One such phenomenal example is ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, an Oscar-winning movie released in 2004, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as its central characters in the film. The movie is directed by Michel Gondry. The genre of romance has been people’s favorite for ages, and because of its popularity, there are many books, web series, and movies based on this plot.
To name a few movies, there are movies like Titanic, Remember Me, Forest Gump, and The Proposal. In the movie, Clementine (portrayed by Kate Winslet) follows a procedure to erase the memories of her former lover Joel (portrayed by Jim Carrey) after their separation from their relationship.
Joel, finding out her deeds, attempting to erase all the loving memories they had together, also attempts to follow the same process to forget his former lover. This movie deals with the plot that depicts the complexity of a relationship and the heart-breaking pain that one has to go through after a breakup.
Despite its heavy and sad tone, the audience loved the movie as far as to make it very popular. Maybe it depicts so much of real life that the audience could relate to their own experience in the movie.
Nonetheless, the mass support and love the movie got from the public even helped it to win an Oscar. For those who have still not watched the movie, the movie is available on many streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. And those who are trying to find similar movies:
Remember Me
A romantic drama followed by two characters, Tyler Hawkins (portrayed by Robert Pattinson) and Ally Craig (portrayed by Emilie de Ravin). The plot centers around these two new lovers with mutual experience of loss; one lost his older brother, who died by attempting suicide, and the other lost her mother at a very early age during a robbery.
The plot follows Tyler expressing hatred towards his father as he blames him for his brother’s death due to his father’s negligence. As it happens, he is suggested by his friend Mugger to pick up a random girl named Ally, on whom he just lays his eyes randomly.
Ironically, Ally is the very daughter of the police officer who had arrested Tyler because of his misbehavior on the road the other night. We can also see Ally facing some issues with her father because of the relationship, as she becomes less informed of her actual whereabouts. After the problem with her father, she decides to stay with Tyler in his apartment.
Ally eventually finds out that Tyler proposed to her not because of love but because his friends told him to do so. Even after a short break-up, they can patch up again, and even his relationship with his father gets better. But little do they know that misfortune is waiting for them.
- Released in: 2010
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- IMDB Score: 7.1
- Cast: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Moisés Acevedo, Chris Cooper, Kevin P. McCarthy and many others
- Director: Allen Coulter
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
Inception
Inception, released in 2010, is directed by one of the most renowned directors in the world, Christopher Nolan. The movie centers around the character Dom Cobb (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio), who, in the profession, is a thief with a stunning ability to steal people’s secrets from their dreams.
Cobb encounters his most dangerous mission yet. But to fulfill the mission he is tasked with, he must face his past and the consequences of his deeds committed by him. Despite being a sci-fi movie, ‘Inception’ also depicts the plot of memory, love, complexity, and grief in a relationship. As the central character, Cobb loses almost everything in his life; he is given one chance of redemption by completing an impossible task.
However, as Cobb proceeds and makes progress in his work, the reflection of his now-deceased wife, Mallorie, haunts him in his imagination. Much similar to the movie ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ it also deals with the theme of memory, portraying our perspective of the world and how we process all the surroundings around us.
Inception also uses the technique of dreamlike vision to draw its themes, ultimately making it a very good choice for movie fans who are fond of such a genre.
- Released in: 2010
- Runtime: 2h 28m
- IMDB Score: 8.8
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eliot Page, Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Dileep Rao, Michael, Caine, Pete Postlethwaite and many others
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Eyes Wide Shut
‘Eyes Wide Shut’ is also a fine example of a movie with a complex plot line. The movie mainly falls into the genre of psychology, directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie was released in 1999. The movie shows us the dark side of both a relationship and sexuality. This movie revolves around its central character, Dr. Bill Harford (portrayed by Tom Cruise), who is a successful doctor in the profession.
However, he is very much preoccupied with his wife’s sexual desires, which gradually results in him questioning the overall stability of his matrimonial relationship and his impulses. Sharing some aspects such as complexity in a relationship and love, thus making it a worthy example to try out after watching the film ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’.
- Released in: 1999
- Runtime: 2h 39m
- IMDB Score: 7.5
- Cast: Tom Cruise, Todd Field, Nicole Kidman, Madison Eginton, Sydney Pollack and many others
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Titanic
We all have heard of or watched this multiple Oscar-winning masterpiece, directed by Released in 1997, and The movie has gained worldwide recognition. The story of Titanic tells us about the sinking of the famous luxurious passenger ship RMS Titanic in 1912, although the movie is famous for its romantic ambiance. The plot of Titanic centers around two newly met lovers, Jack (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (portrayed by Kate Winslet).
Jack was a commoner who won the ticket for the Titanic after winning a game, while Rose belonged to an aristocratic family who had yet to marry Caledon Hockley due to her family’s financial condition. The meeting between Jack and Rose was unexpected as Rose was about to attempt suicide, but Jack saved her from the incident. From this point, their love interest in each other started growing.
Titanic also similarly deals with the themes of love, grief, and memory as Rose, in her old age, narrates the story of her youth and reminisces about the time she and Jack spent together. Even though the plot is very simplistic, it is also a fine choice to watch after you have completed watching ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.’
- Released in: 1997
- Runtime: 3h 14m
- IMDB Score: 7.9
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Bill Paxton, Gloria Stuart and many others
- Director: James Cameron
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Sense and Sensibility
‘Sense and Sensibility,’ released in 1995, is the adaptation of the novel by the famous English novelist Jane Austen. The movie deals with the simplistic plot of romance involving multiple characters and the aftermath. Although starts with a sad atmosphere as Mr. Dashwood dies and leaves his second wife, along with his three daughters, in a difficult condition.
His first son’s wife, Fanny Dashwood, is proven to be a tyrant who is trying to rob his sister-in-law of her property. Subsequently, Elinor and Edward, the brother of Fanny Dashwood, show a sign of mutual attraction, but unfortunately, they have to abandon their little dream together due to Edward’s family’s disapproval of the pair and his other relationship issues.
The same fate follows for the younger sister, Marianne, but she manages to establish a romantic relationship with John Willoughby, only to be betrayed in the end. However, at the end of the movie, we witness a happy ending as both Marianne and Elinor are reunited with their true lover and get married happily.
The plot similarly covers the themes of love, the loss of the former lover, memory, and grief. Thus making it also a fine movie to watch due to its changing ambiance and romantic plot.
- Released in: 1995
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- IMDB Score: 7.7
- Cast: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, James Fleet, Tom Wilkinson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Harriet Walter, Gemma Jones and many others
- Director: Ang Lee
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
The Broken Circle Breakdown
Falling in love with someone is one of the best sensations that one can feel. Similarly, the movie ‘The Broken Circle Breakdown’, directed by Felix Van Groeningen, deals with such a storyline. Released in 2012, the movie gained a good amount of popularity due to its romantic ambiance and slice-of-life touch.
It all starts when Elise (portrayed by Veerle Baetens) and Didier (portrayed by Johan Heldenbergh) fall in love with each other at first sight. Elise works in her tattoo shop, and Didier plays banjo for a musical band. They get closer together over their mutual interest in American music and culture and ultimately get married.
However, in times of happiness, a sudden misfortune strikes their family as their daughter falls ill. Throughout this difficult situation, their love is tested badly. The movie is serene and happy in nature at first but has a tragic ending. Dealing with themes like love, grief, and separation.
It gives the audience a sort of mixed feeling of being full of life and then again empty by the end of the movie. Nonetheless, this movie is a good example for people to try out at least once.
- Released in: 2012
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- IMDB Score: 7.7
- Cast: Veerle Baetens, Johan Heldenbergh, Geert Van Rampelbergh, Jan Bijbvoet and many others
- Director: Felix Van Groeningen
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
Her
‘Her,’ released in 2013, falls into the genre of what we can call romantic sci-fi. Directed by Spike Jonze, the movie has won an Oscar. The movie plot is set in the near future, where technology has evolved to a point where people can establish their mental connection with an artificial consciousness. The storyline follows a man named Theodore (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix), who in his profession is a writer and falls into depression after the separation from his wife, Catherine.
When he is occupied with his work, he spends his time hanging out with friends and playing games. One day, he decides to buy a new operating system called OS1, which is known to be the world’s first artificial intelligence system. As they start spending time together, they grow closer to each other. Eventually, Theodore falls in love with the AI called Samantha, gaining a new perspective of love.
Due to Samantha, being an AI, can help Theodore in many ways, but as she is an artificial program, will she be able to cure Theodore of his inner turmoil? Overall, the movie ‘Her’ is very good. It deals with many aspects of life, such as grief, love, separation, inner conflicts, and finding a new love. The movie is also unique in nature as it depicts the story of a lonely man falling in love with an AI, proving to be a peculiar concept for a normal mind.
Nonetheless, the movie is good for the audience who are finding something unique while having a very romantic atmosphere at its core.
- Released in: 2013
- Runtime: 2h 6m
- IMDB Score: 8.0
- Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johnson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Lisa Renee Pitts, Lynn Adrianna Freedman and many others
- Director: Spike Jonze
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Lost in Translation
Romantic comedy, or rom-com, is a widely known genre and much popular among those who love to watch romantic movies and dramas. A fine example of such a genre would be the movie ‘Lost in Translation,’ released in 2003. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the movie has won an Oscar. The movie tells us about the familiar sensation of solitude that people go through in their lives.
The story highlights two characters, Bob Harris (portrayed by Bill Murray) and Charlotte (portrayed by Scarlett Johansson). Bob is an actor in the profession and comes to Tokyo to film a Japanese commercial for Whiskey. There, he meets Charlotte, who is attending her photographer husband in the same place.
Both strangers, meeting suddenly in a foreign land, share a brief and temporary attachment. However, they don’t involve themselves in any kind of serious commitment and bid each other farewell with a brief kiss.
The movie is neither heavy nor does it deal with any complex plot. The very beauty of this movie surrounds its simplicity. And those who are not very fond of heavy and complex plots. This movie is the right choice for them to try out.
- Released in: 2003
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- IMDB Score: 7.7
- Cast: Billy Murray, Scarlet Johnson, Anna Faris, Giovanni Ribisi and many others
- Director: Sofia Coppola
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Submarine
Teen romance has to be one of the best experiences in someone’s life, right? In this phrase, we don’t mind being stupid and committing stupidity because this is the time to be carefree. One such example is the movie ‘Submarine,’ released in 2010. Directed by Richard Ayoade, the movie was nominated for 1 BAFTA award.
The plot of the movie deals with teenage romance and the absurdity that one normally experiences during this period. The story centers around the character Oliver Tate (portrayed by Craig Roberts), living is an unpopular student among all the others. Tate has a certain objective in his mind, which is to lose his virginity before the age of 16. He sets his eyes on one of his classmates, Jordana, a dark-haired girl.
Tate also has some family issues as his mother almost succumbs to the charm of their neighbor and his father’s inability to prevent it from happening. Tate decides to put his family together and be an ideal boyfriend for Jordana.
The plot of the movie may seem absurd to some, but it is a really good movie to watch, especially for those who like teenage romance, as they can associate their own former experience throughout this teenage phase.
- Released in: 2010
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- IMDB Score: 7.3
- Cast: Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor, Yasmin Paige and many others
- Director: Richard Ayoade
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
Blue Valentine
Our childhood experiences and how we are nurtured by our parents are what primarily shape us into the human beings that we will grow to be. The movie ‘Blue Valentine’ also portrays such aspects. Released in 2010, it was directed by Derek Cianfrance and features stars like Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. Dean (portrayed by Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (portrayed by Michelle Williams) are a young married couple with a young daughter; Dean works as a painter while Cindy is a medical clinic nurse.
Dean is a high school dropout who has no hopes of getting married to anyone and is also less ambitious, while Cindy tries to encourage his potential in life. Both of them are from dysfunctional families, which impacted their growth in adult life.
Cindy also has an impact on her marriage to Dean due to her former relationship with Bobby Ontario. The couples face some cracks in their marriage relationship and try to save their marriage.
‘Blue Valentine’ is a romantic movie with a heavy plot. The movie, along with its romantic ambiance, also talks about parental negligence, dry childhood experiences, and separation and how all these can affect a child’s growth. Ultimately making it a very good choice for people to try to gain insights on these matters.
- Released in: 2010
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- IMDB Score: 7.3
- Cast: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, John Doman, Faith Wladyka, Mike Vogel and many others
- Director: Derek Cianfrance
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
You Can Count on Me
Released in 2000, the movie ‘You Can Count on Me’ portrays the brother and sister growing apart in their childhood and later reuniting in their adult and responsible life. The movie is directed by Academy Award-winning Kenneth Lonergan. The movie gained so much popularity back then that it was nominated for 2 Oscars. The storyline follows two siblings, Samantha or Sammy (portrayed by Laura Linney) and Terry Prescott (portrayed by Mark Ruffalo).
Sammy is a single mom, protective of her 8-year-old son, and works at a local bank. She is satisfied with her living despite her partner not being present to take care of the family. One day, Terry visits his sister in a peculiar state as he requires money to borrow from her sister.
Despite the shocking appearance and sudden favor asked by her brother Terry, Sammy decides to help him out as his presence fills the void of her present life. Terry even goes to extend his stay as his girlfriend tries to attempt suicide, but Sammy does not oppose his over-welcoming situation.
Rudy, Sammy’s son, and Terry grow closer to each other, but their temporary happiness comes to an end as Terry beats Sammy’s former partner, Rudy Sr. Displeased by Terry’s behavior, Sammy asks him to leave. The movie shows the complexity of one’s life. It deals with the themes of extramarital affairs, solitude, and unconditional love. It is packed with many beautiful scenarios, and the acting of the characters is flawless, which makes it a really good movie to try out if you have not watched it yet.
- Released in: 2000
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- IMDB Score: 7.5
- Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Laura Linney, Matthew Broderick, Any Ryan, Michael Countryman and many others
- Director: Kenneth Lonergan
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
Punch-Drunk-Love
Social anxiety is a common problem among people these days. We seek many entertainment methods to get out of this phrase. The movie ‘Punch-Drunk-Love’ is based on such a theme. Released in 2002, the movie was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. This movie depicts the story of a socially frustrated man trying to seek some solace in his life.
The plot revolves around the character Barry Egan (portrayed by Adam Sandler), who is a bachelor and socially frustrated. Barry is taunted by his overbearing seven sisters, who emotionally abuse him. As it happens, he sees a car accident, and there he meets Lena Leonard (Elizabeth’s co-worker, who is one of his sisters).
One day, he goes for his sister’s birthday, and he is, as usual, harassed by his sisters. Frustrated and trying to find some comfort, he calls a phone sex line to cope with his frustration, which would be proven troublesome to him later on.
As the story progresses, we see Barry and Lena getting closer to each other and forming a bond between them. Packed up with many real-life aspects, such as love, isolation, and social frustration. The movie draws a lot of curiosity. So, if you have not watched the movie yet, it is highly recommended.
- Released in: 2002
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- IMDB Score: 7.3
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzmán and many others
- Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Blue Jay
Surely, romance is not that uncommon in people’s lives, but did you ever think of reuniting with your ex-lover? The movie ‘Blue Jay’ covers up such a plot. Released as a black and white movie back in 2016, it is directed by Alex Lehman. The plot of this movie centers around two characters, Jim (portrayed by Mark Duplass) and Amanda (portrayed by Sarah Paulson).
These two characters were former high school lovers, but a breakup was caused between them due to Amanda having an abortion. However, having been out of touch for more than 20 years, Jim and Amanda are reunited again in their hometown, as Jim has come here to sell his mother’s house, and Amanda is visiting her pregnant sister.
The two former lovers meet at a grocery store and gradually start talking to each other. Before they even know it, they have arrived at Jim’s mother’s place, and we can see Jim and Amanda going back to the past. Their meeting is sort of out of the blue and unexpected, or maybe fate has something more stored for them.
The beauty of this movie lies in its simplicity. One’s fondness of another, love, the memories of the past, and reuniting with your former partner, the movie covers all these parts. One of the striking features of this movie is that the whole movie is in black and white. This movie is nonetheless highly recommended for those who are looking for such a movie with a romantic ambiance.
- Released in: 2016
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- IMDB Score: 7.3
- Cast: Mark Duplass, Sarah Paulson, Clu Gulager and many others
- Director: Alex Lehmann
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
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