The Complicated World of Love Triangles in Movies

The Intricacies of Love Triangles

Love triangles are a tricky business. Good love triangles can be a way to explore the complexities of romantic relationships and characters' imperfections. Romantic possibilities may represent something greater than the people involved, such as whatever life a character would have if they chose one partner over the other. Alternatively, the central character may not only be torn between two romances, but also how each of the other two characters believes they should approach the movie's main conflict.

Jane and Kevin drinking and singing in a bar in 27 Dresses.

But too often, love triangles are just annoying. They distract from the plot's greater thematic issues and make the characters involved look petty and immature. Sometimes the audience can't even understand why the main character would want to be with either option.

Love Triangles in Popular Movies

Love triangles have been a recurring theme in popular movies, often adding a layer of complexity to the plot and character dynamics. Let's delve into some of the most notable love triangles and their impact on the movies.

Twilight Breaking Dawn sequel stars Tyler Lautner, Kristen Stewart, and Robert Pattinson in a cropped poster

9 Jane, Tess, & George 27 Dresses (2008) Katherine Heigl stars as Jane, a woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times, but never does anything for herself. Yet she is unable to remain silent when her flighty sister Tess swoops in and steals Jane's boss and crush George. Ultimately, George is a plot device leading to the sisters addressing their own shortcomings and working on their relationship. However, after Jane destroys his and Tess' engagement, George still asks Jane out. Is the movie suggesting that Jane dating her sister's ex-fianc\u00e9 when she personally destroys the engagement is an option? Of course, it is not\u2014Jane finds her happy ending with James Marsden's Kevin.

Ginnifer Goodwin and Colin Egglesfield in Something Borrowed

8 Katniss, Peeta, & Gale The Hunger Games (2012) is built upon complex ideas about how a tyrannical government controls a population, demonstrated by how the Capitol controls Panem's districts. Yet for years, the fandom constantly argued over which of two attractive young men the heroine should end up with. Katniss herself is consumed by figuring out how she and her loved ones will survive and can hardly spend time thinking through the romantic subplot. She wants to protect both Peeta and Gale from harm because they are both important figures in her life. However, the love triangle is a distraction from the deeper themes of the series.

Peeta and Katniss sitting together in The Hunger Games

7 Anna, Kristoff, & Hans Frozen (2013) It is clear from the beginning of Frozen that Hans has to go. The movie explicitly mocks Anna for her quick engagement to the prince of the Southern Isles, as a meta-critique of past Disney Princess movies. Anna then develops a more nuanced relationship with Kristoff and Hans becomes superfluous. Rather than Hans turning out to be the villain, it would have been interesting to see Anna forced to admit she rushed in too fast and that she needs time to have a real relationship with someone before getting married.

Anna and Kristoff talking to Olaf in Frozen

The Downside of Love Triangles

While love triangles can add drama and complexity to a movie, they often come with downsides. The distraction from the main plot, the portrayal of characters as petty and immature, and the potential for unresolved conflicts are some of the issues associated with love triangles in movies. Let's take a closer look at the negative impact of love triangles in popular films.

6 Rafe, Danny, & Evelyn Pearl Harbor (2001) Pearl Harbor's 24% on Rotten Tomatoes is a condemnation of its attempt to capture one of the most significant events in recent American history. On top of the war movie's inaccuracies, the plot centers around two childhood friends whose relationship is tested when they fall in love with the same woman. The romance is unnecessary, and the movie demonstrates its shoddy writing by ending with the worst love triangle cop-out: killing off one of the characters. Evelyn is pregnant with Danny's child when he is killed; she and Rafe get married and raise the baby together.

Rafe and Evelyn on a boat in Pearl Harbor

5 Rachel, Dex, & Darcy Something Borrowed (2011) It is hard to root for love in a rom-com where everyone cheats on their significant other. Shy Rachel is in love with her old friend from law school Dex, but never expresses her feelings. As a result, Dex becomes engaged to Rachel's best friend Darcy. The movie only works because it frames Darcy as a selfish, antagonistic character. Rachel says she is sorry she hurt Darcy, but she is not sorry she slept with Dex. Ultimately, Rachel always needed to end her friendship with Darcy in order to be happy.

4 Jackson, Kate, & Gordon 2012 (2009) Even at the end of the world, there will be a love triangle. Divorced father Jackson is implied to still have feelings for his ex-wife Kate, while their children live with Kate and her boyfriend Gordon. As the main characters try to secure a place on one of the 'arks,' Gordon is killed in a particularly brutal way by being crushed by the ship's gears. 2012 ends with Jackson and Kate reuniting which, if their previous divorce has any indication, probably won't work out. They only manage to pull in another person who has to die so they can be together.

Mom and kids in 2012 copy