Positive Cross-Cultural Romances in Film and Television

Cross-cultural romances in media often provide a window into how different traditions and backgrounds can blend through shared affection and understanding. These stories focus on the emotional depth and personal growth of the characters rather than relying on stereotypical depictions of their heritage. By emphasizing authentic human connections, these films and television shows celebrate diversity in a respectful and grounded manner. The following selections represent some of the most acclaimed examples of positive intercultural relationships across various genres.

‘The Big Sick’ (2017)

Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon wrote this film based on their real-life courtship. The story follows a Pakistani stand-up comedian who falls in love with an American graduate student. When Emily falls ill and enters a coma, Kumail develops a relationship with her parents while navigating his own family expectations. The narrative explores cultural identity and family loyalty without relying on tired tropes.

‘Past Lives’ (2023)

This film focuses on Nora and Hae Sung who were childhood friends in South Korea before Nora moved to North America. Decades later they reconnect in New York City where Nora is married to a fellow writer named Arthur. The movie explores the Korean concept of In-Yun which links people together through their past lives. It portrays the complexity of cultural heritage and the choices that shape adult identity.

‘Mississippi Masala’ (1991)

Director Mira Nair tells the story of an Indian family that moves to Mississippi after being expelled from Uganda. The daughter Mina falls in love with Demetrius who is a local Black carpet cleaner. Their relationship faces scrutiny from both their families and the surrounding community. This film addresses racial tensions and shared histories between marginalized groups in the American South.

‘Rye Lane’ (2023)

Two strangers named Yas and Dom meet at an art exhibition and spend a day walking through South London. They connect over their recent heartbreaks and find common ground through their humor and shared experiences. The film highlights the vibrant culture of Peckham and Brixton through a modern romantic lens. It focuses on the chemistry between the protagonists rather than external cultural conflicts.

‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ (2019)

Based on the novel by Nicola Yoon this movie follows Daniel and Natasha during a single day in New York City. Daniel is a Korean-American student who believes in fate while Natasha is a Jamaican-born girl facing deportation. They spend their limited time together exploring the city and debating the nature of love and science. The story emphasizes how their distinct backgrounds shape their views on the future.

‘Bend It Like Beckham’ (2002)

Jess Bhamra is a British-Indian girl who dreams of playing professional football despite her parents’ traditional views. She joins a local team and develops a romantic connection with her Irish coach named Joe. The film depicts the balance between cultural tradition and individual ambition within a modern British setting. It highlights the intersection of different immigrant experiences in London.

‘Brooklyn’ (2015)

Eilis Lacey is an Irish immigrant who moves to New York in the 1950s to seek better opportunities. She meets and falls in love with Tony who is an Italian-American plumber from a large family. Their relationship provides Eilis with a sense of belonging in a new country while she navigates her homesickness. The film treats their cultural differences with warmth and authenticity as they build a life together.

‘Ali & Ava’ (2021)

Set in the city of Bradford this British drama follows the growing connection between Ali and Ava. Ali is a British-Pakistani landlord who bonds with Ava who is an Irish-born teaching assistant. Both characters are dealing with personal losses and find solace in their shared love of music. The film presents a grounded and realistic portrayal of an intercultural romance in a working-class community.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

This comedy series follows the life of Devi Vishwakumar who is a first-generation Indian-American teenager. Devi navigates high school social dynamics while dealing with the grief of losing her father. She experiences romantic feelings for various classmates including Paxton Hall-Yoshida and Ben Gross. The show explores the nuances of growing up with multiple cultural influences in a comedic and heartfelt way.

‘Bob Hearts Abishola’ (2019–2024)

Bob is a compression sock businessman who falls for his Nigerian nurse Abishola after suffering a heart attack. He works to earn her respect and the approval of her traditional Nigerian family. The series examines the blending of American and Nigerian cultures through their daily lives and family gatherings. It focuses on the hard work and understanding required to sustain a cross-cultural partnership.

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Eleanor Shellstrop and Chidi Anagonye are two individuals from very different backgrounds who meet in the afterlife. Eleanor is an American woman with a history of selfish behavior while Chidi is a Nigerian-born professor of ethics. Their relationship evolves as they study moral philosophy and try to become better people. The show uses their diverse perspectives to explore universal questions about human goodness and connection.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Detective Jake Peralta and Sergeant Amy Santiago lead the central romance of this police procedural comedy. Jake is Jewish-American and Amy is of Cuban descent which occasionally informs their family dynamics and holiday celebrations. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared passion for their work in the precinct. The series portrays their marriage as a partnership where cultural heritage is a celebrated part of their individual identities.

‘Elemental’ (2023)

This animated feature takes place in a city where elements like fire and water live together. Ember is a fiery young woman from an immigrant family who falls in love with Wade who is a sappy water element. They must find ways to bridge their physical and cultural differences to be together. The movie serves as a metaphor for the immigrant experience and the beauty of cross-cultural relationships.

‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

Jesse is an American traveler and Celine is a French student who meet on a train in Europe. They decide to spend one night together in Vienna talking about their lives and beliefs before Jesse returns home. Their conversation touches on their cultural upbringing and how these factors influence their worldviews. The film focuses on the intellectual and emotional bond formed between two people from different nations.

‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (2018)

Lara Jean Covey is a half-Korean teenager whose secret love letters are accidentally mailed out to her crushes. She begins a fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky which eventually turns into a real romance. The film highlights Lara Jean’s relationship with her Korean heritage and her late mother’s traditions. It provides a positive representation of a multiracial family and a sweet high school love story.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

Dev Shah is an actor living in New York who navigates the complexities of dating and career growth. In the second season he develops a deep connection with Francesca who is an Italian woman living in Modena. Their relationship explores the excitement and challenges of falling for someone from a different country and language. The series uses these interactions to reflect on the nature of longing and cultural exchange.

‘Shortcomings’ (2023)

Ben is a cynical filmmaker who struggles with his relationship with his girlfriend Miko in the San Francisco Bay Area. When Miko moves to New York for an internship Ben is forced to confront his own insecurities and biases. He interacts with various people from different backgrounds which challenges his perspective on race and identity. This film offers a modern look at the complexities of Asian-American life and interpersonal relationships.

‘One Day’ (2024)

Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew meet on their university graduation night in Scotland and stay connected for decades. Emma is of South Asian descent while Dexter comes from a wealthy white British family. Their story revisits them on the same day every year as they navigate friendship and eventual romance. The series depicts their evolving relationship against the backdrop of changing cultural and social landscapes in the United Kingdom.

‘Plus One’ (2019)

Alice and Ben are longtime friends who agree to be each other’s dates for a summer full of weddings. Alice is of Asian descent and Ben is white and they find themselves falling for each other amidst the wedding chaos. The film focuses on their witty rapport and the shared history that defines their bond. It avoids making their cultural differences the central conflict of the story.

‘The Half of It’ (2020)

Ellie Chu is a shy Chinese-American student who writes essays for her classmates to make extra money. She is hired by a jock named Paul to write love letters to Aster who is a girl they both admire. Through their collaboration Ellie and Paul form an unlikely friendship that transcends their different social and cultural backgrounds. The film explores the complexities of love and identity in a small town.

Please share which of these cross-cultural stories resonated with you the most in the comments.