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 face broken marriages that caused emotional damage. I recall the night when she had arguments with her husband which proved to be a shocking sight. In sad incidents, my aunt endured arguments with husbands causing resentments. Following her separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to easily move on. Few films I’ve seen have captured dark breakups causing couples to face disaster as powerfully as “Kramer vs. Kramer”. Following 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 a broken marriage 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 a bold father facing divorce. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” my favourite film about breakups of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about broken marriage which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about couples that end their marriage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies which engage through a meaningful message.
2. 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 the country of 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 precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that saw 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 camera 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 embodied an Iranian man facing marriage tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “A Separation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Iran targeted to citizens of the nation, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A sad portrait of Iranian couples whose marriages deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making commemorated movies which audiences appreciate.
3. 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 tremendous success.
4. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would admire. However, immigration became a big barrier bringing our bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated, I was forced to end relationships with a girl I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured sacrifices of achieving stardom dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Released in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s musical captured actors seeking stardom in Los Angeles. Chazelle used musical numbers to capture lovers whose romance is threatened by stardom in their respective careers. For instance, the scene in which Mia sings about her dreams to become an actress in an audition is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of phenomenal performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who portray a pair of artists in L.A. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a musical masterpiece is its message. It delivers a profound message about the sacrifices involved in achieving stardom which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies which are worth celebrating today.
5. 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 his parents separated, he became critical of movies that depicted broken marriages leaving couples devastated. 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 decline, it’s a riveting reminder of a divine genre that has produced movies which tremendously shine.
6. Anora
Prostitution is a profession in which breakup stories are common. Stories of prostitutes that rise from poverty to achieve prosperity are common in America. The struggles faced by prostitutes seeking to escape dilemma of breakups to become wealthy are beautifully depicted in the movie “Anora”. Released in 2025, Sean Baker’s Oscar-winning movie captured prostitution. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Anora” stand out is its depiction of prostitutes. Baker uses captivating montages capturing hardships a prostitute seeking breakups is facing. Assisted by Mikey Madison who is amazing in the lead role, Baker created a strong portrait of prostitution. As strong as Anora’s love for prostitution, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies which deserve utmost appreciation.
7. Brokeback Mountain
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Hollywood has often shied away from telling stories of queer lovers that are misunderstood. In an industry ignoring stories of queer lovers without compassion, it’s worth praising “Brokeback Mountain”. Released in 2005, Ang Lee’s movie captured breakups between queer lovers facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Brokeback Mountain” stand out is its depiction of queer love. Lee uses captivating montages capturing the frightening breakups between a pair of queer lovers that are fighting. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is extraordinary in the lead role, Lee created a captivating LGBTQ drama. A powerful portrait of the heavy burden that queer lovers bear, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about which audiences care.
8. 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 undeniably behind.
9. 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. 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 childhood lovers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Past Lives” stand out is its depiction of childhood love. Song uses captivating flashbacks capturing a pair of Korean lovers torn apart by immigration that’s frustrating. Assisted by Greta Lee who is amazing in the lead role, Song created a captivating Korean romance. As strong as Nora’s love for Korea, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies attracting audiences towards Cinema.
10. 500 Days of Summer
Few movies ever made about romantic relationships facing disaster are as beloved as “500 Days of Summer”. Released in 2009, Marc Webb’s movie captured a doomed love affair facing tragedy. Webb used montages capturing hardships a smitten man in doomed affairs is facing. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is superb in the lead role, Webb created a captivating modern-day romance. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of breakups causing men to face emotional adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Tom’s desire to be romantic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing iconic movies about tragic consequences of breakups which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 