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There’s nothing better than an inspirational romance movie, and there’s nothing more heartbreaking than a dramatic film about a love that never quite made it. We love stories about all kinds of love, but especially the unrequited kind. What are the best movies about unrequited love? Vote up the best unrequited love movies below and see where your favorites rank! And if your heart still yearns, check out the best TV shows about unrequited love.
The movies featured on this list feature a theme of heartbreaking, gut wrenching unrequited love. Most of these films would fall under a romance category; however, there are a few other genres included on this list as well, such as tragic or terminal romances. Maybe we love stories about unrequited love because it makes us feel better about our current love life situations; no matter what your interest in this category is there is sure to be a flick here you’ll love!
This list features the best movies about unrequited love including, The Notebook, Romeo and Juliet, Like Crazy, Casablanca, West Side Story, Brokeback Mountain, The English Patient, and The Last of the Mohicans. Vote up the best films about unrequited love below or add one you love that isn't already on the list.
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This quirky romantic comedy-drama features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tom Hansen, an aspiring architect turned greeting card writer who falls for his co-worker Summer Finn (played by Zooey Deschanel). Narrated through a non-linear timeline, we witness their relationship unfold and ultimately crumble as Tom accepts the reality that Summer does not share his feelings. The film poignantly captures the complexities of modern relationships and unrequited love.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Marc Webb
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Another John Hughes classic, this 80s teen drama follows Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald), a working-class girl who falls for wealthy Blane McDonough (Andrew McCarthy). Simultaneously, Duckie Dale (Jon Cryer), Andie's quirky best friend, harbors secret feelings for her but struggles with expressing his emotions. The film poignantly explores themes of social status and unrequited love through these complex relationships.
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Howard Deutch
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In Tim Burton's dark fairy tale, Johnny Depp stars as Edward Scissorhands, a gentle yet misunderstood being with scissors for hands who falls in love with Kim Boggs (Winona Ryder). Despite their deep connection, society's prejudice against Edward forces them apart – highlighting the bittersweet nature of unrequited love amidst societal judgment.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Tim Burton
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This iconic film stars Tom Hanks as the lovable, simple-minded Forrest Gump who falls in love with his childhood friend Jenny (played by Robin Wright). Throughout the movie, their lives intersect at various points, but Jenny's personal struggles and emotional turmoil prevent her from reciprocating Forrest's unwavering devotion. The theme of unrequited love is a central aspect of this classic tale that explores the power of friendship, perseverance, and the human spirit.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
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Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, this lavish film adaptation directed by Baz Luhrmann stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws extravagant parties in hopes of winning back his lost love Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan). Despite his efforts to convince her to leave her husband, Tom (Joel Edgerton), Gatsby's dream ultimately remains unfulfilled – illustrating the futility of chasing an idealized past.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
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This romantic comedy stars Julia Roberts as Julianne Potter, a woman who realizes she is in love with her best friend Michael O'Neal (Dermot Mulroney) just days before his wedding to another woman. Desperate to win him back, Julianne devises schemes to sabotage the wedding – leading to hilarious antics and an exploration of what it means to truly love someone.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: P.J. Hogan
