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. Kramer vs. Kramer
Divorce is a devastating process that caused families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage that caused damage. I recall the sad night when she had heated arguments with her husband that proved to be a shocking sight. In a sad incident, my aunt had a tense argument with husbands that caused resentment. Following the sad separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to easily move on. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured marriage ending in disaster as powerfully as “Kramer v. Kramer”. Ever since its release in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about marriage. With the greatest film of his career, Benton used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a marriage ending in despair. “Kramer v. Kramer” was a significant film in cinematic history becoming one of the first mainstream movies to address divorce. Benton has always had an aptitude for using montages in his movies, and “Kramer v. Kramer” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ted becomes aware that his wife is leaving him causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodies a man stuck in a broken marriage facing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer v. Kramer” my favourite marriage movie 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 groundbreaking film about couples ending marriage causing emotional damage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which engage through delivering a meaningful unforgettable message.
2. 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 the tense separation, he became extremely critical of movies that depicted marriage deterioration. 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 devastating decline, it’s a riveting reminder of a divine genre that has produced memorable movies which consistently shine.
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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be South Korean to appreciate the movie. 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 tremendous celebration.
4. Marriage Story
Child custody affects couples which end marriages in tragedy. Years ago, my cousin witnessed his parents separate in a divorce causing sorrow. Following the separation, my cousin was forced to make the difficult decision to choose which parent he wanted to live with. His decision to live with his mother forever destroyed his relationship with his father. As someone that has witnessed child custody, I adored “Marriage Story”. Released in 2019, Noah Baumbach’s movie captured impact of divorce on children. Baumbach has an aptitude for capturing marriages in his movies, and “Marriage Story” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Baumbach staged authentic scenes of couples arguing that are scarily true to reality. For instance, the scene in which Charlie and Nicole have an argument in their apartment causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the marriage genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Adam Driver, who embodies a man stuck in a broken marriage. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about child custody which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent portrait of couples whose marriages experience tragedy, it’s a magnificent reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies audiences love commonly dearly.
5. 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 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 big place in his heart. As someone treasuring a companion that regarded 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 camerawork 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 embodies an Iranian man facing marriage tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “A Separation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Iran targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about parenting resonating with everyone. An incredible portrait of Iranian couples whose marriages deteriorate, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.
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. Gone Girl
Women are rarely given chances to shine in movies about marriages that decline. The genre has often treated women as victims of doomed marriages facing a dilemma.. In a genre treating women as victims of marriages which unfurl, it’s worth praising “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, David Fincher’s movie offered a fantastic feminist adaptation of a book about marriage. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Girl” stand out is its strong feminist point-of-view. Fincher uses engaging voice-over narration to capture marriages facing destruction. Assisted by Rosamund Pike who is superb in the lead role, Fincher created a marvellous movie about broken marriages. A beautiful adaptation of a book about women that disappear, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about which audiences tremendously care.
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Memory loss is a painful process that causes stress. Recently, I witnessed my grandmother losing memory impacting her ability to function. I recall with nostalgia a grandma that suffered from Dementia. She forgot things, people and places which were important. As someone witnessing impact of memory loss on my grandmother’s mind, I loved “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. Released in 2004, Michel Gondry’s movie depicted impact of memory loss. Jonze used stunning montages capturing impact of losing memory on marriages. Assisted by Kate Winslet who is amazing in the lead role, Jonze created a magnificent movie about memory loss. A bold depiction of memory loss impacting the mind, it’s a strong reminder about a one-of-a-kind genre that has made timeless movies in which interest has rarely significantly declined.
10. American Beauty
Few movies ever made about marriages are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a beautiful classic about broken marriage. Mendes used stunning symbolism to capture marriage of an American family. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is amazing, Mendes created a marriage drama that’s compelling. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. Sexual assault allegations surrounding Kevin Spacey have tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a beautiful addition to the marriage genre. As powerful as the beauty sought by Lester Burnham, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has achieved stardom making unforgettable movies offering valuable wisdom on marriage which I will forever treasure for motivating me to achieve dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 