10 Heartbreaking Films About Unrequited Love

Description: Set in the 1870s, this film explores the societal constraints and the unrequited love between Newland Archer and Countess Ellen Olenska, whose passion is stifled by the rigid social norms of the time.

Fact: Martin Scorsese, known for his gritty films, directed this period drama, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.

Description: A butler, Mr. Stevens, harbors unrequited love for the housekeeper, Miss Kenton, but his dedication to duty and propriety prevents him from expressing his feelings, leading to a life of regret.

Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Joel and Clementine undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after a breakup, but Joel's subconscious fights to keep the memories of their love, showcasing the depth of his unrequited feelings.

Fact: The film's title is derived from a line in Alexander Pope's poem "Eloisa to Abelard."

Description: This unique love story involves a doctor and an architect who fall in love through letters, despite living two years apart. Their love remains unrequited due to the time difference, creating a poignant narrative of longing and missed connections.

Fact: The film is a remake of the South Korean film "Il Mare" from

Description: Atonement tells the story of a young girl whose lie tears apart the lives of her sister and the man she loves. The film explores the unrequited love between Cecilia and Robbie, separated by war and misunderstanding, leaving their love unfulfilled.

Fact: The film's iconic five-minute tracking shot at Dunkirk took four days to shoot and was done in one continuous take.

Description: Jenny, a bright young girl, falls for an older man who promises her an exciting life, only to realize his love is not as deep as hers, leaving her with a painful lesson in love and life.

Fact: Carey Mulligan's performance in this film earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Description: Jay Gatsby's obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan, who is married to another man, drives the narrative of this film. His unrequited love leads to his ultimate downfall.

Fact: The film's soundtrack was curated by Jay-Z and features contemporary artists like Lana Del Rey and Florence + The Machine.

Description: Following the lives of Emma and Dexter over 20 years, this film showcases the ebb and flow of their relationship, with Emma's unrequited love for Dexter being a central theme, culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion.

Fact: The film was based on David Nicholls' novel of the same name, which became an international bestseller.

Description: This film captures the essence of unrequited love through the lens of terminal illness. Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager with cancer, falls for Augustus Waters, who is in remission. Their love story is as beautiful as it is tragic, with Augustus's feelings for Hazel growing even as his health deteriorates.

Fact: The film was adapted from John Green's best-selling novel. The author himself made a cameo appearance in the movie.

Description: Benjamin Braddock's affair with an older woman, Mrs. Robinson, leads to his unrequited love for her daughter, Elaine, creating a complex web of emotions and relationships.

Fact: The film's iconic soundtrack features Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson," which was written specifically for the movie.