They're completely different movies.
But if watching both of them is not an option. I'd say watch 500 Days of Summer. It's an all around better movie. (but still far from perfect)
500 Days of Summer had the fun of Nick and Norah, but with a stronger narrative.
Don't tell me what I can't do!
this... (500) Days of Summer made me sick to my stomach... granted it was because I completely understood the feeling the main character had, but my life isnt 2 hours, so i'm still patiently waiting for my happy ending!
~ wanting to be someone you're not is a waste of the person you are - Kurt Cobain ~
[500] Days of Summer, all the way!
Love United. Hate Glazers.
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(500) Days of Summer is a MUCH better film all around.
I actually thought N&N was pretty terrible... but hey, why not check out both and see for yourself.
And it's interesting that both Joseph GL and Micheal C play sweet, innocent characters. MC built his career on that, and has done an amazing job with it. Not an easy act to pull off, and I'm still enjoying it. JGL plays more of a goof, but more mainstream. He's a much better actor - but that is my opinion, like asking who's the better singer.
Glad they're both making films, and have great gals who can play against them.
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This is a tough one, they are both among my favorites.
Honestly, as much as I loved Nick and Norah, (500) Days of Summer was a better movie.
Michael Cera is cool with me, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the better actor, and (500) Days of Summer was one of his best performances. I felt for Tom in (500) Days more than I did for Nick in this film. Not that I was apathetic toward Nick, but my enthusiasm was more for Norah in their relationship, wanting to see her succeed. In (500) Days, I wanted Tom to figure things out, and I was hurting for the guy while he was confused by the whole situation. I also thought that movie's narrative was much stronger, as someone else pointed out, and had some of the best scenes I've watched in a film from this genre. The scene toward the end in the park between JGL & Zooey Deschanel was a sadly realistic example of that moment when you realize it is over, that the person you loved has moved on, and that you have to get back up and try again.
Like I said, I prefer the character of Tom to the character of Nick. That said, I actually prefer the character of Norah to Summer from (500) Days. Isn't that a trip?
Now all I need to see is a movie where a "Tom" & a "Norah" end up together, then I'll be all smiles.