The Netflix-backed Korean animated directorial “Lost in Starlight” by Han Ji-won is an enchanting cinematic experience from start to finish. Blending the grandeur of a Mars expedition with the timeless tenderness of old-school romance, the film crafts a heartfelt narrative that transcends genre and medium. What stands out most is its emotional maturity, how gracefully it portrays longing, love, and connection, despite being an animated feature. It’s this depth that makes “Lost in Starlight” a film for audiences of all ages, not just animation lovers. If this beautifully melancholic journey left you yearning for more, we’ve curated a list of 15 films that echo the spirit of “Lost in Starlight”, stories that will keep that lingering aftertaste alive.
15. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
“The Time Traveler’s Wife,” directed by Robert Schwentke, is a tender and haunting story that explores the emotional weight of a romance stretched across different moments in time. Based on Audrey Niffenegger’s best-selling novel, the film follows Henry, a man with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and Clare, the woman who has loved him since childhood. Their relationship unfolds in fragmented pieces, yet remains emotionally whole. What makes this film remarkable is how it balances the fantastical premise of time travel with deeply human experiences of love, longing, and inevitability. The performances, especially from Rachel McAdams, anchor the film in raw vulnerability.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” this movie resonates deeply. Both stories examine a romance that is tested by forces beyond the lovers’ control, wrapped in an atmosphere of wistful melancholy. If you connected with the quiet ache of waiting, separation, and reunion in “Lost in Starlight,” then “The Time Traveler’s Wife” will feel like a natural extension of that emotional journey.
14. Palm Springs (2020)
Helmed by Max Barbakow, “Palm Springs” takes the well-worn concept of a time loop and injects it with fresh energy, wit, and emotional depth. On the surface, it’s a sharp and absurd romantic comedy about two wedding guests stuck reliving the same day, but underneath the humor lies a surprisingly profound reflection on nihilism, connection, and the fear of truly living. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti deliver performances that balance laugh-out-loud moments with tender vulnerability, making the absurd scenario feel grounded and heartfelt. The film never loses sight of its emotional core, which is what ultimately sets it apart.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” “Palm Springs” offers a compelling parallel in how it treats time as both a curse and a path to emotional revelation. While the tone is lighter and more playful, both stories explore what it means to love when time itself becomes the greatest obstacle. If you appreciated the emotional introspection behind the cosmic premise of “Lost in Starlight,” “Palm Springs” will surprise you with how deep it cuts beneath the surface of its comedy.
13. I Origins (2014)
“I Origins” is a contemplative and visually arresting film that blends science and spirituality through the lens of a molecular biologist studying the evolution of the human eye. What begins as a grounded, scientific inquiry slowly transforms into a metaphysical exploration of love, loss, and the possibility of reincarnation. The film dares to ask profound questions without easy answers, using the deeply emotional bond between the protagonist and a mysterious woman as the anchor for its ambitious ideas. It’s a rare film that manages to be intellectually curious while emotionally stirring, leaving a lingering impact long after the credits roll.
“I Origins” resonates in its delicate balance between the rational and the emotional, the real and the mystical. Both films explore how love can transcend the limits of time, logic, and even life itself. If you were drawn to the quiet longing and cosmic beauty of “Lost in Starlight,” this film will captivate you in its own quietly spiritual way.
12. The Fountain (2006)
Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain” is a mesmerizing voyage through time and emotion, blending fantasy, history, and spirituality into a single tapestry. It tells three parallel stories about love and loss, each set in different eras but connected by the same quest for immortality and meaning. With haunting visuals and a dreamlike atmosphere, the film dives deep into the human desire to overcome death and hold onto what truly matters. The performances by Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz give the film a tender core amid its cosmic grandeur.
If you loved “Lost in Starlight” for its cosmic romance and exploration of fate, “The Fountain” offers a similar experience—an emotional meditation on love that stretches beyond time, inviting viewers to contemplate life’s mysteries through a beautifully poetic lens.
11. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
“Children Who Chase Lost Voices,” directed by Makoto Shinkai, is a stunningly beautiful dive into a hidden world filled with magic, danger, and the aching desire to reconnect with what’s lost. This film feels like a dream you don’t want to wake up from — its lush visuals and haunting soundtrack pull you into a story about grief, courage, and the lengths we’ll go to find peace. It’s a coming-of-age tale wrapped in mythology, with an emotional punch that stays with you.
If “Lost in Starlight” left you captivated by its cosmic love and bittersweet longing, this film hits a similar sweet spot. Both movies invite you on journeys beyond the ordinary, where love and loss ripple through time and space in the most poetic ways.
10. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)
“Josee, the Tiger and the Fish,” directed by Kotaro Tamura, is a heartfelt and intimate story about unexpected love and personal growth. The film follows the spirited Josee, who uses a wheelchair and lives a sheltered life, and Tsuneo, a college student who slowly breaks through her guarded world. It’s a tender exploration of vulnerability, dreams, and the quiet moments that shape a relationship. The animation captures every subtle emotion with grace, making the characters feel real and deeply relatable.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” this movie offers a similarly delicate portrayal of love blossoming against life’s obstacles. Both films celebrate connection and resilience, weaving emotional truths with gentle, beautiful storytelling that lingers long after the credits.
9. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
“The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” is a refreshing and heartfelt coming-of-age tale that blends lighthearted charm with profound emotional depth. The story follows Makoto, a high school girl who suddenly gains the ability to leap backward in time, and must navigate the consequences of altering moments both big and small. With its playful tone and sincere exploration of youth, choice, and growing up, the film strikes a perfect balance between whimsy and introspection. The animation is vibrant, capturing the fleeting nature of time and emotion beautifully.
Fans of “Lost in Starlight” will find much to love here—both films center on the bittersweet dance between time and love, highlighting how precious and fragile our moments together truly are. If you were drawn to the wistful longing and time-twisting romance of “Lost in Starlight,” this film offers a similarly touching journey.
8. About Time (2013)
“About Time,” directed by Richard Curtis, is like a cozy hug for anyone who’s ever wished they could rewind the clock to fix a moment or hold onto a memory a little longer. It’s a sweet, low-key love story wrapped up in time travel — but instead of epic adventures, it’s all about savoring life’s little joys, family bonds, and second chances. The characters feel genuine and relatable, making you laugh and tugging at your heartstrings all at once.
If “Lost in Starlight” touched you with its quiet, cosmic romance and deep feelings, “About Time” hits those same notes with a down-to-earth vibe. Both remind us that the magic of love is often found in the everyday moments we almost overlook.
7. 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)
“5 Centimeters Per Second,” directed by Makoto Shinkai, is a poetic and bittersweet exploration of love, distance, and the passage of time. The film unfolds through three beautifully animated vignettes that follow two childhood friends slowly drifting apart as life takes them in different directions. It’s a tender meditation on longing, missed connections, and how fleeting moments can leave lasting impressions. The delicate visuals and haunting soundtrack create an atmosphere thick with nostalgia and quiet melancholy.
Fans of “Lost in Starlight” will find a kindred spirit in this film. Both movies capture the ache of love challenged by time and distance, weaving stories that feel intimate yet universal. If you were moved by the gentle, cosmic yearning in “Lost in Starlight,” “5 Centimeters Per Second” offers a similarly poignant and heartfelt experience.
6. Weathering with You (2019)
“Weathering with You,” directed by Makoto Shinkai, is a visually breathtaking tale that blends fantasy with the raw emotions of young love. The story follows Hodaka, a runaway teenager, who meets Hina, a girl with the mysterious ability to control the weather. As Tokyo is engulfed in endless rain, their growing bond becomes a beacon of hope and warmth amidst the gloom. The film masterfully balances spectacular animation with themes of sacrifice, climate, and the struggles of growing up, making it a moving and immersive experience.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” this film shares a similar blend of magic and heartfelt romance. Both movies explore how love can shine brightest even in the darkest, most uncertain times, wrapping cosmic wonder and emotional depth into one unforgettable story.
5. A Silent Voice (2016)
“A Silent Voice,” directed by Naoko Yamada, is a deeply moving and sensitive exploration of redemption, forgiveness, and the complexities of human connection. The film follows Shoya, a young man seeking to make amends for bullying a deaf classmate, Shoko, in their childhood. With its beautiful animation and nuanced storytelling, it tackles heavy themes like guilt, isolation, and the struggle to find acceptance. The emotional honesty and growth of the characters make this film both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
While “A Silent Voice” is more grounded in real-world struggles than “Lost in Starlight,” both films resonate with their powerful portrayals of vulnerability and emotional healing. If you appreciated the quiet, heartfelt moments in “Lost in Starlight,” this movie offers a similarly profound look at how love and understanding can transform lives.
4. Interstellar (2014)
“Interstellar,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is an ambitious and visually stunning sci-fi epic that combines the vastness of space with the intimate bonds of family and love. The film follows Cooper, a former pilot turned astronaut, as he embarks on a perilous journey through a wormhole to find a new home for humanity. Beyond its mind-bending scientific concepts and breathtaking visuals, at its core, “Interstellar” is a story about the enduring power of love across time and dimensions. Matthew McConaughey delivers a heartfelt performance that anchors the film’s cosmic scope in deeply human emotions.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” “Interstellar” shares the theme of love transcending space and time. Both films explore how relationships can survive vast distances and unimaginable challenges, making “Interstellar” a thrilling and emotional companion for anyone moved by cosmic romance and heartfelt longing.
3. Your Name (2016)
“Your Name” is a breathtaking cinematic brilliance that effortlessly weaves fantasy, romance, and fate into a stunning tapestry of emotions. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this film tells the story of Mitsuha and Taki, two strangers mysteriously connected through time and space, whose lives entwine in unexpected and magical ways. The film’s dazzling animation captures the beauty of both bustling city life and serene rural landscapes, while its heartfelt narrative explores themes of longing, identity, and the invisible threads that bind us. The emotional resonance is heightened by a memorable soundtrack that lingers long after the story ends.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” “Your Name” is a must-watch—both films pulse with cosmic energy and a profound sense of yearning. They celebrate the power of connection beyond physical boundaries, making you believe that love can truly transcend time, space, and circumstance. If you felt the quiet, starry magic of “Lost in Starlight,” then “Your Name” will sweep you away on a similarly unforgettable journey.
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is a mesmerizing exploration of memory, love, and heartbreak that defies traditional storytelling. Directed by Michel Gondry, this film takes you on a surreal journey inside the mind of Joel as he undergoes a procedure to erase memories of his lost love, Clementine. But as memories fade, the emotional truth of their relationship fights to survive. With inventive visuals and a nonlinear narrative, the film captures the messy, beautiful complexity of human connection—how pain and joy are intertwined and how even the deepest wounds can’t erase the imprint of love.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” this film strikes a similar chord of cosmic romance and emotional vulnerability. Both movies delve into the fragility of relationships and the enduring hope that love, even when fractured, can illuminate the darkest corners of our hearts. If “Lost in Starlight” made you feel the bittersweet ache of love’s impermanence, “Eternal Sunshine” will haunt you with its profound, unforgettable beauty.
1. Her (2013)
“Her” is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on love, loneliness, and the evolving nature of human connection. Directed by Spike Jonze, the film follows Theodore, a sensitive writer navigating heartbreak and isolation in a near-future world, who unexpectedly falls in love with an intelligent operating system named Samantha. This tender, intimate story is both futuristic and profoundly human, exploring what it means to love beyond physical form and how technology reshapes our deepest emotions. Joaquin Phoenix’s vulnerable performance, paired with Scarlett Johansson’s evocative voice, creates an emotional landscape that is both subtle and profound.
For fans of “Lost in Starlight,” “Her” offers an equally mesmerizing journey into the heart’s yearning for connection against all odds. Both films unfold with quiet grace, weaving melancholy and hope into a tapestry of cosmic longing. If you were touched by the poetic, star-crossed love in “Lost in Starlight,” “Her” will resonate as a beautifully delicate, thought-provoking masterpiece that lingers in the soul long after the screen fades to black.
