10 Most heartbreaking breakups we see in movies

Breakups in movies and TV shows are oftentimes depicted realistically such that viewers find them relatable and empathize with the characters.

It doesn't matter if the setting is fictional; the emotions transcend characters and periods. Whether the characters exist in the 19th century or a dystopian period, emotions like falling in love or breakups seem to be the same.

In this article, we have listed 10 such heartbreaking breakups from movies that moved the viewers.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

10) Blue is the Warmest Color

Lea Seydoux in Blue is The Warmest Color | Image via Wild Bunch

Apart from depicting social taboos like same-s*x relationships, Blue is the Warmest Color also shows the relationship between Adele and Emma in all its raw form.

Adele got into a relationship when she was a teenager, her first relationship when she began to understand her s*xuality. However, like most relationships, their union is marred with many challenges. As they grow up, their opinions and preferences in life begin to change. Adele cheats on Emma after a bitter argument about their professions, which results in their heartbreaking breakup. Later, they meet again but fail to rekindle their relationship and tearfully part ways.

The film depicts one of the most heartbreaking breakups of all time.

9) Eat, Pray, Love

Billy Crudup in Eat, Pray, Love | Image via Sony Pictures Entertainment

Elizabeth Gilbert’s struggle with not finding her life fulfilling enough prompts her to take a trip to several locations. However, she wants to go on the trip alone and does not want to be married anymore.

In one of the most heartbreaking breakups, Elizabeth tells her husband, Steven, that she wants a divorce, which comes as a surprise to him as he struggles to accept it. He is then seen hiding his tears from everyone in the lift after the news.

8) The Way We Were

Barbara Streisand in The Way We Were | Image via Columbia Pictures

Katie Morosky and Hubbel Gardiner’s relationship was always strange due to their differing personalities in The Way We Were.

Their initial breakup happens because of wanting different things from life, but they reconcile and get married. However, it didn’t last as they both still wanted different things in life and were exhausted by keeping this relationship intact. They eventually divorced, making it one of the most heartbreaking breakups in movies.

7) Like Crazy

Anton Yelchin in Like Crazy | Image via Paramount Pictures

Another movie that shows a realistic view on breakups is Like Crazy. Jacob falls in love with a British exchange student, Anna. However, their beautiful relationship turns into a painful separation due to distance.

As they struggle with being in a long-distance relationship and also Anna’s struggle with immigration, they both start to grow apart and break up. They both get into new relationships with different people but still cannot let go of each other.

6) Blue Valentine

Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine | Image via Silverwood Films

Blue Valentine shows the beginning and end of a strained relationship and marriage between Dean and Cindy.

The ending of the film depicts one of the most devastating breakups as Cindy finally separates from Dean while he pleads with her to give their marriage a second chance. Cindy hugs him one last time and parts ways with him as he walks off leaving his daughter Frankie with her mother.

5) The Notebook

Ryan Gosling in The Notebook | Image via New Line Cinema

Noah and Allie’s love story from The Notebook is one of the most iconic love stories of all time.

Their breakup might not be one of the most heartbreaking breakups, but the separation after that due to not being able to meet before Allie goes back to Charleston and later due to Allie’s mother hiding all of Noah’s letters to her are the most painful. This makes their reunion one of the most tear-jerking yet beautiful moments of the movie before she suffers from dementia.

4) Brokeback Mountain

Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain | Image via River Road Entertainment

Jack and Ennis’s relationship does not have a happy ending in Brokeback Mountain due to social taboos surrounding same-s*x relationships.

Their multiple breakups, even after intense emotions toward each other, are mainly due to Ennis’s fear of people finding out about his s*xuality. They meet and rekindle their relationship several times but are ultimately separated due to Jack’s sudden demise.

In one of the most heartbreaking scenes, we see Ennis embracing Jack’s shirt and crying, remembering him.

3) La La Land

Emma Stone in La La Land | Image via Summit Entertainment

La La Land showcases one of the most mature breakups of all as both the people prioritise their dreams over their love and separate but not with hatred. It is still heartbreaking to watch as they still have love and respect for each other and are happy to see the other one doing great in life.

Mia and Sebastian meet when they are both struggling in their respective fields. They fall in love and encourage each other to pursue their dreams. Their separation is heartbreaking but also heartfelt as Sebastian tells Mia to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. They meet later, after fulfilling their dreams, and have different lives now, which they both acknowledge and move on with their respective lives.

2) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

"Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind" DVD Release Party - Source: Getty

The list of heartbreaking breakups cannot be complete without the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind being mentioned.

The movie begins with Joel and Clementine trying to forget about each other after a nasty breakup. They both go under a procedure that would delete their memories of each other. During the procedure, Joel relives the memories of fights and the eventual breakup with Clementine, making it painful for him and the viewers. During the procedure, he realizes his love for Clementine and tries his best not to forget her.

Even after forgetting everything, they still end up meeting each other and also deciding to try to work on their relationship after listening to the tapes of their memories.

1) Call Me By Your Name

Timothee Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name | Image via Frenesy Film Company

In this heartbreaking tale of love, Elio falls in love with an American exchange student named Oliver.

Against the serene backdrop of rural northern Italy, their relationship blossoms as they spend time together. However, as Oliver’s time in Italy nears an end, Elio gets dejected, and upon his departure, he is heartbroken. However, he is supported by his family and friends.

In the end, Oliver calls Elio from America, informing him that he is about to be married to a woman whom he has been seeing for a while, leaving a devastated Elio as he realises that even after having feelings for each other, they cannot be together.