My Favourite Films About Broken Marriages of All-Time

Not many genres engage audiences like a broken marriage. Stories of couples whose marriages face tragedy often make for memorable movies. Whether it’s divorce lawyers, doomed lovers or child carers, the divorce genre has produced many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite marriage movies that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Marriage Story

Divorce is a devastating process that causes families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face broken marriages that caused emotional damage. Years ago, devastating divorce threw my aunt’s dreams out the rear window. In a sad incident, my aunt had heated arguments with her husband that caused resentment. Following the heartbreaking separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. Few movies I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of marriages that end in tragedy as powerfully as “Marriage Story”. Ever since its release in 2019, Noah Baumbach’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about broken marriages. With the greatest film of his career, Baumbach used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a couple facing a broken marriage beyond repair. Baumbach has always had an aptitude for making great movies about marriages in danger, and “Marriage Story” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Baumbach effectively uses montages capturing a fragile marriage falling apart between a couple that’s declining. For instance, the scene in which Charlie and Nicole have an intense argument in their apartment causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Adam Driver, who embodies a man stuck in a broken marriage facing disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” my favourite film about marriages of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about child custody which would resonate with everyone. Nearly six years following the release of a great film about a broken marriage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage by producing bold movies with a meaningful message.

2. A Separation

The Middle East is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of an Arab kid that grew up in the country of Saudi Arabia. He often took great pride in his Arabian identity. My friend believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a country holding a precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that saw the Middle East with affection, I adored “A Separation”. Released in 2011, Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winning movie captured hardships faced by couples ending marriages in Iran. Farhadi uses handheld camera to capture marriage in Iran. For instance, the opening scene in which Simin and Nader have a tense argument filing for divorce causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Peyman Moaadi, who embodied an Iranian man facing marriage tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “A Separation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Iran targeted to citizens of the nation, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A sad portrait of Iranian couples whose marriages deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies which audiences appreciate. 

3. Past Lives

Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. We would always enjoy spending time together sharing a love for drawing in art classes. However, the decision to immigrate forced us to separate. When my family immigrated to Canada, I was faced with the dilemma of saying goodbye to a girl that shaped my persona. As someone treasuring a childhood crush in past lives, I loved “Past Lives”. Released in 2023, Celine Song’s movie captured Korean lovers torn apart by immigration barriers. Song uses naturalistic dialogue to create a compelling portrait of Korean lovers in a complicated marriage. For instance, the scene in which Nora bids emotional farewell to Hae-Sung as he leaves for China causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Greta Lee, who embodies a Korean woman facing marriage tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “Past Lives” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about immigration which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of immigration which impacts downtrodden relationships between childhood companions experiencing conflicted emotion, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies which deserve celebration.

4. Kramer vs. Kramer

Fathers that file for divorce often face tension. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt experience a divorce causing sorrow. A drastic decision, the divorce left my uncle heartbroken. He drifted apart from his beloved children that had once held a special place in their heart. As someone that has seen divorce causing fathers to face disaster, I adored “Kramer V. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie captured impact of divorce on a father. The film forever changed the genre by becoming one of the first films to address impact of divorce on fathers. Benton uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the bond between a divorced father and his son. For instance, the scene in which Ted rushes his son to the hospital after he faces an accident causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who portrays a heartbroken father facing divorce tension. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer V. Kramer” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a meaningful message about child custody which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Kramer’s desire to save his marriage from disaster, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

5. Blue Valentine

Realism is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in marriage movies. I remember my cousin witnessed his parents’ marriage face disaster. After his parents separated, he became critical of movies that depicted broken marriages leaving couples devastated. He often argued that movies intended to entertain could never capture divorce causing pain. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured marriages facing a decline as powerfully as “Blue Valentine”. Released in 2011, Derek Cianfrance’s movie captured a broken marriage facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Blue Valentine” stand out is its strong sense of realism. Cianfrance uses immersive handheld camerawork to capture marriages declining. For instance, the scene in which Cindy has an excruciating argument with Dean after he shows up unannounced at her workplace causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michelle Williams, who embodies a woman trapped in a broken marriage. Ultimately, what makes “Blue Valentine” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about divorce which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling portrait of doomed marriages that face a decline, it’s a riveting reminder of a divine genre that has produced movies which shine.

6. Revolutionary Road

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about broken marriages on a doomed road, it’s worth discussing Revolutionary Road. Since its publication in 1961, Richard Yates’ book has become a literary classic. In 2008, Sam Mendes beautifully adapted the book in his movie “Revolutionary Road”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Revolutionary Road” stand out is its depiction of suburban families in 1950’s. Mendes used breathtaking montages to capture a couple that experiences marriage tragedy. Assisted by Kate Winslet who is fantastic in the lead role, Yates created a powerful portrait of a marriage spiralling out of control. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about marriages that crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences consider to be special.

7. Manchester by the Sea

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His devastating passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured loss causing a sea of grief as powerfully as “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured marriages affected by grief. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” stand out is its emotional power. Lonergan used stunning flashbacks to create a portrait of grief that’s compelling. Assisted by an extraordinary performance from Casey Affleck, Lonergan captured family tragedy. A phenomenal portrait of grief causing marriages of Manchester janitors to fall apart, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured precious art with abilities to mend a broken heart.

8. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a great book about broken marriages that has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire facing broken marriages in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours a commemorated book published years ago. An awe-inspiring adaptation of a book about mysterious millionaires in marriages that are dangerous, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless movies which audiences consider precious.

9. Eyes Wide Shut

Infidelity is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often ignored stories of couples engaging in infidelity that’s misunderstood. In an industry keeping eyes wide shut to stories of infidelity, it’s worth praising “Eyes Wide Shut”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eyes Wide Shut” stand out is depiction of infidelity. Kubrick used captivating montages capturing extramarital affairs causing couples’ broken marriages to begin declining. Assisted by Tom Cruise who is extraordinary in the lead role, Kubrick created a powerful portrait of infidelity causing marriage issues. A fantastic portrait of infidelity causing marriages to experience endings that are tragic, it’s a terrific reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which have always captivated the public.

10. Anora

Few movies ever made about broken marriages have earned media attention of “Anora”. Released in 2024, Sean Baker’s Oscar-winning movie captured prostitutes in doomed marriages. Baker used montages capturing hardships that a prostitute in a broken marriage is facing. Assisted by Mikey Madison who is amazing in the lead role, Baker created a bold portrait of prostitution. Although I adored the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a prostitute treated poorly in a broken marriage has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as dresses worn by Anora, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies about couples in marriages facing a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.