10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

As someone who’s spent their fair share of time binge-watching teen dramas and LGBTQ+ films, I must say that this list is a goldmine for anyone yearning for a Heartstopper fix!


Without a doubt, Heartstopper Season 3 will be devoured in no time at all. To help quench your thirst for Nick and Charlie’s heartwarming tale, here are ten captivating films and series to indulge in.

Any devoted Heartstopper viewer would recognize the unique atmosphere of the popular Netflix show. It’s a sensation that feels ethereal, brimming with heartwarming romance, yet fearless when it comes to tackling significant and often sensitive topics.

In Heartstopper Season 3, the narrative delves deeper as it explores more complex themes. Characters such as Charlie grapple with serious issues like an eating disorder, while the group experiences a new territory – sexual exploration – for the very first time.

In just over 40 minutes per episode, this fresh series is quick to consume in one sitting due to its eight episodes. After finishing, take a look at these ten TV shows and films that are absolutely worth watching.

Young Royals (2021 – 2024)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

If you find yourself thinking, “Wow, Heartstopper was amazing! I wonder if there’s something similar,” the first show that might come to mind is Young Royals. Conveniently located on the same streaming platform, this series revolves around Prince Wilhelm as he navigates a new elite school after a significant scandal. During his time at the institution, romance begins to unfold, and Wilhelm struggles to manage it skillfully.

The third installment of Young Royals came to an end, however, on a positive note, it shares the same number of episodes as Heartstopper does.

Where to stream: Netflix

Maxton Hall (2024 – present)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

In the heat of May this year, I stumbled upon a sensation that swept the digital world like wildfire – Maxton Hall, the school nobody saw coming. As I tuned in to its streaming debut, little did I know that I was about to witness a secret unfolding. This covert revelation brought me face-to-face with James Beaufort, a scholarship student who couldn’t have been more different from me. Needless to say, our encounters were far from peaceful.

The German TV show is at present shooting its second installment due to its remarkable debut. As of now, there’s no confirmed release date, but it’s likely to premiere around March 2025 – so start watching ahead of time!

Where to stream: Prime Video

Outer Banks (2020 – present)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

As a fan, I must admit that Outer Banks isn’t an exact replica of Heartstopper, but it certainly shares many common elements. Gather a group of teens, add in some outlandish escapades, and what results is a veritable storm of teenage drama!

In the story, a teenager is gathering his closest companions in search of a rumored hidden treasure that may be connected to his father’s disappearance. Over four seasons, the surprises have kept coming, and fresh episodes are set to premiere this month.

Where to stream: Netflix

Heartbreak High (2022 – present)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

If we’re truthful about it, reboots don’t always succeed, but the Netflix adaptation of Heartbreak High has turned out to be a captivating TV series in its own merit. The Australian production is set at Hartley High, where an ancient map leads to scandals involving sexual misconduct among the students. Amidst this turmoil, Amerie finds companionship with Quinni and Darren, who must all maneuver through the intense environment together.

Hey there, if you’re up for some nostalgia, why not give the original ’90s series a spin? You can easily do so by purchasing or renting it on Amazon Prime Video. Enjoy the trip down memory lane!

Where to stream: Netflix

Love, Victor (2020 – 2022)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

One method for expressing this more casually and clearly is: “Heartstopper’s romance between Nick and Charlie is what makes us adore the series so much, and Love, Victor wonderfully mirrors their developing relationship. Similar to the Love, Simon books, which were adapted into a film, Victor navigates his burgeoning sexuality while handling the challenges of a new high school.

Similar to how Nick and Charlie’s bond is tested in Heartstopper, my own connection with Benji is stretched thin, and unfortunately, it’s not made easier by the complications brought about by my family.

Where to stream: Hulu

Geek Girl (2024)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

Stripping away all the fantastical elements and sweetness, Heartstopper presents a more grim reality: modern high school life is incredibly challenging. If we change our protagonist to a British girl trying to find her place before being discovered by a modeling agency, we’re describing Geek Girl instead.

The TV show garnered acclaim for its lively feel and revitalizing the spirit of fun in the Young Adult genre… and it seems familiar, doesn’t it? If that comparison isn’t clear enough, this series is actually based on a 2013 book with an identical title.

Where to stream: Netflix

Alex Strangelove (2018)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

Alice Oseman’s narrative isn’t limited to films; it extends to movies as well. A notable example is the 2018 movie “Alex Strangelove,” where the protagonist, Alex, grapples with his sexuality in high school following an unexpected encounter with Elliott, much like characters in her stories.

Initially, Alex seemed to have everything planned out – he intended to lose his virginity to his longtime friend Claire and move on. However, is it always necessary for things to unfold this way? Now, as Heartstopper delves into more mature themes within the relationships of its characters, it seems that the celestial connections between these narratives are truly coming together.

Where to stream: Netflix

Fitting In (2023)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

Mentioning Maddie Ziegler from Dance Moms, you might recall? Now, she’s matured and is portraying roles similar to those seen in Heartstopper. In her latest movie, Fitting In, her character receives a diagnosis of a reproductive condition that significantly alters her intentions regarding her exploration of sexuality.

From here, there are more… unusual… methods for her discovery. It might seem strange, but it comes back to Oseman’s way of thinking: be yourself, and do what you’re comfortable with.

Where to stream: Apple TV+

Sublime (2022)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

For a more arthouse approach to Heartstopper vibes, try 2022 film Sublime.

The Argentine storyline centers around a 16-year-old named Manuel who’s in a relationship with Azul, but develops feelings for his bandmate Felipe instead. It doesn’t take long before they share their first moment together, an experience that fundamentally alters Manuel’s life for the better.

Where to stream: Apple TV+

Degrassi (2001 – 2015)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

In the realm of high school dramas during the 2000s, none reigned supreme quite like Degrassi. Over time, it has grown more expansive and impactful, solidifying its status as the blueprint for contemporary teen dramas. It’s a title it’s earned through dedication and hard work. This Canadian series focuses on a group of children residing on Degrassi Street, delving into an array of topics, from relationships and substance use to academic and social issues within their friendships. In other words, they don’t shy away from any subject matter.

You might be familiar with the many offshoots of the popular TV show, such as Degrassi: The Next Generation, which stands out among them. Although the original series may not have aged gracefully… yet if you’re looking to honor your origins, this is the place to revisit.

Where to stream: Plex

Boys (2024)

10 movies & shows like Heartstopper to watch before Season 3

2024 will be characterized by a subtle and thoughtful atmosphere, and the movie that portrays LGBT love in its rawest form is the 2014 film “Boys.” The upcoming film “Siger” follows the story of a 15-year-old character named Siger, who is deeply involved in sports and competing at regional race finals. As he spends more time with his teammate, he begins to harbor feelings for this person.

Instead of describing it as a “straightforward journey of teenagers falling in love,” you could say, “It’s not simply a story about teenage romance unfolding.” However, if you want to emphasize that there are valuable life lessons to be learned, you can rephrase it as, “While the narrative doesn’t focus solely on teenagers falling in love, we certainly gain important insights throughout their journey.

Where to stream: Apple TV+

You can enjoy Heartstopper Season 3, now streaming on Netflix, starting from October 3rd! Until then, catch a sneak peek of our favorite moments, understand why Ben is missing from the latest episodes, and discover other captivating TV series available this month.

Read More

2024-10-01 15:19