Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Apr 17, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Summer '89

If you loved Summer '89, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Summer '89.

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#1
The Normal Heart

The Normal Heart

2014★ 7.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer '89 for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

The story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s, taking an unflinching look at the nation's sexual politics as gay activists and their allies in t...

#2
Longtime Companion

Longtime Companion

1989★ 6.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer '89 for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

During the summer of 1981, a group of friends in New York are completely unprepared for the onslaught of AIDS. What starts as a rumor about a mysterious "gay cancer" soon turns int...

#3
How to Survive a Plague

How to Survive a Plague

2012★ 6.8

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer '89 for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

A story of two coalitions – ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) – whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Despite having no...

#4
Parting Glances

Parting Glances

1986★ 6.8

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer '89 for fans of Comedy. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

Michael and Robert, two gay men living in Brooklyn, spend their last day together before Robert leaves for Africa on work assignment. Michael still has feelings for his friend Nick...

#5
A Home at the End of the World

A Home at the End of the World

2004★ 6.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer '89 for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Three friends form a bond over the year, Johnathan is gay, Clare is straight and Bobby is neither, instead he loves the people he loves. As their lives go on there is tension and t...

#6
Howard

Howard

2018★ 6.8

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer '89 for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Though legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage ...

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