Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as jealousy. Since the 1980’s, stories of jealous lovers have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s doomed lovers, shallow singers or rivalrous co-workers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about jealousy which are worth watching.
1. Titanic
The Titanic is a tragic shipwreck disaster that always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed relationships with a brother that possessed immense knowledge regarding shipwrecks causing damage. Fascinated with shipwrecks, he always sought to be educated about disasters he appreciated. He always believed movies were art that couldn’t honour historic shipwrecks which tore lives apart. In 1997, James Cameron captured the tragic shipwreck that caused jealousy between lovers in his movie “Titanic”. Following its release in 1997, James Cameron’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about jealousy. With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used innovative cinematic techniques to capture grim lovers aboard doomed ships facing despair. Cameron has always had aptitude for making movies about jealous characters in danger, and “Titanic” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose pursue affairs on the ship pretending they are flying causing Cal to become jealous is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of great performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who created a bold romantic bond. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” my favourite film about jealousy of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the history of the Titanic to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about the dangers of jealousy which can destroy romance that would resonate with everyone. 30 years after the release of a classic film about lovers pursuing romance on ships experiencing disasters that are catastrophic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing iconic movies captivating the movie-going public.
2. Parasite
Jealousy is an emotion that impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry. As someone that has witnessed the social class barriers housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured emotions of jealousy affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho effectively uses symbolism to capture the plight of a parasitic family that’s jealous of wealthy people in a country divided by social inequality. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Song Kang-Ho, who embodied a jealous father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be South Korean to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social inequality which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the parasite social class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies that deserve spotlight.
3. Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature always impressed my mother. I remember bonding with a mother that appreciated the author in English literature. She was drawn towards the sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. Jealousy has always been a prominent emotion explored in Austen’s books and it is most evident in “Pride & Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s most celebrated book. Wright has an aptitude for adapting classic literature into compelling movies, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Kiera Knightley, who embodied a commemorated heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a commemorated adaptation is its universal appeal. Unlike most Jane Austen adaptations, it tackles themes everyone relates to. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of envy which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. Centuries after the publication of a classic book about prejudiced women developing commemorated romantic bonds with pride, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a memorable genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.
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. At an early age, I developed a strong passion for writing words on the page. 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 English poet that experienced jealousy. Campion used dramatic monologues to capture a poet growing jealous of his lover under suspicion of an affair. For instance, the scene in which John Keats suspects that his lover Fanny has been having an affair causing a dilemma 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 making movies which audiences appreciate.
5. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful problem that often causes jealousy. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with original ideas as a writer. Whenever I have faced writer’s block, I have often felt jealous of peers that are better off than me. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships isolated screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter struggling to have social interactions. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating being unable to communicate with a publisher causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrayed a jealous screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about screenwriters, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about the writing process which resonates with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies which audiences commonly cherish.
6. The White Tiger
Jealousy is a common emotion that causes housekeepers in India to face trauma. India has built an image of being a country where housekeepers are often treated poorly by masters causing damage. The negative impact of jealousy on Indian housekeepers that face disaster is beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses narration capturing a housekeeper rising from rags to riches in India. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of housekeepers in Indian countries that face stress, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies achieving success.
7. The Talented Mr. Ripley
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about jealousy, it’s worth discussing The Talented Mr. Ripley. Since its publication in 1955, Patricia Highsmith’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, Anthony Minghella honoured the legendary book in his movie “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” stand out is its depiction of con-artists. Minghella uses captivating montages capturing a jealous con-artist deceiving millionaires that are frightening. Assisted by Matt Damon who is amazing in the lead role, Minghella honoured a legendary book about millionaires. A terrific adaptation of a book about con-artists that are talented, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated timeless movies which deserve to be definitely appreciated.
8. Gone Girl
Feelings of jealousy often cause marriages to face tragedy. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing damage. Jealousy caused her marriage to end suddenly. As someone that has seen how jealousy can cause marriages to unfurl, I adored “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, David Fincher’s movie honoured a book about jealousy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Girl” stand out is its depiction of marriage. Fincher used captivating voice-over narration to capture couples in broken marriages that are torn apart by jealous emotion. Assisted by Ben Affleck who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher honoured a book about jealousy. A beautiful adaptation of a book about jealousy women that disappear, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has made great movies about which audiences care.
9. Fair Play
Jealousy is a common emotion that employees face in the workplace. I recall how envy caused my bond with female co-workers to fall apart. As someone haunted by memories of workplace jealousy leading my life astray, I was blown away by “Fair Play”. Released in 2023, Chloe Domont’s movie captured impact of jealousy on workplace employees. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Fair Play” stand out is its depiction of corporate jealousy. Domont uses captivating montages capturing lovers whose relationship is torn apart by jealousy in the workplace. Assisted by Alden Ehrenreich who is amazing in the lead role, Domont created a portrait of corporate jealousy that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of jealousy in the workplace, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making memorable movies audiences commonly embrace.
10. A Star is Born
Few movies ever made about jealous stars being born are as beloved as “A Star is Born”. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s musical captured jealous singers facing adversity. Cooper used captivating musical montages to capture tensions that a pair of jealous stars are facing. Assisted by Lady Gaga who is extraordinary in the lead role, Cooper created a captivating musical drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of jealousy causing singers to commit suicide leading towards tragedy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Jackson Maine’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has manufactured iconic movies about tragic jealousy which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of being a film critic.
The Film Buff 