10 Best Movies Like The Fault in Our Stars (Ranked & Where to Watch)

Often cited in the same breath as “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Five Feet Apart” tells the story of two cystic fibrosis patients, Stella and Will, who fall in love despite the critical rule demanding they maintain a six-foot distance to prevent cross-infection. Their romance is a heartbreaking ballet of longing and restraint, echoing Hazel and Gus’s struggle against their own illnesses. The film masterfully builds tension through their physical separation, intensifying their emotional connection. Its raw performances and poignant exploration of youth, love, and the sacrifices made for survival make it an undeniable spiritual sibling to TFIOS, capturing the bittersweet essence of loving under the shadow of disease.

“Life in a Year” takes the core premise of terminal illness meets first love and amplifies the “carpe diem” aspect. Daryn, a driven teenager, discovers his girlfriend Isabelle has only a year left to live. He then embarks on a mission to give her an entire lifetime of experiences within that short period. The film parallels TFIOS in its focus on how a terminal diagnosis shapes young romance, pushing characters to live more fully and love more fiercely. Its narrative, while perhaps less literary than John Green’s work, delivers a powerful emotional punch through the couple's race against time and their profound dedication to making every moment count.

Before “The Fault in Our Stars” captivated audiences, “Now Is Good” offered a similarly heart-wrenching tale of a young woman, Tessa, dying of leukemia. Dakota Fanning delivers a remarkable performance as Tessa, who compiles a bucket list of experiences she wants before she passes away, including losing her virginity and falling in love. Her journey, complicated by her illness, finds her connecting with Adam, a boy who helps her navigate her remaining time. The film shares TFIOS's blend of dark humor and profound melancholy, exploring how facing mortality can illuminate the true meaning of life and the intensity of a fleeting first love.

“Me Before You” shifts the focus from terminal illness to profound disability, but retains the core themes of unexpected love, life-altering decisions, and the complexities of end-of-life choices. Lou Clark, a quirky young woman, becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic who has lost his will to live. Their evolving relationship, filled with both joy and inevitable heartbreak, mirrors the emotional depth of TFIOS. It challenges viewers to confront difficult questions about quality of life and personal autonomy, all wrapped in a romance that is both charming and devastatingly poignant, carried by Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin's chemistry.

A quintessential classic, “Love Story” is the original cinematic blueprint for young, star-crossed lovers facing terminal illness. Harvard student Oliver Barrett IV and Radcliffe student Jennifer Cavilleri fall passionately in love, defying social expectations and financial struggles, only to be confronted by Jennifer's devastating leukemia diagnosis. Its iconic line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” encapsulates the film’s earnest, heartbreaking romance. Like TFIOS, it explores the unfairness of fate and how profound love can blossom even in the shortest time, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history as a benchmark tearjerker that still resonates today.

Adapted from John Green’s novel, “Turtles All the Way Down” shares the same literary DNA as “The Fault in Our Stars,” focusing on a young protagonist navigating complex internal struggles alongside a blossoming romance. Aza Holmes grapples with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which profoundly impacts her perceptions and relationships. While not a terminal physical illness, Aza's condition presents an equally formidable obstacle to connection and happiness. The film delves into the interiority of its characters with Green's characteristic blend of wit and philosophical depth, offering a thoughtful portrayal of how mental health challenges shape identity and the capacity for love in a nuanced and affecting way.

In “Dying Young,” Julia Roberts stars as Hilary O'Neil, a young woman who takes a job caring for Victor Geddes, a wealthy, ailing young man with leukemia (played by Campbell Scott). As she helps him fulfill some of his life's wishes, an intense and tender romance blossoms between them, inevitably tinged with the sadness of his prognosis. The film shares the central premise of TFIOS: finding profound love and meaning in the face of terminal illness. It explores the emotional toll on both the patient and the caregiver, painting a picture of love that is both passionate and heartbreaking, echoing the vulnerability and courage of Hazel and Gus.

“Until Forever” brings a faith-based perspective to the theme of young love and terminal illness, telling the true story of Michael Boyum's courageous battle with leukemia. Like “The Fault in Our Stars,” it centers on a young man facing a devastating diagnosis, supported by his loving girlfriend, Michelle. The film focuses on their unwavering love, their journey through unimaginable challenges, and their reliance on faith to find strength and hope amidst despair. It offers a powerful, inspiring, and deeply emotional narrative that resonates with the themes of resilience, enduring love, and confronting mortality with grace, making it a compelling watch.

“The Notebook” is an iconic romantic drama that, while not directly featuring terminal illness in its initial romance, shares the profound emotional core and tragic undertones that resonate with fans of TFIOS. It tells the epic love story of Noah and Allie, separated by class and circumstance, who find their way back to each other. The framing device, showing an older Noah reading their story to Allie, who suffers from Alzheimer's, introduces the heartbreaking reality of illness affecting enduring love. Its sweeping romance, intense passion, and ultimately tear-jerking portrayal of steadfast devotion make it a timeless classic that explores love's power against all odds.

“Ordinary Love” offers a more mature, yet equally poignant, exploration of how terminal illness impacts a relationship. Starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville, it follows Joan and Tom, a middle-aged couple whose lives are upended by Joan’s breast cancer diagnosis. While lacking the youthful angst of TFIOS, this film delves into the quiet, steadfast resilience of a long-term marriage facing an existential threat. It's a raw, unsentimental portrayal of love, fear, and practicalities, showcasing how a deep bond is tested and reaffirmed through the painful realities of treatment and uncertainty, providing a grounded, authentic companion to TFIOS's themes.