12 Movies That Explore the Dark Side of Love

Those who want to see the daring side of romantic movies or want to experience a rich drama to feel good, don’t worry. We have a solution for you. This is my list of twelve romantic films with impactful storylines to follow. Enjoy!

1. Closer (2004)

Closer movie 2004
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

This movie, directed by Mike Nichols, explores love and its struggles with honesty. Dan (Jude Law) and Alice (Natalie Portman) live in London. Both strangers fall for each other on a lucky night, but there’s more to it. The couple shares some passionate exchanges with two others. It is a story about love, lies, and deceit.

2. Buffalo 66 (1988)

Buffalo '66 1998
Image Credit: Lions Gate Films.

If you’re looking for a funny film about newfound love, this movie by Vincent Gallo is perfect. Vincent Gallo stars as Billy, who has just gotten out of jail. Vincent must attend a family event, so he kidnaps Layla ( Christina Ricci) to introduce her as his girlfriend. The kidnapping turns into a wholesome accident in this quirky indie film.

3. Marriage Story (2019)

Image Credit: Netflix.

This is a movie by Noah Baumbach filled with raw emotions that will leave you in tears. Starring the talented Scarlett Johanson (Nicole) and Adam Driver (Charlie) going through a divorce. The separation leads to heartbreak, broken promises, and fights over child custody. Marriage Story is sure to make you feel very deeply about close relationships.

4. Blue Valentine (2010)

Blue Valentine 2010
Image Credit: Hunting Lane Films.

Blue Valentine is a movie by Derek Cianfrance in which relationship dynamics are cleverly depicted through the movie’s lens. The audience is shown two perspectives, the past and present of the husband, Dean (Ryan Gosling), and wife, Cindy (Michelle Williams). Initially, Dean and Cindy are madly in love. At the same time, the present shows detachment as their relationship is not what it used to be.

5. In the Realm of the Senses (1976)

In the Realm of the Senses 1976
Image Credit: Toho-Towa.

Nagisa Ōshima directs a rich movie to indulge in. This film shows a provocative storyline with a love scandal between a courtesan (Eiko Matsuda and a landlord (Tatsuya Fuji). The married landlord hires the courtesan and unexpectedly feels more than just desire. In The Realm Of The Senses is a must-watch, unapologetic take on breaking boundaries of human nature.

6. Punch Drunk Love (2002)

Punch-Drunk Love 2002
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

This movie’s suggestion is for those who prefer a light romance. Adam Sandler plays Barry, a lonely misfit with an agitated personality. Barry finds some balance with Lena (Emily Watson), whose compassion changes his life. However, he becomes attached to a phone call service that puts his love life in shambles.

7. V for Vendetta (2005)

V for Vendetta
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

If you want to break from reality, this action-filled romance is for you. In a futuristic Britain, an oppressive government rules. Brave freedom Fighter ‘V’ (Hugo Weaving) forms a plan to end the injustice forever. Naive, Evey (Natale Portman)joins him in the task. This budding duo will have you cheering them on in the movie V For Vendetta.

8. The Lobster (2015)

The Lobster 2015
Image Credit: Element Pictures.

The Lobster is not your usual rom-com drama. In a dystopian world, a person must find a love interest in a hotel in 45 days. If they fail, they will be turned into an animal of their choice. David (Colin Farell) signs up for the same but needs help. Curiosity sparks when David meets a stranger in the woods, changing the entire course of the challenge.

9. The Handmaiden (2016)

The Handmaiden 2016
Image Credit: CJ Entertainment.

Park Chan Wook’s dramatic romance will have you hooked. An orphaned girl (Kim Tae Ri) is employed by a wealthy Japanese woman with a large inheritance sum. The girl, Sook-Hee, is a thieving handmaiden who pairs up with a Korean con man (Ha Jung Woo) to scam the lady and turn their fates around.

10. Love Story (1970)

Love Story 1970
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

This movie suggestion is for the old romantics. Constituting the rich boy and poor girl trope, Arthur Hiller’s Love Story is an emotional watch. Law student Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) marries middle-class Jenny (Ali MacGraw) against his parent’s wishes. The couple tries making their marriage work in the first few months. Soon, their luck falls out when tragedy hits their household. 

11. Fish Tank (2009)

Fish Tank 2009
Image Credit: BBC Films.

Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank is a teen romance drama with an exciting plot. Coming from a broken home with many problems, Mia (Katie Jarvis) wants to pursue dance. The teen is met with a supportive love interest, Connor. Except for one thing: Connor has a girlfriend, Joanne. Watch as Mia and Joanne compete for Connor’s love and attention.

12. The Apartment (1960)

The Apartment 1960
Image Credit: United Artists.

This last film by Billy Wilder will absorb you into the world of insurance worker C.C Baxter (Jack Lemmon). Baxter finds the elevator girl, Fran (Shirley MacLaine), attractive. Baxter lends his apartment to his manager (Fred MacMurray) in exchange for a promotion. The protagonist is in despair between his rise and love after discovering the identity of the apartment mistress.

15 Most Racist Movies of All Time According to IMDb — Do You Agree?

Shirley Temple The Littlest Rebel
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

According to a ranked list on IMDB, these movies have been criticized for various reasons, including cultural insensitivity, perpetuating stereotypes, and reinforcing racial biases, contributing to their reputation as racist or racially insensitive by today’s standards.

Top 12 Most Racist Disney Classics That Are Better Left in the Vault

The Sound of Music Julie Andrews
Image Credit: 20th Century-Fox/Disney.

Exploring film history often exposes tales of awe, imagination, and cultural shifts. Did you know that there are racist undertones in many Disney classics? It makes sense as progress evolves throughout the decades, but it’s cringe-watching it now. Here is a look at the most racist Disney films.

16 Once Upon a Time Hilarious TV Sitcoms That Nobody Remembers — Do You?

Obscure TV sitcoms
Image Credit: NewRadio -Sony Pictures Television. Major Dad – Universal Television. Caroline in the City – Barron/Pennette Productions and CBS Productions.

Every time I click into an article about sitcoms, these are never mentioned, and it’s a travesty! Hey, I love The Office and Friends as much as the next guy, but these sitcoms are worthy of another watch.

15 Terrible Films That Are Hilariously Bad — Do You Agree?

The Apple 1980
Image Credit: The Cannon Group.

While the cinema industry has given us numerous masterpieces, there’s another side that elicits a different kind of appreciation. It’s those films that are so bad that they actually become funny for viewers.

Though they lack critical acclaim, these movies have found a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts who want to have a good laugh. Here’s a list of 15 such cinematic disasters, and we want to know if you agree with our selection or not!

26 Movies That Prove 1985 Was One of the Best Years in Cinema

Fletch 1985 Chevy Chase
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Do you remember what Hollywood was producing in 1985? It was an awesome year for films. So, I compiled a list of 26 of the absolute best of the bunch. Enjoy!