The top 20 Movies about Infidelity
Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Infidelity is a plot device explored across cultures and eras, revealing the complexities of human relationships.
Here’s a list of the top 20 movies about infidelity, each offering a unique perspective on this timeless issue.
I’ll briefly comment on each of these films. Plus, we'll see how cinema therapy might be a respected adjunct to traditional couples therapy.
1. Unfaithful (2002)
Plot: Diane Lane and Richard Gere star in this steamy thriller about a suburban wife’s affair with a younger man, which spirals out of control.
Why Watch: The tension, the passion, the self-absorption, the guilt—it's all there, folks. Diane Lane’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster of an absurd infidelity.
2. Closer (2004)
Plot: This film, starring Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, and Clive Owen, delves into the tangled lives of four folks whose relationships are marked by betrayal and deceit.
Why Watch: The dialogue is razor-sharp, and the characters' emotional manipulation provides a masterclass in modern relationship dynamics.
3. The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Plot: Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep tell a bittersweet story of a brief, intense affair between a traveling photographer and an Iowa housewife.
Why Watch: This film reminds us that infidelity can also be about missed connections and unfulfilled dreams, with performances that linger long after the credits roll.
4. Match Point (2005)
Plot: In this Woody Allen thriller, a tennis instructor marries into a wealthy family, but starts an affair with his brother-in-law’s girlfriend.
Why Watch: It’s a chilling reminder that some secrets are better left hidden, with a narrative that blends passion, ambition, and amorality.
5. Fatal Attraction (1987)
Plot: Michael Douglas and Glenn Close star in this classic thriller about a one-night stand that turns into a dangerous obsession.
Why Watch: Glenn Close’s iconic portrayal of an obsessed lover is both terrifying and cautionary. This film is a must-watch morality tale for anyone considering a fling. Notably, the death scene had to be reworked to emotionally satisfy an American female audience.
6. Little Children (2006)
Plot: Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson find solace in each other’s arms in a suburban setting, navigating the complexities of their extramarital affair.
Why Watch: This film beautifully captures the desperation and longing that can lead to infidelity, offering a raw look at suburban discontent.
7. The English Patient (1996)
Plot: Set against the backdrop of World War II, this sweeping romance follows the affair between a nurse and a critically burned pilot.
Why Watch: The film promotes the meme that infidelity can sometimes be a deeply emotional and transformative experience. The stunning cinematography and performances are memorable.
8. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Plot: Stanley Kubrick’s last film stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a couple exploring the murky depths of sexual desire and fidelity.
Why Watch: It's as provocative as it is puzzling, with a haunting exploration of the boundaries of trust and intimacy.
9. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Plot: Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this groundbreaking film about the forbidden love between two cowboys.
Why Watch: This film highlights that infidelity isn’t just a heterosexual issue; it’s a universal human experience, sometimes embracing larger struggles. Portrayed with depth and sensitivity, this film was an instant classic.
10. The Graduate (1967)
Plot: Dustin Hoffman stars as a young man who has an affair with an older woman, his parents’ friend, in this cultural touchstone.
Why Watch: It’s a cultural touchstone that has influenced generations, with its exploration of youthful rebellion and societal expectations.
11. The Reader (2008)
Plot: Kate Winslet’s Oscar-winning performance tells a haunting story of a young boy’s affair with an older woman, who later faces trial for war crimes.
Why Watch: This film is a testament to how our past can shape our present relationships, blending historical drama with personal tragedy.
12. Revolutionary Road (2008)
Plot: Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite to portray a couple whose dreams are crushed by suburban ennui and infidelity.
Why Watch: It’s a poignant look at the breakdown of a marriage, with powerful performances and a devastating narrative.
13. In the Mood for Love (2000)
Plot: This Hong Kong film, directed by Wong Kar-wai, follows two neighbors who form a deep bond after suspecting their spouses of infidelity.
Why Watch: It explores the delicate dance of infidelity with grace and subtlety, and its visual and emotional beauty is unmatched.
14. The Painted Veil (2006)
Plot: Set in 1920s China, this film stars Edward Norton and Naomi Watts as a couple dealing with betrayal and seeking redemption during a cholera outbreak.
Why Watch: It’s a reminder that love and forgiveness can be found even in the most unlikely places, set against a breathtaking backdrop.
15. Gone Girl (2014)
Plot: Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike star in this dark and twisted thriller where infidelity is just the tip of the iceberg in a tale of deceit and revenge.
Why Watch: It’s a gripping narrative that keeps you guessing, showcasing the darker side of marriage and betrayal.
16. An Education (2009)
Plot: Carey Mulligan shines in this coming-of-age story about a young girl’s affair with an older man in 1960s London.
Why Watch: It’s a poignant exploration of naivety and the loss of innocence, with a stellar performance by Mulligan.
17. The Other Woman (2014)
Plot: A comedic take on infidelity, starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton, who discover they’re all involved with the same man and team up for revenge.
Why Watch: It’s a fun and empowering story of women banding together against a cheating man, with plenty of laughs.
18. Adultery: A User’s Guide (2013)
Plot: This French film offers a humorous and cynical look at modern relationships and infidelity, following various intersecting love affairs.
Why Watch: It’s witty, sharp, and oh-so-French, providing a fresh perspective on the complexities of love and betrayal.
19. Blue Valentine (2010)
Plot: Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams give heart-wrenching performances in this raw depiction of a crumbling marriage.
Why Watch: It’s a brutally honest look at love and loss, capturing the painful reality of a relationship falling apart.
20. Lust, Caution (2007)
Plot: Ang Lee’s espionage thriller set in WWII-era Shanghai blends passion and politics in a tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice.
Why Watch: It’s a gripping story with powerful performances that explores the intersections of desire, loyalty, and duty.
The Power of Cinema Therapy
Movies like these can be more than just entertainment—they can be a powerful adjunct in couples therapy.
Cinema therapy involves watching films that reflect real-life issues and then having a brief 20-minute discussion. In a science-based couples therapy context, cinema therapy can help couples gain insights and foster communication.
It’s a respected adjunct to traditional couples therapy, offering a safe space to explore complex emotions and scenarios.
These films span different cultures and time periods, from modern-day suburban America to war-torn Europe and beyond. Each story offers unique insights into how infidelity affects individuals and relationships, reflecting the diverse ways folks navigate betrayal, integrity, and desire.
Final Thoughts
Infidelity is as complicated as it is painful. Americans, in particular, find infidelity narratives to be rich with emotional depth, complexity, and intensity.
Whether you're a fan of heart-wrenching dramas or thrilling mysteries, these movies offer something for everyone.
So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these films guide you through the tangled web of love and betrayal.
In the end, the best way to understand and deal with infidelity is through open communication and empathy. And if all else fails, there’s always good science-based couples therapy and some cinema therapy to help you find your way back to each other, if that’s where you feel you belong.
I can help with that.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
