Seven Romantic Films For People Who Hate Romance

In movies, love always seems to have a happy ending. When in fact, love rarely has a happy ending. (The U.S. has one of the highest divorce rates in the world, and we’re just talking marriages here.) But reality doesn’t keep people from making cheesy romantic movies where boys and girls fall in love and stay in love forever. I don’t blame the cynics. I totally understand why you hate romance movies. They’re over-the-top, and ooze with fraudulent stories about relationships.

There’s very few movies that ring true to real-life love, or at least make romantic relationships entertaining for folks who can’t take those kissing in the rain scenes. Here are seven romantic movie options for people who don’t like romances.

Edward Scissorhards

Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands is a twisted tale about love, but not the in-your-face kind of love. Burton keeps the romance subtle throughout the film, shifting the audience’s attention to the unique characters in the town. When he decides to flesh out the romance between Edward and Kim, we’re fully immersed in this magical, scary world.

Raising Arizona

H.I. McDunnough and Edwina rekindle their romance while kidnapping a famous baby. They’re definitely not a typical couple, and their relationship is far from boring. In fact, Raising Arizona is probably one of the most entertaining and funny romantic comedies out there.

Casablanca

Casablanca is brilliant. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman come face to face at his casino, and the two have to figure out what their relationship means. On the surface, Bogart seems like a cynical, hard-hearted man, but underneath that cold exterior he’s a compassionate person who sacrifices his happily-ever-after for the happiness of the woman he loves. It’s not really as cheesy as it sounds though. Everything in this film is executed remarkably.

Lost In Translation

Lost In Translation is probably the least romantic movie on this list. But whatever you make of it, there’s something very magical and exciting about going to a foreign place and meeting a stranger that you feel you’ve known your whole life. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are in search of love and their platonic friendship helps them survive their funk. You see, you don’t need a wedding and a stripper to make a romantic movie, just Johansson in a pink wig (wink).

Knocked Up

Knocked Up is on here simply because it’s my favorite Judd Apatow movie, but really any of his films would work on here. The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Funny People and his even his latest, This Is 40, all contain romantic elements, dealing with both lovers and friends.

Harold And Maude

Harold and Maude tells the love story between an introverted 20-year-old rich kid and a free-spirited older woman with an expiration date. The film is deeply strange, but has a lot to offer. You can’t miss it.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall is the perfect film for anyone who’s cynical about love. Woody Allen and Diane Keaton’s relationship is charming and entertaining. This film is not so much about love, as it is about the loneliness of mankind. There’s a lot of mention of failed relationships and sexual frustrations. definitly not like your modern day rom-com. There’s no happy ending, just a real ending.