If You Need A Good Cry, These 8 Romance Movies Will Break Your Heart Into A Million Pieces
It’s widely recognized that films in the romance genre frequently capture our hearts with their poignant tales of love and heartache, often focusing on unfulfilled love and the anguish of couples being ripped apart by circumstances beyond their power. Notably, these stories don’t always involve death or loss to evoke tears; rather, there is a profound emotional impact in witnessing two souls meant for each other slowly drift apart due to larger societal issues that they cannot overcome.
Movies such as “The Notebook” have earned fame for leaving viewers in tears, yet there are others that may not be as popular but still carry a powerful emotional punch. Despite the fact that these movies delve into remote settings and experiences that audiences might find hard to relate to, the characters’ emotional odysseys remain universal, drawing viewers into the twists and turns of the storyline. These films are worth watching not just for their emotional impact but also because they boast stunning visuals and strive to portray complex themes with authenticity.
8. Legends Of The Fall (1994)
Directed by Edward Zwick
The movie “Legends of the Fall” boasts an illustrious ensemble with Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, and Julia Ormond, merging themes from romance and Western settings. This captivating tale spans through decades in the 20th century, portraying the United States’ struggles and transformations. Filled with poignant examinations of familial bonds and evolutions, “Legends of the Fall” showcases hearts that shatter and heal as love blooms and individuals make selfless sacrifices for their cherished ideals.
One standout romantic film set in a historical period, “Legends of the Fall,” is sometimes underrated compared to other well-known productions, yet it leaves an equally lasting impression. The complex and winding lives portrayed lead to numerous heartbreaking deaths and tales of unfulfilled love that will deeply move viewers. As the movie unfolds, “Legends of the Fall” becomes increasingly filled with action and improbable events, leaving viewers as spellbound by the storyline as they are saddened by the losses.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Legends of the Fall (1994) | 61% | 87% |
7. If Only (2004)
Directed by Gil Junger
In the romantic fantasy drama If Only, the narrative revolves around the theme of second chances, with Ian (Paul Nicholls) being given the chance to redo the day his girlfriend, Samantha (Jennifer Love Hewitt), passes away. Starting off with Samantha’s death is a daring move for If Only, but it quickly becomes evident that Ian can relive this fateful day and make different decisions, realizing he should not have taken her for granted. Throughout the day, Ian and Samantha rekindle their relationship and strengthen their bond once more.
By the finale of “If Only,” it becomes clear that cherishing the small moments and nurturing relationships is key, serving as a poignant lesson for Ian and Samantha. Despite the tension that lingers throughout the narrative, hinting at potential disaster, the film underscores the delicate interplay between life and death, even in the face of divine intervention. Yet, what remains most striking is the profound beauty found in maximizing the time we spend with those we cherish most.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| If Only (2004) | N/A | 85% |
6. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
In the updated version of Shakespeare’s timeless play Romeo and Juliet, Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes take on the leading roles. Instead of the traditional setting, this adaptation is set in Los Angeles during the 1990s, which heightens its association with crime and thriller genres. The love between the title characters seems even more tragic due to these genre influences. Since there have been numerous adaptations of this tale, it was essential that Romeo + Juliet stood out from the rest. This is successfully achieved through the movie’s dynamic visuals and sound.
Similar to many of Baz Luhrmann’s productions, the film “Romeo + Juliet” is characterized by its grandeur and flamboyance, yet these exaggerated elements make the tender instances when time seems to stand still as Romeo and Juliet fall in love all the more captivating. Despite the fact that we are aware of how the tale will unfold and the tragic fate that awaits these characters, witnessing their heartbreaking ending never becomes any easier. Although the film draws heavily from the classic narrative, “Romeo + Juliet” manages to breathe fresh life into the storyline and doesn’t hesitate to tug at the audience’s emotional strings.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Romeo + Juliet (1996) | 74% | 77% |
5. La La Land (2016)
Directed by Damien Chazelle
In a nutshell, for me as a movie enthusiast, “La La Land” isn’t just your typical romantic tale about two individuals; it’s a profound examination of the deep-seated passion and love for art that compels people to commit their lives to it. The narrative unfurls through the perspective of Mia (played by Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who serendipitously cross paths in LA, and as they do, their blossoming romance intertwines with their dreams of becoming an actress and a musician respectively. Yet, “La La Land” subtly reveals that often, the pursuit of success and ambition can lead one to forsake their personal dreams.
It’s hardly shocking that Stone and Gosling have teamed up frequently during their professional journey, given their palpable on-screen connection which leaves viewers yearning for Mia and Sebastian to be together as a genuine couple. Director Damien Chazelle, with his profound affection and admiration for the classic musical genre and Los Angeles, seamlessly incorporates these elements into the core of La La Land. Audiences who have experienced love or chased unattainable dreams will undoubtedly be touched by this film.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| La La Land (2016) | 91% | 82% |
4. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Directed by Barry Jenkins
Drawing inspiration from James Baldwin’s acclaimed novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk” presents its audience and characters with the heavy burden of a tragic narrative. While watching, viewers may find themselves moved to tears by the unjust circumstances that Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James) encounter, yet, nestled within the film is a glimmer of hope. Despite being primarily a love story, the movie also delves into broader social and political concerns, using the racial bias in the criminal justice system as the force that ultimately separates the couple.
Reading “If Beale Street Could Talk” before watching the movie is recommended because it deepens the emotional bond viewers form with characters Tish and Fonny. Notably, director Barry Jenkins, who also created the emotionally poignant film “Moonlight”, is behind this work too, which shares some thematic similarities. However, “If Beale Street Could Talk” primarily explores the resilience of a couple battling against all adversity, with Tish and Fonny’s love radiating powerfully from the screen, drawing viewers into their tale.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) | 95% | 68% |
3. The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (1964)
Directed by Jacques Demy
Few films match the visual perfection and emotional poignancy found in Jacques Demy’s “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.” This French musical film boasts memorable performances from renowned actors such as Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo. The story revolves primarily around the characters Geneviève (played by Deneuve) and Guy (Castelnuovo), two star-crossed lovers, who mostly sing their lines to tell their heartbreaking tale. With its vibrant sets and costumes, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” presents a striking contrast between the joyful colors and the tragic narrative it unfolds.
In the beginning, the young couple embark on their journey brimming with optimism and anticipation for their shared future. However, external forces cruelly separate them, leaving them to settle for practical choices rather than following their hearts’ desires. The narrative leaves you yearning for a reunion that never comes, as Geneviève and Guy grow increasingly distant. This poignant tale, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, remains cherished and admired due to its authentic emotional depth presented in an enchanting wrapper.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) | 97% | 87% |
2. Atonement (2007)
Directed by Joe Wright
In the vein of Ian McEwan’s novel, “Atonement” is a captivating and evocative period romance drama that immerses its audience into the tale of Robbie (James McAvoy) and Cecilia (Keira Knightley). Set during World War II while exploring how war devastates families and relationships, “Atonement” presents numerous challenges for Robbie and Cecilia that even surpass the worldwide conflict. Class distinctions and differences within their families compel the couple to hide their feelings, resulting in consequences that ultimately lead to their downfall.
In Atonement, the heart-wrenching efforts of Robbie and Cecilia to reunite amidst chaos are difficult to watch, but it’s the unexpected climax that truly leaves an impact on viewers. The compelling performances from Knightley and McAvoy lend a sense of authenticity and urgency to their love story, making us believe in its depth without question. Witnessing the raw emotion portrayed throughout Atonement may not be easy, but becoming immersed in Robbie and Cecilia’s lives makes it all worthwhile.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Atonement (2007) | 83% | 80% |
1. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Directed by Ang Lee
The chemistry between Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain adds an emotional depth to the movie’s tragedy. By exploring intricate aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience during the 1960s and ’70s, as well as its connection to the classic cowboy image in the American West, Brokeback Mountain offers insights about broader societal issues through its personal narrative. As the film unfolds, a sense of sorrow intensifies, yet the themes of loss and yearning are inherent within the story itself.
In the story of Brokeback Mountain, I found myself, like Jack and Ennis, kept apart by circumstances and the fear of judgment and prejudice. Our love, though brief and secretive, was deeply felt, a testament to Ang Lee’s exceptional direction that made the film feel expansive and resonant, even within the stolen moments we shared. Our romance, raw and authentic, left me unable to watch Brokeback Mountain without sharing their heartache.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Brokeback Mountain (2005) | 88% | 82% |
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2025-04-19 16:29