I’m a romantic at heart and love a happy ending as much as the next person. Particularly, in a world where true love is hard to come by. However, as we know, not all romances end with happily ever after. This does not detract from their legitimacy or sincerity. For this reason, I also have a special regard for romantic tragedies. Sometimes a sad ending to a love story makes it even more poignant and moving. For as the poet Alfred Tennyson once said, “It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
RELATED: Top 50 Classic Romances in Film That Will Make You Swoon
To this end, I have created a list of romantic tragedy films, both classic and contemporary. Many of these are adapted from novels, plays or even real-life stories. Not all of them are flat out tragedies, some just lack the happy ending. But all of them feature at least one romantic pairing whose love story ends with separation. For the purposes of this list, I have excluded films from the film noir and suspense genres. The emphasis of this list is on romantic stories.
SIXTY ROMANTIC TRAGEDIES
(in alphabetical order)
#SPOILERS
1. 21 Days Together (aka 21 Days) (1940)
Why You Should Watch: Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier are one of the most famous couples both on stage and in classic films. They made three films together including this one about a couple spending their last days together before he goes on trial for murder. They wring every last bit of happiness they can out of those days without descending into self-pity.
Content Note: Not rated. Murder and an affair are discussed and implied, but not show.
Where to Watch: Airing on TCM, May 22 at 8:15 AM EST. Purchase on DVD.
2. Above and Beyond (1952)
Why You Should Watch: This picture starring Robert Taylor and Eleanor Parker presents an interesting question about the emotional fallout of the effects of war on marriage and family. Not all sacrifices can be measured by physical or monetary costs.
Content Note: Not rated. No objectionable content.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
3. Algiers (1938)
Why You Should Watch: A remake of the famous French film Pépé le Moko, it stars the popular French-American actor Charles Boyer who embodies the doomed jewel thief Pepe. This story personifies the mouse in a trap cliché, but in an entertaining way. And it co-stars the stunning Hedy Lamarr.
Content: Not rated. But there is nothing explicit.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime, Epix, and Tubi. Rent or buy on Amazon. Purchase on DVD.
4. Anna Karenina (Adaptations)
Why You Should Watch: One of Leo Tolstoy’s novels, Anna Karenina, is a celebrated work of fiction with complex characters, storylines, and themes. Plus, it provides a glimpse in the Russian mindset that is uniquely Tolstoy. It is also an intriguing study of personal relationships mixed with societal expectations.
Content Note: Ratings vary depending on the adaptation from PG to R. But adultery is a large part of the story and there is a suicide which takes place off-screen. Some versions include profanity.
Where to Watch 1935 adaptation: Airing on TCM, March 12 at 1:30 AM EST. Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play or iTunes. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1948 adaptation: Airing on TCM, April 15 at 2:15 PM EST. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1961 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1967 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1977 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1985 adaptation: Rent or buy on Vudu, Youtube, Google Play or iTunes.
Where to Watch 1997 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2000 adaptation: Stream with Acorn. Rent or buy from Amazon. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2012 adaptation: Rent or buy on Amazon. Purchase on DVD.
Where to Watch 2013 adaptation: Stream on Amazon Prime.
5. Atonement (2007)
Why You Should Watch: Nominated for seven Oscars, this story of love lost due to a tragic betrayal is an unforgettable one. Not to mention the performances are excellent and the costuming perfectly captures the characters and their place in time.
Content Note: Rated R for sexuality, strong language, and war violence.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Rent or buy on Amazon, iTunes, and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
6. Autumn in New York (2000)
Why You Should Watch: It’s rare to see a May-December romance portrayed favorably on screen as this one is. It is also nice to see the character arc of Richard Gere’s playboy character. His interactions with a dying young woman are not just about romance but about personal growth.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 for language and sensuality.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy from Amazon or Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
7. Becoming Jane (2007)
Why You Should Watch: There are numerous adaptations of Jane Austen’s works, but fewer films focusing on her life. This one in particular looks at her younger years, a potential romance and the people and events who may have helped shape her stories.
Content Note: Rated PG, but does contain a few uses of mild profanity and sensuality, including one scene with nudity.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
8. Brief Encounter (1945)
Why You Should Watch: Classic film fans have all heard of this movie about a love affair between two married, but lonely people. It is considered a masterpiece of film-making thanks to understated performances by Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson directed by David Lean.
Content Note: The whole film is about an affair, but nothing is shown. Unrated.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon and iTunes. Purchase on DVD
9. Bright Star (2009)
Why You Should Watch: The short life of poet John Keats plays out in this film. It depicts his sweet but sad romance with Fanny Brawn. It also shows the price that talent or genius extracts from those who bear it.
Content Note: Rated PG for one use of profanity, some mention of sensuality.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
10. Bonjour Tristesse (1958)
Why You Should Watch: Portraying the consequences of selfishness and hedonism, it also features a rather toxic and unhealthy father, daughter relationship. The use of a unique device in switching back and forth between black and white and color to differentiate flashbacks from the present time makes this movie special. Directed by Otto Preminger, it stars David Niven and Deborah Kerr as well as Jean Seberg in a brilliant performance.
Content Note: Not rated. Nothing inappropriate is shown on screen, but the themes are probably not appropriate for young children.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime. Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play and iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
11. Camille Adaptations
Why You Should Watch: This story of a courtesan who falls in love with an innocent young man is taken from a novel by the younger Alexander Dumas. It is a beautiful depiction of the sacrifice of love and the power of love to transform.
Content: PG-like.
Where to Watch 1936 adaptation: Rent or Buy on iTunes, Google Play, Youtube or Vudu. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1984 Colin Firth adaptation: Purchase on DVD
12. Casablanca (1941)
Why You Should Watch: Thankfully, no one dies in this classic film and it isn’t exceptionally sad, but rather inspiring. As part of the public lexicon, it is a must-see film with star-making performances by Humphrey Bogart, Claude Rains, and Ingrid Bergman
Content Note: Not rated, but there is little objectionable content.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
13. City Lights (1931)
Why You Should Watch: Often considered one of Charlie Chaplin’s masterpieces, City Lights displays his matured talent on screen. It has a mix of humor and pathos that is Chaplin’s trademark. I dare you not to cry as his Tramp seeks to help the blind flower girl in an act of sacrificial love.
Content Note: Rated G.
Where to Watch: Stream on Kanopy. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
14. City of Angels (1998)
Why You Should Watch: Is it cheesy nineties romance? Sure. But it was at the head of the trend telling tales of supernatural characters falling for humans. It also examines the theme of sacrifice for the sake of love. The soundtrack is nineties gold. And you can never go wrong with Meg Ryan as the star.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 for language and sexuality, including some nudity.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy from Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
15. Dark Victory (1939)
Why You Should Watch: The great Bette Davis stars as a shallow wealthy woman whose perspectives on life undergoes a transformation when she learns she is dying. This is often considered one of Davis most outstanding performances and a favorite among her fans.
Content Note: Not rated, but contains nothing objectionable.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
16. Doctor Zhivago Adaptations
Why You Should Watch: Originally a novel written by Russian author Boris Pasternak, it is set in the first half of the twentieth century, a time of great change in Russia. The 1965 version won five Oscars and was nominated for another five. It is often listed on “best of” film lists.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 and TV-14 for sexuality, mild language, and moderate violence.
Where to Watch 1965 adaptation: Stream on Netflix. Rent or buy Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
Where to Watch 2002 adaptation (Verges on TV-MA): Stream on Britbox. Rent or buy on iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
17. The Duchess (2008)
Why You Should Watch: Historically, women didn’t have the freedom and independence to make choices regarding their lives as we do today. That is the tragedy depicted in this film about the celebrated Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Her quest for these things came with consequences. This movie features a stellar cast, beautiful costuming and cinematography.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 for sexuality, brief nudity, and language.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
18. The English Patient (1996)
Why You Should Watch: This quietly beautiful film won nine Oscars and for good reason. With an excellent cast, talented director and creative story-telling it weaves together romance, drama, tragedy, sacrifice, and understanding in an unforgettable way.
Content Note: Rated R for sexuality, violence, and language.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, iTunes, Google Play or Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
19. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Why You Should Watch: The novel by John Greene was a hit when it released and made him a household name. The film captures the emotions of teenagers simultaneously fighting a scary illness while also falling in love, thanks to sensitive performances by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort
Content Note: Rated PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
20. Forrest Gump (1994)
Why You Should Watch: Who doesn’t love this modern classic about an innocent young man who witnesses many of recent history’s great events? But it is Forrest’s steadfast, patient love for his childhood friend Jenny which always captures the hearts of viewers. Tom Hanks won a well-deserved Oscar for this role.
Content Note: PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
21. The Great Gatsby Adaptations
Why You Should Watch: Arguably F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous novel, it has certainly been adapted for film more than any other of his published works. The doomed romance between the main character and his lost love is a searing portrait of ambition, class consciousness and selfishness.
Content: Varies by adaptation with newer versions including language and sexuality.
Where to Watch 1949 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1974 adaptation: Stream on Starz and Amazon. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2012 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2013 adaptation: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
22. Gone With the Wind (1939)
Why You Should Watch: This features one of the best anti-heroines ever written. Setting Scarlett’s quest for security during the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras heightens the conflict as well as the viewer’s compassion for a selfish protagonist.
Content: Rated PG
Where to Watch: Playing in select theaters March 3, 2019, through Fathom Events. Airing on TCM, April 14 at 8:00 EST. Rent or buy from iTunes, Google Play, Vudu and Youtube. Purchase on DVD
23. He Who Gets Slapped (1924)
Why You Should Watch: Silent film actor Lon Chaney is famous as “the man of a thousand faces.” He was a stalwart of classic horror films. Here he is teamed with another MGM film star Norma Shearer in a story of rescue and unrequited love. He plays a clown who secretly loves another circus performer played by Shearer. I doubt you will ever feel more compassion for a movie clown as you do for Chaney, who plays the part with great pathos.
Content Note: This is unrated, but there are some scenes of menace and violence.
Where to Watch: Purchase on DVD
24. Humoresque (1946)
Why You Should Watch: This pairing of John Garfield with Joan Crawford makes for an intense and explosive drama. These two do justice to the depiction of a toxic, extra-marital affair which only serves to drag them both down.
Content Note: Unrated. The affair and an implied suicide happen off screen.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
25. Hunchback of Notre Dame Adaptations
Why You Should Watch: The story of a deformed outcast originally penned by Victor Hugo is set in the Paris of the 15th century. It shares certain similarities with the more familiar Beauty and the Beast, but without the happy ending. It depicts the devastation that occurs when the marginalized of society are left unprotected. Overall, it’s a bittersweet but beautiful unrequited love story.
Content Note: Content varies by adaptation. But nothing too graphic or explicit is portrayed.
Where to Watch 1923 adaptation: Stream Amazon Prime, Kanopy or Epix. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1939 adaptation: Airing on TCM March 11 at 4PM EST. Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1957 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1982 adaptation: Rent or Buy on Vudu, Youtube or Google Play
Where to Watch 1982 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1996 Animated adaptation: Rent or buy on Google Play or Amazon. Purchase on DVD
26. La Boheme (1926)
Why You Should Watch: As someone who isn’t a fan of opera, I appreciate when the stories can be found in other mediums. For instance, film. This is the story of starving artists in 1830’s Paris whose love is not enough to keep them together. Silent film legends Lillian Gish and John Gilbert give heartbreaking portrayals of lovers torn apart by poverty.
Content Note: PG -like.
Where to Watch: Airing on TCM April 4 at 4:30 AM EST. Purchase on DVD.
27. La La Land (2016)
Why You Should Watch: Capturing the magic of classic film musicals, while also adding a modern twist, this film is unique in recent years. Its depictions of the triumphs, challenges and the mundanity a couple experiences in their lives together is spot on. Even the fact that the outcome of this relationship can hinge on the small things feels true to life, though sad.
Content Note: Rated PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon, Youtube, and Google Play. Buy on Amazon, iTunes, Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
28. Love Actually (2003)
Why You Should Watch: Yes, I know the film is considered a modern romantic holiday classic. Still several of the characters do not get their happy endings and it’s enough to make me cry every time. This film features an outstanding cast of British talent and is a lovely film to watch any time of year.
Content Note: Rated either PG-13 or R depending on which version you watch. It has been edited for television viewing. The original cut includes a storyline about porn film stand-ins and more sexuality on screen.
Where to Watch: Stream on Starz. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
29. Love Story (1970)
Why You Should Watch: Before Taylor Swift’s popular song, there was this famous film. The story of a rich kid falling for a poor one has been told many times, but rarely in such a memorable way. This film made both Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal household names. It also spawned the famous line “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”
Content: Rated PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Kanopy. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
30. Madame Bovary (adaptations)
Why You Should Watch: Adapted from a novel by Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary is heart-breaking to watch. The title character destroys her life as she seeks pleasure and happiness instead of being thankful for what she has. It’s a potent reminder to appreciate the small blessings of life.
Content Note: Ratings vary from PG to R. The story does revolve around a woman pursuing her passions, so the later versions include more sexuality.
Where to Watch 1949 adaptation: Airing on TCM on March 11 at 6 PM EST. Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu.
Where to Watch 1975 Series adaptation: Stream on Amazon Prime. Buy on Amazon, iTunes or Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
Where to Watch 1991 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2000 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2015 adaptation: Stream on Netflix. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube or Google Play. Purchase on DVD.
31. Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)
Why You Should Watch: Often named as director Leo McCarey’s best film, it makes an important point about the care of elderly parents. Many people claim it is one of the saddest movies they have ever seen since it involves the abandonment of those parents by their children. It’s simultaneously a picture of understanding love and great selfishness.
Content Note: G
Where to Watch: Purchase on DVD.
32. Me Before You (2016)
Why You Should Watch: Jojo Moyes original story tackles tough questions of human dignity and the value of life. It is memorably brought to screen by Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke in sensitive performances.
Content Note: Rated PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
33. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Why You Should Watch: Moulin Rouge takes its’ inspiration from the same source as Camille, but it is somewhat updated for modern audiences. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, it stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor. The costumes are gorgeous and the songs in this musical are inspired.
Content: Rated PG-13 for sexuality
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play. Purchase on DVD.
34. My Girl (1991)
Why You Should Watch: This is such a tearjerker. It has a sense of childhood nostalgia woven in with its’ exploration of deeper topics. This story of life and death, friendship and love is even more emotional as these lessons are viewed through the eyes of two childhood friends. I dare you not to ugly-cry.
Content Note: Rated PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
35. One Day (2011)
Why You Should Watch: Ugh, the unexpected ending nearly killed me! This film is about a friendship where both parties feel more, but play it safe rather than risk rejections. It’s a perfect picture of missed opportunities and bad timing for people who obviously belong together.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 for language, sexuality, and drug use.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
36. One Way Passage (1932) (Remade as Til We Meet Again in 1940.)
Why You Should Watch: Actor William Powell is often remembered as a romantic comedy actor. However, this film about two doomed people who meet and fall in love aboard a cruise ship proves that he was equally skilled at melodrama. Here he is paired with his frequent co-star Kay Francis whose talent is also underrated.
Content Note: PG-like.
Where to Watch: Airing on TCM, April 9 at 6:45 PM EST. Purchase on DVD.
37. The Promise (2016)
Why You Should Watch: Not only does The Promise portray a tragic love triangle, but it is one of the rare films to depict the Armenian genocide. It’s always interesting to see how personal relationships play out against a backdrop of catastrophe, where selfishness or selflessness is drawn to the surface.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 for disturbing images, war violence and sensuality.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
38. PS I Love You (2007)
Why You Should Watch: Based on a novel by best selling Irish author Cecelia Ahern, this film manages to be both lighthearted and bittersweet. A woman goes on a journey of self-discovery as she processes her grief over her husband’s death. In a subtle way, the movie is a celebration of life and it stars Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, and Harry Connick Jr.
Content Note: Rated PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
39. Remember Me (2010)
Why You Should Watch: Robert Pattinson’s name will forever be linked with a little franchise called Twilight. But around the same time, he starred in this quiet family and romantic drama. It’s one of the few films to feature the events of 9/11 in its’ plot.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content, violence, and disturbing images.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
40. Revolutionary Road (2008)
Why You Should Watch: What happens when two people who really love each other just can’t make it work? Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio pair up again to explore the results of two people in love but with very different dreams for their lives.
Content Note: Rated R for language, intense scenes, and sexuality.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon, Hulu, and Epix. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
41. Romeo and Juliet (Adaptations)
Why You Should Watch: This may be one of the most famous romantic tragedies in history, not to mention it really brings the family drama. It is somewhat of a literature archetype. Plus, Shakespeare was a wordsmithing genius.
Content: Depends on the adaptation. But newer adaptations are more likely to show objectionable material.
Where to Watch 1911 adaptation: Stream on Amazon
Where to Watch 1936 adaptation: Rent or Buy from Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1954 adaptation: Rent from Amazon. Purchase on DVD.
Where to Watch 1968 adaptation: Stream on Kanopy. Rent or Buy from Amazon, Youtube, Google Play and iTunes. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1978 adaptation: Rent on Amazon
Where to Watch 1996 adaptation: Rent or Buy from Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2013 adaptation: Stream on Max Go. Rent or Buy from Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes, or Vudu. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2015 Mini-series adaptation: Stream on Amazon Prime.
42. The Shanghai Gesture (1941)
Why You Should Watch: Featuring one of Gene Tierney’s most underrated performances, it also shines a bright light on the theme of revenge gone awry and the personal costs of addiction.
Content Note: Shows scenes of gambling and drug use but not in a graphic manner.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime. Rent or buy from Amazon. Purchase on DVD.
43. Splendor in the Grass (1961)
Why You Should Watch: This tale of first love is absolutely heart-wrenching as the consequences of lost innocence play out. Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty give unforgettable performances in this drama directed by Elia Kazan.
Content Note: Not rated, but explores adult themes and behavior. Sexuality is implied as is rape. There are references to abortion. It also contains mild profanity and some intense emotional scenes.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play and iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
44. Steel Magnolias (1989)
Why You Should Watch: This film features strong women and a spot-on depiction of Southern culture. It also features powerhouse performances by Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Daryll Hannah, Sally Field, and Olympia Dukakis. Overall, it’s a story of friendship, marriage and the bond between mothers and daughters.
Content Note: Rated PG
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
45. Summertime (1955)
Why You Should Watch: Katharine Hepburn will break your heart with her bittersweet performance of a spinster yearning for love. This was filmed in Venice and features gorgeous settings and cinematography as well. It’s visually stunning.
Content Note: PG-like
Where to Watch: Stream on Kanopy. Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
46. Sweet November (2001)
Why You Should Watch: Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves have good chemistry in this film. Plus, the San Francisco setting somehow is fitting for this story of a woman trying to live life to the fullest.
Content Note: Rated PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
47. A Tale of Two Cities (adaptations)
Why You Should Watch: Surprisingly, this Charles Dickens novel has only been adapted a handful of times and is long due for another adaptation. Set during the French Revolution, it explores themes of social justice, sacrificial love, and courage.
Content Note: Content varies, but nothing beyond what you would find in a PG-13 film.
Where to Watch 1935 adaptation: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
Where to Watch 1958 adaptation: Purchas on DVD.
Where to Watch 1980 adaptation: Stream on Amazon Prime. Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 1989 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
48. Tarnished Angels (1957)
Why You Should Watch: Ever hear of a little old Southern writer by the name of William Faulkner? This is often considered one of the better adaptations of his work. It’s a harsh look at the complexities and hypocrisies behind hero worship. It also involves a love triangle, sometimes quadrangle, between one beautiful woman and three undeserving men.
Content Note: Unrated but contains a theme of adultery and some violence.
Where to Watch: Purchase on DVD.
49. Tess of the d’Urbervilles (adaptations)
Photo: BBC Worldwide
Why You Should Watch: English author Thomas Hardy had several novels adapted for the screen, including this one. The tragedy of this tale is not just in the romance but in the treatment of its’ innocent title character.
Content Note: Depends on the adaptation, but the newest version is rated TV-14 for violence, sexuality, and a rape scene.
Where to Watch 1979 adaptation: Rent or buy on iTunes. Purchase DVD.
Where to Watch 1998 adaptation: Purchase on DVD
Where to Watch 2008 Series adaptation– Stream on Amazon Prime. Buy on Amazon, iTunes or Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
50. Testament of Youth (2014)
Why You Should Watch: It’s hard for a modern generation to fathom the devastation of a World War which decimates the youth population of their generation. The loss of innocence, peace and human life is incalculable as this film portrays. So too, does it capture the necessity of living and loving in the moment as well as the resiliency of those left behind.
Content Note: Rated PG-13 for disturbing images and war violence.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, iTunes, Google Play or Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
51. Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
Why You Should Watch: Relationships are challenging enough without the added complications of frequent and long-term separations. Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana are wonderful as a couple who love each other enough to work within the limitations and strange demands of his genetic condition causing involuntary time-travel.
Content Note: Rated PG-13, includes some nudity.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime. Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, and iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
52. Titanic (1997)
Why You Should Watch: Forget the fact that it’s historically based, this is now an iconic American film which is part of the public lexicon. Not to mention the story, soundtrack, and costumes are unforgettable.
Content: PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or Buy from Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes, or Vudu. Purchase on DVD
53. Tristan + Isolde (2006)
Photo: 20th Century Fox
Why You Should Watch: The legends of Tristan and Isolde pre-date Shakespeare’s somewhat similar tale of Romeo and Juliet, but is not nearly as well known. This star-crossed love story between members of the warring royal houses of Britain and Ireland is portrayed by an impressive (and beautiful) cast.
Content Note: Rated PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Google Play, Youtube, iTunes, and Vudu. Purchase on DVD.
54. Troy (2004)
Why You Should Watch: While Troy focuses more on the war between the Greeks and Sparta, that conflict dooms all the romances featured in this story. Regardless of whether it is historically accurate, it stars Peter O’Toole, Brad Pitt, and Eric Bana. It also features Diane Kruger and Rose Byrne in breakout performances.
Content: Rated R for violence, sexuality, and nudity.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play, iTunes. Purchase on DVD
55. A Walk to Remember (2002)
Why You Should Watch: One of the first of Nicholas Sparks books to be adapted for the screen. It’s also one of Mandy Moore’s earliest film appearances and co-stars Shane West. Plus, it has a great soundtrack.
Content: Rated PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu and FreeForm. Rent or buy on Youtube, GooglePlay or iTunes. Purchase on DVD
56. Waterloo Bridge (Adaptations)
Why You Should Watch: A tragedy of bad timing, separation by war and eventual desperation, this one wrenches the heart. Basically, it’s a tragic reminder that sometimes love doesn’t always conquer all, but it is worth it.
Content: Though prostitution is alluded to, it is not explicitly shown.
Where to Watch 1931 adaptation: Available in the Forbidden Hollywood DVD Collection, Volume 1.
Where to Watch 1940 adaptation: Rent or buy on iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
57. The Way We Were (1973)
Why You Should Watch: This brilliant Seventies drama depicts the victories and trials of a young couple whose political views eventually tear them apart. It is a thoughtful, respectful drama about love which stars Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford.
Content Note: Rated PG, but does show a couple in bed.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, Google Play, and iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
58. West Side Story (1961)
Why You Should Watch: What if Romeo and Juliet was set in 1960’s New York and featured star crossed lovers affiliated with opposing Puerto Rican gangs? That is the exact premise of this gorgeous film with memorable music. It stars Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno. Not to mention, it won ten Oscars, the most ever for a musical film.
Content: Not rated, but includes some mild violence, language, and sexuality.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix and Max Go. Rent or buy on Amazon, iTunes, Youtube and Google Play. Purchase on DVD.
59. Where the Boys Are (1960)
Why You Should Watch: On the surface, this is another brightly colored, light-hearted film about teens on Spring Break. But it also explores deeper adult topics which confront the girls as they meet boys that catch their interest. One of them experiences particularly harsh consequences. It’s a story of innocence making way for adulthood.
Content Note: Not rated. Nothing too objectionable, but sexuality is implied.
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Youtube, Google Play and iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
60. Winter Meeting (1948)
Why You Should Watch: Starring Bette Davis, this film has an unexpected, but not unappreciated twist in telling the story of a romance between a prim New Englander and a rough war veteran. Not all love stories end with the same happily ever after. Sometimes that ending is still happy, but different.
Content Note: PG-like
Where to Watch: Airing on TCM, April 25 at 7:15 AM EST. Rent or buy from iTunes. Purchase on DVD.
Feature Photos: MGM, Miramax Film, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox/Warner Bros., Focus Features, United Artists
What are some of your romantic tragedies? Are there any you would add to this list?
Editorial Note: This article is from our contributor archives and has been lightly edited and updated by us. Since 2021, The Silver Petticoat Review has been exclusively written by Amber & Autumn Topping. See About Us.
