Movies About Widows Falling In Love

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. The film follows the Corleone family, a powerful mafia family in New York City. After the death of the family patriarch Vito Corleone, power within the family transfers to his son Michael, who must keep the family together while taking on rival families, the law, and even the Catholic Church. It is a story of loyalty, power, and revenge, and ultimately proves to be an epic tale of a family's struggle to maintain its status and survive in a brutal underworld.

From Bryan Singer, starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin
Rated R

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 neo-noir mystery thriller directed by Bryan Singer. It follows the story of five small-time criminals who are brought together to form a criminal mastermind, Keyser Söze. After a mysterious fire at a warehouse, Customs Agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri) suspect that the five criminals, Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), Fred Fenster (Benicio del Toro), Todd Hockney (Kevin Pollak), and Roger "Verbal" Kint (Kevin Spacey), were involved in the mysterious incident. The investigation leads to a confusing and twisted journey of secrets and lies, as Agent Kujan discovers that Verbal is the only survivor of the fire and is being driven by a mysterious criminal mastermind, Keyser Söze. As Verbal reveals the truth about Söze and his criminal activities, Kujan discovers the truth about the five criminals and the events that led to their involvement with Keyser Söze. In the end, the truth is uncovered and the identity of Keyser Söze is revealed.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 romantic science fiction comedy-drama film directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film follows an estranged couple—lovers Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet)—who have each erased the other from their memories. The film uses elements of nonlinear narrative and an exploration of the nature of memory and love. The story follows Joel, a man devastated by the sudden end of his relationship with Clementine. After learning that she has undergone a procedure to erase their relationship from her memory, he contacts the company providing the service, Lacuna Inc., to do the same. As he watches his memories of Clementine systematically erased, he contemplates their relationship and tries desperately to preserve it in his own memories. Throughout the process, he finds himself reflecting on his own faults and culpability in the relationship's demise. In the end, he manages to preserve a final memory of Clementine, allowing him to move on with his life. The film received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including four Academy Awards and won the award for Best Original Screenplay at the 77th Academy Awards.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a 2014 psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and based on the book of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. It follows the story of Nick Dunne (Affleck), a man whose wife Amy (Pike) suddenly goes missing on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary. As the police investigate her disappearance, Nick's behavior makes him the prime suspect in her presumed murder. The story follows Nick's attempts to uncover the truth behind his wife's mysterious disappearance and the extreme measures he has to take to prove his innocence. The film offers a dark and twisted look at marriage and relationships, as the movie unravels the secrets lying underneath the seemingly perfect marriage of Nick and Amy.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Rosario Flores, Javier Cámara, Darío Grandinetti, Leonor Watling
Rated R

Talk to Her is a 2002 Spanish drama film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The story follows two men who develop an unlikely friendship as they care for two women who are both in comas. One of the women, Alicia, is a bullfighter who was gored in the ring, and the other, Lydia, is a former dancer who was found in a park, the victim of a crime. The men, Benigno and Marco, take turns watching over their comatose charges, and through conversations and shared experiences, Benigno and Marco form a deep bond. As both women eventually regain consciousness, the men are faced with new challenges. Talk to Her is a deeply moving film that explores themes of friendship, love, and ultimately, acceptance.

From Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson
Rated R

About Time is a romantic comedy-drama from acclaimed British director Richard Curtis. The film follows Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson), a shy young man from Cornwall who discovers he has the ability to time travel. With this newfound power, Tim sets out to make the most of his life, using it to win the heart of his beautiful co-worker Mary (Rachel McAdams). Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about the importance of cherishing the moments he has with his family and friends. With a mix of comedy, romance, and drama, About Time is an uplifting and heartfelt exploration of time, love, and the choices we make.

From Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. It follows the story of an eccentric and dysfunctional family who embark on a road trip together to get their young daughter to a beauty pageant. The family consists of Richard (Greg Kinnear), the father who is trying to sell a motivational program; Sheryl (Toni Collette), the mother who is struggling to keep the family together; Dwayne (Paul Dano), the uncle who has taken a vow of silence; Olive (Abigail Breslin), the daughter who dreams of winning the beauty pageant; and Grandpa (Alan Arkin) who has recently been released from a nursing home after a suicide attempt. Along the journey, the family faces various obstacles and learns to appreciate each other more. Despite the odds, they eventually make it to the pageant, where Olive is able to perform her dance routine and win the audience over. The movie ends with the family standing together on the stage, united and proud of Olive’s accomplishment.

From David Fincher, starring Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger, Sean Penn, James Rebhorn
Rated R

The Game tells the story of Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas), a wealthy, but troubled San Francisco businessman who receives an unexpected birthday gift from his estranged brother Conrad (Sean Penn). Unbeknownst to Nicholas, the gift is an invitation to a mysterious "game" which plunges him into a surreal and dangerous psychological journey. Without warning, Nicholas finds himself terrorized by a series of bizarre and menacing events that threaten to destroy his life. As he attempts to uncover the truth behind the game, Nicholas realizes that his very sanity is at stake.

From Jordan Peele, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener
Rated R

Get Out is a 2017 horror/mystery/thriller film written and directed by Jordan Peele. It follows the story of a young African-American man, Chris Washington, who visits his Caucasian girlfriend's family estate. As the weekend progresses, Chris begins to discover a sinister secret that the family has been hiding. He slowly begins to realize that he is the victim of a conspiracy to use black bodies for their own twisted gain. Through a journey of terror, suspense and ultimate liberation, Chris is forced to confront his own fears and those of a racially divided America.

From Josh Boone, starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern
Rated PG-13

The Fault in Our Stars follows the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), two teenagers with cancer who meet in a cancer support group and fall in love. Despite their struggles with illness, Hazel and Augustus share a deep bond that helps them find strength and meaning in their lives. As their relationship grows, the couple embarks on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, learning to cherish each moment and make the most of their time together. As their love story develops, Hazel and Augustus confront difficult truths about life, death, and suffering, ultimately learning to find hope within their pain.

From Marc Webb, starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Octavia Spencer
Rated PG-13

Gifted tells the story of Frank Adler (Chris Evans), a single man raising his precocious 7-year-old niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace) in a coastal town in Florida. Frank's plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when her mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank's formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) and her plans for Mary to join the ranks of child prodigies. Frank must fight for Mary's future as well as his own relationship with her. Along the way, Frank and Mary's bond and love is tested as they grapple with issues of trust, loyalty and what it means to be a family.

From Blake Edwards, starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen
Rated Approved

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 1961 romantic comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and starring Audrey Hepburn. The story follows Holly Golightly, a young, naïve New York City socialite, as she navigates her way through life in the city's high society. Along the way, she meets a struggling writer, Paul Varjak, and the two become close friends. Holly's lifestyle and carefree attitude often put her at odds with her wealthier peers and leads to trouble. As the story progresses, Paul begins to learn the truth about Holly's past and her true identity. At the same time, Holly starts to come to terms with the idea that she can't run away from her problems forever. In the end, Holly and Paul come to understand that love can be found in unexpected places and that life's ups and downs can be better handled together.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Annie Corley, Victor Slezak
Rated PG-13

The Bridges of Madison County is a 1995 American romantic drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Robert James Waller. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, and Annie Corley, the film tells the story of a brief four-day love affair between an Italian-American housewife, Francesca Johnson (Streep), and a National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid (Eastwood). Francesca has been married for years, but is deeply unhappy in her marriage. When Robert comes to her Iowa farm to photograph the bridges of Madison County, they quickly fall in love, only to be torn apart by their respective obligations. The film follows the two as they explore their newfound love and the effects their affair has on their lives.

From Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult
Rated R

The Favourite is a 2018 period comedy-drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film is set in the early 18th century and stars Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone as two cousins vying for the affections of the Queen of England (Colman). The story follows the two cousins as they compete for the Queen's favor and their resulting power struggle. The film explores themes of power, ambition, rivalry, and manipulation. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won three, including Best Actress for Olivia Colman.

From Vadim Perelman, starring Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley, Ron Eldard, Frances Fisher
Rated R

House of Sand and Fog is a 2003 drama film directed by Vadim Perelman. It tells the story of two people whose lives become intertwined by an eviction notice that leads to a dramatic legal battle. Kathy (Jennifer Connelly) is an Iranian-American woman struggling with depression and addiction who is evicted from her home after a bureaucratic mix-up; Colonel Behrani (Ben Kingsley), an Iranian immigrant, buys the house in an auction, believing it to be his chance to give his family a better life. As Kathy attempts to reclaim her home, the two become embroiled in a bitter conflict that has devastating consequences for both of them. The film examines themes of powerlessness, injustice, and the impact of social class on the pursuit of the American dream.

From Lynne Ramsay, starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, Jasper Newell
Rated R

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a 2011 psychological drama film directed by Lynne Ramsay, and adapted from Lionel Shriver's 2003 novel of the same name. The film follows Eva, a mother trying to come to terms with the horrors inflicted by her son, Kevin. As the story progresses, Eva is forced to confront her own feelings of guilt and responsibility for Kevin’s actions, as well as her past mistakes that led to her current situation. Through a series of flashbacks, the film takes us on a journey that reveals the complex and often painful relationship between a mother and her son, and the devastating consequences of parental negligence. As Eva struggles to come to terms with Kevin’s actions, the film examines the nature of evil and the consequences of an emotionally distant upbringing. We Need to Talk About Kevin is an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of the power of a child’s influence on a parent’s life.

From Stephen Frears, starring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Jack Black
Rated R

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie, Franklin Cover
Rated R

From Derek Cianfrance, starring Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, John Doman, Faith Wladyka
Rated R

From Denzel Washington, starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo
Rated PG-13

From Ridley Scott, starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Martin Hancock
Rated R

From Justin Baldoni, starring Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moises Arias, Kimberly Hebert Gregory
Rated PG-13

From Tony Gilroy, starring George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Michael O'Keefe
Rated R

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Woody Harrelson
Rated R

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Lilli Palmer
Rated R