Pride can be both a virtue and a vice, often leading to dramatic conflicts and heartfelt resolutions in cinema. This curated list of 10 melodramas delves into the complex theme of pride, showcasing how it shapes relationships, personal growth, and societal interactions. From classic tales to modern interpretations, these films offer a rich tapestry of emotions and moral dilemmas, making them essential viewing for anyone intrigued by the interplay of love and pride.

The Age of Innocence (1993)
Description: Set in the 1870s, this film examines the pride of New York's high society and how it dictates the course of love and personal freedom.
Fact: Martin Scorsese directed this film, showcasing a departure from his usual genre.


The Remains of the Day (1993)
Description: A butler's pride in his service and duty blinds him to the love of his life, Miss Kenton, leading to a poignant tale of missed opportunities.
Fact: Anthony Hopkins was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role.


Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Description: The Dashwood sisters navigate the treacherous waters of love and social standing, where pride often stands in the way of true affection and understanding.
Fact: Emma Thompson won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for her work on this film.


The English Patient (1996)
Description: A tale of love, war, and the pride of a man whose identity and past are shrouded in mystery, leading to a profound exploration of human emotions.
Fact: The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Lake House (2006)
Description: A unique love story where pride in one's own timeline and understanding of love's timing must be reconciled for the relationship to work.
Fact: The film is a remake of the South Korean film "Il Mare."


Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Description: This adaptation of Jane Austen's novel explores the theme of pride through the evolving relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, where pride and prejudice must be overcome for love to flourish.
Fact: Keira Knightley was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Elizabeth Bennet.


Atonement (2007)
Description: A story of love, war, and the prideful mistakes of youth, where a single act of prideful misjudgment alters the lives of the characters forever.
Fact: The film's famous five-minute continuous shot at Dunkirk was a technical marvel.


The Duchess (2008)
Description: The story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, whose pride in her public life and personal desires clash, leading to a tumultuous life of love and scandal.
Fact: Keira Knightley's performance was critically acclaimed, earning her a Golden Globe nomination.


The Great Gatsby (2013)
Description: Jay Gatsby's pride in his wealth and status, and his relentless pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, leads to his tragic downfall.
Fact: The film's production design was inspired by the art deco style of the 1920s.


Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Description: Bathsheba Everdene's pride in her independence and her choices in love create a complex web of relationships in this adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel.
Fact: Carey Mulligan was praised for her portrayal of Bathsheba.
