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Love triangles have been a staple in storytelling for centuries, but some films take this trope to unexpected and bizarre places. These 11 movies feature love triangles that go beyond the typical romantic entanglement, delving into the absurd, the unconventional, and sometimes the downright strange. If you’re looking for a fresh take on romance with twists you won’t see coming, these films are a must-watch.
1. “The Lobster” (2015)
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Main Actors: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, LĂ©a Seydoux
- Inspiring Quote: “If you encounter any problems you cannot resolve yourselves, you will be assigned children. That usually helps.”
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, The Lobster is set in a dystopian world where single people are given 45 days to find a romantic partner or be turned into an animal of their choosing. The film follows David (Colin Farrell), who checks into a strange hotel where he meets potential partners but ends up forming an unusual love triangle involving a woman with no emotions (Angeliki Papoulia) and a near-sighted woman (Rachel Weisz) he encounters in the woods. The film’s absurd premise and dark humor create a love triangle unlike any other, where the stakes are both surreal and existential.
Stream On: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
2. “Her” (2013)
- Runtime: 2h 6m
- Main Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson (voice), Amy Adams
- Inspiring Quote: “The past is just a story we tell ourselves.”
Her, directed by Spike Jonze, tells the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely man who falls in love with his operating system, Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). As their relationship deepens, Theodore finds himself in an unusual love triangle when he reconnects with his human ex-wife (Rooney Mara). The film explores the boundaries of love and connection in a world where technology blurs the lines between human and machine. Her is a thought-provoking examination of modern relationships, where the love triangle is as emotional as it is unconventional.
Stream On: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
3. “The Dreamers” (2003)
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Main Actors: Michael Pitt, Eva Green, Louis Garrel
- Inspiring Quote: “I knew it would happen. You knew it would happen. All three of us knew.”
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, The Dreamers is set in 1968 Paris and follows the intense relationship between an American exchange student, Matthew (Michael Pitt), and a French brother and sister, Theo (Louis Garrel) and Isabelle (Eva Green). As the trio becomes increasingly close, their relationship blurs the lines between friendship, love, and obsession. The film’s exploration of sexuality, politics, and personal boundaries creates a love triangle that is as intellectually provocative as it is emotionally charged. The Dreamers is a visually stunning and deeply philosophical film that pushes the boundaries of romantic entanglement.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
4. “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001)
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Main Actors: Gael GarcĂa Bernal, Diego Luna, Maribel VerdĂş
- Inspiring Quote: “Life is like the surf, so give yourself away like the sea.”
Directed by Alfonso CuarĂłn, Y Tu Mamá TambiĂ©n is a coming-of-age road movie that follows two teenage boys, Julio (Gael GarcĂa Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna), who embark on a road trip with an older woman, Luisa (Maribel VerdĂş). As the journey progresses, the trio’s relationships become increasingly complex, leading to a love triangle that is as passionate as it is tragic. The film’s raw and honest portrayal of youth, desire, and the fleeting nature of life makes it a powerful exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of Mexico’s stunning landscapes.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel
5. “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008)
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Main Actors: Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz
- Inspiring Quote: “Only unfulfilled love can be romantic.”
Directed by Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona follows two American friends, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), who spend a summer in Barcelona. There, they become entangled with a charming artist, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), and his fiery ex-wife, MarĂa Elena (PenĂ©lope Cruz). The love triangle (or rather, love quadrangle) that develops is full of passion, jealousy, and emotional turmoil. The film’s exploration of unconventional relationships and the complexities of love makes it a fascinating and entertaining watch, with standout performances by its ensemble cast.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
6. “Jules and Jim” (1962)
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Main Actors: Jeanne Moreau, Oskar Werner, Henri Serre
- Inspiring Quote: “I love you, my love for you is the only thing in me that doesn't change.”
Directed by François Truffaut, Jules and Jim is a French New Wave classic that tells the story of a decades-long love triangle between two best friends, Jules (Oskar Werner) and Jim (Henri Serre), and the free-spirited Catherine (Jeanne Moreau). The film explores the complexities of love, friendship, and loyalty as the three characters navigate their relationships in the years before and after World War I. Jules and Jim is a poignant and beautifully crafted film that delves into the nature of love and the inevitability of change, making it a timeless exploration of romantic entanglement.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel
7. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Main Actors: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick
- Inspiring Quote: “Don’t dream it, be it.”
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, directed by Jim Sharman, is a cult classic musical that combines horror, comedy, and a whole lot of camp. The film follows a young couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), who find themselves at the bizarre mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a mad scientist with a penchant for cross-dressing. As the night unfolds, Brad, Janet, and Frank-N-Furter become embroiled in a strange love triangle (or perhaps more accurately, a love polygon) that challenges all conventional notions of romance and sexuality. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an outrageous and fun exploration of desire, identity, and the freedom to be yourself.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
8. “Heathers” (1988)
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Main Actors: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
- Inspiring Quote: “Dear diary, my teen angst bullsh*t has a body count.”
Heathers, directed by Michael Lehmann, is a dark comedy that takes a satirical look at high school cliques, popularity, and the deadly consequences of teen angst. The film follows Veronica (Winona Ryder), a high school student who becomes involved with the brooding and rebellious J.D. (Christian Slater). As their relationship intensifies, Veronica finds herself caught in a twisted love triangle between J.D. and her desire to fit in with the popular girls, known as the Heathers. The film’s biting humor and sharp critique of social hierarchies make it a cult favorite, with a love triangle that’s as darkly comedic as it is unsettling.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
9. “Chasing Amy” (1997)
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Main Actors: Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee
- Inspiring Quote: “I love you. Not in a friendly way, although I think we’re great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy dog way, although I’m sure that’s what you’ll call it.”
Chasing Amy, directed by Kevin Smith, is a romantic dramedy that explores the complexities of love, sexuality, and identity. The film follows Holden (Ben Affleck), a comic book artist who falls in love with Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams), a fellow artist who is openly gay. As Holden struggles with his feelings for Alyssa, he finds himself caught in a love triangle with his best friend, Banky (Jason Lee), who harbors unspoken feelings for him. Chasing Amy is a raw and honest exploration of love and relationships in the modern world, with a love triangle that challenges traditional notions of romance and attraction.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
10. “Mullholland Drive” (2001)
- Runtime: 2h 27m
- Main Actors: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux
- Inspiring Quote: “No hay banda! There is no band. It is all an illusion.”
Mulholland Drive, directed by David Lynch, is a surreal neo-noir film that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The story follows Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress, and Rita (Laura Harring), a woman with amnesia, as they try to uncover the mystery of Rita’s identity. As the two women grow closer, their relationship develops into a romantic entanglement that is complicated by the film’s dreamlike narrative and multiple layers of reality. Mulholland Drive is a mind-bending exploration of love, identity, and the dark underbelly of Hollywood, with a love triangle that defies conventional storytelling and leaves viewers questioning what is real.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel
11. “Enemy” (2013)
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Main Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, MĂ©lanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon
- Inspiring Quote: “Chaos is order yet undeciphered.”
Enemy, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a psychological thriller that delves into the concepts of identity, duality, and the uncanny. The film follows Adam (Jake Gyllenhaal), a mild-mannered history professor who discovers his exact double, Anthony (also played by Gyllenhaal), a small-time actor. As the two men’s lives become intertwined, their romantic relationships with their respective partners, Helen (Sarah Gadon) and Mary (Mélanie Laurent), become increasingly bizarre and entangled. Enemy is a haunting exploration of the doppelgänger phenomenon and the unsettling consequences of encountering one’s double, with a love triangle that is as eerie as it is fascinating.
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
These 11 films take the classic love triangle and twist it into something strange, unconventional, and utterly captivating. Whether it’s the surreal entanglements of Mulholland Drive or the existential dilemmas in The Lobster, these movies offer fresh and intriguing perspectives on romance that go beyond the typical love story. If you’re looking for films that challenge your expectations and dive deep into the complexities of human relationships, these bizarre love triangles are a must-watch.
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