Bittersweet Romance backdrop

Bittersweet Romance movies

Tender romance with a painful edge—sacrifice, separation, or mixed outcomes rather than a perfect win.

151. A Beautiful Mind

A Beautiful Mind
Drama Romance Psychological Drama Bittersweet Romance
8.2
20012h 15minUnited States
Director: Ron Howard

Overview

From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, John Forbes Nash Jr. experiences it all. As a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, he made a groundbreaking discovery early in his career and stands on the brink of international acclaim. But as the handsome and arrogant Nash accepts secret work in cryptography, he becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy. His life takes a nightmarish turn and he soon finds himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery.

Themes

Mental illness stigma, Paranoia and hallucinations, Academic pressure and isolation, Romance amid obsession, Self-discovery tension, Pursuit of recognition

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

152. What Time Is It There?

What Time Is It There?
Drama Romance Bittersweet Romance Relationship Drama
7.3
20011h 56minFrance, Taiwan
Director: Tsai Ming-liang

Overview

A street vendor with a grim home-life forges a connection with a young woman on her way to Paris.

Themes

Economic precarity, Time as distance, Ferris wheel image, Dual-time watch motif, Loneliness across travel, Street vendor hardship, Death in family

Available on

Universcine
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

153. Lost and Delirious

Lost and Delirious
Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Bittersweet Romance
6.8
20011h 43minCanada
Director: Léa Pool

Overview

After starting at an upmarket boarding school, a teenage girl forms close friendships with her two older roommates. However, when she discovers that her new friends are lovers she finds herself caught in a complicated situation.

Themes

Identity and belonging, Peer pressure, Grief and resilience, Family homophobia, Romantic secrecy, Jealousy and possessiveness

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV
Amazon Video
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

154. The Princess and the Warrior

The Princess and the Warrior
Romance Drama Bittersweet Romance Everyday Life Drama
7.4
20002h 15minGermany
Director: Tom Tykwer

Overview

Young nurse Sissi lives a secluded life entirely devoted to her patients at Birkenhof asylum. Her first encounter with ex-soldier and drifter Bodo has a lasting impact. He causes an accident in which he provides first aid, Sissi wonders if he may be the man of her dreams. But when she finds him weeks later she is rejected, as Bodo is stuck somewhere between a traumatic past and a criminal future.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Care under pressure, Haunted past, Loyalty under crime, Pursuit and rescue, Longing amid hardship

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

155. Waking the Dead

Waking the Dead
Mystery Drama Romance Psychological Drama Bittersweet Romance
6.4
20001h 45minCanada, United States
Director: Keith Gordon

Overview

A congressional candidate questions his sanity after seeing the love of his life, presumed dead, suddenly emerge.

Themes

Oppression and resistance, Political ambition and ethics, Memory versus perception, Public life versus private life, Idealism in crisis, Legitimacy and doubt

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

156. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Family Adventure Animation Drama Romance
6.5
19981h 21minUnited States
Director: Darrell Rooney

Overview

The circle of life continues for Simba, now fully grown and in his rightful place as the king of Pride Rock. Simba and Nala have given birth to a daughter, Kiara who's as rebellious as her father was. But Kiara drives her parents to distraction when she catches the eye of Kovu, the son of the evil lioness, Zira. Will Kovu steal Kiara's heart?

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Duty vs desire, Forbidden romance, Power and legitimacy, Leadership responsibility, Intergroup reconciliation

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

157. Brassed Off

Brassed Off
Comedy Romance Drama Bittersweet Romance Professional Drama
7.2
19961h 47minUnited Kingdom, United States
Director: Mark Herman

Overview

A Yorkshire coal mine is threatened with closure and the only hope is for the men to enter their Grimley Colliery Brass Band into a national competition. They believe they have no hope until Gloria appears carrying her Flugelhorn. At first mocked for being a woman, she soon becomes the only chance for the band to win.

Themes

Economic precarity, Labor solidarity, Gender barriers, Closure politics, Deception in the workplace, Working-class pride

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

158. The Apartment

The Apartment
Mystery Drama Romance Relationship Drama Bittersweet Romance
7.3
19961h 56minFrance, Spain
Director: Gilles Mimouni

Overview

Max is a former playboy who has decided to settle down by marrying his current love, Muriel. However, when Max catches a glimpse of the great lost love of his life, he becomes obsessed with rekindling their relationship.

Themes

Infidelity and longing, Cafe memory, Love and risk, Obsession and pursuit, Fiancé and marriage, Appearance versus truth

Available on

Mediaset Infinity
Bbox VOD
Infinity Selection Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

159. What's Eating Gilbert Grape

What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Romance Drama Family Drama Bittersweet Romance
7.7
19931h 58minUnited States
Director: Lasse Hallström

Overview

Gilbert Grape is a small-town young man with a lot of responsibility. Chief among his concerns are his mother, who is so overweight that she can't leave the house, and his mentally impaired younger brother, Arnie, who has a knack for finding trouble. Settled into a job at a grocery store and an ongoing affair with local woman Betty Carver, Gilbert finally has his life shaken up by the free-spirited Becky.

Themes

Family loyalty under strain, Caregiver burden, Obesity and isolation, Economic decline, Romance amid conflict, Community judgment

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.