The 50+ Best Movies About Unrequited Love, Ranked

This quirky romantic comedy-drama features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tom Hansen, an aspiring architect turned greeting card writer who falls for his co-worker Summer Finn (played by Zooey Deschanel). Narrated through a non-linear timeline, we witness their relationship unfold and ultimately crumble as Tom accepts the reality that Summer does not share his feelings. The film poignantly captures the complexities of modern relationships and unrequited love.

Another John Hughes classic, this 80s teen drama follows Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald), a working-class girl who falls for wealthy Blane McDonough (Andrew McCarthy). Simultaneously, Duckie Dale (Jon Cryer), Andie's quirky best friend, harbors secret feelings for her but struggles with expressing his emotions. The film poignantly explores themes of social status and unrequited love through these complex relationships.

In Tim Burton's dark fairy tale, Johnny Depp stars as Edward Scissorhands, a gentle yet misunderstood being with scissors for hands who falls in love with Kim Boggs (Winona Ryder). Despite their deep connection, society's prejudice against Edward forces them apart – highlighting the bittersweet nature of unrequited love amidst societal judgment.

This iconic film stars Tom Hanks as the lovable, simple-minded Forrest Gump who falls in love with his childhood friend Jenny (played by Robin Wright). Throughout the movie, their lives intersect at various points, but Jenny's personal struggles and emotional turmoil prevent her from reciprocating Forrest's unwavering devotion. The theme of unrequited love is a central aspect of this classic tale that explores the power of friendship, perseverance, and the human spirit.

Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, this lavish film adaptation directed by Baz Luhrmann stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws extravagant parties in hopes of winning back his lost love Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan). Despite his efforts to convince her to leave her husband, Tom (Joel Edgerton), Gatsby's dream ultimately remains unfulfilled – illustrating the futility of chasing an idealized past.

Set during World War II, this classic film tells the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a nightclub owner in Casablanca who encounters his former lover Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Torn between his feelings for Ilsa and his loyalty towards Victor, Rick must make a difficult decision that will forever impact their lives – emphasizing the sacrifices one makes for unrequited love.