12 films · The Lovvy team
Movies to watch together when you’re long distance
Twelve films about love across distance, and how to actually watch one together when you are in different places.
A film is one of the easiest things to share from far away. You press play at the same time, you react to the same scenes, and afterwards you have something to talk about that is not logistics.
How to watch together from two places
- Pick the film in advance, so the call is not spent choosing.
- Start together on a count of three, or use a watch-party feature if your streaming service or browser has one.
- Keep a call open with the sound off, or text as you go, whichever feels less distracting.
- Rate it separately before you talk about it. Distance makes honest opinions even more valuable.
Films about love across distance
- 1
Like Crazy (2011)
Directed by Drake Doremus
The most honest film about what a long-distance relationship costs. Watch it when you are feeling strong.
- 2
Going the Distance (2010)
Directed by Nanette Burstein
The light version: two coasts, lots of flights and plenty of jokes about it.
- 3
Past Lives (2023)
Directed by Celine Song
Distance measured in decades as well as miles.
- 4
Before Sunset (2004)
Directed by Richard Linklater
Nine years apart, one afternoon together. You will relate to the clock.
- 5
The Lake House (2006)
Directed by Alejandro Agresti
A relationship carried entirely by letters, which will feel familiar.
- 6
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Directed by Nora Ephron
Falling for someone through the words they write.
- 7
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Directed by Nora Ephron
A romance across the whole country that barely shares a scene.
- 8
Her (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze
A love story conducted almost entirely by voice. Good for talking about what closeness means.
- 9
Lost in Translation (2003)
Directed by Sofia Coppola
About feeling far from home, and the person who makes it feel less so.
Also in: 20 romantic movies to watch with your partner, Movies for a rainy night in, as a couple, Movies to watch cuddled up: 20 picks for a quiet night
- 10
Your Place or Mine (2023)
Directed by Aline Brosh McKenna
Two best friends on opposite coasts, which is half of your situation already.
- 11
Love, Rosie (2014)
Directed by Christian Ditter
Years of near-misses with an ocean in the way.
Also in: Romantic movies to watch with your boyfriend or girlfriend
- 12
One Day (2011)
Directed by Lone Scherfig
Two people who keep finding each other, one day a year.
A film a week at the same time is a good ritual at any distance. How to keep it going.