Step into the world of romance where the lines between service and passion blur. This curated list of 10 melodramas focuses on the lives of maids, showcasing their stories of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness. These films not only offer a glimpse into the lives of those in service but also explore the universal themes of love, class, and personal growth. Whether it's a forbidden romance or a tale of unrequited love, each film in this collection promises to tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering the complexities of human relationships.

The Remains of the Day (1993)
Description: This poignant drama revolves around the life of a butler, Mr. Stevens, and his unexpressed love for the housekeeper, Miss Kenton, set against the backdrop of pre-World War II England.
Fact: Anthony Hopkins was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Mr. Stevens. The film was adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro's novel of the same name.


The Governess (1998)
Description: Set in the late 19th century, this film follows a Jewish woman who becomes a governess to a wealthy family, where she falls in love with the master of the house, leading to a complex web of secrets and emotions.
Fact: The film was inspired by the life of Mary Ann Evans, better known by her pen name George Eliot. It was also one of the first films to explore the theme of a Jewish woman in a gentile household.


The Governess (1998)
Description: A young Jewish woman takes up a position as a governess in the Scottish Highlands, where she embarks on a passionate affair with her employer, exploring themes of identity and forbidden love.
Fact: The film was directed by Sandra Goldbacher, who also wrote the screenplay, making it a deeply personal project.


The Governess (1998)
Description: A Jewish woman in Victorian England becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, leading to a tale of forbidden love and cultural identity.
Fact: The film was inspired by the life of George Eliot, showcasing the challenges faced by women of different backgrounds in that era.


The Maid (2009)
Description: While not strictly a romance, this Chilean film explores the life of a maid, Raquel, who has served a family for 23 years, touching on themes of loyalty, love, and personal identity.
Fact: The film won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival in


The Maid (2009)
Description: This film delves into the life of a maid who has served a family for over two decades, exploring themes of loyalty, love, and the quest for personal freedom.
Fact: The film was Chile's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in


The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
Description: A dark, satirical melodrama where a maid's love affair with a patron of the restaurant where she works leads to a violent confrontation with her criminal husband.
Fact: The film features a memorable score by Michael Nyman and was known for its opulent set design and controversial themes.


The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
Description: A maid's secret love affair with a patron of the restaurant where she works leads to a dramatic and violent conclusion in this visually stunning film.
Fact: The film was known for its lavish set design and the use of color to reflect the characters' emotions.


The Housemaid (1960)
Description: This South Korean classic tells the story of a maid who becomes entangled in a destructive love triangle with her employer and his wife, leading to tragic consequences.
Fact: The film was remade in 2010 with a modern twist, but the original remains a landmark in Korean cinema for its bold portrayal of class and sexual politics.


The Housemaid (1960)
Description: A maid's affair with her employer leads to a complex web of jealousy, revenge, and tragedy in this classic Korean film.
Fact: The film was remade in 2010, but the original is renowned for its raw depiction of class struggle and sexual politics.
