Matty, now a kind photographer, and tries to mend their friendship while navigating her confusing adult life.
The connection to Love Rosie lies strongly in the childhood best friend dynamic between Jenna and Matty. Like Alex was for Rosie, Matty was Jenna’s rock in their youth. The film explores the pain of losing that connection due to life choices and misunderstandings. Jenna’s journey to rediscover her true self involves reconnecting with Matty and realizing the importance of their bond, mirroring the central theme of enduring friendship and potential love seen in movies like Love Rosie. The element of looking back and wishing things were different also resonates.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Max | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
P.S. I Love You (2007)
Holly Kennedy is devastated after her charismatic Irish husband, Gerry, dies from a brain tumor. She feels lost and unable to move on. On her 30th birthday, she receives the first of several letters Gerry arranged to have delivered to her after his death. Each letter contains a task designed to help her grieve, rediscover herself, and embrace life again. Through flashbacks, we see the deep, passionate, and sometimes tumultuous relationship she shared with Gerry, revealing the strength of their love.
While dealing with grief, P.S. I Love You shares Love Rosie‘s focus on a love story told partly through letters and flashbacks, spanning significant life events. It highlights a deep, soulmate-level connection that transcends even death, much like Rosie and Alex’s connection persists through distance and circumstance. The film explores themes of enduring love, finding oneself after loss, and the impact one person can have on another’s life, making it emotionally resonant for those who appreciate the depth of feeling in movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Serendipity (2001)
During a Christmas shopping rush in New York City, Jonathan Trager and Sara Thomas meet and share a magical evening. Despite both being in other relationships, they feel an undeniable connection. Sara, a believer in fate, suggests they leave their reunion up to destiny: she writes her number in a book she sells to a used bookstore, and he writes his on a $5 bill. If fate intends for them to be together, they’ll find their way back to each other. Years later, both engaged to other people, they embark on quests to find each other again.
Serendipity, like Love Rosie, revolves around the theme of fate, timing, and missed connections. Jonathan and Sara are clearly meant for each other, but circumstances (and their own test of fate) keep them apart for years. The film captures that frustrating feeling of near-misses and the longing for a connection that feels destined, much like Rosie and Alex’s journey. It’s a charming exploration of whether soulmates will eventually find each other against all odds, a core element in many movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Max | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Notting Hill (1999)
William Thacker, a humble London bookstore owner, has his life turned upside down when Anna Scott, one of the most famous movie stars in the world, walks into his shop. A chance encounter involving spilled orange juice leads to a kiss and the beginning of an unlikely romance. Their relationship faces numerous obstacles, primarily the vast differences in their lifestyles, the constant media scrutiny surrounding Anna, and their own insecurities. They navigate breakups and reunions, trying to figure out if a normal guy and a superstar can truly make it work.
The transatlantic element and the “different worlds” dynamic in Notting Hill echo parts of Rosie and Alex’s story, especially when their life paths diverge significantly. Both films explore the challenges of maintaining a relationship amidst external pressures and personal differences. The charm, the British setting (partially), and the focus on a romance that seems improbable but deeply felt align well with the appeal of movies like Love Rosie. It’s about finding love in unexpected places and fighting for it against the odds.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Cal Weaver’s life unravels when his wife Emily asks for a divorce after admitting to an affair. Devastated and clueless about dating, Cal meets Jacob Palmer, a smooth-talking ladies’ man who takes him under his wing and teaches him how to rediscover his manhood and navigate the single scene. While Cal transforms his appearance and starts dating, Jacob unexpectedly falls for Hannah, a smart, down-to-earth woman who initially resists his charms. The film weaves together multiple storylines about love, heartbreak, and family connections in funny and surprising ways.
While Crazy, Stupid, Love. features multiple intersecting storylines, its exploration of complicated relationships, second chances, and the often messy path to finding or rekindling love resonates with Love Rosie. The film balances humor and heartfelt emotion, showing characters navigating misunderstandings and unexpected connections. The way different relationships influence each other and the theme of discovering what truly matters in love offer parallels to the complexities Rosie and Alex face, making it a great watch for those looking for movies like Love Rosie with an ensemble cast.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play | Rent/Buy |
Me Before You (2016)
Louisa “Lou” Clark is a cheerful but directionless young woman who takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from the neck down after an accident two years prior. Will has become cynical and withdrawn, believing his life is effectively over. Lou’s quirky personality and determination to show Will that life is still worth living gradually break through his defenses. They form a deep bond, but Lou discovers Will has made a heartbreaking decision about his future, forcing her to confront difficult questions about love, life, and sacrifice.
Me Before You, like Love Rosie, features a poignant story about an unlikely connection that profoundly changes both individuals. It explores deep emotional themes and the complexities of love facing significant life challenges. While the circumstances are different, the film shares that blend of heartwarming moments, humor, and tear-jerking drama. The focus on how two people impact each other’s lives in unexpected ways makes it a compelling choice for viewers seeking the emotional depth found in movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play | Rent/Buy |
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old diagnosed with thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs, reluctantly attends a cancer support group at her mother’s urging. There, she meets Augustus “Gus” Waters, a charismatic teenager who lost a leg to bone cancer but is now in remission. They bond over books, witty banter, and their shared experiences with illness. Gus arranges for them to travel to Amsterdam to meet the reclusive author of Hazel’s favorite novel. Their journey is a celebration of life and love, lived intensely under the shadow of mortality.
Similar to Love Rosie, this film showcases a deep connection formed under challenging circumstances. Hazel and Gus’s relationship blossoms quickly and intensely, shaped by their unique situation. The movie masterfully balances humor, romance, and profound sadness, much like the emotional rollercoaster of Rosie and Alex’s story. It emphasizes living life to the fullest and cherishing connections, even when faced with obstacles. The themes of love, loss, and finding joy in difficult times make it resonate with fans looking for emotionally impactful movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Disney+ | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Five Feet Apart (2019)
Stella Grant and Will Newman are teenagers living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that requires them to stay at least six feet apart to avoid cross-infection. They meet in the hospital while undergoing treatment. Despite the risks and the rules, they fall in love. Their relationship is defined by the physical distance they must maintain, communicating through texts, video calls, and from opposite ends of hallways. They challenge the boundaries imposed by their illness, stealing back inches and moments, desperate for connection in a world that keeps them apart.
Five Feet Apart shares the theme of obstacles keeping two people who care deeply for each other apart, much like the geographical distance and life circumstances that separate Rosie and Alex at various points. The film focuses on the intensity of young love facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. The longing, the near-misses, and the fight for connection against the odds echo the central struggles in movies like Love Rosie, making it a compelling, albeit heart-wrenching, watch.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Landon Carter is a popular, rebellious teenager drifting through high school without direction. As punishment for a prank gone wrong, he’s forced to participate in the school play, where he interacts with Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, religious, and kind-hearted daughter of the local minister. Despite their vastly different social circles, Landon finds himself falling for Jamie. She agrees to help him with the play on the condition that he doesn’t fall in love with her. As they spend more time together, a deep love blossoms, but Jamie is hiding a secret that will change both their lives forever.
This film captures the essence of young love transforming individuals, similar to how Rosie and Alex’s connection shapes them throughout Love Rosie. Landon and Jamie come from different worlds but form an incredibly strong bond. The story explores themes of love, faith, forgiveness, and facing difficult truths, packing an emotional punch akin to the poignant moments in movies like Love Rosie. The focus on a love that defies expectations and endures hardship resonates strongly.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Tubi | Free with Ads |
| Pluto TV | Free with Ads |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones is a single, thirty-something woman living in London, determined to take control of her life. She starts keeping a diary, chronicling her attempts to lose weight, quit smoking, cut back on drinking, and find love. She finds herself torn between two men: her charming but roguish boss, Daniel Cleaver, and the aloof, seemingly judgmental barrister, Mark Darcy, whom her mother keeps trying to set her up with. Through hilarious mishaps and relatable insecurities, Bridget navigates work, friendship, and the confusing world of modern romance.
Bridget Jones’s Diary, with its British charm and humor, feels akin to Love Rosie. Bridget’s journey involves navigating messy relationships and misunderstandings, much like Rosie. The dynamic between Bridget and Mark Darcy, involving initial dislike or misunderstanding that slowly evolves into something deeper, mirrors the complex evolution of Rosie and Alex’s feelings. Both films feature relatable female protagonists trying to figure out life and love, making Bridget Jones a delightful choice for those seeking funny and heartwarming movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ | Subscription |
| Pluto TV | Free with Ads |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
Something Borrowed (2011)
Rachel White is a kind, loyal attorney who has always been the “good girl,” often overshadowed by her outgoing best friend, Darcy. On the night of her 30th birthday party, Rachel, after having a bit too much to drink, ends up sleeping with Dex, Darcy’s fiancé – who also happens to be Rachel’s law school crush and close friend. In the weeks leading up to Darcy and Dex’s wedding, Rachel and Dex are forced to confront their long-hidden feelings for each other, navigating a minefield of secrets, guilt, and the potential destruction of lifelong friendships.
This film directly explores the complexities of love and friendship, particularly when feelings develop within a close-knit group, leading to difficult choices – a theme present in Love Rosie. The “what if” scenario and the idea of feelings suppressed for years bubbling to the surface connect strongly with Rosie and Alex’s unspoken history. Something Borrowed delves into the messiness that happens when long-term friendship lines blur with romance, making it a relevant pick for viewers interested in the relationship dynamics of movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play | Rent/Buy |
Friends with Benefits (2011)
Jamie, a New York headhunter, recruits Dylan, an art director from Los Angeles, for a job at GQ magazine. They quickly become close friends, bonding over their shared disillusionment with relationships. Believing that sex shouldn’t complicate friendship, they decide to add physical intimacy to their platonic bond, agreeing there will be no emotional attachment. Predictably, things get complicated as feelings start to develop, forcing them to question whether they can truly separate sex from love and what their relationship actually means.
Like Love Rosie, this movie centers on two best friends navigating the blurry line between friendship and romance. While the premise starts with a physical arrangement, the core conflict arises from the deepening emotional connection they try to deny, similar to how Rosie and Alex often misinterpret or suppress their feelings. The witty banter, the challenges of defining their relationship, and the underlying question of whether they are meant to be more than friends make it a fun, contemporary movie like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Max | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
No Strings Attached (2011)
Emma, a busy doctor, and Adam, an aspiring TV writer, have been casual acquaintances for years. After Adam discovers his father is dating his ex-girlfriend, he gets drunk and ends up reconnecting with Emma. Tired of emotional complications, they agree to a purely physical relationship with a set of rules designed to prevent feelings from developing: no jealousy, no expectations, no falling in love. As they spend more time together, however, they find it increasingly difficult to keep emotions out of the equation.
Very similar in premise to Friends with Benefits, No Strings Attached also explores the dynamic of friends trying to maintain a physical relationship without emotional commitment. It resonates with Love Rosie through the theme of friends struggling with unspoken or developing feelings. The central characters, like Rosie and Alex, have a history and chemistry that complicates their attempt to keep things simple. The film explores the difficulties of denying a deeper connection, making it another good option for those searching for movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Paramount+ | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Definitely, Maybe (2008)
Will Hayes is in the midst of a divorce when his young daughter, Maya, starts asking questions about his life before marriage and how he met her mother. Will decides to tell her the story of his three great loves, changing their names so Maya has to guess which one became her mom. He recounts his experiences as an idealistic young man moving to New York City for a political campaign, falling in and out of love with Emily (his college sweetheart), April (his free-spirited best friend and co-worker), and Summer (an ambitious journalist).
Definitely, Maybe shares Love Rosie‘s structure of looking back at past relationships and missed opportunities over a significant period. Will’s story involves navigating complex relationships, timing issues, and the enduring impact of past loves, much like Rosie and Alex’s journey. The element of mystery and the focus on how different relationships shape a person resonate with the themes in movies like Love Rosie. It’s a charming and thoughtful exploration of love, choices, and figuring out who you’re meant to be with.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Max | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Celeste and Jesse Forever (2012)
Celeste and Jesse met in high school, got married young, and are now best friends who are getting divorced. Despite separating, they maintain an unusually close relationship, living on the same property (Jesse in the guest house), sharing inside jokes, and spending most of their time together. Their friends find their dynamic confusing and unhealthy. As they both start dating other people, Celeste and Jesse are forced to confront the reality of their separation and whether they can truly move on while remaining so deeply intertwined.
This film offers a unique and poignant take on the best-friends-who-were-lovers theme, echoing Love Rosie‘s exploration of enduring bonds even when romantic relationships falter. Celeste and Jesse’s inability to let go, despite knowing they need to move on, mirrors the way Rosie and Alex remain connected through thick and thin. It tackles the pain and confusion of redefining a relationship that has been central to one’s identity, making it a thoughtful and emotionally resonant choice for those who appreciated the complexities in movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Tubi | Free with Ads |
| Pluto TV | Free with Ads |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
The Vow (2012)
Paige and Leo are a happily married young couple living in Chicago. After a severe car accident, Paige suffers brain damage and wakes up from a coma with severe memory loss, having no recollection of Leo or their life together. Her last memories are from years earlier when she was a law student engaged to another man and estranged from her parents. Leo must try to win her heart all over again and help her rebuild her life, while Paige struggles to understand who she is now and reconcile her past self with the woman Leo loves.
While The Vow focuses on memory loss rather than missed timing, it shares with Love Rosie the central theme of fighting for a deep connection against overwhelming obstacles. Leo’s determination to remind Paige of their love, despite her having no memory of it, mirrors the persistence of the bond between Rosie and Alex through years of separation and challenges. The film explores the nature of love, identity, and whether a connection can be rebuilt from scratch, offering the emotional depth found in movies like Love Rosie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Movies Like Love Rosie
What makes a movie “like Love Rosie”?
Movies like Love Rosie typically feature central themes of long-term friendships potentially turning into romance, missed connections or bad timing affecting relationships, characters growing up and changing over many years while maintaining a bond, and a blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth. Often, they involve best friends who clearly have feelings for each other but face various obstacles (distance, other partners, misunderstandings) that keep them apart.
Are all these movies romantic comedies?
Not strictly. While many films on this list, like When Harry Met Sally… or Bridget Jones’s Diary, fit the romantic comedy genre, others like One Day, Me Before You, or The Fault in Our Stars lean more towards romantic drama due to their more serious themes and emotional weight. Love Rosie itself balances comedy and drama, and this list reflects that mix.
Do all these movies have happy endings?
Like Love Rosie, which keeps you guessing until the very end, the movies on this list vary. Many offer hopeful or traditionally happy endings, but some explore more bittersweet or realistic outcomes. The focus is often on the journey of the relationship and the personal growth of the characters, regardless of the final destination.
Where can I watch these movies similar to Love Rosie?
We’ve included tables with streaming information for each movie. However, streaming availability changes frequently! Platforms like Netflix, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ often rotate their catalogs. You can also typically rent or buy these films digitally on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, or Google Play.
Are there other films based on Cecelia Ahern books?
Yes! Besides Love Rosie (based on “Where Rainbows End”), the movie P.S. I Love You is also based on a popular novel by Cecelia Ahern. If you enjoy her storytelling style, seeking out films based on her work is a great idea.
Finding movies like Love Rosie means diving into stories that tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and remind you of the beautiful, messy, unpredictable nature of love and friendship. Whether it’s the slow burn of friends becoming lovers, the ache of missed opportunities, or the joy of finally getting the timing right, these films capture that special magic. So grab some popcorn, maybe a box of tissues, and enjoy these wonderful cinematic journeys!
