20 Movies on Relationships That Showcase Struggle

Valentine’s Day is here, and it literally instills the feeling of romanticism. The biggest reason behind this is an array of movies on relationships. They portray love in a way that evokes positivity and emotions as the lead pair fight for their relationship.

However, this Valentine’s Day, I decided to do something different by listing movies about relationship problems. These films are a bit hatke as they do not showcase the lovey-dovey side of the relationship.

Believe me, finalizing the list was the most tedious task, but I tried my best. So, let’s get going!

Set of movies on relationships and the hurdles 

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1. Jogwa

The word Jogwa means alms given to a person, tagged as Jogta or a Jogtin. At a very young age, they are forced to surrender their life and serve God. Both men and women have to suppress their desires of starting a family. Interestingly, all these tribulations are highlighted in the film Jogwa amid a blooming love story of a Jogta and Jogtin portrayed by Upendra Limaye and Mukta Barve. I admit it is the most unusual movie on relationships and extremely heartbreaking to watch.

After watching the film, I realized we live in a shell and are unaware of the evil rituals in society. 

2. Masaan

This film is a masterpiece when it comes to movies on relationships. Not always love wins! Sometimes, you have to let it go, and how; is so aesthetically portrayed in this film. I fell in love with Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha, and obviously, they deserve all the praise for their stupendous acting. We believe love conquers all but look at this film and decide for yourself because love makes you weak at times. Please have a box of tissues ready while watching this film.

3. Kaksparsh

Kaksparsh is a ceremony performed at the time of a person’s funeral. The deceased’s family offers food to the crows, and if the crows consume the food, it symbolizes that the deceased’s soul has attained peace. However, if not, then the dead can never achieve salvation.

The film beautifully depicts a story around this theme wherein a brother (Sachin Khedekar) is bound by the promise of protecting his deceased brother’s wife (Priya Bapat).

As the story progresses, an unusual bond is formed between Khedekar and Bapat, and it is definitely not romantic. What happens next is something one must witness themself! Indeed, one of the pivotal movies on relationships and their complications.

4. Blue Valentine

So, is love always hunky-dory, as shown in the film? You are wrong, and the film Blue Valentine is the correct choice that highlights relationship complications. It revolves around married couples portrayed by Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling, who are madly in love and eventually start drifting apart.

How do their dynamics change? Do they reconcile; is something you must witness yourself. But this movie is a must must watch for the direction, acting, and story!

5. Tamasha

My list is incomplete if I fail to mention this masterpiece. Tamasha undoubtedly has so many life lessons which only a few people can interpret. Due to this, many felt it to be “too much.” Amid this, the romantic angle of Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor is stupendous. It starts with a fun part but eventually, the dynamics change, and how it affects their lives is a must-watch!  

6. 50 First Dates

One fight and we are up to end the relationship. After watching 50 First Dates, I am sure you will realize that people go through the worst phases in a relationship. First of all, it has one of the best pairing – Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. What do I say about the story – it is outstanding. Indeed, one of the best movies on relationships is where a man finds ways to woo a woman suffering from amnesia. Do watch this film for the outstanding acting of the lead pair. 

7. Gehraiyaan

I recently saw this film, and I must admit Deepika Padukone is simply astounding. This movie narrates the complications of adultery in a relationship and revolves around four lives. I always thought about why people cheat, but it always has a back story – a bitter one, which is highlighted in this film.

Naseeruddin Shah and Rajat Kapoor, in supporting roles, outshine, and their presence is the winner. Truly, one of the finest movies on relationships aligned with the present generation.

8. The Lunchbox

During his reign, Irrfan Khan won accolades at national and international levels. Isn’t that obvious; because he was one of the finest actors in our industry. However, I could never imagine him in a romantic film. But my imagination was unveiled, and I was left awestruck after watching this film.

It narrates the unique relationship between Ila (Nimrat) and Saajan (Irrfan), displaying love over a lunchbox. Do they meet? Do they share their life? You must watch this film – my recommendation.   

9. Fandry

Want to know how religion throttles romance, then this film is a must-watch. Such experiments are possible only in Marathi cinema, and only Nagraj Manjule can pull this off. Remember Sairat? I am always out of words while writing about this film because it is heartbreaking. Even small moments in the movie make you cry like a baby. 

Seriously, it made me think that love is not all about showering gifts and confessing love in Shahrukh style. It is much more and what tribulations you go through is a must-watch through this film. 

10. The Vow

Again a masterpiece based on the real-life story of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter. If you think love is rosy, then you are wrong. How love can complicate things, but you still can find ways to win over is unmissable through this movie on relationships. Yes, they win, but the journey is not easy as it seems. 

11. Ek Ladki ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga

I never thought Sonam Kapoor’s film would make it to my list, ever! Personally, not a great fan of hers, but when I read the reviews of her offbeat acting, I had to watch this film. It narrates the story of a young girl, a lesbian, who wishes to spill the beans to her conservative and traditional Punjabi family.

Amid this, you see a one-sided love story unfolding, which is complicated, and you feel so sorry about it. Indeed one of the best movies on relationships, a rather complicated one.

12. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

I watched this film in theatres when I was in college. I thought it was boring because I was unaware of a loveless marriage. As I grew older and read articles, I acknowledged the theme of this film, and I applaud the efforts of Karan Johar. Of course, it has the tinge of his filminess and grandeur. Trust me, the theme is stupendous.

I never thought that Karan Johar was capable of coming up with a movie like this. Rather, a complicated movie on relationships because his films always showcase heightened romanticism. 

13. The Fault In Our Stars / Dil Bechara

Dil Bechara is the Hindi remake of The Fault in Our Stars – the last film of Sushant Singh Rajput. Both the films unfold the beautiful intricacies of love and highlight love is not all about good looks and riches. It comes when it has to and leaves when it has to! Please grab a box of tissues while watching both these films. 

14. Love Aaj Kal

I was never a fan of Saif Ali Khan despite his acting in Dil Chahta Hai. However, my perception changed after watching this film. I am not admitting he was outstanding, but he did a good job. It was released when the reign of romantic films had begun. However, its hatke story theme won many hearts.

And why not; it subtly highlights the complications in relationships. Love is not always a bed of roses, and this film proves that! But I must confess, watch this film only and only for Deepika.

15. Silver Linings Playbook

When we are talking about relationships, this movie one cannot miss. Love forces you to do crazy things, and this movie beautifully depicts that stint. Patrizio “Pat” (Bradley Cooper) is out of a mental facility, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and is desperate to win over his ex-wife.

On the other hand, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) enters the scene, agrees to their patch-up, and forces him to participate in a couple’s dance competition. As they spend time, their friendship evolves and showcases how relationships can bloom in unexpected places and with unexpected people. 

This film received an array of award nominations, with Lawrence winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Undoubtedly, she deserves the win because she is fab!

16. Z for Zachariah

The name sounds weird, right? The name made me curious, and the movie is equally curious. It beautifully unfolds relationships in the times of nuclear apocalypse between Ann Burden (Margot Robbie), John Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and Caleb (Chris Pine). It proves that be it a normal life or apocalypse, love is complicated! With only three characters in the film, the film is less chaotic, and the star cast is outstanding.

17. Her

Loneliness is vicious, and people go to any lengths to overshadow it. This movie also revolves around a loner Theodore Twombly played by Joaquin Phoenix, who bonds irresistibly with a virtual assistant equipped with artificial intelligence (voice-over by Scarlett Johansson). However, this love story is not rosy like it sounds as it becomes very intense. What happens next is a must-watch!

18. The Shape of Water

One of the most unusual movies on relationships, indeed! This movie unfolds an extraordinary story between a mute girl and a humanoid amphibian. Every frame with both in it is just stupendous. The love story is filled with complications, but love triumphs in a very remarkable way. Sally Hawkins has done a commendable job as a mute girl, and her eyes speak louder than words. No red roses, no love language, but just pure love.

19. Chameli

I never acknowledged the acting prowess of Kareena Kapoor until I saw this film. The film revolves around a prostitute named Chameli (Kareena), who is on her usual business, meets Aman (Rahul Bose) on a rainy day. They get talking, and Aman witnesses the turmoil of Chameli and the way she handles the situation.

This changes Aman but what happens to their story is something you must watch yourself. Love is not about two even people because odd people connect too!

20. Titanic

Last but not the least; Titanic had to be on this list of movies on relationships. Titanic taught us the true meaning of love and sacrifice. Amid the crisis, a love story becomes stronger but definitely does not have a happy ending. One of the best movies that showcase that love comes with thorns and isn’t rosy at all!  

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On a parting note

So, this was my list of movies on relationships that showcase some complicated twists. I still missed many like Forrest Gump, Manmarziyaan, Marriage Story, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Haseen Dilruba, and so much more. If you wish to add some to this list, please feel free to comment below!