Not many genres have made movies audiences love like doomed love. Since the 1980’s, stories of breakups have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s shipwreck disasters, L.A. lovers or teenagers, the genre has created several compelling characters. Given the massive number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about breakups that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Kramer vs. Kramer
Divorce is a devastating process that causes families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt facing broken marriage causing emotional damage. I recall the night when she experienced arguments with her husband which proved a shocking sight. In a sad incident, my aunt endured arguments with husbands causing resentment. Following her separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured breakups causing couples to face disaster as powerfully as “Kramer vs. Kramer”. Ever since its release in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about breakups. With the most meaningful film of his career, Benton used innovative cinematic techniques to capture broken marriages facing despair. “Kramer vs. Kramer” is a significant film because it was one of the first ever mainstream movies to capture divorce in cinematic history. Benton has always had an aptitude for making great movies about breakups causing couples to face disaster, and “Kramer vs. Kramer” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ted becomes aware that his wife is leaving him causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied an anxiety-ridden father facing divorce. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” my favourite film about breakups of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about couples that end their marriage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing movies which engage through a message.
2. Marriage Story
Couples that end marriage cause children to face damage. Years ago, my cousin saw his parents separate in a divorce causing sorrow. Following the separation, he was forced to make a difficult decision. He was forced to decide which parent he wanted to live with for the rest of life. His decision to live with his mother destroyed his relationship with his father. As someone that has witnessed the impact of divorce on children causing tragedy, I appreciated “Marriage Story”. Released in 2019, Noah Baumbach’s movie captured impact of divorce on children. Baumbach used captivating sequences of divorced couples arguing that are true to reality. For instance, the scene in which Charlie and Nicole have a tense 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 in a broken marriage facing disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the negative impact of breakups on children which would resonate with everyone. A devastating depiction of the divorce process causing families to experience stress, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about marriages that achieve success.
3. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. I remember forming friendships with a girl in school that sought to become a famous actress. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was a girl I would always admire. However, he intense focus pursuing an acting career caused our relationship to face despair. Few films I’ve seen have captured sacrifices of achieving dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Released in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s musical masterpiece captured lovers pursuing careers in L.A. Chazelle used captivating musical montages to capture a musician with love for performing jazz music. For instance, the scene in which Sebastian has a tense argument with Mia about his career as a jazz musician leading to a breakup causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Emma Stone, who embodied an actress facing a dilemma. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about sacrifices involved in achieving dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers in L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about doomed lovers experiencing breakups causing a price to pay which are worth celebrating today.
4. Bright Star
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet in English history. Campion successfully used montages capturing a legendary poet experiencing a breakup that’s devastating. For instance, the scene in which John Keats informs Fanny that they can’t meet anymore after he is diagnosed with terminal illness causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a poet facing a tense breakup. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of poetry to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a poet readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about sad breakups which audiences appreciate.
5. 500 Days of Summer
It’s challenging to recover from a breakup. Recently, I witnessed my brother struggle to move on after being rejected by his lover. No matter hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from a romance leaving him dissatisfied. Being separated from a girl he appreciated left my brother devastated. As someone treasuring memories of a brother that faced breakups causing disaster, I adored “500 Days of Summer”. Released in 2009, Marc Webb’s movie offered a realistic portrait of a breakup. Webb used captivating montages capturing a couple going through a breakup that’s devastating. For instance, the scene in which Tom becomes aware that Summer is leaving him causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who portrayed a young man going through a tense breakup. Ultimately, what makes “500 Days of Summer” a masterpiece is its realism. Unlike most movies in the genre, it offers an incredibly realistic portrayal of a breakup. It offers a realistic portrait of breakups true to reality that’s rare to see in the genre. As strong as Tom’s love for Summer, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies which audiences treasure.
6. A Separation
Breakups causing couples to face tension are common in Iran. Iran has built an image of being a nation where couples ending their marriage often face damage. The intense emotions caused by a separation are beautifully depicted in the film “A Separation”. Released in 2011, Asghar Farhadi’s movie captured breakups affecting couples in Iran. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “A Separation” stand out is its depiction of Iran. Farhadi uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a couple ending their marriage in Iran is facing. Assisted by Payman Maadi who is extraordinary in the lead role, Farhadi captured breakups in Iranian cities. A powerful portrayal of couples facing a separation in Iran that’s painful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies audiences consider to be special.
7. Jerry Maguire
Singer mothers often face tension raising children. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt face a divorce causing sorrow. She struggled to her children without the support of her husband. As someone that has seen dire obstacles single mothers acquire, I appreciated “Jerry Maguire”. Released in 1996, Cameron Crowe’s movie captured mothers facing tension. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Jerry Maguire” stand out is its depiction of single mothers. Crowe uses captivating montages capturing hardships a single mother without a stable job is facing. Assisted by Renee Zellweger who is amazing in the lead role, Crowe created a captivating single mother drama. As powerful as Jerry Maguire, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about mothers that audiences admire.
8. The Great Gatsby
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about breakups causing tragedy, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Since its publication in the 1920’s, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a literary classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the book about couples facing tragedy 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 depressed millionaire seeking happiness in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a great genre making bold movies which audiences consider precious.
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Memory loss is a condition that causes breakups. Several years ago, my grandmother suffered memory loss causing sorrow. She got into the habit of forgetting things, places and events in her life which were important. As someone witnessing a grandmother losing memory in her spotless mind, I adored “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. Released in 2004, Spike Jonze’s movie depicted depressed lovers with memory loss. Jonze uses captivating montages capturing a pair of depressed lovers with severe memory loss. Assisted by Kate Winslet who is amazing in the lead role, Jonze created a portrait of depression that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of memory loss in the mind causing romance to be declined, it’s a strong reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which have left a lasting legacy behind.
10. Anora
Few movies ever made about couples facing breakups causing a dilemma are as beloved as “Anora”. Released in 2024, Sean Baker’s Oscar-winning movie depicted a prostitute having breakups causing tragedy. Baker used montages capturing hardships that a prostitute in breakups is facing. Assisted by Mikey Madison who is amazing in the lead role, Baker created a bold breakup romance. Although I adored the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a prostitute treated poorly by her lover’s family 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 genre that has produced memorable movies about breakups causing couples to experience trauma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 