A couple-on-the-run film typically consists of athrillingromance, where a couple must abandon everything for their love, their dreams, and survival. It is adjacent to the road movie, in which characters leave home for a journey that allows them to gain a new perspective or must rebel against a society where its characters no longer fit. The lovers-on-the-run film similarly has the existential atmosphere of the road film by pairing a passionate romance with an often criminal situation that seemingly must end in their demise.
The couple-on-the-run film takes the road in a romantic direction, where a couple’s relationship is tested by the threats they are leaving behind. Despite all odds, they display the strength of deep connection and companionship, making for some of the most engaging and exciting films. Interestingly, many films in the trope take inspiration from each other, such asBonnie and Clydebeing a major influence forTrue Romance.
Each filmmaker has a unique take on the trope, molding it to fit their themes, style, or mood. Here are 11 couple-on-the-run films, from early film noir to elevated horror.
11You Only Live Once (1937)
Fritz Lang’sYou Only Live Onceis an early noir film following Eddie, a reformed ex-convict whose life falls under after he is fired from his job and tempted by his ex-criminal posse. Despite passing on their offer, he is then framed for a bank robbery they committed and sentenced to execution. He escapes prison and takes his wife, Joan, on the run.
Noir on the Run
Coming from Fritz Lang of the German expressionist school,You Only Live Oncehas a distinct style that would help pave the way for Film Noir in Hollywood. The film touches on themes such as justice and fate and has impressive camera work for its time.
10Pierrot Le Fou (1965)
Pierrot le Fou
Jean Luc Godard’sPierrot Le Foufollows ex-lovers Marianne (Anna Karina) and Ferdinand (Jean-Paul Belmondo), whom Marianne nicknames Pierrot (sad clown). Bored with his bourgeoise life, Ferdinand abandons his family and runs away with Marianne, who he later discovers is being followed by gangsters. The two travel from Paris to the Mediterranean Sea, evading gangsters and the police while committing a series of crimes.
New Wave Charm
Pierrot Le Fouhas an alluring visual charm, its characters, and sets cast in bright blues and reds. Godard,the Father of the French New Wave, brings his signature editing style and fourth-wall breaks. Notably, Godard cites inspiration from old Hollywood crime and gangster dramas, while completely transforming their cinematic precedents, such as continuity editing. Pierrot Le Fou is vivid and unique, while simultaneously commenting on consumerism and other aspects of modern culture.
9Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Bonnie and Clyde
Bonnie and Clyde, released in 1967, follows the tumultuous partnership between Bonnie Parker, a disenchanted waitress, and Clyde Barrow, an ex-convict. Set during the Great Depression, the film chronicles their notorious crime spree across America, featuring robberies and car thefts, as they capture public attention and infamy.
A lovers-on-the-run list would not be complete without mentioning Arthur Penn’sBonnie and Clyde. The two meet after Clyde attempts to steal her mother’s car and Bonnie decides to be his partner-in-crime. Based on the real-life criminal couple, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway star in this retelling of the couple’s criminal escapade that ultimately led to their demise.
All-Time Favorite
Bonnie and Clyde was released at a crucial moment in film history, as 1967 was the only year in which there was no censorship code in American cinema, directly between the dissolution of the production code and the introduction of the rating system. For this reason, it is more graphic than films released prior, with its ending is considered one of the most bloody scenes in cinematic history. It is an all-time classic and a must-watch for fans of the lovers-on-the-run trope.
Every Bonnie and Clyde Movie, Ranked
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8Badlands (1973)
Terrence Malik’s directorial debut,Badlands,stars Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek as criminal lovers on the run in the USA’s Northern Midwest. Set in the 1950s, it follows Holly, a young woman who falls in love with the charming, but dangerous Kitt. Their plan to run away together turns into a murder spree and escape from authorities.
Poetic Lyricism
Badlandsis lyrical and dreamy, capturing the passions of young love amidst its barren rural backdrop. It’s often compared to Arthur Penn’sBonnie and Clydebut remains singular in its vivid imagination and complex themes. With its hypnotic score and emphasis on landscape,Badlandsis a transcendental ballad of the Midwest.
7Wild at Heart (1990)
David Lynch’sWild at Heartis perhaps his most romantic film, adapted from Barry Gifford’s novel of the same name. It follows ex-convict Sailor (Nicolas Cage) and Lula (Laura Dern) as they decide to run away together to California, breaking Sailor’s parole and fueling the madness of Lula’s overbearing mother, Marietta. Unbeknownst to them, the couple is being followed by a hit-man sent by Marietta to kill Sailor, sending the narrative into a violent series of events that threatens to keep them apart.
Towards Emerald City
Like many of Lynch’s films,Wild at Heartis filled with fantasy, violence, and absurd characters. It is especially notable for its allusions toThe Wizard of Ozand Elvis Presley, playing into Lynch’s Americana aesthetic. The romance between Lula and Sailor is fascinating, with each character uniquely developed with the baggage they bring to the relationship. According to Lynch, it’s “a picture about finding love in hell.”
6The Living End (1992)
Gregg Araki’sThe Living Endfollows two HIV-positive men, Jon, a mild-mannered film critic, and Luke, a wild drifter, who take the road after Luke kills a homophobic police officer. Setting out with the attitude that they will die anyway, they travel across California on a wild escapade, finding freedom together.
Challenging the Times
Released at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the US,The Living Endtakes a daring approach to the topic. In imbuing his characters with nihilism and rage, Araki confronts the rhetoric surrounding queer individuals as well as the helplessness ascribed by the diagnosis at its time. While it provides an exciting romance and journey to follow, it also gives its viewers something to contemplate.
5True Romance (1993)
True Romance
Tony Scott’sTrue Romanceis an action-packed crime film starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette as newlyweds on the run from the Mafia. The film follows Alabama Whitman, a call-girl, hired to seduce Clarence Worley, and the two end up falling in love and quickly marry. After Clarence kills Alabama’s pimp and accidentally steals a large sum of cocaine, the two are sent on the run from Detroit to California.
California Dreamin'
Once a box-office failure,True Romanceis now a cult classic.One of Quentin Tarantino’s early screenplays, the film includes an action-packed narrative and a southern California mood. The film features many familiar faces, such as Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt, and Gary Oldman.
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4Shangri-La Suite (2016)
Eddie O’Keefe’s directorial debut,Shangri La Suite,set in 1974, depicts lovers Karen and Jack who meet in a rehabilitation facility. The two embark on a killing spree, intending to ultimately fulfill what Jack sees as his life purpose, murdering Elvis Presley.
Aesthetic Allure
Despite not attracting the highest ratings,Shangri-La Suiteis undeniably visually stunning. It is one of those films that exists to capture something aesthetically significant, paying homage to the era it is set in and the landscapes they traverse. It also pays close attention to the backstory of its characters and how it relates to their psychological states throughout the film.
O’Keefe also pays special attention to capturing the beauty of the romance between Karen and Jack, as a wild and exciting journey between two troubled people who find a sense of belonging with each other.
3Queen and Slim (2019)
Melina Matsouka’s directorial debut,Queen and Slim,is a poignant drama starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith. The film follows its titular characters whose bad Tinder date ends in a police altercation that forces them to take the road to save their lives.
Tinder Date Gone Wrong
Queen and Slimis a powerful and thought-provoking piece, centering on dating and racial injustice in the modern world. It has aesthetic charm and utilizes subtle yet intriguing editing techniques. It delicately captures how their love transpires and the passion that ensues in the setting of a modern-day tragedy.
2The Love Birds (2020)
The Lovebirds
Michael Showalter’sThe Love Birdsis a romantic comedy about a couple whose relationship is tested on a wild journey on the lam. The film follows Jibran and Leilani, who are in a long-term relationship that seems to be reaching its end due to their constant disagreements. After a series of unfortunate events lead the two to believe they might be held culpable for a crime, they set out to clear their names.
Feel-Good Comedic Relief
The Love Birdsis both a feel-good comedy and an action-packed adventure. Throughout the film, Jibran and Leilani endure a series of both dangerous and ridiculous obstacles that have the potential to make or break their relationship. Alongside its comedic relief, the film illuminates the heart-warming strength of their connection despite all odds.
