If you loved
In a Heartbeat
Film · 2017
What hooked you in In a Heartbeat is the way it captures the vulnerable, frantic, and wordless intensity of a first crush.
Books on the same thread
Heartstopper, Vol. 1
Alice Oseman · Book
Explores: first love, self-discovery, high school social dynamics.
Like the protagonist of In a Heartbeat, Charlie and Nick navigate the delicate tension of high school attraction, perfectly echoing that same sweet, nervous energy of budding romantic discovery.
Series on the same thread
Heartstopper
Alice Oseman · Series · 2022
Explores: First Love, Self-Discovery, High School.
This series expands on the tender, quiet moments found in In a Heartbeat, focusing on the genuine self-discovery that occurs when a secret crush begins to feel mutual.
The Dangers in My Heart
Series · 2023
Explores: Unrequited Love, Hidden Feelings, Social Outcasts.
If you enjoyed the silent, pining desperation seen in In a Heartbeat, you will appreciate how this anime captures the awkward, hidden feelings that come with a secret school crush.
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
Explores: Friendship, Self-discovery, Redemption.
Much like the heartfelt animation of In a Heartbeat, this series uses its medium to explore deep themes of self-acceptance and growth through a lens of wonder and connection.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Heart
Kaitlin Prest · Podcast · 2026
This podcast explores the complex, unspoken human connections that define our lives, mirroring the raw, emotional honesty that made the wordless story of In a Heartbeat so deeply impactful.
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
These cinematic stories function as short films for your ears, capturing the same concise, poignant storytelling style that made the brief, visual narrative of In a Heartbeat so memorable.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is In a Heartbeat a full-length feature film?
No, In a Heartbeat is a short film released in 2017. It depicts the story of a closeted boy whose heart escapes his chest to pursue his crush. Due to its short format, the narrative is concise and focuses entirely on this specific interaction.
What is the premise of In a Heartbeat?
In a Heartbeat follows a closeted boy who faces the risk of being outed when his heart literally pops out of his chest. The heart then proceeds to chase down the boy of his dreams, creating a difficult situation for the protagonist.
Does In a Heartbeat feature dialogue?
In a Heartbeat is a non-dialogue animated short film. The story of the closeted boy and his runaway heart is told entirely through visual storytelling and music, focusing on the physical pursuit of his crush rather than spoken words.
How long is In a Heartbeat?
In a Heartbeat is a short film, meaning it has a brief runtime. The story focuses on the specific conflict of a closeted boy whose heart chases his crush, delivering the complete narrative arc of that event within a few minutes.