While traditional love stories evoke relatable and familiar emotions, a fresh perspective on romance in television and movies can breathe new life into a story. In this age of storytelling, a shift toward unconventional narratives that explore the depth and diversity of human relationships is a welcome change of pace. Traditional love stories in movies and shows often adhere to the familiar path, filled with predictable storylines and conventional endings. While these classics have their own timeless charm, there’s a growing appetite for stories that challenge the norm.
Unconventional love stories possess a unique charm, captivating audiences while showcasing the boundless possibilities within visual expressions of affection. These stories transcend traditional expectations, featuring unlikely pairings and navigating extraordinary circumstances. They serve as a testament to the complex nature of love, shining a spotlight on relationships that break free from the constraints of typical tropes and stereotypes. These narratives are a testament to the profound impact of unconventional love stories and the perceptions of love in the world of entertainment.
10 The Age of Adaline (2015)
The Age of Adaline is one of the best romantic movies from 2015. Starring Blake Lively and Harrison Ford, it tells the story of Adaline Bowman, a woman who stops aging after a mysterious accident in the 1930s. Over the years, Adaline watches her loved ones grow old, leading her to isolate herself in order to keep her secret. Her world changes when she meets Ellis Jones. Their love is unconventional because Adaline, immortal and eternally graced with youth, struggles with the moral dilemma of revealing her true self. This tale differs from traditional love stories by exploring the complexities of eternal love, sacrifice, and the acceptance of profound differences.
9 The Lobster (2015)
The Lobster is among the best dark romance movies, taking place in a dystopian world where singles face an ultimatum: find a partner in 45 days or transform into an animal. David (Colin Farrell) hopes to avoid becoming a lobster, his animal of choice, and finds an unexpected connection with the Short-Sighted Woman (Rachel Weisz). In this fictional world, love is reduced to superficial traits and quirks, reflecting society’s conformity. What makes the leads’ connection unconventional is the authenticity of their feelings in a world that commodifies love. Their relationship defies the absurd normalcy. Through them, The Lobster challenges traditional romance narratives and highlights love’s resilience in restrictive settings.
8 Moonlight (2016)
Based on a play by Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight depicts the love story between Chiron, a young boy growing up in a tough neighborhood, and his friend Kevin. The film is unconventional in its exploration of sexuality and identity amid the external challenges present in the characters’ environments. Chiron’s journey navigates the complexities of self-discovery and love in the face of adversity. This narrative deviates from the typical romance formula, focusing on profound themes of identity, masculinity, and vulnerability. Moonlight is an LGBTQ+ movie that changed cinema forever, and Chiron and Kevin’s story challenges the stereotypes often associated with romantic relationships.
7 Secretary (2002)
Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and E. Edward Grey (James Spader) fall in love under interesting circumstances in the 2002 film Secretary. Lee, a woman with a history of self-harm and emotional struggles, connects with Mr. Grey, her mysterious and demanding boss. What makes their love story so unique is the dominant-submissive dynamic that forms between them, culminating in a BDSM relationship. Their connection is marked by a profound exploration of power, vulnerability, and unconventional expressions of affection. Their desires, mixed with deep feelings of care, challenge societal norms of what constitutes a loving relationship.
6 “Hang the DJ” – Black Mirror
Even though the series is known for its dystopian tech horror stories, Black Mirror has a few episodes with happy endings. One such installment is Black Mirror season 4’s “Hang the DJ,” which features a love story between Amy and Frank. They find each other in a society where a sophisticated dating system dictates their romantic relationships, giving them a predetermined expiration date. The couple’s love story is unconventional because it manifests as defiance. Their connection challenges the concept of an algorithmic matchmaker measuring the authenticity of their emotions. Their love for each other demonstrates that genuine love can’t be constrained by external forces.
5 True Blood
Unconventional is the perfect word to describe HBO’s True Blood, and the love story between Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) and Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) fits this description as well. Sookie is a telepathic waitress, while Bill is a vampire in a world where vampires coexist with humans. The societal tension between humans and vampires, as well as the complexities of Sookie and Bill’s supernatural abilities, add challenges to their love. However, these things also make their relationship all the more intriguing. The show explores the challenges of a human-vampire romance, making it a compelling and unique love story that’s still incredibly relatable.
4 Brokeback Mountain (2005)
The 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain revolves around a love story between Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal). The two are cowboys who develop a passionate romantic connection while working together in the Wyoming mountains. The circumstances through which they come together are unconventional, but the love they share is no different from any other romance. Unfortunately, their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a conservative, homophobic society in the 1960s and 1970s. This film illustrates the struggle of two men wanting desperately to express their love openly. Marked by secrecy and longing, this beautiful but sad movie is an exploration of the complexities of love and identity.
3 Her (2013)
Falling in love with a robot definitely falls into the category of unconventional. Her tells the story of the romantic connection between Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) and an AI operating system named Samantha (Scarlett Johansson). What makes their love story stand out — besides the obvious — is the fact that Theodore and Samantha’s connection transcends the physical boundaries of traditional relationships. Their connection is marked by deep emotional intimacy, intellectual connection, and evolving consciousness. Her challenges societal norms by exploring love in a futuristic, technologically advanced world, where emotional bonds transcend the physical realm.
2 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’s love story unfolds between Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet). They both undergo a procedure to erase memories of each other after a messy breakup. As Joel and Clementine’s relationship is reimagined from end to beginning in a surreal, dreamlike sequence, the film challenges the notion that love is solely built on happy memories. It differs from traditional love stories by emphasizing the imperfections of relationships, showing that true love can endure even when both people have forgotten the past. This movie is an interesting exploration of resilience in relationships.
1 The Shape of Water (2017)
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Falling in love with an amphibian is about as unorthodox as it gets. The striking contrast between Elisa, a mute and lonely janitor, and an otherworldly amphibian showcases a connection that transcends traditional love stories. Guillermo Del Toro’s best movie depicts an undeniable love as it grows in silence, highlighting the profound emotional connection that can exist between two beings regardless of their differences. The film displays themes of acceptance and empathy, and it puts forth the message that love knows no boundaries.
