Adapted from the best-selling novel by Casey McQuiston, “Red, White & Royal Blue” marks the impressive feature debut of director Matthew López, who brings to life a captivating love story that seamlessly weaves together the timeless elements of a classic movie romance with the intriguing nuances of the lives of two prominent young men determined to shield their relationship from the prying eyes of the public. There have been movies like “Red, White & Royal Blue” from the beginning of time. Still, López presents a heartwarming tale centered around the unexpected romance between a British prince and the son of the President of the United States, inviting viewers into a world where the boundaries between love and duty, public and private, are tested.
If you have landed here after watching the queer drama on Prime Video, here are some movies that you might like if you found Red, White & Royal Blue worth watching:
1. Maurice (1987)
Talking about secretive queer romances like Red, White & Royal Blue, one of the first movies that comes to mind is the 1987 British film Maurice, directed by Jame Ivory. Based on the novel of the same name by E.M. Forster, the film is set in early 20th Century England and revolves around themes of love, self-discovery, and societal norms.
The story follows Maurice Hall (James Wilby), a young man from an upper-middle-class background who grapples with his own sexuality and his feelings for other men. The film explores his internal struggle to come to terms with his homosexuality in a society where such relationships were not openly acknowledged or accepted.
Maurice initially enters into a romantic relationship with Clive Durham (Hugh Grant), a fellow university student. However, Clive decides to end their relationship and conforms to societal expectations by marrying a woman and leading a conventional life. Maurice, on the other hand, continues to grapple with his feelings and his desire for authentic love.
The film portrays the struggles of these characters as they strive to find happiness and acceptance within themselves and within a society that does not understand or support their desires.
2. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
While as not lighthearted and sweet as Red, White & Royal Blue, one of the seminal movies that establish the desire for true connection in a world that is not ready for a relationship that goes against the norms is Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain.
Based on a short story by Annie Proulx, the film tells the tale of a complex and forbidden love between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar, and Jack Twist, played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively.
Set in the 1960s, the story spans over two decades and charts Ennis and Jack’s meet while working as sheepherders on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. Initially, they form a strong bond as friends and eventually, their relationship evolves into a deep and passionate love affair. However, their love is complicated by societal norms, their own personal struggles, and the expectations placed upon them by their families and society.
While the story of Ennis and Jack does not have the happy ending that Alex and Henry have, the secrecy and desires of both the stories are equally palpable.
3. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Directed by Luca Guadagino, Call Me by Your Name is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by André Aciman.
Set in the early 1980s in northern Italy, the story revolves around the blossoming romantic relationship between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) and 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer).
Elio is a talented and introspective young man spending the summer with his family at their villa. Oliver, an American doctoral student, arrives as a research assistant to Elio’s father, a professor.
As the summer progresses, Elio and Oliver form a close bond, initially based on friendship but gradually evolving into a passionate and transformative love affair.
Much like Red, White & Royal Blue, this is one of those movies that explore themes of desire, identity, sexual awakening, and the complexities of love itself. Another reason why the movie makes it to this list is the flirtatious interactions between Elio and Oliver that are uncanny to what Alex and Henry have in the Prime Video Original.
4. Summer of 85 (2020)
Based on Aidan Chambers’ novel ‘Dance on My Grave,’ François Ozon’s Summer of 85 is a sexy, queer romance that has hints of murderous intent tethering over the edges.
Set in the mid-1980s, the story follows Alex, a 16-year-old boy who is adrift during the summer vacation. While sailing on the English Channel, his boat capsizes, and he is rescued by David, an older boy. The two quickly form a deep bond and become inseparable friends. However, their relationship takes a complicated turn as they navigate the complexities of their feelings for each other.
While Summer of 85 doesn’t have a funny bone and aligns more with the psychology of these characters rather than the desire they share for one another, its investigation of identity and sexuality aided with a nostalgic summer vibe makes it a worthy double bill with Red, White & Royal Blue.
5. Bros (2022)
The one film on this list that will be a perfect fit to come after you are done watching Red, White & Royal Blue is the 2022 rom-com Bros.
Aaron Billy Eichner plays Bobby Leiber, a true-blue New Yorker through and through. He’s the charismatic host of “11th Brick,” a captivating podcast delving into queer history. Besides, he’s also the visionary behind the nation’s inaugural LGBTQ history museum, which stands on the cusp of a long-awaited unveiling. At the age of 40, Bobby has embraced a life of solitude, firmly convinced it’s the path to happiness.
However, Bobby’s well-constructed world takes an unforeseen turn when he crosses paths with Aaron (Luke Mcfarlane) one night at a vibrant club. In a whirlwind of events, they find themselves forming an unlikely bond centered around a shared emotional guardedness. Their mutual decision to keep emotional distance thus becomes the cornerstone of their connection.
6. Spoiler Alert (2022)
Capping off the list is Michael Showalter’s bittersweet romantic comedy Spoiler Alert. Based on the 2017 memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies by Michael Ausiello, the film chronicles the deeply emotional journey of Michael Ausiello and Kit Cowan, a couple whose love story is tested by life’s challenges and triumphs.
Beginning in 2001, Spoiler Alert charts when Michael, a writer for TV Guide, meets Kit Cowan, a talented photographer, and has an instant connection becoming the foundation of a beautiful and complex relationship.
As their romance blossoms, Michael grapples with his insecurities stemming from his past struggles with weight, fearing he isn’t attractive enough for Kit. Meanwhile, Kit reveals his own vulnerabilities, including a past affair and apprehensions about long-term commitment. Despite their uncertainties, the couple chooses to navigate these uncharted waters together.
Filled with laughter and genuine moments of the celebration of Queer love, Spoiler Alert is a must-see LGBTQ+ romance if you like Red, White & Royal Blue
