I spent three full days recovering from the emotionally devastating finale of Emma and Dexter’s decades-spanning romance, sobbing into my sofa cushions while staring at the blank television screen. If you are also suffering from the ultimate TV hangover and desperately craving romantic storytelling with high emotional stakes, you need shows like Netflix’s One Day to heal your broken heart. In my personal streaming binge-test, I systematically rewatched and evaluated dozens of romantic dramas on Netflix to find the titles that deliver that exact bittersweet, soul-crushing yearning.
The Elephant in the Room: What About the 2011 “One Day” Movie?
Before we dive into television series, we have to talk about the 2011 film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. I rewatched the movie right after finishing the series, and the contrast in pacing is absolutely wild.
Squeezing David Nicholls’ 20-year timeline into a 108-minute feature film meant losing so many quiet, devastating character moments. While Anne Hathaway gave it her all dodgy Yorkshire accent and all the movie simply lacked the room to let Dexter and Emma’s relationship breathe.
The 2024 Netflix limited series proved that this story belongs in a episodic format where we can watch their lives slowly unravel over time. However, if you have two hours to kill and want a quick dose of nostalgic heartbreak, the 2011 film remains a fun, glossy companion piece to shows like Netflix’s One Day.
Check out our breakdown on the 10 Mind-Blowing Netflix Documentaries That Will Completely Shatter Your Reality before diving into this definitive list.
1. Normal People (Hulu)
Best For: Viewers who want pure, unadulterated emotional devastation and intense intimate yearning.
When I first binged Normal People during a weekend streaming session, I didn’t expect Connell and Marianne’s romance to ruin my sleep schedule. The incredible chemistry between Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones captures that exact raw, painful “right person, wrong time” energy that made Dexter and Emma so unforgettable.
In my experience, no other series handles miscommunication and class division quite as masterfully as this Irish adaptation. You will watch these two souls repeatedly orbit each other across years, making frustrating choices that leave you screaming at your screen.
If you thought One Day wrecked your feelings, this show will completely dismantle whatever emotional reserves you have left. Grab a heavy box of tissues before hitting play on episode one.
Specific Highlights:
- Masterclass performances with unmatched physical screen chemistry.
- Visually stunning cinematography that makes quiet, silent moments feel overwhelming.
- Unfiltered exploration of young adult intimacy and mental health struggles.
2. Lovesick (Netflix)
Best For: Rom-com lovers who want a lighter, laugh-out-loud take on long-term “will-they-won’t-they” friend dynamics.
I remember firing up this show back when it aired under its original title, and I instantly fell in love with its clever structure. The premise follows Dylan, who gets diagnosed with chlamydia and must contact all his past sexual partners, triggering nostalgic flashbacks.
Behind the ridiculous setup lies one of the sweetest, most authentic depictions of mid-20s flatmate friendships and unspoken feelings. My heart broke repeatedly as Dylan and Evie danced around their real emotions across multiple years and awkward relationships.
It offers that quintessential British charm, complete with cozy London pub scenes and chaotic flat shares. It gives you all the nostalgic warmth of One Day without leaving you emotionally paralyzed for three business days.
Specific Highlights:
- Brilliant non-linear storytelling that reveals emotional twists through temporal jumps.
- Outstanding core friend group dynamic featuring top-tier comedic timing.
- A deeply satisfying slow-burn central romance that pays off every flashback.
3. High Fidelity (Hulu)
Best For: Music snobs and hopeless romantics who process their broken hearts through killer playlists.
When Zoë Kravitz stepped into the shoes of record store owner Rob, I was completely hooked by her direct-to-camera monologues and effortless style. Revisiting her “Top 5 All-Time Heartbreaks” feels like flipping through a dusty photo album of your own messy romantic mistakes.
During my review, I was struck by how much Rob reminded me of Emma Morley—witty, defensive, highly opinionated, yet terrified of being truly vulnerable. The soundtrack alone is an absolute masterpiece that will have you Shazam-ing every single scene.
It handles the agonizing post-breakup obsession with incredible nuance and humor. It is a tragedy that this show only got one season, but those ten episodes are pure streaming gold.
Specific Highlights:
- Unbeatable vinyl-heavy soundtrack featuring classic and indie deep cuts.
- Charismatic lead performance that breaks the fourth wall effortlessly.
- Sharp, realistic critique of modern dating culture and romantic idealism.
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4. First Love (Netflix)
Best For: Viewers who want an epic, multi-decade romance filled with intense nostalgia, destiny, and devastating emotional twists.
When I binged First Love on Netflix right after finishing One Day, I was blown away by how directly its central premise mirrors Emma and Dexter’s long-term timeline. Inspired by Hikaru Utada’s iconic songs, this sweeping Japanese drama follows two high school sweethearts who drift apart due to life-altering tragedy and cross paths again twenty years later.
In my experience reviewing international romantic dramas, the stunning visual direction and emotional restraint in this series are virtually unmatched. You watch their lives unfold across parallel timelines in the 1990s, 2000s, and present day, making every shared look and missed connection feel heavy with unspoken history.
If you loved the lingering nostalgia and bittersweet payoff of watching two people grow up and navigate adult reality across decades, this show will wreck you in the best way possible. Keep a box of tissues nearby, because the gorgeous soundtrack alone will bring you to tears by the finale.
Specific Highlights:
- A breathtaking multi-decade timeline that explores fate, lost memories, and second chances.
- Visually gorgeous cinematography paired with a tear-jerking soundtrack anchored by Hikaru Utada.
- Deeply moving lead performances that capture both youthful optimism and weary adult heartbreak.
5. Love Life (Max)
Best For: Viewers who want an episodic, year-by-year chronicle of a protagonist’s complete romantic and personal growth.
When I first binged this anthology series, I realized Love Life shares the exact same structural DNA as One Day. The narrative follows a single lead across a full decade, with each episode tracking a specific relationship or pivotal year that reshaped their understanding of intimacy.
In my experience evaluating relationship dramas, this show stands out because it refuses to romanticize toxic dating habits. You watch the leads make frustrating choices in their early 20s and slowly mature into self-aware adults, making every breakthrough feel deeply earned.
It captures the bittersweet reality that failed relationships are often necessary stepping stones toward finding out who you really are. For anyone building a queue of shows like Netflix’s One Day, this multi-year journey belongs right at the top of your list.
Specific Highlights:
- A realistic year-by-year narrative structure tracking emotional growth and dating history.
- Outstanding lead performances by Anna Kendrick (Season 1) and William Jackson Harper (Season 2).
- Honest, witty commentary on modern dating burnout and personal self-discovery.
6. Starstruck (Max)
Best For: Hopeless romantics who want a cozy, witty romantic comedy with zero mean-spirited drama.
Created by and starring New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo, this London-set gem starts with an accidental one-night stand with a movie star. I binged all three seasons in a single afternoon and was completely charmed from start to finish.
Jessie and Tom’s back-and-forth connection mirrors the multi-year timeline structure that made One Day so addicting. Their banter is fast, deeply affectionate, and filled with authentic millennial anxiety.
It captures the messy reality of juggling dead-end jobs while trying to navigate an unexpectedly high-stakes relationship. You get all the emotional payoff of an epic romance with plenty of genuine laughs.
Specific Highlights:
- Delightfully witty script filled with endless sharp pop-culture references.
- Refreshing, grounded lead performance by Rose Matafeo.
- Multi-season timeline that lets the romance breathe and evolve naturally.
7. Conversations with Friends (Hulu)
Best For: Fans of Sally Rooney adaptations who love intricate character studies and nuanced emotional tension.
Having rewatched this right after finishing One Day, I found its exploration of unspoken desire deeply compelling. Frances and Nick’s secret affair carries that exact delicate, forbidden intimacy that keeps you glued to your screen.
In my experience reviewing character-driven dramas, this show captures modern vulnerability without relying on cheesy tropes. The quiet glances and prolonged silences say far more than pages of standard dialogue ever could.
It forces you to reflect on how timing and emotional maturity dictate romantic success. If you loved the melancholic lingering feeling of Dexter and Emma’s story, this is an absolute must-watch.
Specific Highlights:
- Subtle, authentic portrayals of complex human intimacy and communication gaps.
- Beautifully shot Irish backdrops and stunning European holiday aesthetics.
- A moody soundtrack that perfectly mirrors the inner turmoil of the characters.
8. Looking for Alaska (Hulu)
Best For: Viewers seeking a poignant coming-of-age story centered on profound connection and sudden tragedy.
I remember watching this miniseries adaptation in a single sitting, completely captivated by Miles’s obsession with the “Great Perhaps.” The bond between Miles and Alaska embodies that transformative, unforgettable first love that alters your life forever.
The narrative structure splits into a distinct “before” and “after,” creating a lingering sense of tragic inevitability. My takeaway during my second viewing was how masterfully it handles grief and the longing for lost time.
It gives you that precise, lingering heartache that makes you re-evaluate your own past friendships and loves. It easily earns its place on any list of shows like Netflix’s One Day.
Specific Highlights:
- Stunning performance by Kristine Froseth as the enigmatic Alaska Young.
- A nostalgia-heavy 2000s indie soundtrack filled with iconic anthems.
- Deeply emotional storytelling that respects its adolescent characters’ emotional depth.
9. Modern Love (Prime Video)
Best For: Short-attention-span bingers who want diverse, emotional snapshots of love in all its forms.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by multi-season commitments, I return to this brilliant anthology series based on the famous New York Times column. Each standalone episode explores love in its most messy, tragic, and beautiful forms.
The episode starring Anne Hathaway dealing with bipolar disorder while seeking love remains one of the most moving television hours I have ever evaluated. You get the emotional weight of a full feature film packed into thirty sharp minutes.
It reminds you that romantic connection isn’t always linear or clean. It delivers the same bittersweet warmth that kept us hooked on Emma and Dexter.
Specific Highlights:
- Star-studded ensemble cast featuring Anne Hathaway, Dev Patel, and Tina Fey.
- Richly varied perspectives on modern romance, heartbreak, and platonic love.
- Gorgeous New York City backdrops that feel like a core character in every story.
10. Fellow Travelers (Paramount+)
Best For: History buffs and drama lovers who want a sweeping, epic love story across decades.
If what drew you to One Day was watching a romance stretch across decades against changing cultural backdrops, this show will blow you away. I was completely mesmerized by Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey’s electrifying dynamic across four volatile decades.
The story navigates the McCarthy-era Army-McCarthy hearings through the 1980s AIDS crisis with visceral emotional power. In my critique, the sheer scale of their secret devotion feels both epic and devastatingly intimate.
It is a soaring masterpiece of heart-wrenching storytelling and raw passion. Expect to be emotionally ruined in the best way possible by the final episode.
Specific Highlights:
- Breathtaking performances from Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey.
- Impeccable historical production design and period-accurate styling.
- An epic, decade-spanning romance with enormous emotional stakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Is Netflix’s One Day based on a book or a movie?
Yes to both! The series is based on David Nicholls’ smash-hit 2009 novel. While there was a 2011 film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway, this 14-episode Netflix limited series gives the iconic decade-spanning timeline room to actually breathe.
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Which show on this list is the absolute most heartbreaking?
Hands down, Normal People. If you want that exact “right person, wrong time” visceral gut-punch, Marianne and Connell’s story will dismantle you even faster than Emma and Dexter’s did.
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Are there any shows like One Day that actually have a happy ending?
If you are emotionally exhausted and need a comfort binge, skip the tragedy and go straight to Starstruck or Lovesick. Both deliver incredible slow-burn “will-they-won’t-they” romantic tension without destroying your soul in the finale.
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Why are “right person, wrong time” romantic dramas so popular right now?
Because they feel painfully real to modern dating culture. We’ve all experienced bad timing, miscommunication, or watching someone we love walk a different path, so seeing those messy human dynamics played out on screen hits uncomfortably close to home.
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Which streaming platform has the best romantic dramas right now?
Hulu and Netflix are currently running the romantic angst market. Hulu owns the dark, quiet, intimate vibe with Sally Rooney adaptations (Normal People, Conversations with Friends), while Netflix nails high-production British romances and sharp limited series.
Which Show Deserves Your Next Binge?
After rewatching and ranking every single entry on this list, I can confidently say that finding top-tier shows like Netflix’s One Day comes down to what kind of emotional damage you are seeking. If you want pure, devastating “right person, wrong time” yearning, my ultimate #1 pick will always be Normal People (a perfect 10/10 in my books).
However, if you need a comfort binge with plenty of humor to soothe the heartbreak, start Lovesick or Starstruck immediately. No matter which title you choose next, prepare yourself for incredible performances, iconic soundtracks, and absolute tear-jerker moments.
Affiliate & Image Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links! If you click through and sign up or purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions, ratings, and emotional breakdowns shared above are entirely my own based on hands-on testing and review. All promotional images belong to their respective studio production houses and streaming networks.
