In a world where much of the entertainment industry often glorifies toxic, deviant and unrealistic relationships, it’s refreshing to stumble upon films that depictlove, companionship, and emotional growthin a genuinely healthy and authentic way. The following movies not only entertain but also inspire us to yearn for relationships built on mutual respect, communication, and emotional balance. In this article, we’ll take a look at a selection of cinematic gems from various genres thatstand out for their portrayal of healthy relationships.
10Let Him Go
Let Him Go(2020) is a heartfelt drama that brings audiences into a suspenseful world of crime and family while portraying a deep and healthy relationship between its two main characters. The film, directed by Thomas Bezucha, follows George (Kevin Costner) and Margaret Blackledge (Diane Lane). Set in the 1960s in rural Montana, the story begins when the Blackledges' son dies unexpectedly, leaving his widow, Lorna (Kayli Carter), to marry a new man named Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain). The Weboy family is known for their violent and controlling tendencies, and when Margaret sees signs of abuse in their grandson, she becomes deeply concerned, prompting her and her husband to set out on a mission to rescue him.
What sets Let Him Go apart is the genuine and enduring love shared between George and Margaret. Their relationship is a powerful anchor throughout the film, showing a deep connection forged with care over years of marriage. The film has a solid critics score of 84%on Rotten Tomatoes.
9Dirty Dancing
Directed by Emile Ardolino,Dirty Dancing(1987) is a timeless classic romantic film that has earned its spot among the greats with its unforgettable dance sequences and a story that highlights a serene relationship between its two main characters. It tells the story of Frances “Baby” Houseman, played by Jennifer Grey, and Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), who meet at a summer resort in the 1960s.
The film is also a coming-of-age story that celebrates the growth and empowerment of Baby as she steps out of her comfort zone and finds out what she’s really made of, thanks in large part to her relationship with Johnny, a charming dance instructor, who becomes her mentor and love interest.According to film critic Roger Ebert,Dirty Dancing"stands up to the test of time and makes a great date movie over three decades after its release."
8When Harry Met Sally
Starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in one of their most prominent pictures and directed by the great Rob Reiner,When Harry Met Sally(1989) is a romantic comedy with “unbeatable dialogue,” asper The Guardian, that tells the story of Harry Burns (Crystal) and Sally Albright (Ryan), as they navigate the ups and downs of friendship and love over the course of 12 years.
Harry and Sally initially meet as strangers but quickly become close friends. They explore a meaningful platonic friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship. They share their hopes, fears, and dreams, creating a strong emotional bond built on trust and mutual support.RELATED:The Most Complicated Relationships in Movies, Ranked
Before venturing into theDC Universe, Zack Snyder gave us300, an epic historical action drama from 2006 that put Gerard Butler on the map as the most badass Spartan warrior the world had ever seen. The story follows King Leonidas I (Butler) and his 300 elite warriors who valiantly defended their homeland against the overwhelming Persian army led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro).
Amidst the blood-soaked battles and breathtaking visuals, the film also follows the deep and unshakable bond between King Leonidas and his queen, Gorgo (Lena Headey). Their relationship serves as a symbol of strength and unity in the face of war and death. Queen Gorgo is portrayed as a strong and supportive partner who stands by her husband and plays a crucial role in Spartan politics, advocating for aid from the Greek city-states.
6The Piano
One ofJane Campion’s most important works,The Piano(2003), is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply emotional picture set in the 19th century. It tells the story of Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), a mute and highly skilled pianist who communicates through her music and her complex relationship with George Baines (Harvey Keitel).
Ada and George’s relationship is central to the film’s narrative but is complicated by the presence of Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neil) – Ada’s arranged husband. George, a rough-hewn yet sensitive frontiersman, acquires Ada’s beloved piano and offers her a deal: in exchange for her piano, he will allow her to earn it back key by key by giving him piano lessons. As Ada reluctantly agrees, a subtle and unconventional romance unfolds between them, transcending words and built upon shared passion and understanding.
James Cameron’sTitanic(1997) is a prime example of a poetic and healthy relationship weaved into a tragic love story on the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic. The film centers around the budding romance between Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet).
Jack and Rose’s relationship stands out as a testament to the power of love transcending societal barriers. Their love story is characterized by mutual respect, trust, and genuine emotional connection. Jack’s free-spirited and adventurous nature complements Rose’s courage and determination to break free from the constraints of her upper-class upbringing. In his 1997 review,Roger Ebert describedTitanicas a “flawlessly crafted, intelligently constructed, strongly acted and spellbinding” movie.
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4Dances With Wolves
Dances with Wolves(1990) is a remarkable epic Western film set during the Civil War, directed by and starring Kevin Costner. It tells the story of Lieutenant John Dunbar (Costner), who befriends and learns from the Lakota Sioux tribe, adopting their ways. The heart of the film lies in the innocent and transformative connection between Dunbar and Stands with a Fist (Mary McDonnell), a white woman raised by the Lakota Sioux. Stands with a Fist helps Dunbar bridge the gap between cultures, teaching him the Lakota way of life and language.
As their love grows stronger, Dunbar becomes an integral part of the tribe, earning the Lakota name “Dances with Wolves.” The film beautifully illustrates the point that genuine friendships and love can flourish when built on empathy and respect.According to Roger Ebert, Dances With Wolves “is not a formula movie, but a thoughtful, carefully observed story.”
3The Before Trilogy
TheBeforeTrilogy, an internationally acclaimed romantic gem directed by Richard Linklater, is an exploration of theevolving and realistic relationshipbetween Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy). Comprising three films—Before Sunrise(1995),Before Sunset(2004), andBefore Midnight(2013)—the trilogy spans almost two decades, allowing viewers to witness the profound journey of their love story.
InBefore Sunrise, Jesse and Céline meet on a train in Vienna, and what begins as a chance encounter transforms into a profound connection. Their initial conversations reveal both their individual personalities and the deepening emotional bond between them.Before Sunsetreunites Jesse and Céline in Paris nine years after their first meeting. Their connection remains palpable, and their conversations are filled with genuine longing, regret, and hope. Finally, inBefore Midnight, the couple is now married with children. Their relationship has matured, but they grapple with the complexities of marriage and family life. The trilogy portrays the challenges and joys of a healthy long-term partnership with remarkable authenticity.Before Sunrise,Before Sunset, andBefore Midnightcurrently hold nearly perfect critics and audience scores onRotten Tomatoes.
2The Notebook
The Notebook(2004), directed by Nick Cassavetes, wonderfully portrays the enduring and healthy relationship between its two main characters,Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling)and Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams).
The film is set in the 1940s and unfolds as an elderly Noah reads their love story from a notebook to an elderly Allie, who is battling dementia. Noah and Allie’s tale begins with a summer romance that transcends class differences. Their relationship is characterized by passion, respect, and a deep emotional connection that stands the test of time and struggle. Almost 10 years later, The Notebook is still worth a watch for those in love with romance, boasting a whopping 85% audience scoreon Rotten Tomatoes.
1Cold Mountain
Cold Mountainis a 2003 film directed by the late Anthony Minghella, based on the novel by Charles Frazier. Set during the American Civil War, it tells the story of Inman (Jude Law), a wounded Confederate soldier, and Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman), a preacher’s daughter struggling to survive alone on her farm in North Carolina after her father’s passing.
Inman and Ada’s relationship is central to the film. They meet briefly before Inman goes off to war, and their connection deepens through a series of emotional letters. Inman’s nightmarish journey home to Cold Mountain serves as a metaphorical and literal odyssey to reunite the two, and their love for each other is a driving force in his survival. Minghella’s masterpiece has won multiple awards including an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Renée Zellweger as Ruby Thewes).
