Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- wistful
- awkward
- intimate
- quiet evening
- romantic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film dull and lacking romantic chemistry despite appealing lead actors.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Burke sells a bestselling grief book and leads healing workshops while privately drinking, avoiding elevators, and remaining emotionally isolated.
Burke's wife's death continues to shape his relationships, including his hesitant connection with Eloise and estrangement from his father-in-law.
Burke meets florist Eloise after she brushes him off, and their first dinner goes badly before their relationship develops.
Burke arrives in Seattle for a week-long healing seminar and negotiates a multimedia deal while repeatedly encountering Eloise in the hotel.
Films like Love Happens, and why
P.S. I Love You
Shared grief-centered romance, emotionally guarded protagonists, and a blend of relationship drama with gentle comedy.
The Holiday
Shared romantic dramedy structure in which bereavement and emotional avoidance obstruct a promising new relationship.
Dan in Real Life
Shared focus on wounded adults, therapeutic self-discovery, and understated romantic connection rather than sweeping melodrama.
Movie Details
- Director
- Brandon Camp
- Release Date
- 2009-09-18
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (729)
Cast
- Aaron Eckhart
- Jennifer Aniston
- Dan Fogler
- John Carroll Lynch
- Martin Sheen
- Judy Greer
- Frances Conroy
- Joe Anderson
- Sasha Alexander
- Clyde Kusatsu
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Love Happens about?
- A grief guru hiding behind his own advice finds an uneasy chance at love while confronting the loss he has never truly faced.
- What is Love Happens like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Love Happens as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Love Happens violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Love Happens.
- What did critics think of Love Happens?
- Critics broadly found the film dull and lacking romantic chemistry despite appealing lead actors.
- Which films are like Love Happens?
- Films with a similar feel include P.S. I Love You, The Holiday, and Dan in Real Life.
- How long is Love Happens?
- Love Happens runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Love Happens?
- In United States, Love Happens streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel.
