This dark list of romantic movies will make you shudder, cry and think about the nature of true love. The depths of your soul kind of passionate stories with a hint of supernatural, destiny or irony. If you revisit these movies they just may restore your faith in passion if you have lost it.
Sometimes I wonder what kind of beautiful, twisted mind can write a believable, yet vulnerable story of a street prostitute and a drunk who fall in love within the trappings of their dark, painful lives. Leaving Las Vegas was my inspiration for this list, and as a movie is was so exceptional. A few months ago I created a list of movies to rewatch that I remember enjoying back in the day. When I rewatched this movie, it got me thinking about all the great love stories that have a dark, passionate story.
Now, I am on a mission to bring you something different to date night or Valentines Day. Heck, these are great to watch alone if this is your year for that.
This is for everyone who loves loves… and everyone else who needs to be reminded.
LEAVING LAS VEGAS (1995)
A tragedy about finding love when two people have lost hope in life. Psychologically riveting, this movie won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1996.
UNFAITHFUL (2002)
If you define love as two married people living in a house with a picket fence, you might find this one hard to watch. Only for the brave souls.
LA LA LAND (2016)
An upbeat movie with singing and dancing, but really on point when it comes to love and destiny.
DIRTY DANCING (1987)
Nobody puts baby in the corner… I mean… This is one of my all time favorite movies. It really showcases love the way most of us have experienced it at some point in our lives.
WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
I was actually named after Maria in West Side Story, so she is one of my favorite characters. Naive about love and open hearted, life doesn’t always go as planned. If you can get past the dancing gangs, you will see why this is top of the dark romance list.
TITANIC (1997)
Well, yeh. Nothing more needs to be said.
AGE OF ADALINE (2015)
More supernatural and twisted then dark, but I absolutely love it. Mystical, magical and quite inspiring.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (1998)
A period piece which might be the most romantic movies of all time. Although it is a fictional story of William Shakespeare, it feels like this really could have happened.
DRACULA (1992)
A visually stunning movie with the longing and darkness that a Vampire movie should have. So irresistible and dazzling.
JUNO (2007)
Not so dark, as a bit of twisted reality. This is by far the lightest story on this list, but it will still leave you feeling a bit reflective at the end.
LARS AND THE REAL GIRL (2007)
Have a fear of intimacy? This story will amaze you with a brilliant psychological storyline and beautiful touching moments. This dark movie will prove to you there is someone for everyone.
GHOST (1990)
Spirtually simplicist and emotionally deep, you should cry. A lot. If you don’t there could be something wrong with you.
A STAR IS BORN (2018)
Two people fall in love with another’s talents and that is as human as it gets. Although this story isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so expect some humanity to get in the way.
Sommersby (1993)
Mixed emotions, angst, and passion create intrigue in this Civil War period piece.
TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE (2009)
Truly a metaphysical delight, this movie will challenge all you know about true love.