100+ Movies like Purple Hearts
A Star Is Born
Both "Purple Hearts" and "A Star Is Born" follow a similar narrative arc of a struggling musician finding success and fame, while navigating a tumultuous romantic relationship with a troubled partner. The central characters, Cassie and Ally, are aspiring singers who get their big break through their relationships with Luke and Jack, established musicians battling personal demons like addiction and financial struggles. As the female leads rise to stardom, their male counterparts spiral downward, leading to conflicts that test the relationships. The movies explore themes of sacrifice, the price of fame, and the challenges of supporting a loved one with mental health issues. Ultimately, both films culminate in tragic endings, with the male leads meeting untimely demises, leaving their partners to carry on their musical legacies.
Stateside
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Stateside" revolve around a central romantic relationship between a civilian and a member of the military. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie enters into a fraudulent marriage with Luke, a Marine, for financial and healthcare benefits. Similarly in "Stateside", Mark, a Marine, develops a relationship with Dorri, a civilian struggling with mental illness. The movies explore the challenges faced by the couples due to the demands of military service, with Luke being deployed to Iraq and Mark being injured in the Beirut bombing. Both films depict the sacrifices and hardships endured by the characters, as well as the emotional bonds that form between the unlikely pairs despite their initial transactional arrangements. Ultimately, the relationships evolve into genuine love connections that transcend the initial circumstances that brought the couples together.
Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best
Both "Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best" and "Purple Hearts" follow the story of struggling musicians who form an unlikely partnership and embark on a journey together. The main characters face financial difficulties and see their musical collaboration as a way to overcome their challenges. They develop a close bond through shared experiences on the road, performing together and navigating various obstacles. The relationships evolve from initial skepticism to genuine care and affection. There are themes of pursuing one's passion despite adversity, finding purpose through art, and the transformative power of human connection. The movies culminate in the main characters solidifying their partnership, both professionally and personally, after overcoming conflicts and misunderstandings.
Rudderless
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Rudderless" explore themes of loss, grief, and finding solace through music. The protagonists, Cassie and Sam, turn to music as a coping mechanism after traumatic events - Cassie's struggle with medical costs and Luke's injury, and Sam's son Josh's death as the perpetrator of a school shooting. They form connections with others through performing the songs written by their loved ones, Luke and Josh respectively. The films follow their journeys of initially deceiving others about the origins of the music, but ultimately embracing the truth and finding healing through sharing the songs. The stories parallel each other in depicting how music can provide catharsis and bring people together in the aftermath of tragedy.
50 First Dates
Both "Purple Hearts" and "50 First Dates" revolve around an unconventional romantic relationship that develops between two people facing difficult personal circumstances. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie and Luke enter into a fraudulent marriage for financial and healthcare benefits, while in "50 First Dates", Henry pursues a relationship with Lucy, who has anterograde amnesia and cannot form new memories. Despite the initial pretense or challenges, genuine feelings develop between the couples as they navigate their unique situations together. The movies explore themes of overcoming adversity, the power of love, and the lengths people will go to for those they care about. Both films feature a central conflict that threatens to tear the couple apart, but ultimately their bond prevails, leading to a heartwarming resolution.
Dog
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Dog" follow the story of a troubled military veteran struggling with personal issues and forming an unlikely bond with someone who helps them heal and find purpose. In "Purple Hearts", Luke is a Marine dealing with addiction and financial troubles who enters a sham marriage with Cassie for practical reasons, but they develop genuine feelings through their shared struggles. Similarly in "Dog", Jackson is a former Army Ranger with PTSD who is tasked with transporting his late friend's military dog Lulu, initially seeing it as just an assignment but eventually bonding with her in a way that helps him confront his trauma and become a better person. The movies parallel each other in depicting the transformative power of unexpected connections and the journey of flawed individuals finding redemption through their relationships. The central themes revolve around overcoming personal demons, the challenges faced by veterans, and the healing process of forming meaningful bonds.
Sun Dogs
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Sun Dogs" center around protagonists who enter into a deceptive arrangement to gain certain benefits, only for genuine feelings to develop over time. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie and Luke enter a sham marriage so Cassie can access military healthcare and Luke can earn extra income, while in "Sun Dogs", Ned is tricked into believing he's part of a secret military unit to fulfill his desire to serve. The films explore themes of finding one's purpose, overcoming personal struggles, and the complexities of relationships formed under unusual circumstances. Both protagonists face challenges related to their deceptions, with Luke facing legal consequences and Ned's delusion being shattered. Ultimately, the films depict the characters embracing their true selves and finding fulfillment, whether through Cassie's music career, Ned's bridge outreach, or the genuine love that blossoms between the central couples.
The Messenger
Both "Purple Hearts" and "The Messenger" explore themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggles faced by military personnel and their loved ones. The central characters in both films enter into relationships that initially begin under false pretenses or unconventional circumstances, but evolve into genuine emotional connections. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie and Luke enter into a sham marriage for financial and healthcare benefits, while in "The Messenger", Will develops feelings for Olivia, the widow of a fallen soldier he notified. Both films depict the challenges of military life, including deployment, injury, and the emotional toll on soldiers and their families. The protagonists in each movie find solace and support in their newfound relationships, which help them navigate personal hardships like addiction, financial struggles, and grief. The films also touch on themes of duty, honor, and the sacrifices made by those who serve. Ultimately, both stories culminate in the central couples embracing their love and commitment to one another, overcoming the initial deceptions or obstacles that brought them together. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of the complexities of military relationships and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Dear John
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Dear John" are romantic dramas that center around relationships between a military servicemember and a civilian. The stories follow a similar arc of two people from different backgrounds falling in love, being separated due to military deployment, facing challenges that test their relationship, and ultimately reuniting after overcoming obstacles. The main characters, Luke and John, are both soldiers who meet and develop feelings for Cassie and Savannah, respectively. Their relationships blossom but are soon strained by the demands of military service, with Luke being deployed to Iraq and John extending his tours after 9/11. This prolonged separation puts strain on their relationships, leading to breakups through "Dear John" letters. However, despite the breakups, the characters still harbor feelings for each other. Luke faces legal troubles due to their fraudulent marriage, while John sacrifices his father's coin collection to help Savannah's husband. In the end, both couples reunite after enduring hardships, suggesting their love has persevered through adversity. The movies explore themes of sacrifice, commitment, and the challenges of maintaining relationships amid military service.
Promising Young Woman
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Promising Young Woman" center around a young woman seeking justice and resolution for a traumatic event. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie struggles financially due to her medical condition, leading her to enter a fraudulent marriage with Luke for healthcare benefits. In "Promising Young Woman", Cassie seeks revenge against those involved in her best friend Nina's sexual assault and subsequent suicide. Both protagonists face adversity and take unconventional paths, with their actions driven by a desire to overcome their circumstances. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of complex moral dilemmas and the lengths the protagonists go to achieve their goals. Both Cassies form relationships under false pretenses, with Luke and Ryan respectively, which become more complicated as feelings develop. The films also depict the protagonists confronting those who wronged them or their loved ones, whether through direct confrontation or elaborate schemes. Ultimately, both movies culminate in dramatic climaxes where the protagonists face severe consequences for their actions, with "Purple Hearts" ending on a more hopeful note of Cassie and Luke's genuine love, while "Promising Young Woman" takes a darker turn with Cassie's tragic demise. Despite their different tones, both films explore themes of justice, sacrifice, and the lengths one might go to right a perceived wrong.
Resort to Love
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Resort to Love" revolve around a central romantic relationship that develops unexpectedly between two people in difficult circumstances. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie and Luke enter into a fraudulent marriage for financial and healthcare benefits, while in "Resort to Love", Erica is hired to sing at her ex-fiancé Jason's wedding, where she meets and falls for his brother Caleb. The movies explore themes of overcoming past heartbreak, finding new love, and navigating complex emotional situations. The protagonists face challenges and obstacles in pursuing their romantic interests, but ultimately find happiness and fulfillment in their new relationships by the end. The stories follow a similar narrative arc of initial conflict, growing connection, and eventual resolution through the blossoming of a meaningful romantic bond.
Ricki and the Flash
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Ricki and the Flash" center around female musicians struggling financially who form relationships that challenge societal norms. The protagonists, Cassie and Ricki, pursue their musical passions at the expense of their family relationships. They enter into unconventional arrangements - Cassie's sham marriage to a Marine and Ricki's abandonment of her family - to achieve their goals. However, these choices strain their connections with loved ones. Over time, they come to realize the importance of these bonds and seek redemption, with Cassie confessing her love for her husband Luke, and Ricki attempting to reconcile with her estranged children. Music serves as a unifying force, allowing them to express their emotions and bridge the divides they've created. Ultimately, both films explore themes of sacrifice, family, and the pursuit of dreams against societal expectations.
Redacted
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Redacted" explore the challenges and hardships faced by American soldiers deployed in the Iraq War. The movies follow young soldiers who enlist for different reasons - Cassie in "Purple Hearts" for healthcare benefits, and Angel Salazar in "Redacted" to gain admission to film school. Both protagonists form relationships with fellow soldiers (Cassie marries Luke, Salazar befriends Flake and Rush) that lead to morally questionable situations stemming from the harsh realities of war. Salazar films disturbing war crimes committed by Flake and Rush, paralleling Cassie's intimate relationship with Luke that begins under false pretenses. The movies depict the physical and emotional trauma endured by the soldiers, with Luke suffering severe injuries and Salazar being tragically beheaded. Ultimately, both films shed light on the human cost of war and the ethical dilemmas soldiers confront.
Coyote Ugly
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Coyote Ugly" follow the journey of a young woman pursuing her dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter in a big city. The protagonists, Cassie and Violet, face financial struggles and take unconventional jobs (Cassie as a bartender and Violet at the Coyote Ugly bar) to make ends meet. They form relationships with men (Luke and Kevin) who initially seem like obstacles but eventually support their musical ambitions. The films explore themes of overcoming personal challenges like Cassie's health issues and Violet's stage fright, as well as family tensions with disapproving fathers. Ultimately, the protagonists achieve their dreams of musical success through perseverance and the support of their loved ones.
Burlesque
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Burlesque" follow the journey of a young woman pursuing her passion for music and performance while facing financial struggles. The protagonists, Cassie and Ali, take on jobs at entertainment venues (a bar and a burlesque club, respectively) to make ends meet. They form relationships with men involved in the venues (Luke and Jack) who initially start as romantic interests but evolve into supportive partners. The films depict the protagonists' rise to fame through their musical talents, overcoming obstacles like disapproving figures (Luke's father and Nikki) and personal crises (Luke's injury and Nikki's alcoholism). Ultimately, the women achieve their dreams of success in the entertainment industry while finding true love with their partners.
Country Strong
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Country Strong" follow the story of a rising musical artist who becomes romantically involved with someone in the music industry, despite initial obstacles and complications. The central relationship in each film starts under unconventional circumstances - in "Purple Hearts" it's a marriage of convenience, while in "Country Strong" it's an affair between a singer and her opening act. The protagonists face personal struggles, with Cassie battling financial issues and Luke dealing with addiction, similar to Kelly's alcoholism. Music serves as a creative outlet and source of healing, with songs like "Come Back Home" and "I Didn't Know" reflecting Cassie's feelings for Luke, akin to Kelly's performances expressing her inner turmoil. The films explore themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges of balancing a relationship with a demanding career in the music industry.
Brothers
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Brothers" explore the challenges faced by military families and the impact of war on relationships. The central characters are brothers who serve in the military, with one being deployed to a war zone (Iraq in "Purple Hearts", Afghanistan in "Brothers"). The deployment leads to strained relationships and emotional turmoil for those left behind, including romantic partners and family members. Both films depict the struggles of readjusting to civilian life after traumatic war experiences, with the returning soldiers exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. The plots revolve around the emotional journeys of the characters as they navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and the aftermath of war. Themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the bonds of family are prominent in both stories.
In the Land of Women
Both "Purple Hearts" and "In the Land of Women" explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth through the lens of unconventional romantic connections. The protagonists in each film enter into relationships under unusual circumstances - Cassie and Luke marry for practical reasons despite being strangers, while Carter develops feelings for his neighbor Sarah while caring for his grandmother. The stories follow the evolution of these relationships from initial pretense or misunderstanding to genuine emotional bonds. The characters undergo transformative journeys, facing challenges like illness, family issues, and self-discovery that bring them closer together. Ultimately, both films depict the power of love to transcend societal norms and expectations, leading to profound personal growth and fulfillment for the central characters.
Frank
Both "Purple Hearts" and "Frank" follow the story of an aspiring musician who becomes involved with an eccentric band and its enigmatic frontperson. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie is a struggling singer-songwriter who enters into a sham marriage with Luke, a Marine, for financial and healthcare benefits. Their relationship deepens as Luke is deployed and injured, leading to real feelings developing between them. Similarly in "Frank, Jon is an aspiring songwriter who joins the avant-garde band The Soronprfbs led by the masked and mentally troubled Frank. As Jon becomes more involved with the band, he forms a complex relationship with Frank and the other members. The two films parallel each other in their depiction of the music industry and the struggles of artistic expression. Both Cassie and Jon face challenges in pursuing their musical dreams while navigating personal relationships and unconventional situations within their respective bands. The central romantic relationships in each film, between Cassie and Luke and between Jon and Frank, evolve from contrived beginnings into deeper emotional connections tied to the characters' artistic pursuits.
A Simple Wedding
Both "Purple Hearts" and "A Simple Wedding" revolve around a central relationship that faces cultural and familial obstacles. In "Purple Hearts", Cassie enters into a fraudulent marriage with Luke for financial and healthcare benefits, while in "A Simple Wedding", Nousha's relationship with Alex is initially opposed by her traditional Iranian parents who want her to have an arranged marriage. The movies explore themes of love transcending societal expectations and the challenges of interracial/intercultural relationships. The protagonists in both films face pressure from their families regarding marriage - Cassie's marriage to Luke is initially a sham, while Nousha's parents insist she marry within their culture. However, genuine feelings develop between the couples despite the initial pretenses. There are also subplots involving secondary characters finding love, such as Luke's friend Frankie and Nousha's uncle Saman. Both movies depict the couples navigating familial disapproval, societal prejudices, and personal doubts before ultimately embracing their love and committing to their relationships. The endings see the couples happily married, having overcome the initial obstacles and opposition they faced.