What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedBegin Again
John Carney · Film · 2014
If you loved Begin Again, start with Modern Love (John Carney, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Begin Again across media.
You loved Begin Again because it captures the bittersweet, transformative magic of finding your own voice through an unexpected creative partnership.
Books on the same thread
Here We Go Again
Alison Cochrun · Book · 2024
Explores: Second Chance Romance, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Queer Identity.
Like the protagonists in Begin Again, these characters navigate the messy process of self-discovery and second chances, finding that the road to redemption often requires an unlikely traveling companion.
Second Act
Danielle Steel · Book
Shares a thread with Begin Again: second chances.
This story mirrors the professional rebirth found in Begin Again, focusing on how a collaborative creative project can mend a broken life and lead to a genuine second act.
Summer in the City
Alex Aster · Book
Explores: billionaire romance, career ambition, serendipity.
Fans of the artistic ambition in Begin Again will appreciate this tale of a screenwriter finding inspiration and rekindled attraction through the forced proximity of an unexpected, serendipitous encounter.
Love Song
Elle Kennedy · Book
Explores: Music Industry, Healing from Heartbreak, Vacation Romance.
This romance captures the same music-industry atmosphere as Begin Again, where two people healing from heartbreak discover that a shared passion for sound is the key to personal redemption.
Series on the same thread
Modern Love
John Carney · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Begin Again: second chances.
Created by the director of Begin Again, this anthology explores the same urban romantic landscape, highlighting how the city serves as a backdrop for profound, life-altering human connections.
Queen of Tears
Park Ji-eun · Series · 2024
Explores: Marital Crisis, Second Chance Romance, Corporate Intrigue.
Just as Begin Again explores the possibility of starting over, this drama follows a couple navigating a severe marital crisis to see if their love can bloom once again.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Rachel Bloom · Series · 2015
Explores: Mental Health, Self-Discovery, Identity Crisis.
If the musical journey of Begin Again resonated with you, you will enjoy this character study that uses song to explore the complex intersection of identity and personal growth.
Oh My Venus
Kim Hyung-suk · Series · 2015
Explores: Self-discovery, Transformation, Overcoming adversity.
This story echoes the transformative spirit of Begin Again, showing how an unexpected mentor helps a protagonist move past a painful breakup to reclaim their own sense of purpose.
Podcasts on the same thread
Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Well-being, Behavioral Change, Mindful Living.
If the personal development themes in Begin Again inspired you, this podcast offers practical, manageable advice to help you cultivate the same positive habits and well-being as the characters.
Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel
Esther Perel Global Media · Podcast · 2026
Explores: infidelity, emotional vulnerability, human connection.
Begin Again excels at showing the raw vulnerability of human connection, a quality that is perfectly captured in these intimate therapeutic dialogues about navigating conflict and finding deeper understanding.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Begin Again a story about a professional songwriter?
Yes, Begin Again follows the story of Gretta, a budding songwriter who finds her life taking a new direction after being left by her boyfriend. Her journey gains significant purpose when she encounters Dan, a record label executive who recognizes her musical talent.
Does Begin Again feature a character named Dan?
Yes, Dan is a central character in Begin Again. He is a record label executive who discovers Gretta and helps her find purpose through her songwriting. His role as a professional in the music industry is pivotal to the development of the plot.
What happens to Gretta in Begin Again?
In Begin Again, Gretta is a budding songwriter who finds herself alone after her boyfriend Dave ditches her. Her life takes a positive turn when she meets Dan, a record label executive who notices her talent and helps her regain a sense of purpose.
Is Begin Again about a record label executive?
Yes, Begin Again features a record label executive named Dan. He plays a key role in the movie by noticing the talent of the protagonist, Gretta, which eventually helps her find new purpose after she is left by her boyfriend.