Romance movies are on the rise again, and the recent release of 365 Days: This Day is just one reason for the surge in onscreen love stories. However, the tragic twist within the movie left some fans emotionally drained whilst others sought other romance flicks with those tear-jerking twists that are guaranteed to have them saying 'aww' one minute and being moved to tears the next.
These heartbreaking plot twists have been a welcomed addition to the romance genre as it has proven health benefits that provide fans with the insight or emotion they may be seeking.
The Bridges Of Madison County (1995)
Stream On HBO Max
The Bridges Of Madison County is a lesser-known romance that tells the story of two mature lovers who engage in an affair that allowed viewers to look past their own morals due to the love between the couple being so poetic. The movie strayed away from conventions and created a wholesome love story of adventure, intelligence and two strangers whose compatible would have resulted in a happy ever after had they met sooner in life.
The love story between sca and Robert was dream-like in the hidden glances of romance exchanged between the two in addition to their long yet entrancing conversation. Fans were left emotionally devasted when the happy ending they didn't expect to want, turned out to be something they very much needed. However, the movie's realistic portrayal of true romance and sacrifice explored how family life can sometimes mean more than a heart-warming affair with the love of one's life.
La La Land (2016)
Stream On Hulu
2016's La La Land reignited viewers' love for Hollywood glitz and glamour through show tunes, beautiful cinematography, and a charming onscreen romance between two struggling artists. The movie explores the common dilemma over one's career and falling in love, especially within Hollywood.
Whether it's Mia and Sebastian's growing relationship or the progression in their careers, fans were entranced by the pair and expected a happy ending due to the movie's focus on old-fashioned Hollywood. However, when the couple parted ways, fans felt let down, resulting in La La Land being one of the best movies about heartbreak. The movie broke fans' hearts by exploring how many people's dreams outweigh their growing love for someone who may occupy a temporary role in their life.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Stream On Peacock
Brokeback Mountain continues to be a staple within the world of cinema due to its exploration into LGBTQ+ relationships that was subject to some controversy, but the movie is now a highly talked about romance flick that paved the way for more positive representations of queer romance.
The love story between Jack and Ennis, whilst endearing, fell short in its positive representation of queer love, with the movie's twist eventually costing them everything they had developed through intimate conversations. Brokeback Mountain devastated fans, especially those who wanted a gay romance that strayed from the tragedy that has haunted the LGBTQ+ community for decades, prompting many fans to reach for the tissues.
All The Bright Places (2020)
Stream On Netflix
There may still be things that only book fans know about All The Bright Places, but the film adaptation proved to be quite the success with many young adults and older viewers. The movie creates a great young romance between Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, who appear to be complete opposites but soon bring out the best in one another.
The movie won viewers' hearts through its ability to showcase young love even after tragedy strikes whilst containing many powerful messages about mental health. All The Bright Places' tragic twists played on many fans' minds but ultimately proved to be a vital movie about mental health and the art of masking what one might be feeling through humor, laughter, and helping others to heal.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Stream On TNT, TBS, & TruTV
2018's A Star Is Born is one movie that continues to be re-made due to its iconic story retaining a large fanbase, but Bradley Cooper's directorial debut stunned fans due to the onscreen chemistry between Lady Gaga and him which resulted in fans investing in their romance.
Although this romantic musical saw the birth of a star, it also highlighted important issues relating to alcoholism and addiction. The movie's twist ending saw fans devastated alongside Ally, who had tried to Jack throughout the story. But the final scene reminded viewers that addiction is an illness and not something someone chooses to have, and it stresses that love cannot heal everything despite a loved one's best interests.
500 Days Of Summer (2009)
Stream On Amazon Prime, Paramount+, & Epix
There are many important lessons about love that (500) Days Of Summer can teach fans even today, but not all of them are heartwarming. The movie proved to be a hit for its unconventional addition to the romance genre that many fans felt captured the reality of being in a relationship alongside the heartbreak that potentially follows it.
(500)Days Of Summer explored how each individual within a relationship can have varied opinions as to how that relationship is going, the movie looked into codependency and unhealthy traits whilst also showcasing the magic feeling love can emanate. Although the movie's tragic twist didn't result in death, it still left many fans reaching for the tissues with its realistic ending that highlights the heartbreak of losing 'the one.'
One Day (2011)
Stream On Starz
One Day is a great book-to-film adaptation of the popular David Nicholls book and tells the story of a platonic friendship between two unlikely characters as it follows them through their lives. The movie is quintessentially British and is a great romance as well as an incredible portrayal of the realities of life and the milestones one may hit as one progresses through it.
The movie's romantic charm saw viewers fall in love with both Dexter and Emma, encouraging fans to empathize as their friendship went through highs and lows. Fans expecting a happy ending were devastated when the tragic twist saw Emma killed, resulting in fans feeling Dexter's heartache, reminding them they should tell their loved ones they love them.
Me (2010)
Stream On HBO Max
Me is an underrated romance that sees two somewhat broken souls trying to overcome tragedy whilst simultaneously falling in love in an act of revenge against Ally's father. The movie sees their relationship progress and the pair beginning to heal their trauma by talking about it.
Me left many fans emotionally scarred as it highlighted how Tyler had changed each character's life before his death and continued to move forwards in the wake of it. His death explored different types of love and how the love he gave people in his life had resulted in them healing themselves and eventually becoming better people, making it a thought-provoking yet tear-jerking watch.
Ghost (1990)
Stream On Showtime
Jeremy Zucker is known for his partnership with his brother and Jim Abrahams' alongside the trio's famous slapstick comedies, but Ghost is nothing like the other work of the popular director and instead provides romance lovers with a heartbreaking romance story.
The movie's title confused fans from the offset due to it being labeled as a romance, but all became clear when Ghost's opening scene revealed the most heart-wrenching start in the history of romance movies. Fans were devastated when Sam died, but Zucker sought to keep his spirit well and truly alive, with Sam protecting Molly throughout, providing fans with several iconic scenes that are guaranteed to leave fans in tears even today.
Titanic (1997)
Stream On Netflix & Paramount+
Titanic is easily the most famous tragic romance movie to date, continuing to stir up conversation even today, with the movie's twist becoming a common topic of debate for many fans. The plot had viewers hook, line and sinker as it roped fans into a growing love story that challenged class and wealth in a bid to prove just how far love runs.
However, many fans felt cheated out of a happy ending, with several viewers arguing there was enough space for two on the makeshift raft. Whilst there is some truth in that debate, viewers are reminded that Titanic is based on a true event and that there could in fact have been a tragic love story like that of Rose and Jack.
