If you loved
Roxanne
Film · 1987
If you loved Roxanne, you likely gravitate toward stories where charming underdogs navigate the bittersweet gap between their true selves and how the world perceives them.
Start with the source
The source
Cyrano de Bergerac
Jean-Paul Rappeneau · Film · 1990
Adaptation
The Truth About Cats & Dogs
Film · 1996
Adaptation
Let It Shine
Paul Hoen · Film · 2012
Books on the same thread
Nobody's Fool
Richard Russo · Book · 1994
Like the setting of Roxanne, this book captures the specific rhythm of small-town life, focusing on the humorous, grounded struggles of a protagonist who remains an endearing, flawed local character.
The Pioneer Woman
Ree Drummond · Book · 2011
Just as the romance in Roxanne blossoms unexpectedly, this memoir highlights the charm of accidental love and the humorous culture clashes that arise when life takes a completely different turn.
Things We Hide from the Light
Lucy Score · Book · 2023
This story mirrors the protective, small-town authority figure found in Roxanne, exploring how a man’s internal insecurities and past trauma can complicate his ability to embrace a new romance.
The Making of Dr. Truelove
Derrick Barnes · Book · 2008
Fans of Roxanne will recognize the familiar dynamic of using an alter ego to win a love interest, emphasizing the same painful yet funny journey toward self-discovery and genuine confidence.
Series on the same thread
My Love Story!!
Series · 2015
Takeo shares the giant heart and physical insecurity of the lead in Roxanne, proving that being on the sidelines of romance does not diminish the value of true, kind character.
Rent-a-Girlfriend
Series · 2020
This series explores the same performative approach to dating seen in Roxanne, focusing on a protagonist who struggles with his own perceived failures while trying to impress a romantic interest.
Slam Dunk
Series · 1993
Much like the fire chief in Roxanne, this protagonist is an underdog who channels his intense feelings into grand, misguided gestures in a desperate attempt to win the girl's heart.
Parks and Recreation
Michael Schur · Series · 2009
The optimistic, small-town atmosphere of this show matches the community spirit of Roxanne, featuring a lead character whose relentless dedication to her town provides the same warm, humorous comfort.
Podcasts on the same thread
Mads World
Podcast
If the wit and honest relationship dynamics of Roxanne appealed to you, these conversations offer a similar blend of humor and authenticity regarding the complexities of modern dating and connection.
Love University
Podcast · 2025
This podcast mirrors the underlying theme of self-acceptance found in Roxanne, guiding listeners through the process of emotional healing and learning to love oneself despite past insecurities and life lessons.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Roxanne based on a classic play?
Yes, Roxanne is a modern adaptation of the play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. The film updates the classic story of a witty man with an enormous nose who helps a handsome, shy colleague woo the woman they both love in a small town setting.
Should I watch the 1990 Cyrano de Bergerac if I enjoyed Roxanne?
If you enjoyed the romantic themes and the central premise of Roxanne, you should watch the 1990 film adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac. Both films explore the same underlying narrative about wit, physical insecurity, and the complexities of romance found in the original source material.
Are there other movies like Roxanne that use the same romantic premise?
Yes, both The Truth About Cats & Dogs and Let It Shine share the core romantic premise found in Roxanne. These films adapt the central conceit of a character using someone else to communicate their feelings to a love interest, mirroring the dynamic established in the Cyrano de Bergerac story.
Does Roxanne follow the same plot as the 1990 movie Cyrano de Bergerac?
Roxanne follows the same basic plot structure as the 1990 movie Cyrano de Bergerac. Both films center on a man with a large nose who uses his intelligence and words to help another man win the heart of the woman they both admire, maintaining the spirit of the original play.