The 25 Best Movies And TV Shows Like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', Ranked

My Life With the Walter Boys is a captivating romantic drama that portrays the life of Jackie Howard, who, after the tragic loss of her family, moves in with her distant relatives - the Walter boys. The show beautifully encapsulates her journey as she navigates through this chaotic household filled with rowdy brothers. The storyline is deeply rooted in themes of resilience, adaptation and unexpected love. It's not just a romantic drama; it's an exploration of familial bonds and personal growth.

In My Life With the Walter Boys, Jackie Howard's journey parallels the protagonist's coming-of-age in The Summer I Turned Pretty, as both navigate complex family dynamics and love amidst the challenges of adolescence.

Never Have I Ever, created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, provides a refreshing take on the romantic drama genre by depicting a modern-day coming-of-age story. It centers around Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American teenager grappling with high school life while mourning her father's death. The show touches upon diverse themes such as cultural identity, grief, acceptance, and teen romance. Notably featuring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan in the lead role, its impact on pop culture has been significant due to its inclusive representation and relatable narrative.

Never Have I Ever provides a contemporary approach to the genre, similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty, by exploring the experiences of Devi and her friends.

Surviving Summer dives into the world of surfing while weaving a tale of romance and self-discovery. The plot revolves around Summer Torres (played by Sky Katz), a rebellious New Yorker sent to live with her aunt in Australia for the summer where she discovers her passion for surfing. Alongside surfboards and ocean waves are threads of friendships tested, relationships blossoming, and lessons learned about oneself. This sun-soaked series adds a sporty twist to traditional romantic dramas.

Surviving Summer explores love and self-discovery, akin to the themes in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

All American, inspired by real-life events, introduces viewers to Spencer James (portrayed by Daniel Ezra), a talented football player from South LA recruited to play for Beverly Hills High School. Amidst tackling racial disparity and social class issues lies an intricate web of romance involving Spencer's relationships with Layla Keating and Olivia Baker (played by Greta Onieogou & Samantha Logan respectively), adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. The show's impact on pop culture is immense, drawing attention to societal issues while maintaining its romantic drama essence.

All American shares common ground with The Summer I Turned Pretty as it delves into the complexities of young love within the context of the broader issues facing society.

All Summers End, directed by Kyle Wilamowski and featuring Tye Sheridan and Kaitlyn Dever in lead roles delivers an intensely emotional portrayal of guilt-ridden teenage love. After causing the death of his girlfriend's brother during one reckless summer night, Conrad (Tye Sheridan) must face his guilt while navigating his relationship with Grace (Kaitlyn Dever). With its haunting cinematography and powerful performances, this film adds depth to its genre by exploring themes like remorse, forgiveness and redemption within a tender coming-of-age narrative.

All Summers End offers a glimpse into the complexities of adolescent experiences and young love. Released in 2018, the film explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth, aligning with the coming-of-age elements and emotional depth characteristic of The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Looking for Alaska serves as an excellent follow-up series for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, offering a similar blend of teenage introspection and emotional depth. Both narratives explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of young love against the backdrop of coming-of-age experiences. 

With its compelling characters and poignant storytelling, Looking for Alaska promises to resonate deeply with audiences who enjoyed the heartfelt journey depicted in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Along for the Ride is an emotional voyage that weaves a tale of self-discovery, love, and hidden truths. Based on Sarah Dessen's popular novel, this romantic drama unfolds the story of Auden, played by Emma Pasarow, an insomniac with a complicated family dynamic who embarks on a summer journey that changes her life forever. The film beautifully explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance and growth while highlighting the nuances of complex relationships.

Along for the Ride follows a young protagonist navigating new relationships and self-discovery during a transformative summer, much like The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Kitz offers an intriguing follow-up series for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, presenting a gripping narrative of revenge and secrets set against the backdrop of opulent lifestyles and interpersonal drama. Much like the emotional depth found in The Summer I Turned Pretty, Kitz delves into complex relationships and the consequences of past actions, weaving together a compelling storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. 

With its blend of mystery, drama, and rich character development, Kitz promises to captivate audiences seeking a similarly immersive and suspenseful viewing experience.

The Society, another compelling addition to the genre of romantic dramas, presents an intriguing narrative about teenagers who are mysteriously transported to a facsimile of their wealthy New England town without any trace of their parents or guardians. Amidst this chaos blooms the romance between Allie Pressman (Kathryn Newton) and Will LeClair (Jacques Colimon). As they grapple with establishing order and dealing with budding relationships, The Society explores themes of power dynamics, social hierarchy and love in the time of dystopia.

The Society resonates with the exploration of young love and societal issues found in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

The groundbreaking Love, Simon serves as a beacon in the genre of romantic dramas. This heartfelt narrative follows Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), a gay high school student grappling with his identity and navigating coming out to his friends and family. Amidst its poignant exploration of young love and self-acceptance, Love, Simon shines not only for its compelling storyline but also for its significant contribution to LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema.

Love, Simon provides a heartwarming portrayal of a teenager coming to terms with his identity and navigating his first love, similar to the themes found in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

The Sex Lives of College Girls is a modern romantic drama that explores the complexity of young love and friendships in a college setting. The series, created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, follows four roommates at Essex College as they navigate their way through romance, friendship, and self-discovery. The show features an ensemble cast including Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Each character brings a unique perspective on love and relationships, offering a diverse portrayal of contemporary college life.

The Sex Lives of College Girls is a fresh approach to romantic dramas that mirrors the experiences depicted in The Summer I Turned Pretty, by showing the truth about modern relationships.

An iconic classic from the 80s, Pretty in Pink, stands tall amongst romantic dramas with its enduring appeal. Molly Ringwald's portrayal of Andie Walsh - a high school girl from the wrong side of town - set new standards for leading ladies in film. Caught in a love triangle between her childhood sweetheart Duckie (Jon Cryer) and rich heartthrob Blane (Andrew McCarthy), Andie must navigate class divides and teenage angst. With its vibrant wardrobe choices and unforgettable soundtrack, Pretty in Pink left an indelible mark on pop culture influencing generations to come.

Pretty in Pink shares similarities with The Summer I Turned Pretty in capturing the essence of young love and personal growth during adolescence.

Sex Education, a British series, offers an insightful look into teen intimacy and relationships through the eyes of Otis Milburn (played by Asa Butterfield), a socially awkward teenager with a sex therapist mother. Despite its comedic undertones, it handles serious topics like sexuality, identity crisis, consent, and love in an empathetic manner. With Gillian Anderson playing Dr. Jean Milburn and Emma Mackey as Maeve Wiley - Otis's complicated love interest - the show has profoundly impacted how romantic dramas address sensitive subjects.

Sex Education provides a distinct take on young love, mirroring the thoughtful exploration of sensitive subjects found in The Summer I Turned Pretty. 

Time Is Up presents an unconventional romantic tale that combines elements of science fiction with heartrending drama. Bella Thorne and Benjamin Mascolo star as two high school students who share an unusual bond - they both know exactly when their lives will end. As they navigate their limited time left together, this film explores intense themes like mortality and fate intertwined with youthful passion and desire.

Time Is Up mirrors the exploration of complex emotions and young love in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

The In Between offers a poignant follow-up film for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, exploring themes of love, loss, and the possibility of connection beyond death. Similar to the emotional depth found in the show, the movie delves into the complexities of teenage relationships and the struggle to come to terms with grief. 

With its blend of romance and supernatural elements, The In Between provides a thought-provoking and heartfelt narrative that resonates with audiences seeking a touching and introspective viewing experience.

Élite is a Spanish romantic drama that has captured the attention of international audiences with its engrossing plotlines and complex characters. Set in an elite secondary school in Spain, the series is centered around three working-class teens who are enrolled there after their academy was destroyed. Their clash with the wealthy students leads to an engaging mix of romance, tension, and eventually murder. With standout performances from María Pedraza, Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau among others, Élite has left a significant impact on pop culture globally.

Élite captures the essence of love, discovery, and societal clashes, similar to the dynamics in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Grand Army, set in Brooklyn’s Grand Army High School, serves up an intense concoction of teenage angst tangled with romantic endeavors amidst socio-political turmoil. It primarily follows five students including Joey Del Marco (Odessa A’zion) struggling with sexual assault trauma and Dom Pierre (Odley Jean) juggling her dreams and family responsibilities while navigating complex romantic relationships. Grand Army has been lauded for its raw portrayal of contemporary adolescence and its impact on individual identities.

Grand Army offers an intense blend of young love and self-discovery, akin to the honest examination of the coming-of-age experience found in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Everything Now serves as a compelling follow-up series for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, diving into themes of self-discovery and teenage experiences with depth and authenticity. Much like the heartfelt journey depicted in The Summer I Turned Pretty, Mia's quest to reclaim her youth through a bucket list of quintessential teen experiences resonates with viewers navigating their own coming-of-age struggles. 

With its focus on friendship, personal growth, and overcoming challenges, Everything Now promises to captivate audiences seeking a poignant and relatable narrative akin to their love for The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Trinkets, based on Kirsten Smith's novel, offers an unusual twist on typical teen dramas by combining elements of romance with darker themes like loss and kleptomania. Elodie Davis (Brianna Hildebrand), Moe Truax (Kiana Madeira), and Tabitha Foster (Quintessa Swindell) form an unlikely bond after meeting at a Shoplifters Anonymous meeting. The series explores their individual struggles with love, friendship and personal issues, presenting a multi-layered narrative that resonates with viewers.

Trinkets weaves teen love stories with deeper themes, reminiscent of The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Zac & Mia is an engaging romantic drama that delves into the lives of two teenagers battling cancer in a hospital. This series, based on A.J. Betts' award-winning novel, unfolds the emotional rollercoaster experienced by Zac (Kian Lawley), a solitude-loving boy, and Mia (Anne Winters), a social media-obsessed girl, as they navigate through their health challenges and find solace in each other's company. The show beautifully explores themes such as camaraderie and resilience in face of adversity.

Zac & Mia parallels the poignant themes of love against odds found in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Glamorous offers an enticing follow-up series for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, immersing viewers in the glitzy world of social media influence and self-discovery. Just as The Summer I Turned Pretty explores themes of personal growth and identity, Glamorous delves into similar territory as Marco embarks on a journey of self-discovery amidst the chaos of his dream job and romantic entanglements. 

With its blend of drama, comedy, and exploration of modern-day aspirations, Glamorous promises to resonate with audiences seeking a vibrant and relatable narrative akin to their love for The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Outer Banks, set in North Carolina’s coastal region known as Outer Banks, presents a unique blend of mystery and romance. It follows a group of teenagers who stumble upon a treasure map that unravels dark secrets while navigating their complicated romantic lives. Starring Chase Stokes as John B., Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron, this show captures young love amidst suspenseful adventure. Its unique mix of genres has helped diversify romantic dramas by infusing elements of thrill and mystery.

The tone of Outer Banks is akin to the suspenseful adventure and complicated romantic lives portrayed in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Gossip Girl presents an enticing follow-up series for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, delving into the intricate lives of privileged New York teens with a blend of drama and mystery. Just as The Summer I Turned Pretty explores the complexities of relationships and identity, Gossip Girl offers a captivating glimpse into the scandalous world of Manhattan's elite, where secrets and betrayals abound. 

With its focus on high-stakes drama, social intrigue, and the pursuit of power, Gossip Girl promises to satisfy viewers craving a glamorous and addictive narrative similar to their love for The Summer I Turned Pretty.

On My Block, set against the gritty backdrop of inner-city Los Angeles neighborhoods is another remarkable addition to romantic dramas. The series chronicles four bright friends navigating high school while dealing with issues like gang violence alongside exploring first loves and heartbreaks—making it both poignant and relatable to its audience. With notable performances from Sierra Capri (Monse Finnie) and Diego Tinoco (Cesar Diaz), the show beautifully balances romance with social issues, thereby pushing the boundaries of its genre.

On My Block pushes the boundaries of romantic dramas by balancing young love with deeper themes, much like the exploration of life and love in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is a modern take on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac tale with a high school twist. This romantic drama revolves around the smart but unpopular Sierra, portrayed by Shannon Purser of Stranger Things fame, who finds herself tangled in an unexpected romance through a case of mistaken identity via text messaging. The film delves into themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the complexities of adolescent love while cleverly integrating elements of comedy.

The film, released in 2018, explores themes of identity and young love, drawing parallels to The Summer I Turned Pretty through its heartfelt portrayal of teenage relationships and self-discovery.