If you’ve seen A Star is Born, you’ll know there’s no denying that it’s a modern classic. Lady Gaga’s first theatrical role alongside Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut is a rare treat and while it’s almost impossible to find something that can be compared to such magic, here are seven movies to fill that gaping void:
1. Silver Linings Playbook
The wonder of A Star Is Born is the mesmerising and, sometimes, toxic relationship between Ally (Gaga) and Jackon (Cooper). It’s not the first time Cooper has managed to recreate genuine love on screen. Critics and fans loved Cooper and Lawrence’s relationship in Silver Linings Playbook, a story about a man who struggles with bipolar disorder as he tries to repair his broken relationship with his wife.
2. Crazy Heart
If Ally was a journalist and Jackson was twenty years older and a washed-up musician you’d be left with Crazy Heart. Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jeff Bridges, CH is about “Bad”, a former famous country singer and a struggling alcoholic, and Jean, a divorced journalist, who tries to help him get his life back on track.
3. My Girl
Romance can strike a chord at all ages but this coming of age tale starring child stars Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin is one you’ll watch again and again and again.
4. The Bodyguard
Its Oscar-winning soundtrack could easily give A Star Is Born a run for its money. Released in 1992 and starring Kevin Spacey as Whitney’s protective bodyguard, it’s a movie everybody has to see at least once.
5. Call Me By Your Name
Another coming of age love story, Call Me By Your Name tells a love story like none you’ve seen before. Separated by land, water, culture, and society, can Elio and Oliver overcome their differences?
6. Million Dollar Baby
One of the most endearing parts of A Star Is Born is Gaga’s performance as Ally, a down to earth character with buckets of attitude grappling with her newfound fame, which is sure to make her a shoe-in for Best Actress at the 2019 Oscars. The intensity drummed up by Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby will remind you of Ally’s perseverance to reach the top.
7. Jackie
Natalie Portman’s role as Jackie won her critical acclaim and an Oscar nod. Mourning the loss of her husband John F Kennedy, Jackie tells the story of a grieving wife who tries to navigate grief through the toxicity of fame.
