Romanceis a dangerous game. When the stakes are so high and feelings are out in the open, the potential for disaster is huge. So many couples have fallen in and out of love on the big screen and taken viewers along with them on their emotional journeys.Rom-comsare comforting in their formula, which leaves behind a warm and fuzzy feeling, but there are those other romance films that put their couples as well as audiences through the wringer.
From fatal accidents and terminal illnesses to depression and societal pressure,there can be many obstacles for these tragic lovers to overcome. It is maybe cruel to put oneself through the pain of watching such heartbreak on the screens, but sometimes, it is cathartic and helps put reality into perspective. Through the aching and longing seen on-screen, viewers are reminded that life is short, and it’s important to live each day to the fullest, and love more than ever before.
10The Big Sick (2017)
Directed By Michael Showalter
There is a lot of heart in the dramedyThe Big Sick, which is based on Kumail Nanjiani and co-writer Emily V. Gordon’s real-life relationship. Nanjiani does a great job playing a version of his real self, with Zoe Kazan taking on the role of his love interest. The couple faces many obstacles, including cultural clashes, family traditions, and a very strong push for an arranged marriage.
The Big Sickhas a 98% rating onRotten Tomatoes.
However,the biggest problem arises when Emily falls gravely ill. When Kumail realizes that he could lose her for good, he does everything he can to be by her side. As it’s clear just how affected he is by this uncertain time, his emotions get the better of him and cause a lot of chaos and self-sabotage.
The Big Sick
Cast
Written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick stars Nanjiani as a fictionalized version of himself whose budding relationship with a woman named Emily is tested by their cultural differences and Emily’s sudden and baffling illness. Gordon and Nanjiani based the film on their lives and relationship, and Zoe Kazan stars alongside Nanjiani as Emily.
But, the ordeal also allows him to build relationships with Emily’s family, which ultimately changes their love story in the long run. While there is no overly tragic ending, the pain that Kumail goes through when the woman he loves is sick feels completely genuine. And, it was.
9Your Name (2016)
Directed By Makoto Shinkai
One of the most unique love stories ever told,Your Nameis an animated fantasy romance that seestwo teens who live in different places and, at different times, swap bodiesand experience each other’s lives. As Taki and Mitsuha get to know each other more, and find out about how the other lives, they develop a deep connection that evolves into love. Fate intervenes at many moments throughout their journey in space and time, and the longing they feel for each other jumps off the screen.
Your Name
Your Name is a 2016 animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai. The story centers around two high school students, Taki and Mitsuha, who inexplicably begin to swap bodies. Set in both Tokyo and a rural town, the film explores themes of identity and connection as the characters navigate their intertwined lives. Through its rich animation and poignant narrative, Your Name captivates audiences with its exploration of fate and self-discovery.
With natural disasters, and personal demons to overcome, their paths keep going in different directions, and once audiences discover thatthey may not remember what they’ve been through together, that is when doubt and fear creep in. Through the sheer power of this connection and another helping hand from fate, the way they find each other in the right place and at the right time is inspirational, and so deeply moving. The beautiful animation just adds to the ambiance of the extraordinary film.
8About Time (2013)
Directed By Richard Curtis
From the mind of the director who has given the world some of the most romantic movies in history comes this science-fiction comedy-drama.AboutTimesees Domhnall Gleeson as Tim,a young man who finds out from his father that they can travel through timeand change any events to their benefit.
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It’s a very interesting twist on the romance genre, adding some self-inflicted jeopardy that can cause a domino effect and change everything. With helpful advice from his father, played so charmingly by the incomparable Bill Nighy, Tim opts to focus on perfecting his love life.
About Time
When Tim Lake learns that he, like all the men in his family, has the ability to travel back in time, he decides to use this ability to help him find love and improve his and his loved ones' lives.
Though his initial attempt at manipulating the past did not work in his favor,he finally meets and falls in love with Mary (Rachel McAdams). While they have their ups and downs, and Tim’s time-hopping sometimes messes up what has already happened, their love story is not the root of the pain caused by the film. Instead, it’s the relationship between Tim and his father that is the tearjerker.
7Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Directed By Luca Guadagnino
Timothée Chalamet’s breakout rolesaw his character develop feelings for someone he is not allowed to be with, in this love story filled with longing and desire. So beautifully shot, each scene inCall Me by Your Namedrowns in muted sunlight and lush greenery, allowing viewers to feel the lazy hazy summer atmosphere.
The Italian scenery acts as a beautiful backdrop for a doomed love story, and the film features one of the most heartbreaking closing shots in the history of romantic cinema.
As the film is set in the 1980s, same-sex relationships are much less accepted, so Elio and Oliver are forced to keep their feelings secret, which causes a lot of tension and even feelings of shame. The two actors' chemistry is electric, and it’s beautiful to see Elio learn more about who he is and explore a love like he’s never felt before.
Call Me By Your Name
Based on the 2007 novel of the same name, Call Me By Your Name tells the story of Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), the 17-year-old son of a professor whose life is changed forever when one of his father’s grad students, Oliver (Armie Hammer), comes to stay with his family in Northern Italy during the summer of 1983. Initially indifferent to the older Oliver, the relationship between the two men blossoms into a passionate affair over the course of the summer. Michael Stuhlbarg and Esther Garrel also star.
The Italian scenery acts as a beautiful backdrop for a doomed love story, andthe film features one of the most heartbreaking closing shotsin the history of romantic cinema. As Chalamet cries about his loss, the camera lingers on his face for the longest time, letting both him and the audience sit with their emotions and grieve together.
6Love Story (1970)
Directed By Arthur Hiller
One of the most well-known tearjerkers,Love Storyspawned an often-quoted line: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” The sweeping tale seesJenny and Oliver fall deeply in love, despite their very different backgroundsand plans for the future. They must overcome family issues, and change the direction of where their lives are going, all while being young and inexperienced. Through a string of devastatingly romantic sequences, the audience roots for the two lovebirds every step of the way.
Love Story
Love Story, directed by Arthur Hiller, follows Harvard Law student Oliver Barrett IV and music student Jennifer Cavilleri as they navigate their intense romance despite contrasting backgrounds. Their marriage challenges family dynamics, particularly with Oliver’s wealthy father, leading to conflicts that test their devotion.
But, it turns out, it is not their time, asJenny gets some devastating medical news. The second part of this heart-wrenching melodrama is where most of the tears come. Both Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal deliver powerful performances that pull on the heartstrings with each harrowing scene. Seeing a love so powerful cut short in its prime puts everything into perspective, and this iconic film does it extremely well.
5A Star Is Born (1954)
Directed By George Cukor
One of the many versions of this prolific story, this particular one stars Judy Garland and James Mason. Each installment ofA Star Is Born, which began in 1937 and went all the way up to 2018, ends in heartache and tragedy, and this one is no different. The musical aspects allow for a different way of expressing emotions and create a seemingly happy and magical world that does not prepare viewers for the devastating twist.
A Star Is Born
A Star is Born (1954) is directed by George Cukor and stars Judy Garland as a rising singer-actress whose career ascends with the help of an established movie star, played by James Mason. As her fame increases, his career diminishes due to age and personal struggles.
Dealing with depression on the screens is never easy, and it was that much harder back in the 1950s when people were not as forthcoming about discussing their feelings and mental health. As the viewers spur on Garland’s character as she is on the rise to stardom, they also become invested in her tumultuous relationship with Norman Maine. While the outcome of each movie is always difficult to bear,there is something about the sadness behind Garland’s eyes that makes it that much more tragic.
4A Walk To Remember (2002)
Directed By Adam Shankman
Nicholas Sparks is responsible for having written some of the saddest love stories, many of which have been adapted into films. One of the earliest ones,A Walk to Rememberseestwo very different teenagers develop feelings for each other, and change the course of their lives completely.
Jamie and Landon are on different paths, with the former a very pious and steadfast student, and the latter on a downward spiral. Without knowing the story, the film seemingly starts as a tale of opposites attract, but it becomes so much more. With every special dream that Landon makes come true for Jamie, viewers fall in love with him as much as she does.
A Walk to Remember
In a story of redemption and love, Landon Carter’s life takes an unexpected turn when he’s forced to tutor and participate in the school play after a reckless prank. Through his encounters with Jamie Sullivan, a reserved minister’s daughter, Landon discovers a profound connection that challenges his perceptions of love and friendship. As their bond deepens, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, facing life’s trials together.
So, when the penny drops, andit turns out that illness is about to ruin everything, the tone shifts, and viewers watch the final 45 minutes through tears. While it’s a story that has been told many times, this one hits differently. Shane West and Mandy Moore make a beautiful couple, and the way they were able to make each other’s lives better makes the ending hurt that much more.
3The Notebook (2004)
Directed By Nick Cassavetes
One of Sparks' most successful adaptations sees Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling bring to life one of the most iconic love stories ever told. As Noah and Ally battle their families and the circumstances they’re stuck in, they manage to fall hopelessly in love inThe Notebook. This connection lasts decades and affects them at different times in their lives.
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Concurrently, viewers are introduced to two older people at a nursing home, who read the notebook, and follow the story of Ally and Noah. With every scene between McAdams and Gosling brimming with chemistry,fate steps in time and time again, stopping them from being happy together.
The Notebook
Adapted from Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name, The Notebook is a romantic drama film that follows a couple who fall in love during the 1940s. Duke, an older man, recounts the story of two young lovers whose lives never lined up quite right to a fellow patient in his nursing home. Reading from the notebook pages, the movie keeps flashing from the present into the past to tell the story of the one that got away.
There are other romantic interests, lots of parental meddling, and even a devastating war. In the end, when the parallels between the two stories start to overlap, the reality of what happened finally hits.The feeling that comes with it will stay with viewers for a long time, and the film is a romantic classic for a reason.
2Past Lives (2023)
Directed By Celine Song
Exploring the themes of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,Past Livesis a heartrending story of a love that never was. Despite a connection that was made at a very young age,Nora and Haeare never able to find the right moment. Separated by time zones and thousands of miles, these childhood friends have consistently terrible timing. As audiences get to know them both separately and together, there is a feeling of inevitability with each encounter they share.
Past Lives
Past Lives is a film that follows Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends who reunite in New York after many years. As they spend a week together, they explore themes of destiny, love, and the pivotal choices that shape their lives. Released on August 21, 2025.
By the time viewers are finally able to see them on the screen together in the present day of their lives, the anticipation of what could be has been building gradually and constantly. The opening scene, which is called back to later on, is incredibly clever, and ultimately devastating. But,the toughest moment comes towards the end, with a lengthy silence, followed by a beautiful explanation of what the term “past lives” means in Korean culture.
1Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Directed By Ang Lee
With beautifully tragic performances from Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, divine cinematography, and very carefully considered direction from Ang Lee, this crushing love story never fails to bring viewers to tears.Bringing the famed short story of the same name to life,Brokeback Mountainfollows Ennis and Jack’s romance throughout the years, as they navigate the rampant homophobia and societal expectations of the time.
This delicate story is told with much care and attention, with everyone involved dedicating their time and talent to ensuring the characters are given the justice they deserve.
From the moment they realize their feelings for each other and become close in the recluse countryside, they fight to spend any moment they possibly can together. This delicate story is told with much care and attention, with everyone involved dedicating their time and talent to ensuring the characters are given the justice they deserve.
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a film set in 1960s Wyoming where two men, portrayed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, navigate a complex emotional and sexual relationship. As they marry and start families, their enduring bond challenges societal norms and profoundly impacts their lives.
While the love between the two male leads is at the heart of the film,there are many tragic events that surround them, and Michelle Williams' performance as Alma is filled with pain and dignity. It’s the type ofromancethat makes viewers yearn for a different outcome every time they watch it, and sob uncontrollably when the outcome is still the same.
