When it comes to romantic movies, a very familiar trope is the love triangle. While there’s division about what really constitutes a love triangle (do all the involved parties need to be in love with each other? Or is it enough for only two characters to be in love with the same one?), we can certainly think of very compelling, heartbreaking, and beautiful love stories involving three people.
One of the most recent examples of the love triangle formula is “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. This sports romantic drama, directed by Lucas Guadagnino, has reminded me of how fascinating can be the tension between three people that love (or lust after) each other.
However, not all love triangles are so steamy. There are other stories involving three people that can be more restrained, playing with the idea of yearning. So, if you want to dive into some of the most iconic love triangles in movies, here are 15 love stories that will make you feel all the feelings.
Iconic Love Triangles in Cinema
Challengers (2024)
The most recent addition to the list, ‘Challengers,’ is a sports romantic drama starring Zendaya in her first lead role, alongside Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film follows three tennis players who meet as teenagers and then… well, they become entangled for the next 15 years.
If we consider that a love triangle should involve three people who are in love with each other, well, here it is. Not only are O’Connor and Faist’s characters vying for the affections of the same girl, Zendaya’s Tashi, but there’s also an exquisite tension between them, having been best friends since childhood, which the film explores very well.
Casablanca (1942)
For many, “Casablanca” stands as the ultimate love triangle, fascinating audiences across generations. Beyond its brilliant script, the film delves into some of cinema’s most discussed romances, posing the timeless question: What would you do for love?
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Rick Blaine (played by Bogart) has forged a new life for himself in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, far removed from Ilsa (Bergman), the woman who left him years earlier. However, when she unexpectedly enters his gin joint with her husband, Czech resistance leader Victor Lazlo (Henreid), seeking refuge from the Nazis, it becomes clear that their past isn’t quite finished.
The Twilight Saga (2008-2012)
When it comes to teen romance, the films that defined the late 2000s and early 2010s were the ‘Twilight’ saga. It was inescapable, and part of its popularity had to do with the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob.
While it’s true that there wasn’t much mystery regarding the choice she would make in the end, the tension that Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner brought to the screen was enough to drive teens crazy.
Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
A love triangle, but also a triangle of deception. And a lot of chemistry and tension on the screen. In “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Will (Orlando Bloom) share an instant connection. However, their love must endure many obstacles, including Jack Sparrow’s (Johnny Depp) obvious attraction to Elizabeth… And her too?
While Elizabeth was very aware of her “pretty privilege” (as the kids say today), it’s undeniable that when she got closer to Jack, she not only did it because it was necessary to her goals (and survival), she liked him too. However, only one man could win, and in the end, that was hopeless romantic Will.
Reality Bites (1994)
Before ‘Twilight,’ before ‘The Hunger Games,’ before ‘The Vampire Diaries’… One of the most angsty love triangles was in ‘Reality Bites.’ In the film, Winona Ryder’s Lelaina has to choose between Ethan Hawke’s Troy or Ben Stiller’s Michael.
One is trouble, the other is secure… The choice seems obvious, right? Well, that’s exactly what lies at the heart of the film. Not everything is as it seems, and there’s more to love than meets the eye. ‘Reality Bites’ is one of the best coming-of-age movies and features an unforgettable love triangle.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
In “The Philadelphia Story,” Tracy Lord, portrayed by Katharine Hepburn, is a wealthy socialite preparing for her second marriage… And her fiancé is not even one of the love interests. She will be caught between her charming ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven, played by Cary Grant, and an earnest tabloid reporter, Mike Connor, portrayed by James Stewart.
Dexter, still harboring feelings for Tracy, sees an opportunity to win her back amidst the chaos of her impending wedding. Meanwhile, Mike’s genuine affection for Tracy challenges her perceptions of class and societal expectations, forcing her to confront her own vulnerabilities and desires.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
As the modern version of ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ also brings the tension between Darcy, Elizabeth, and Wickham to the 21st Century, complete with an actual love triangle and plenty of messiness.
Initially infatuated with her charming, playboy boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), Bridget soon realizes that he might not be what she’s truly looking for. Instead, she finds herself drawn to Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), the seemingly boring and serious lawyer she initially dislikes.
The Favourite (2018)
In the current film landscape, Yorgos Lanthimos is one of the most interesting directors. And one of his most acclaimed films is “The Favourite,” a period dark comedy in which Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz play two cousins trying to win the favor of the queen of England (Olivia Colman).
The film is not only hilarious and unhinged, but it’s also an exploration of desire, ambition, deception and betrayal. While one might think that these two young ladies are faking their affections for the Queen, there are real feelings underneath, which makes the story even more complex and appealing.
The Dark Knight (2008)
One of the reasons why love triangles are irresistible might be the fact that we, as audience, know that someone is going to get hurt in the end. And, sometimes, that someone is precisely the hero we are rooting for. Case in point, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight.”
Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) might feel ready to leave Batman behind and finally be with the love of his life, Rachel (Maggie Gyllenghaal). However, she isn’t so sure, and thus, she is dating Harvey Dent, Gotham City’s District Attorney.
Sabrina (1954)
It seems like Humphrey Bogart is always at the center of the crime scene when it comes to love triangles. In this classic film, he portrays Linus Larrabee, the eldest, smartest, and most sensible brother of the millionaire Larrabee family. Yet, he still finds himself captivated by Audrey Hepburn’s ever-charming Sabrina. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
First, Sabrina will be swooning over Linus’ younger brother, David, played by William Holden. The family won’t approve of this affair, prompting Linus to enter the picture with a cold-hearted plan… until his own feelings also get in the way. It just doesn’t get any better than this.
Y tu mamá también (2001)
Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Y tú mamá también’ is one of the most important Mexican films ever, as it not only launched the cast to new levels, but it also served as a catalyst for important conversations in the country about identity, gender, and social inequity.
The movie follows a road trip from Mexico City to a paradisiacal beach in Oaxaca, during which upper-class teenager Tenoch (Diego Luna), his humbler best friend, Julio (Gael García Bernal), and a Spanish visitor, Luisa (Maribel Verdú), become entangled in ways that challenge their notions of manhood
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
One of the most iconic romantic comedies of the 1990s, and one of the most iconic love triangles, too. While admittedly less flashy than other films of the list, it’s clear that whatever feelings Julianne (Julia Roberts) and Michael (Dermot Mulroney) have for each other are a little more complicated than just friendship.
And those feelings will cause a lot of trouble ahead of Michael’s wedding with Kimberly, played by Cameron Diaz, who is oblivious to it all. There’s tension, there’s yearning, there’s madness… And there are lessons learned along the way.
The Half Of It (2020)
Written and directed by Alice Wu, “The Half of It” is a special movie by all means. It’s a coming-of-age story that follows a shy, Chinese-American student, Ellie, who agrees to help the school jock write love letters to a girl named Aster… However, in the process, some feelings will change.
However, this trio will find themselves connecting and learn about the nature of love, and all of its messiness and complications. But, apart from the love triangle, you can expect a story about learning to be yourself, as well as reflections around identity, diaspora and more.
Spider-Man (2002)
Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” opens up with the line “This, like any story worth telling, is all about a girl.” And, of course, that girl is Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker’s neighbor and long-time crush. However, unexpectedly, Peter’s best friend will also enter the picture, making the first move to win her heart.
Over the course of the trilogy, the three of them will have to deal with their feelings, as well as the lies and truths of their relationship. And, while we as audience root for Peter and Mary Jane to end up together, the complexity of their dynamic with Peter’s best friend adds layers of tension to the story.
The Dreamers (2003)
This might be controversial, as Bernardo Bertolucci’s ‘The Dreamers’ revolves around a love triangle involving siblings. However, the director beautifully navigates its themes, imbuing the story with much more depth than mere shocking taboos.
The movie follows a trio of idealistic film enthusiasts immersed in a hermetic, explorative lifestyle amidst the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots. Eva Green portrays a girl deeply enamored with her brother, Louis Garrel, while exchange student Michael Pitt finds himself drawn to both of them.
