The 10 Best Long Distance Relationship Movies

Navigating a long-distance relationship is one of the most challenging situations any couple can find themselves in. Even so, choosing the lifestyle of a digital nomad means that this could likely be your reality. 

Whether it’s you or your or partner working away, being thousands of miles apart from your soulmate can feel devastating. Luckily, today’s technology can soften the pain. We know it doesn’t compare to being together in real life. Still, regular video calls and virtual dates can make your time apart go quicker.

Watching movies in sync with your distant lover is one way to bond and feel close to each other, despite the miles between you. Films about long-distance relationships are always the right choice as you can relate to the characters and their pain. 

Maybe you’re setting up your next virtual date night, or you’re celebrating being together again after time apart, or you’re just want to watch a good romantic movie. Either way, check out these ten best long-distance relationship movies to watch with your boo or by yourself.

1. Going The Distance (2010)

This is a funny, relatable, and heartwarming rom-com about young love and trying to make your relationship work while living in different states. Going The Distance is one of the most original long-distance love movies you’ll find on Netflix. 

In Going the Distance, a young intern meets a guy while living in New York for the summer. They enjoy an exciting fling, expecting it to be just that. However, realizing their deep feelings for each other, they attempt to make their relationship work when Erin returns to San Francisco. 

2. One Day (2011)

You’ll need tissues nearby for this one. This tear-jerking romantic drama will make you appreciate your partner and remind you both of what you have. One Day, which you’ll find on Netflix, is based on David Nicholls’s novel and follows the story of two friends, Dexter and Emma.

The storytelling of Dexter and Emma’s love journey is superb. The movie starts with the two college friends spending the night together for the first time. This unravels a series of events lasting into their adult lives. We visit them on the same date each year, some of which they are together, but most where they are apart. The story ends in a totally unexpected way.

3. Like Crazy (2011)

In this long-distance love movie, a British college student falls for an American guy during her time in the states. However, their relationship experiences unexpected challenges when she gets banned from the U.S. for overstaying her visa. The raw emotion of young love that Like Crazy captures makes it one of the most favored movies about long-distance relationships. Like Crazy is on Netflix only in certain countries.

4. Dear John (2010)

Another one that will have you balling your eyes out. One of our favorite long-distance relationship movies, Dear John tells the story of a soldier who falls for a college student while he’s home on leave. This unexpected relationship turns both their lives completely upside down when John re-enlists, meaning the couple can only stay in touch over letters.  Luckily, you can easily find it on Netflix.

5. Sleepless In Seattle (1993)

The classic film about long-distance relationships is about Sam, a widowed man living in Seattle with his son. Worried about his dad, the son calls a radio talk show to find his father a new partner. This connects Sam with Annie, a woman across the country. Annie believes they are destined to be together despite the distance. This is both one of the oldest and best long-distance relationship movies available on Netflix. 

6. Before Sunrise (1995)

Available on Netflix in some countries, this beautiful love story shows how you can meet your soulmate anywhere. Jesse, an American, is traveling through Europe by train. Here he meets Celine, who is on her way to start school in Paris. 

Long-distance lovers will relate to the instant spark and intense connection between these two. The pain the characters go through when they separate will pull on your heartstrings and bring back memories. This is one of the top movies about long-distance relationships for all long-distance lovers, especially those who met while traveling. 

7. The Notebook (2004)

The Notebook is a story within a story. An old man who regularly visits a woman in a nursing home decides to read her a story from an old notebook. It is the heartbreaking story of a young couple during World War II who are forced to separate, making them lose contact.  Years later, they reunite, but their lives have moved on.

Although it’s one of the most well-known long-distance relationship movies, it’s unfortunately no longer on Netflix in the U.S. However, it may be available in other countries.

8. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

You’ve Got Mail is set during the time online dating first began. The film features a man and woman who start an online relationship after meeting in a chatroom. It gives a lighthearted and amusing look at how they attempt to maintain a connection through the internet. If you’re not looking for something heavy, You’ve Got Mail is one of the lighter long-distance relationship movies. Unfortunately, though, you won’t find it on Netflix. 

9. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

This is one of the most unique films about long-distance relationships to be made. With a science fiction twist, the Time Traveler’s Wife is about time distance rather than physical space. Henry is a librarian who suffers from a genetic disorder that sends him through time. When he meets Clare, they struggle to make the relationship work during Henry’s time away. This sad love story is not available on Netflix in most countries. 

10. Kissing Booth 2 (2020)

This Netflix original follows the story of high-schooler Elle. After spending a romantic summer with boyfriend Noah, we see Elle struggle to keep the spark alive in their relationship while juggling the pressures of her senior year. This is a fun, modern-day look at young long-distance love. 

Final thoughts

Whether you’re after something lighthearted to lift your mood, or sentimental to ease your love sickness, you’ll find all the long-distance relationship movies you need here. Laugh or cry with your other half as you watch these long-distance love movies simultaneously. 

---

BEFORE YOU GO

☑ Book your flight: If your flight isn’t booked yet – check out the flights on Skyscanner or via Google Flights. My top saving tip is flexibility. If you’re flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight.

☑ Book your accommodation: I always use Airbnb and Booking.com. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, you should take a look at the options on Hostelworld. If you click on the Airbnb link and you don’t have an account yet – you’ll get a $30 discount on your first booking.

☑ Protect your cute face: Oh, you may want to protect your cute face with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers. Otherwise, you can also take a look at World Nomads.

☑ Pack the essentials: You can consult this list when it’s time to pack your bag! Do not leave without a universal charger, a power bank and your passport!

☑  Do you need a visa? If you aren’t sure if you need a visa, it would be a smart idea to take a quick look before you go. You can use iVisa – it’s super useful and easy to use.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a cute commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.