With Netflix's Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between, available to stream on July 6, 2022, audiences are reminded that something as popular as rom-coms with happy endings is movies with bittersweet romances.
From 500 Days of Summer, there are countless films that showcase the what-ifs of relationships without letting them ever be fully explored. Thankfully, Redditors have taken it upon themselves to remind movie fans that sometimes having a couple not end up together is the best thing a movie can do.
Before We Go (2014)
Serving as Chris Evans' directorial debut, Before We Go tells the story of two strangers meeting one night in New York City. As the movie progresses they help one another navigate through their messy relationships. Although they share many intimate moments and do kiss, the film leaves their future ambiguous at the end.
Redditor dctodka lists it as one of their favorite movies where the couple doesn't get together: "it really hit me hard. The movie is very simple. Just a guy and a girl meet in New York and spend the night together helping each other... Beautiful."
Cast Away (2000)
Besides being one of the Cast Away is ed primarily for Tom Hanks' impressive acting and the unforgettable performance of Wilson the volleyball. But viewers often forget that Chuck has a life before getting stuck on the island, and when he returns to civilization, his wife Kelly has remarried.
As Reddit ScarletCaptain reminds viewers "Tom Hanks does not end up with his wife at the end of Cast Away," making it a great example of a film where the couple doesn't end up together.
Pacific Rim (2013)
When most movie watchers think of romantic films, they don't typically think of Pacific Rim. Guillermo del Toro's profitable and well-received sci-fi venture was fuelled more by action sequences and CGI than romance - however, there was still some tension between Raleigh and Mako that never amounted to anything.
Reddit SuperAlloyBerserker ired this aspect of the film, stating that "Mako and Raleigh from Pacific Rim not kissing at the end when they defeat the Kaijus" is one of the best examples of a potential couple ending the movie as "just platonic friends instead of lovers."
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
best quotes from apocalyptic movies. However, unlike most world-devastation survivor narratives, this film did not end with Max and Furiosa falling for one another.
Redditor nowhereman136 acknowledged that there's "a sense of respect and on-screen chemistry between them but it somehow never feels romantic. It's natural and believable, but adding a romantic element would have somehow cheapened their relationship."
The Remains of the Day (1993)
Adapted from the British novel of the same name, The Remains of the Day tells the tale of a devoted butler and his complicated relationships with the man he serves and a housekeeper he is clearly in love with. Although Stevens and Ms. Kenton are clearly in love with one another, they never take the opportunity to act on their feelings.
This tragic romance is why Reddit Hammerheadhunter states "Remains of the Day I feel is the ultimate answer" when it comes to great films where the couple doesn't come together, with Redditor bluebadge concurring that the film "takes the cake as far as unresolved romance."
Jackie Brown (1997)
Amongst Quentin Tarantino's hidden gems is things about Jackie Brown still hold up today, and viewers did enjoy the tension between Cherry and Jackie which remains unresolved by the finish.
Reddit ctruemane appreciates that the film ended this way, explaining that "the whole movie is just lit by the respect crush between the two main characters, who reasonably have more important things to worry about than smooching."
Once (2007)
When it comes to films where the two protagonists do not end up lovers, Once delivers that concept to a tee. Two nameless strangers - literally Guy and Girl - meet, go on whirlwind adventures together, sort out their other romantic relationships, and part ways simply as two people who have changed one another.
The wholesome plotline and untraditional endings are why fans enjoy the film so much. Reddit BookishChica stated that Once is "a great example. You think it’s headed in that direction but it’s not about that ultimately. Love it."
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Part of the MCU's charm is the characters' palpable chemistry with one another and the many great ships within it. A prime example of this is the dynamic between Natasha and Steve in best ships in the Captain America trilogy. Luckily for the plot though, and as pointed out by Reddit AgentUpright, "Cap doesn’t end up with Natasha or Bucky."
This was ultimately the right choice for the film. Reddit Justaguywholikeswine "was really happy he and Natasha didn't end up together. They're both pretty, so I'm sure there was pressure to make it happen, but I don't think they were good for each other that way. I liked their chemistry as friends."
A Few Good Men (1992)
Mixing marines with court procedures, A Few Good Men did a lot of things right. Apart from an impressive cast and gripping story, the film also capitalized on not forcing a romance between two leads. Although some would have loved to see Tom and Demi together romantically in the film, it's best that they do not go down that route.
Redditor dinopileup recalls how "apparently the studio wanted Demi Moore and Tom Cruise to [get] together at some point during the movie but Reiner refused. The movie is much better for it," and a plethora of Redditors concur.
Casablanca (1943)
In traditional old-school fashion, the classic Casablanca focuses on a couple who are very in love but have to forfeit their romance to do the right thing. Although much of the film revolves around Rick and Ilsa gathering to courage to be together, it ends with them parting.
A Redditor noted that "that's why it's so important. Any other movie at the time would have the lovers jump hurdles to be together. But Rick, after the perfect plan to escape with Ilsa, realizes the correct thing to do is let her go."
