Top 10 Movies Where Love Doesn't Conquer All
In conventional romance movies, they tell us that love conquers all. While the idea seems romantic and blissful, sometimes love just isn't enough. While these couples may still love each other, the leads make the decision that they can't be together, either because of another person they're involved with, society, class struggle, or just growing apart. We've excluded animated features and, needless to say, a spoiler alert is in order. Movies like La La Land. Brokeback Mountain, Lost in Translation, The Way We Were, Her, Cast Away, Once, Edward Scissorhands, Roman Holiday and Once have been featured on our list.
#10: “Edward Scissorhands” (1990)
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Edward Scissorhands is not only one of the strangest characters from the mind of Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson, but also one of the most tragic. Literally possessing scissors for hands, Edward may be a gentle soul, but he can’t get close to anybody without causing them harm. Unexpectedly falling in love with Edward, Kim wants nothing more than for him to hold her in his arms. Of course, Edward makes it painfully clear that he can’t. When society turns on poor Edward, he must part ways from Kim in one of the most devastating goodbyes ever put on film. The two never see each other again, but Kim will always think of Edward whenever snow falls.
#9: “Once” (2007)
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“Once” follows the relationship between a guy and a girl who are brought together through their mutual love of music. These characters rarely express their feelings for one another using words, but songs like “If You Want Me” and “Falling Slowly” tell us everything we need to know. It’s an understated romance that leaps off the screen with beautiful music and lyrics. Although their singing is in sync, the two are headed down separate paths and ultimately must give each other up. While they’re unable to part ways with a proper farewell, Guy leaves Girl with a poignant gift that perfectly sums up their short time together.
#8: “Her” (2013)
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This sci-fi romance might be set in the near future, but it still speaks volumes about modern society and our connection to technology. Unable to form a meaningful bond with an actual woman, Theodore turns to an operating system named Samantha for companionship. Their friendship grows into a romance, which might sound like the setup for a satire. While “Her” is indeed hilarious at times, it’s also a sincere love story about two three-dimensional individuals. Since one of our lovers is a disembodied voice, however, a life together appears impossible. Even if they can’t quite make it work, the experience still proves enlightening for Theodore and Samantha, who both emerge as more complete characters.
#7: “Cast Away” (2000)
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In the early scenes of this movie, we learn that Chuck is a workaholic FedEx employee that doesn’t have nearly enough time for his longtime girlfriend, Kelly. After Chuck gets stranded on a deserted island, the film becomes a one-man show. Well, a two-man show if you count Wilson the volleyball. As Chuck grows a beard, loses weight, and struggles to survive, we long to see him reunite with Kelly. Chuck does get off the island and live to see his beloved again, but much has changed over the past four years. Kelly’s now married with a daughter, meaning Chuck must exit her life as quickly as he came back into it. Cue the waterworks.
#6: “The Way We Were” (1973)
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The title alone should be enough to tell you that this love story doesn’t have the happiest ending. When Katie and Hubbell first meet, they seemingly have nothing in common. One’s an outspoken activist. The other’s a slacker rich kid. Nevertheless, there’s an obvious attraction between the two and they inevitably fall for one another. As time goes by, however, Katie and Hubbell realize that they simply want different things. As much as they long to recapture the magic of their early romance, the spark has officially faded away. If that’s not sad enough for you, why not rent “Funny Girl” and make it a Barbra Streisand marathon?
#5: “Roman Holiday” (1953)
“Roman Holiday” seemingly has all the ingredients of a classic fairytale: a free-spirited princess that wishes to escape the pressures of her lifestyle; a common journalist who suddenly finds himself under extraordinary circumstances; a charming romance that blossoms against a magical backdrop. All that’s missing is a happy ending. Alas, Princess Ann eventually finds that she needs to resume her royal duties and Joe can’t follow her. Although the audience is left with a bittersweet ending, the lively performances, heartfelt direction, and genuine screenplay make for an inspiring love story you’ll definitely want to check out.
#4: “Lost in Translation” (2003)
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Sometimes comfort can be found in the most unlikely places. Bob and Charlotte never expected to find a new lease on life while visiting Tokyo. Likewise, these strangers probably didn’t expect to discover a kindred spirit in one another. As different as they appear, the two are both stuck in lonely, uncertain stages in their lives. In a city of millions, they just might be the only people who truly understand one another. Every vacation must come to an end, though, forcing them to leave their romance in Japan behind. The audience may never learn what Bob whispered into Charlotte’s ear before parting ways, but it’s evident that both are ready for whatever comes next.
#3: “La La Land” (2016)
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If you haven’t noticed already, nostalgia plays a key role in pretty much all of the movies here. Nowhere is that more apparent than this homage to the musicals of yesteryear. Mia and Sebastian share chemistry reminiscent of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Both have big dreams and La La Land is just the place to make them happen. While the two get exactly what they wanted in the end, their aspirations don’t come without sacrifice. The film’s most uplifting scene is also probably its most melancholy, as Mia and Seb consider the roads not taken. As much as they’d love to stay in this fantasy, there comes a time when all must face reality.
#2: “Brokeback Mountain” (2005)
Although other movies had previously explored homosexuality, “Brokeback Mountain” felt like the first one to get the subject matter right for mainstream Hollywood, especially from a romantic angle. Starting in the 1960s, the film’s story centers on the relationship between Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who develop a passionate connection while herding sheep in Wyoming. Given the oppressive time period, they fear that their relationship will be met with violence and hatred. Unsure how to respond to their feelings, Ennis and Jack go their separate ways, but occasionally reunite where they fell in love throughout the years. The older they grow, the clearer it becomes that these two are soul mates, but they tragically can’t overcome prejudice or their own insecurities.
#1: “Casablanca” (1942)
“Casablanca” is one of those rare movies that’s widely considered perfect, but it might’ve been deprived of that status if the filmmakers had copped out with a more crowd-pleasing ending. After Ilsa breaks Rick’s heart in Paris, he becomes a cold cynic who sticks his neck out for nobody. When their romance rekindles years later, though, Rick not only comes to understand why Ilsa left, but also realizes that he can make a difference in this crazy world. He’s thus motivated to make the ultimate sacrifice by letting Ilsa leave on a plane with her husband
