11 Best Love Triangle Movies to Watch After Challengers

Have you watched the new movie Challengers and are looking for the best love triangle movies? Don’t worry—I got you! In honor of Zendaya’s new film Challengers, which dives into the tangled love lives of three tennis players, we’re spotlighting cinema’s best love triangles. This list spans decades and genres, featuring everything from a martial arts epic to a Nicholas Sparks drama.

Here are the top love triangle movies Hollywood has to offer. These movies are a must on one of your home streaming services. So get your cosy chair or bed, your delicious charcuterie board, popcorn and drinks and start watching.

Best Love Triangle Movies

1. Love Actually (2003)

“Love Actually” presents various unique love stories, but one stands out above the rest. Juliet (Keira Knightley) and Peter’s (Chiwetel Ejiofor) wedding is filmed by their best man, Mark (Andrew Lincoln). Despite appearing to dislike Juliet, it’s revealed that Mark is actually hiding his love for her because she’s married to his best friend.

This heartfelt twist left viewers emotional and made the love triangle one of the film’s most memorable moments. “Love Actually” is now a beloved romantic Christmas movie and a staple in many fans’ holiday traditions, with Juliet, Peter, and Mark’s story being a highlight to look forward to each year.

2. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

In the Pride and Prejudice-inspired Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) navigates the complexities of modern romance, finding herself entangled between her charming yet deceitful boss Daniel (Hugh Grant) and the reserved barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). With a nod to Jane Austen, Darcy, much like his namesake, is difficult to read but ultimately proves to be the right match for Bridget. Through a series of comedic and heartfelt moments, including a memorable scene involving snow and minimal clothing, Bridget discovers that, like Elizabeth Bennet, her true love is indeed Mr. Darcy.

3. Reality Bites (1994)

Since the 1980s’ “Pretty in Pink,” teen movies have loved love triangles (think “Twilight,” “Wild Things,” “The Kissing Booth 2”). But it was Ben Stiller’s Gen-X classic “Reality Bites” that set the standard. In this film, Winona Ryder’s character, a budding filmmaker, is torn between two men. Should she choose the sweet, nerdy music-channel executive (Stiller) or the slacker (Ethan Hawke) who’s a bit of a jerk? The answer seems clear … until it’s not.

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4. The Notebook (2004)

Set in 1940s South Carolina, The Notebook tells the passionate love story between mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and wealthy girl Allie (Rachel McAdams). Though Allie’s parents disapprove of Noah, their love endures even after he goes off to fight in World War II. During his absence, Allie gets engaged to Lon Hammond (James Marsden). However, when Noah returns, their unresolved feelings resurface. This iconic romance, with unforgettable performances by Gosling and McAdams, continues to be a favorite among millennials. Their chemistry is so electric that it’s easy to overlook the love triangle, leaving Lon as the odd man out. The Notebook remains a timeless classic, often topping lists of the most romantic movies ever made.

5. The Age of Innocence (1993)

Grab all the tissues for Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1920 novel, The Age of Innocence. Set in 1870s New York, the story follows chivalrous lawyer Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), who is engaged to the sweet and virtuous May Weiland (Winona Ryder). However, Archer finds himself falling for May’s cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer), who has been ostracized by society following her separation from her husband. This beautiful tragedy of manners questions whether it is better to follow one’s heart or adhere to society’s rules.

6. The Half of It (2020)

In Netflix’s The Half of It, high school football star Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) has a crush on the popular Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire). He asks shy but clever Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) to write a love letter to Aster on his behalf. The twist? Ellie also has feelings for Aster. This Cyrano de Bergerac-inspired teen rom-com adds a refreshing queer angle to the classic love triangle.

7. The Great Gatsby (2013)

After serving in World War I, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) undergoes treatment at a mental health facility in 1929. He recalls the summer of 1922 when he moved from the Midwest to New York and became fascinated by his wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio).

The Great Gatsby isn’t just about love triangles; it’s about the allure of wealth and ambition. While the novel has seen four film adaptations, the 2013 version stands out for its dazzling depiction of the Roaring 20s. With stunning set pieces, music, and costumes, it captures the era’s essence, even if it sacrifices some depth from the original story. DiCaprio’s portrayal of Gatsby is a highlight, making this adaptation worth watching.

8. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Julia Roberts stars as a food critic determined to sabotage her best friend’s (Dermot Mulroney) wedding to the upscale and charming Cameron Diaz. Realizing she’s in love with him, her attempts at disruption put the audience in a delightfully awkward position. Do we root for her to succeed? The triangular resolution is nothing short of mesmerizing, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as emotions and loyalties shift.

9. The Kissing Booth 2 (2020)

In “The Kissing Booth 2,” Elle (Joey King) navigates her senior year while her boyfriend Noah (Jacob Elordi) is at Harvard. Their relationship gets complicated when Ellie meets Noah’s friend Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers), who doesn’t respect boundaries. Meanwhile, Elle and Lee (Joel Courtney) try to recruit new transfer student Marco Peña (Taylor Zakhar Perez) for the kissing booth, leading to an embarrassing moment for Elle.

Caught between new feelings and old commitments, Elle faces a tough decision. Based on Beth Reekles’ books, this series offers one of the most engaging love triangles of the 2020s. While it may not appeal to everyone, fans of cheesy romance will love it—especially those who can’t get enough of Jacob Elordi.

10. Broadcast News (1987)

Blonde-haired and blue-eyed Tom (William Hurt) is a natural TV personality, while Aaron (Albert Brooks) isn’t quite camera-friendly and tends to sweat too much for the spotlight. Both men compete for the affections of Jane (Holly Hunter), a talented yet demanding news producer. The ending of Broadcast News feels ahead of its time, revealing that in both journalism and love, there are more than just two options.

11. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” brings the love triangle between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) to a dramatic head. As Bella navigates her feelings for the brooding vampire Edward and the loyal werewolf Jacob, she is forced to confront the complexities of her relationships. Edward represents a world of danger, immortality, and eternal love, while Jacob offers warmth, friendship, and the possibility of a more normal life. This supernatural love triangle captivated a generation of fans, sparking endless debates about Team Edward versus Team Jacob. “Eclipse” is a pivotal chapter in the saga, showcasing the intense emotions and difficult choices that define the heart of this story.

Before You Go

Love triangles and relationship drama in real life can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them on screen. Love triangle movies offer a perfect escape into complicated romance, featuring engrossing dramas and mesmerizing tales. Want to learn more about how streaming services are shaping the future of movie releases, check out my article.

From award-winning classics to hidden gems, these films bring the allure of complex relationships to life, letting you experience the highs and lows of love without any real-life anxiety. If you’re craving some intricate romantic plots, these movies are a must-watch.

Are love Triangle Movies not for you, or do you fancy watching something different? You can always check out my Random Movie Generator—you won’t be disappointed. Or why not try choosing one of my favourite disaster movies streaming on Netflix?