From ‘Miracles from Heaven’ to ‘My Sister’s Keeper’, films tackle love, loss and grief
If Voicenotes for Isabelle left you reaching for tissues, you’re not alone. The romantic tragedy quickly become one of this year’s most talked-about films, winning over audiences with its story of grief, healing and unexpected love.
Starring Ciaro Bravo, Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson, Voicenotes for Isabelle depicts a young woman struggling to cope after losing her sister to cancer. Unable to let go, she continues sending voice notes to her late sister’s phone, only to discover they are being received by a stranger.
As the two strangers form an unexpected connection, the film explores love after loss, healing through shared grief, and finding hope again. The story is beautifully tied together by Robyn’s emotional anthem Dancing On My Own, making Voicenotes for Isabelle one of the year’s most sentimental romantic dramas.
If you loved its emotional mix of romance, illness, family bonds and loss, here are 10 more films that deliver similarly powerful stories.
Miracles from Heaven (2016)
Photo: Variety
Starring Jennifer Garner, Martin Henderson and Kylie Rogers, Miracles from Heaven is based on a true story. The film follows 10-year-old Anna, who is diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening digestive disorder.
After surviving a near-fatal fall into a hollow tree, Anna, played by Rogers, claims she visited heaven and soon afterwards, her illness mysteriously disappears.
Alongside themes of faith and hope, the film portrays the close relationship between sisters Anna and Christy as the family navigates fear, illness and the possibility of losing a child.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Photo: IMDb
A Walk to Remember stars Mandy Moore as Jamie Sullivan and Shane West as Landon Carter. When Landon, a rebellious high school student, is forced to participate in school activities, he reluctantly spends time with Jamie, the quiet daughter of the local minister.
Despite coming from completely different worlds, the pair fall deeply in love. Their romance takes a heartbreaking turn, however, when Landon learns Jamie has terminal leukemia, making A Walk to Remember one of cinema’s most beloved tragic love stories.
Me Before You (2016)
Photo: Vanity Fair
Louisa, played by Emilia Clarke, takes a job caring for Will, portrayed by Sam Claflin. Will is a wealthy young man who was left paralysed in an accident.
As Louisa encourages him to rediscover joy and purpose, the two fall in love. Despite their growing relationship and Louisa’s determination to show him life is still worth living, Will ultimately chooses to end his life through euthanasia, leaving behind a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Five Feet Apart (2019)
Photo: The Wrap
Starring Haley Lu Richardson as Stella Grant and Cole Sprouse as Will Newman, Five Feet Apart tells the story of two teenagers living with cystic fibrosis.
The two meet in hospital and develop an instant connection, however, because of the risk of cross-infection, they must remain at least five feet apart at all times, making even the smallest acts of affection impossible.
Stella and Will’s heartbreaking romance explores love, hope, and the cruel realities of chronic illness.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Photo: USA Today
Hazel Grace Lancaster, played by Shailene Woodley, is a teenager living with cancer. After she reluctantly attends a support group, she meets the charismatic Augustus Waters, played by Ansel Elgort.
As the two fall in love, they travel together to Amsterdam in search of Hazel’s favourite author. Their journey becomes a touching reminder that even the shortest lives can hold extraordinary love, before tragedy changes everything.
My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
Photo: Variety
Anna, portrayed by Abigail Breslin, was conceived specifically to be a genetic match for her older sister Kate, who has leukemia. Kate is played by Sofia Vassilieva.
After years of medical procedures to keep her alive, Anna files for medical emancipation, forcing the family to confront impossible moral choices.
The emotional story centres on sisterhood, sacrifice, family love and accepting loss, with Cameron Diaz also starring in the story as Sara Fitzgerald,Â
The Last Song (2010)
Photo: People
The Last Song stars Miley Cyrus as Ronnie Miller and Liam Hemsworth as Will Blakelee. Sent to spend the summer with her estranged father, Ronnie slowly rebuilds their relationship while falling in love with local volleyball player Will.
However, the summer takes a heartbreaking turn when Ronnie discovers her father is terminally ill.
Equal parts romance and family drama, the film explores forgiveness, grief and learning to say goodbye.
Keith (2008)
Photo: IMDb
Starring Jesse McCartney as Keith Zetterstrom and Elisabeth Harnois as Natalie Anderson, the movie shows Natalie as an ambitious high school student whose life changes after she is partnered with the mysterious Keith in chemistry class.
As their unlikely romance blossoms, Natalie discovers Keith has been hiding a devastating secret about his health.
The film quietly explores first love, living in the moment, and the pain of knowing time is running out.
PS I Love You (2007)
Photo: Irish Central
After Gerry, portrayed by Gerard Butler dies from a brain tumour, Holly, played by Hilary Swank, struggles to imagine life without him.
However, before his death, Gerry arranges a series of letters to be delivered after he’s gone, gently guiding Holly through grief and encouraging her to embrace life again.
Much like Voicenotes for Isabelle, the story shows how messages left behind can continue to comfort the people we love.
The Vow (2012)
Photo: The Hoya
Starring Rachel McAdams as Paige Collins and Channing Tatum as Leo Collins, The Vow follows the story of Paide, who suffers with severe memory loss after a devastating car accident.
After she wakes up unable to remember her husband or their life together, Leo refuses to give up, patiently trying to make her fall in love with him all over again.
Although centred on memory loss rather than terminal illness, The Vow is an emotional story about commitment, loss and fighting for love.
Whether it’s young couples with terminal illness, parents fighting to save their children, siblings navigating impossible choices or lovers learning to live after loss, the films capture the same emotional heart that made Voicenotes for Isabelle so unforgettable.
