Movies About Loving Someone Who Doesn't Love You Back

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne, who is falsely convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Shawshank State Penitentiary. During his time at the prison, Andy forms a friendship with Ellis "Red" Redding, an inmate and smuggler, and finds ways to live a more fulfilling life despite his incarceration. With the help of his friends on the inside and his own determination and resourcefulness, Andy eventually escapes from Shawshank and eventually finds a new life outside the prison walls. The film was highly acclaimed by critics and was a huge box office success, grossing over $28 million against its $25 million budget.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally, which is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film follows the true story of Oskar Schindler, an opportunistic businessman in Nazi Germany, who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and ammunitions factories. Liam Neeson stars as Schindler, and Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes as Nazi officers in charge of the camp. The film is a powerful and emotional examination of the Holocaust in which the filmmaker pays tribute to the courage and ingenuity of those who risked their lives to resist Nazi oppression.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. It stars Tom Hanks in the title role, with Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field, and others in supporting roles. The film tells the story of Forrest Gump (Hanks), a dim-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who, with the help of his best friend and personal caretaker, Lt. Dan Taylor (Sinise), leads an extraordinary life filled with unlikely adventures. Forrest's simple innocence and child-like curiosity lead to unexpected experiences in the military, politics, and business. Along the way, he learns valuable life lessons about love, friendship, and the power of destiny.

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film directed by the Wachowskis. The film stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. It tells the story of Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer who is also a hacker known as Neo. Neo is contacted by Morpheus, a legendary computer hacker, who explains to Neo that the world he knows is actually an elaborate virtual reality constructed by powerful machines as a way to enslave the human race. Neo joins Morpheus and his crew of rebels, who fight back against the machines, while also coming to terms with his true identity as "The One", a powerful being who can manipulate the Matrix and free humanity from its enslavement. The Matrix is widely acclaimed for its action sequences, groundbreaking visual effects, and its complex and thought-provoking themes and story.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is an Italian comedy-drama film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni. Set in Italy during World War II, the film tells the story of a Jewish man and his family who are persecuted by the Nazis. The main character, Guido, played by Benigni, is determined to protect his son Giosué from the horrors of the Holocaust. To protect him, he creates a game of sorts, in which he convinces Giosué that the situation is all make-believe, and that the prize for winning the game is a tank. Despite the terrifying circumstances, Guido is able to bring humor and joy to those around him, while still maintaining his courage and determination to survive the Nazi occupation. In the end, Guido and Giosué are able to outwit the Nazis and survive their ordeal. The film combines lighthearted humor with heartbreaking tragedy, exploring the power of love to overcome the darkest of times.

From Ron Fricke, starring Balinese Tari Legong Dancers, Ni Made Megahadi Pratiwi, Puti Sri Candra Dewi, Putu Dinda Pratika
Rated PG-13

Samsara is a 2011 non-narrative documentary film directed by Ron Fricke. The film follows a poetic journey around the world, exploring the wonders of the human experience and the bonds that connect us all. It was shot over five years in twenty-five countries on five continents and features stunningly composed visuals of nature, spirituality, technology and consumerism. The film features no dialogue or narration, relying instead on images, music, and natural sounds to tell its story. It serves as a meditation on the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth that are part of life and the world we inhabit. Samsara is a powerful cinematic experience that will leave audiences in awe of the beauty and fragility of our planet and the profound truth of our interconnectedness.

From Orson Welles, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead
Rated PG

Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film directed by and starring Orson Welles. It tells the story of a newspaper magnate, Charles Foster Kane, played by Welles, who is born into poverty but acquires a fortune and dies in despair. The movie follows Kane in various stages of his life, from his rise as a child prodigy to his eventual downfall. It examines the mysterious last words he utters on his deathbed: "Rosebud". Through a series of flashbacks and interviews with Kane's friends and colleagues, the movie investigates the meaning of his life and death. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, and Welles's debut as a director earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

From Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen, starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling
Rated PG

Inside Out is a Pixar animated film about the emotions living inside the head of a young girl named Riley. The five emotions, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, all work together to help Riley navigate through life. When Riley and her family move across the country, her emotions struggle to adjust to the new environment and Joy and Sadness get lost in the confusion of Riley's mind. As Joy and Sadness make their way back home, they learn the importance of allowing all emotions to be felt, and how they can all work together to make Riley a better person. Along the way, Riley's emotions teach her important life lessons about growing up and dealing with change.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 film directed by Peter Weir that tells the story of Truman Burbank, a man whose entire life has been a television show broadcast around the world. Truman, unaware that his entire life is a fabrication and that he is living in a giant set, is monitored 24 hours a day by hidden cameras and follows a script written by the show’s creator and producer, Christof. As Truman begins to become aware of his situation and searches for a way out of his constructed world, Christof and the show's staff work to prevent him from escaping. The movie follows Truman as he confronts the truth of his life and ultimately chooses his own destiny.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
Rated PG-13

Jurassic Park is a 1993 science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. The film follows a group of scientists and specialists who are invited to Jurassic Park, a wildlife park of cloned dinosaurs created by billionaire philanthropist John Hammond. As they explore the park, they soon realize Hammond's scientists have been manipulating the animals' genes, resulting in an unsettling situation. When the power in the park is shut off by a disgruntled employee, the dinosaurs are unleashed and the group must fight to survive and escape the island. Along the way, they gain insight into the power of nature, and the consequences of manipulating it. With stunning visuals and a thrilling soundtrack, Jurassic Park is an unforgettable film that captures the awe and danger of a world controlled by prehistoric creatures.

From Peter Farrelly, starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco
Rated PG-13

Green Book is a 2018 American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly. It tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a black classical pianist, and Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), an Italian-American bouncer hired to be his driver and bodyguard for a concert tour across the Jim Crow South in 1962. As the two men overcome their differences and begin to understand each other, they rely on The Negro Motorist Green Book, a traveler’s guide that listed the few establishments that were safe for African-Americans at the time. The film follows their journey as they confront racism and danger while experiencing the richness of the culture in the Deep South. Along the way, they also form a deep bond that changes the course of their lives. Green Book was nominated for five Academy Awards and won three, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Ali. It was praised for its performances, humor, and its thought-provoking exploration of race relations in America.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Rated R

Unforgiven is an American revisionist Western film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by David Webb Peoples. The film tells the story of William Munny, an aging outlaw and killer who takes on one more job, years after he had turned to farming. He is accompanied by his old partner Ned Logan and a young man, the "Schofield Kid." After the three men enter into a violent confrontation with a group of hired guns, their quest for redemption and revenge becomes intertwined with the struggle between the ruthless local sheriff and a town full of cowboys and prostitutes. The film is a meditation on the nature of violence and the consequences of taking the law into one's own hands.

From M. Night Shyamalan, starring Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

The Sixth Sense is a 1999 supernatural horror film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film follows the story of Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who was recently shot by an ex-patient and is trying to help an 8-year-old boy, Cole Sear, who can see and communicate with the dead. As Malcolm attempts to help Cole, he comes to realize that his own ghosts are haunting him. Through Malcolm and Cole's journey, they try to help each other overcome their fears and discover the truth about the paranormal. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards and won for Best Original Screenplay. The Sixth Sense is widely praised for its twist ending and is considered one of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside to be closer to their ailing mother and discover the magical creatures that inhabit their new home. Satsuki and Mei befriend a magical forest spirit named Totoro, who helps them adjust to their new home. The girls embark on a series of adventures with Totoro, who takes them to magical places, teaches them about nature, and helps them understand the wonders of life. The film is ultimately a celebration of the power of imagination, friendship, and the natural world.

From James Mangold, starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe
Rated PG-13

Ford v Ferrari, directed by James Mangold, is a 2019 biographical drama film about the intense rivalry between the Ford Motor Company and Ferrari in the 1960s. The film stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale as automotive designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles respectively and follows the two as they team up to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to take on the unbeatable Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Despite the immense pressure and extreme adversity they face, Shelby and Miles are determined to win at all costs, leading to a thrilling and inspiring story of passion, friendship and determination.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her
Rated R

Gran Torino, directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the story of Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran who lives in a changing Detroit neighborhood. Despite his gruff exterior, Walt unexpectedly forms an unlikely bond with his young Hmong neighbor, Thao, who was trying to steal his prized Gran Torino. As Walt and Thao grow closer, Walt finds himself standing up for his neighbors against a local gang that is trying to intimidate them. In the end, Walt learns to embrace the Hmong culture and finds redemption through an unexpected act of heroism.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring William H. Macy, Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare
Rated R

Fargo is a dark comedy crime film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, released in 1996. It focuses on a pregnant police chief named Marge Gunderson, who investigates a series of homicides in her small Minnesota town. The investigation leads her to discover a kidnapping and ransom scheme orchestrated by a car salesman, his partner in crime and a disgruntled client. Meanwhile, Marge struggles to maintain her pregnancy while trying to bring the criminals to justice. The film stars Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, and Harve Presnell. The Coen Brothers won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film and McDormand won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. Fargo has since become a classic of American cinema and is widely considered one of the Coens' best films.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones
Rated R

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a darkly comedic drama directed by Martin McDonagh starring Frances McDormand. The film follows Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother who is frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation of her daughter's rape and murder. In response, Mildred rents three billboards near her daughter's hometown of Ebbing, Missouri and posts provocative messages directed at the town's law enforcement. The town is thrown into turmoil as the messages become controversial and draw strong reactions from the community. As Mildred's confrontation with local police escalates, her relationship with her son, daughter-in-law, and other members of the community become strained. Ultimately, the film examines the power of justice, family, and revenge as Mildred's actions have unforeseen consequences for herself and those around her.

From Walter Salles, starring Fernanda Montenegro, Vinícius de Oliveira, Marília Pêra, Soia Lira
Rated R

Central Station is a 1998 Brazilian drama film directed by Walter Salles. The film follows Dora (Fernanda Montenegro), an elderly woman who makes a living writing letters for illiterate people at Rio de Janeiro's Central Station. When she meets Josué (Vinicius de Oliveira), a young boy searching for his father, Dora reluctantly agrees to help him. Along their journey, the pair develop a close bond, and Dora is ultimately forced to confront her own demons. Central Station is a powerful exploration of faith, love, and redemption.

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. It tells the story of King George VI of the United Kingdom (Colin Firth) who, to overcome a dreaded stammer, seeks the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Set in the 1930s, the story follows their personal and professional relationship as they strive to find a way to help the King overcome his speech impediment in time for his coronation. Along the way, the two men forge an unlikely friendship that ultimately helps the King find his voice and strengthen his leadership during a turbulent time in Britain's history. The film also stars Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, and Guy Pearce.

From Directors: Christopher Dillon Quinn, Tommy Walker, starring Panther Bior, John Bul Dau, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Abol Pach
Rated PG

God Grew Tired of Us is a 2006 documentary film about the Lost Boys of Sudan, refugees who escaped the civil war in South Sudan in the 1980s and 1990s. The film follows three of the Lost Boys, John, Panther and Daniel, as they adjust to life in the United States after more than a decade in refugee camps. Through interviews and beautiful cinematography, the film reveals the struggles and successes of the three men as they learn to live in a new country and culture. The film also takes a closer look into the life of the Lost Boys, showing how they were able to survive such hardships and go on to live full lives in the US. In the end, the film serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, and an inspiration to keep going despite all odds.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
Rated R

Boyhood is an American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Richard Linklater. The film follows the life of Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) from age six to eighteen, as he navigates the complexities of growing up. During the twelve-year journey, Mason and his sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater) grow up with their divorced parents: their mother, Olivia (Patricia Arquette), and their father, Mason Sr. (Ethan Hawke). The film intimately examines the strength and fragility of family, and the power of relationships that shape our identity. Boyhood is an honest, indelible snapshot of life that captures moments both mundane and extraordinary, as Mason and his family negotiate the ascent into adulthood.

From David Lean, starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin, Rod Steiger
Rated PG-13

Doctor Zhivago is a 1965 drama romance film directed by David Lean and based on the 1957 novel of the same name by Boris Pasternak. The film stars Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin, Rod Steiger, Alec Guinness and Tom Courtenay. Set in pre-revolutionary Russia and during the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1917, the story focuses on the life of Doctor Yuri Zhivago, a married physician and poet who has an affair with a political activist's wife. The film follows the struggles of Zhivago and his love interest, Lara, as they are swept up in the social, political, and religious upheavals of the time. The film also depicts the breakdown of the once-idyllic rural lifestyle, as seen through the changing fortunes of the moral Zhivago and the ruthless Lara. In the end, the film culminates in a tragic ending, as Zhivago is forced to confront the choices he has made and the consequences of his actions.

From Alan J. Pakula, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam
Rated PG

All the President's Men is a 1976 American political thriller film based on the 1974 non-fiction book of the same name by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, the film stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Bernstein and Woodward, respectively; it tells the story of their investigation into the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. Along with its critical and commercial success, the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won four: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Supporting Actor (Jason Robards) and Best Picture. The film follows the two Washington Post reporters as they investigate the Watergate scandal and the cover-up by the Nixon administration. With the help of a mysterious informant dubbed Deep Throat, they uncover a network of corruption that leads all the way to the White House. In the process, they risk their careers, reputations and even their lives in pursuit of the truth. With its intense and suspenseful scenes, All the President's Men is a powerful reminder of the importance of a free press and the real-life heroism of Bernstein and Woodward.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a 1997 science fiction drama directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law. Set in a future where genetic engineering has become commonplace, the film tells the story of Vincent Freeman (Hawke), a genetically flawed man who strives to overcome his disadvantages and fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut. His journey is complicated by a society that views those born from natural conception as inferior, and those with enhanced genetic material as the only acceptable members of society. As he struggles to overcome the obstacles set up by society and his own biology, he eventually discovers the courage to fight for his dreams, and ultimately finds a way to make them a reality.