Submarine
Movies Like Juno If You’re Looking for Something Similar
Based on the 2008 novel of the same name, Submarine is definitely one of the more unusual entries on this list. But can you expect anything different from eccentric British director and comedian, Richard Ayoade?
Telling one of the most excitingly strange love stories in film, Submarine follows Welsh teen Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) and his almost-unhealthy obsession with classmate, Yasmin Paige (Jordana Bevan).
The catalyst for Submarine’s story is when Yasmin unexpectedly approaches Oliver to take pictures of them kissing, an abrupt request fuelled by Yasmin’s desire to make her ex-boyfriend jealous.
And so the two start their strange relationship and set the scene for a remarkably fresh and charming indie-romcom. Oliver’s monologues also add an extra layer of depth to the narrative, providing us with hilarious insight into his impulsive and often senseless adolescent reasoning.
From start to finish, Submarine’s characters and cleverly-written plot will keep you captivated and pleasantly confused.
Why is it like Juno? It boasts a bunch of eccentric characters, a narrating protagonist and exudes the same witty charm albeit with a distinctive British edge. It’s basically Juno for the Brits.
This post was originally written by Wiehahn Diederichs.
Ghost World
Movies Like Juno If You’re Looking for Something Similar
Based on Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel of the same name, Ghost World is a black comedy about a witty and cynical pair of oddball teens, namely Enid and Rebecca (Thora Birch and Scarlett Johannsson), and their lives as social outcasts in a small and nameless American town.
While the movie starts off by showing us the strange yet close relationship between the eccentric duo and how they cope with their small town lives, things soon get dramatic when Enid suddenly starts infatuating over a much older man (Steve Buscemi) and his quest to find a lover.
With Enid determined to help him, and Rebecca bent on putting a stop to this peculiar turn of events, a rift starts forming between the two that puts their friendship to the test.
This unconventional film might not be everyone’s cup of tea, as its mixed box office reception proved, but it has since garnered a dedicated cult following. If you’re looking for something completely different from the usual fare, we can’t recommend Ghost World enough.
Why is it like Juno? It takes us through the drama of being an unusual soul in your average small town.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Movies Like Juno If You’re Looking for Something Similar
We all know about that one spectacular night that changes your life forever, a seemingly endless evening that rockets past midnight and sets in motion an uncontrollable and unforgettable chain of events.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist takes place on such a night, and on this night the various adolescent characters are all hunting down the secret show of a New York band called ‘Where’s Fluffy?’.
Nick and Norah (Michael Cera and Kat Dennings) meet on this night and end up joining forces to track down the ever-elusive band and, while their relationship starts out a bit rocky they, of course, eventually start falling for each other.
But while the premise might feel somewhat predictable at times, the movie throws in a healthy dose of subtle twists that keep the story fresh and interesting including jealous exes, a lost drunk girl, and relentlessly positive queercore band called the ‘The Jerk-Offs’.
Coupled with a wide range of indie punk ballads that perfectly set the mood, and a wonderfully chosen cast (who doesn’t love an awkward Michael Cera), Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a playful and energetic indie love film that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Why is it like Juno? Except for a perpetually-awkward Michael Cera, it has the same upbeat atmosphere and a great cast of supporting characters.
Adventureland
Movies Like Juno If You’re Looking for Something Similar
Set in the summer of 1987, Adventureland follows James and Em (Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart) in a charming and relatable coming-of-age story.
James has recently graduated from college and, after his plans to travel Europe and attend grad-school fail due to sudden financial constraints, he eventually finds himself taking on a summer job at Adventureland, a barely-standing amusement park in Western Pennsylvania.
Here he meets Em, and a string of other eccentric personalities (Ryan Reynolds, Martin Star, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig) and over the next few months, the group quickly forms a strong albeit peculiar bond that leads to some utterly hilarious adventures and a few truly beautiful and sad moments.
But it’s James and Em’s romance that gets the spotlight, an awkward, nerve-wracking and timelessly relatable rollercoaster of young love.
The movie boasts some brilliant cinematography with dreamy film sequences complimented by the film’s melancholic original tracks and soothing melodies such as Lou Reed’s ‘Pale Blue Eyes’.
If you’re looking for a feel-good love story filled with oddballs, great laughs and poignant moments, Adventureland is certainly one of your best bets.
Why is it like Juno? It’s a love story with a noticeably different edge, which also features a ton of great and well-chosen soundtracks.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Movies Like Juno If You’re Looking for Something Similar
Yet another film based on a popular graphic novel, Scott Pilgrim Vs the World is a story about the confident but dorky Scott (Michael Cera) and his quest to earn the love of the mysterious new girl, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
To do so, Scott will have to fight and defeat Ramona’s “seven evil exes” before he is allowed to date her, a challenge Scott hilariously ends up accepting without even knowing it.
While the film is, at its core, an eccentric love story it features a surprising selection of amazingly choreographed fight scenes and stunning special effects, giving it an edge that not many entries on this list can match.
Starring a strong ensemble of characters portrayed by the likes of Chris Evans, Kieran Culkin and Aubrey Plaza, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World provides a thoroughly entertaining experience filled with a plethora of amusingly weird and unexpected moments.
Few films depict the struggles of young love in such a creative and exciting way, making it an absolute no-brainer for your next lazy night in.
Why is it like Juno? Yup, you’ve guessed it. Michael Cera once again brings his nervous charm to this unconventional story and, honestly, it’s a spectacular movie so you should definitely just watch it. Like now.
We’ll be waiting. Are you done yet? Good, let us know what you think in the comments below!
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