Sally Rooney’s Normal People: Which Films, Books And TV Shows To Watch Next

Sadly there's no Marianne and Connell sequel, so...

Normal People

by Rhiannon Evans |
Updated on

When it was first announced BBC Three's adaptation of Normal People was going to be 12 episodes long, we were like, 'Really? That seems a lot.' Now that we've watched all of the Sally Rooney adaptation, we're all like, 'REALLY? THAT DOESN'T SEEM ENOUGH!'

So, if you've already dried your tears, gone through every post on the Connell's chain instagram accountand are ready for some more sweet, sweet heartache, then here are the books, films and TV shows we recommend.

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Films, TV Shows And Books If You Love Sally Rooney's Normal People

Films, TV Shows And Books If You Love Sally Rooney's Normal People1 of 12

Before Sunrise

If you're interested in young, smart, attractive students falling in love, then Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise is essential viewing. Julie Delpy delivers one of the most charming on-screen performances ever – and it will make you wistful for European minibreaks.

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Like Crazy

Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones star in this heartbreaking story of an American boy and a British girl torn apart by immigration issues.

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Sing Street

Pivotal moments against the backdrop of Dublin? May we please recommend Sing Street – about a young boy moved to a new school in the 80s, who decides to start his own band. Your full heart can thank us later.

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CREDIT: u00a9 Sony Entertainment

Call Me By Your Name

When it comes to a love that shapes a life, the romance between Elio and Oliver one dreamy summer surely comes to mind.

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Frank

Alongside Hettie Macdonald, Lenny Abrahamson is the man directing the show that pulled at our every heartstring. You may have seen his huge hit, Room (also a book adaptation), but we also recommend Frank. Just don't expect longing looks across college greens…

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Anne Griffin, When All Is Said

A slightly older protagonist, but this book sees Maurice Hannigan, at 84, sitting at a bar and giving five toasts to the people who have formed his life. Will Connell one day sit at a bar thinking of Marianne? We can't go there right now.

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Louise O’Neill, Asking For It

Another young Irish writer, Louise O'Neill's books tackle a host of issues, starting in a YA format, but gripping for anyone to read. Asking For It tackles issues of consent and rape while Only Ever Yours uses a dystopian setting to make you reflect on the ways we think about female bodies.

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One Day, David Nicholls

A couple, entwined in will-they won't-theyness throughout their lives? Look no further than One Day. Don't be put off by the memory of the film. Dive back in to this book (if you've read it before) for bittersweet tears aplenty.

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Euphoria

When it comes to complicated relationships at school, Connell and Marianne have nothing on these guys. But the show is also interested in themes of consent, bodies and the lasting effects of childhood and adolescent scars. Just with a LOT more terrifying social media...Watch on Netflix.

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Love

Well obviously it's about love, tick. But it also tackles what happens when two seemingly incompatible characters try to give it a go.Watch on Netflix.

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After Life

If it's bittersweet love you're looking for, the sweet pleasure/pain can be found in Ricky Gervais' After Life, about a man coming to terms with the death of his terminally ill wife.Watch on Netflix.

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Modern Love

All love is here, so take your pick. This series, based around The New York Times column, is about all aspects of relationships and the one-off episodes feature a cast that would rival the biggest blockbuster. The actual column and podcastare worth checking out too. Watch on Amazon Prime.

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