Not many genres have made movies audiences love like forbidden love. Since the 1980’s, stories of doomed romance have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s shipwreck disasters, L.A. lovers or teenagers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about doomed romance that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Titanic
The Titanic is a tragic shipwreck disaster that fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed relationships with a brother that possessed immense knowledge about grim historic shipwrecks causing damage. Fascinated with tragic shipwrecks, he always sought to be educated about dark disasters he appreciated. He always believed movies were an art form that couldn’t honour shipwrecks which tore lives apart. In 1997, James Cameron did an extraordinary job depicting the tragic shipwreck in his classic film “Titanic”. Ever since its release in 1997, James Cameron’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about forbidden love. With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used innovative special effects to capture doomed lovers on dark ships facing despair. Cameron has always had an aptitude for making captivating movies about forbidden love causing danger, and “Titanic” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose pursue an affair on the ship by pretending they are flying before the tragic sinking causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of great roles from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who created a bold romantic bond. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” my favourite film about forbidden love of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most disaster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone can relate to. The film delivers a bold message about doomed romance which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the Titanic shipwreck to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years after the release of a classic film about lovers pursuing romantic relationships on ships experiencing disasters that are tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has made great movies captivating the public.
2. Past Lives
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school seeking marriage. However, immigration brought our bonds to a closure. When my family moved to Canada, I was faced with a dilemma of saying goodbye to a girl that shaped my persona. As someone treasuring memories of childhood crushes I left behind in past lives, I adored “Past Lives”. Released in 2023, Celine Song’s magnificent Korean masterpiece captured barriers tearing apart childhood lovers. With her directorial debut, Song captured the hardships that childhood lovers go through. Song beautifully uses non-linear storytelling to capture the romantic relationship between a pair of childhood lovers reuniting over several years. For instance, the scene in which Nora has an emotional reunion with Hae-Sung following several years of separation remains one of the greatest moments of the romance genre. Ultimately, what makes “Past Lives” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood lovers which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of barriers causing romance between childhood lovers to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences commonly appreciate.
3. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. I remember forming a friendship with a girl in school that sought to become a famous actress. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was a girl that I would always admire. However, he intense focus on an acting career caused our relationship to end in despair. As someone treasuring memories of a girl that sought success in a land of opportunity, I adored “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 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 made great movies which are definitely worth celebrating today.
4. Bright Star
Poetry is an art form that my grandfather always loved dearly. I remember my grandfather that sought to become a famous Pakistani author. At an early age, I formed a bond with a grandfather that had a talent for writing words on the page. He would always love to publish timeless stories that Pakistani audiences would cherish. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that sought to become a bright writing star, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the doomed love affair of a poet in Victorian England. Campion successfully used montages capturing the forbidden love affair of a legendary poet. For instance, the scene in which John Keats first meets Fanny beginning their lifelong romantic affair in a bygone era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a poet inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a poet that readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about forbidden romance audiences commonly appreciate.
5. Brokeback Mountain
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. At an early age, I formed bonds with a gay cousin that was afraid to come out of the closet. Fond of women’s attire, he was a person my entire family would admire. Unaware that he was queer, I bonded with a cousin about whom I came to care. As someone treasuring memories of a gay cousin, I appreciated “Brokeback Mountain”. Released in 2005, Ang Lee’s movie offered a powerful portrait of forbidden queer love facing adversity. Lee used captivating montages capturing the forbidden love affair between a pair of men that are queer. For instance, the scene in which Jack has a tense argument with Ennis wondering why he can’t quit their relationship causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Heath Ledger, who embodied a queer cowboy seeking romance causing disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Brokeback Mountain” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most LGBTQ movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about the dangers of extramarital affairs which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a doomed queer love affair, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies about forbidden love about which audiences care.
6. 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. As someone treasuring a brother that faced a tense breakup, I adored “500 Days of Summer”. Released in 2009, Marc Webb’s movie depicted doomed romantic relationships. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “500 Days of Summer” stand out is its depiction of breakups. Webb uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing hardships men in breakups are facing. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is amazing in the lead role, Webb created a breakup movie that’s compelling. As strong as Tom’s love for Summer, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
7. Atonement
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about forbidden love causing resentment, it’s worth discussing Atonement. Since its publication in 2001, Ian McEwan’s book has become a beloved literature classic. Forbidden love has always played a pivotal role in a book that is regarded highly. In 2007, Joe Wright honoured the book about an atonement in his movie “Atonement”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Atonement” stand out is its depiction of sisters. Wright uses captivating montages capturing hardships that sisters torn apart by a lie are facing. Assisted by Keira Knightley who is exceptional in the lead role, Wright honoured a book that’s legendary. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about lovers experiencing a frightening atonement, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre that has manufactured entertainment.
8. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a legendary book about doomed love 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 overcoming poverty 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 commemorated genre that has manufactured breathtaking movies about consequences of forbidden love causing disasters audiences consider precious.
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9. Moulin Rouge!
The Moulin Rouge is a famous French nightclub that impressed my father. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a father that appreciated old nightclubs in Paris. Fond of Paris, he would always praise a famous French nightclub that he considered precious. In 2001, Baz Luhrmann honoured the iconic nightclub in his movie “Moulin Rouge!”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moulin Rouge!” stand out is its depiction of doomed love. Luhrmann stages marvellous musical numbers capturing hardships poets in doomed love affairs are facing. Assisted by Ewan McGregor who is extraordinary in the lead role, Luhrmann created a captivating musical about authors. As strong as Christian’s love for Satine, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies about forbidden love which demand to be seen on the undeniable big-screen.
10. The Notebook
Few movies ever made about forbidden love recorded in a notebook are as beloved as “The Notebook”. Released in 2004, Nick Cassavetes’ movie honoured a beloved book about doomed love. Cassavetes used montages capturing hardships that lovers torn apart by social class are facing. Assisted by Ryan Gosling who is amazing in the lead role, Cassavetes honoured a book that’s inspiring. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of forbidden romance causing catastrophe has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as Allie’s notebook, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has took audiences’ breath away making great movies about forbidden love leaving couples shook that I will forever treasure for inciting my passion for movie reviews changing my outlook.
The Film Buff 