The Best Films Made About Jealousy Ranked

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. The Godfather: Part Two

Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed relationships with a grandfather that acknowledged dark gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with the grim stories of dark gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me a great appreciation for figures I have grown to value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured hardships that immigrant gangster families go through as powerfully as “The Godfather: Part II”. Ever since its release in 1974, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about jealousy. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a book about gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about brothers facing danger, and “The Godfather: Part Two” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone negotiates with his brothers seeking to prepare for his first murder causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Al Pacino, who transformed into a bold don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather: Part Two” my favourite film about jealousy of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most mob movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a great message about the bold bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a film about gangsters given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has made movies about jealousy earning reviews.

2. Titanic

The Titanic is a tragic event in history that shaped my brother’s identity. Ever since its sad sinking in 1912, the Titanic is a grim disaster that has interested my brother. At an early age, I bonded with a brother that had great knowledge about a grim shipwreck causing damage. In 1997, James Cameron honoured the tragic shipwreck in his iconic film “Titanic”. With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used innovative cinematic techniques to recreate a historical disaster causing despair. Cameron has always had an aptitude for staging spectacle in his movies, and “Titanic” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Cameron used stunning production-design to recreate the tragic shipwreck. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose face tension being torn apart from each other as the ship begins sinking is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. The film is anchored by a pair of amazing performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, capturing doomed lovers facing despair. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” a historical masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the Titanic to appreciate it. The film delivers a universal message about disasters which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years following the tragic sinking of the Titanic, its a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre which has made unforgettable movies that have created a legacy that’s undeniably tremendously iconic.

3. A Star is Born

Alcohol addiction is a painful process that puts people under stress. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a classmate in school that suffered from severe alcohol addiction that caused sorrow. Our friendship ended when I decided that I could no longer bear witnessing him getting totally wasted. As someone haunted by sad memories of alcohol addiction causing friendships to be torn, I loved “A Star is Born”. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s film captured the big impact of jealousy on singers. With the greatest film of his career, Cooper used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an alcoholic musician facing despair.  For instance, the scene in which Jackson Maine invites Ally on stage to perform “Shallow” for the first time attracting attention of media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Lady Gaga, who embodied an actress seeking stardom with charisma. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about alcohol addiction which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of alcohol addiction causing shallow lovers to face sorrow, it’s a great reminder of a breathtaking genre making movies giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.

4. The Social Network

Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise greedy founders of a company that changed his outlook. He would often yearn to see the social media company depicted in Cinema. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the greedy entrepreneurs that formed the social network in his movie “The Social Network”. Fincher used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the greedy entrepreneurs that formed a company which revolutionized social networking. For instance, the scene in which the greedy Mark is accused by the twins of stealing their idea for Facebook causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the extremely greedy founder of a social network company. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute to a commemorated company that changed social media, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre attracting audiences towards modern-day Cinema.

5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Memory loss is a painful process causing jealousy. Recently, I witnessed my aging grandmother losing her memory. She would forget about certain people, places and events in her life which were important. As she lost memory that was precious, my grandmother became jealousy of people that were better off than she was. As someone that witnessed a grandmother losing memories in her spotless mind, I adored “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. Released in 2004, Michel Gondry’s movie captured memory loss causing lovers to face jealousy. Gondry uses captivating montages capturing a pair of lovers forgetting about one another. For instance, the scene in which Clementine can’t remember Joel in a bookstore following memory erasure causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Kate Winslet, who portrayed a woman with severe memory loss facing a dilemma. Ultimately, what makes “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about memory loss which would resonate with everyone. 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 produced unforgettable movies which have left a lasting legacy commonly behind.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Birdman

Jealousy often affects the lives of Broadway performers today. Stage performers under intense pressure often are at risk of facing insanity causing damage. The negative impact of jealousy on Broadway performers without a plan is beautifully depicted in the movie “Birdman”. Released in 2014, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s movie captured the lives of psychotic Broadway performers driven to insanity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Birdman” stand out is its depiction of theatre actors. Inarritu uses captivating unreliable narration capturing the hardships that a downtrodden Broadway actor is facing. A powerful portrait of insanity affecting Broadway performers today, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured thought-provoking movies which deserve to be appreciated absolutely today.

10. American Psycho

Few movies ever made about jealous businessmen facing sorrow are as beloved as “American Psycho”. Released in 2000, Mary Harron’s movie captured businessmen with jealousy. Harron uses montages capturing a businessman that feels envious of his co-workers. Assisted by Christian Bale who is exceptional in the lead role, Harron created a portrait of jealousy with detail. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of jealousy causing a businessman to commit violence has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As memorable as murders committed by Patrick Bateman, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about the emotion of jealousy causing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.