Summary

• Love, Actually explores the heartbreaking subplot of a wife discovering her husband's affair on Christmas Eve, highlighting the emotional toll infidelity can take.
• American Beauty takes a bleak and cynical look at the breakdown of a family due to infidelity, showcasing the dark comedy that can arise from such a situation.
• Crazy, Stupid, Love offers a lighthearted take on cheating wife movies, with a star-studded cast and a storyline that prompts self-discovery and growth for the main characters.

Being cheated on is generally a brutal and heartbreaking occurrence, and sometimes the person doing the cheating ends up getting hurt too — this is especially explored in cheating wife movies or cheating husband movies. However, infidelity has provided Hollywood with some very compelling and dramatic cheating movies. Whether it's jilted lovers or murdered souls out for revenge, adultery has been a catalyst for some truly romantic or tragic stories that explore this subject from every angle. Movies about cheating and infidelity aren't always about sex, though.

Using the tantalizing subject matter, these movies can tell each side of the relationship's story, what led to the affair, whether it was justified, and the ramifications. Many of these cheating movies provide audiences with either a fantasy or a cautionary tale while telling them something about their own lives. They can show the damage that can be done as a result as well as the human moments that emerge from an affair. While cheating movies tend to be rarer than epic romantic films, the trope still exists.

25 Love, Actually (2003)

A Heartbreaking Case Of Cheating In A Romantic Film

While it is also a great Christmas movie enjoyed by many during the holiday season, Love, Actually offers an intimate look at a variety of different relationships. While most of them are sweet stories of new romances blooming or people expressing their love for each other, there is one heartbreaking cheating subplot. The movie takes a look at various intersecting stories of love and romance around the holidays with an all-star cast.

One of those stories features Emma Thompson as a wife and mother married to Alan Rickman, who finds out he is having an affair with his employee on Christmas Eve. While there is also a cheating element to another story with Colin Firth's character finding out that his girlfriend is sleeping with his brother, the storyline between Thompson and Rickman is more central. Despite the humor and big romantic moments, the most memorable scene in the movie is Thompson sneaking away from her family's celebrations to cry alone in her bedroom.

24 American Beauty (1999)

Infidelity Breaks Down A Family

Sam Mendes' Best Picture-winning American Beauty takes a bleak and cynical look at suburban life and the need to escape its monotony. Kevin Spacey won an Oscar for his role as a bored family man going through a midlife crisis while his wife has an affair with her colleague. The movie treats the affair as one more example of this family's broken nature that none of them are willing to fix.

The movie is an intense drama at times, but there are also moments of dark comedy, such as when Spacey's wife and her lover go through a fast food drive-thru in the midst of their affair, only to find Spacey working his new job and taking their order. His smiling and happy demeanor while taking their order is matched by their hilarious shocked and confused reaction to being caught in such an unexpected way.

American Beauty is available to stream on Netflix.

23 Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Infidelity Prompts A New Lease On Life

One of the funnier and more lighthearted cheating wife movies, Crazy, Stupid, Love is a hilarious and charming star-studded movie. Steve Carell stars as a man going through the motions in life only to learn that his wife (Julianne Moore) is having an affair. The moment shakes him out of his funk as a younger man (Ryan Gosling) takes him under his wing to teach him how to pick up women.

The movie gives a refreshing approach to this story as Moore's character is not seen as a villain but rather someone who was at a loss in her marriage and made a mistake. While Carell's main character finds his more charismatic side as a single man, he also realizes that he took his wife for granted. Crazy, Stupid, Love features a likable ensemble with a secondary romance story between Gosling and Emma Stone adding to the story and also setting up a hilarious twist.

22 The Descendants (2011)

George Clooney's Character Learns To Grieve For His Cheating Wife

The moment a character learns their wife has been cheating on them is often a powerful scene, but The Descendants sets up a very complicated set of circumstances with a lot of emotions at play. George Clooney received an Oscar nomination for his role in this complex comedy-drama as he plays a man whose wife falls into a coma after an accident and with no chance of her waking up. As he makes arrangements for her passing on, he finds out that she was cheating on him with another married man.

The concept of dealing with losing a partner while also dealing with their betrayal is a fascinating one, as Clooney's performance sells the conflict in this man who is filled with anger and sadness simultaneously. The Descendants earned several Oscar nominations while also winning Best Screenplay.

21 Blood Simple (1984)

A Cheating Wife And Her Beau Are Targeted By A Hitman

With their debut movie, the Coen Brothers delivered an expert noir movie as well as one of the most intense cheating movies of all time. Blood Simple follows a man who begins an affair with his cruel boss's wife. When the boss becomes overcome with rage when the evidence of the affair is presented to him, he hires a seedy private detective to kill them.

What follows is a brilliant and exciting tale of suspicion and broken trust that showcases the Coens' brilliant style. It is a small movie but feels thrilling with the intense sequences and rich characters who fill out the story. It marks Frances McDormand's breakout role as the cheating wife who becomes the hero of the story. It also features one of the most underrated movie villains of all time in M. Emmett Walsh's disturbingly gleeful detective.

20 Indecent Proposal (1993)

One Transaction Dooms A Marriage

In Indecent Proposal, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson star as a loving couple, David and Diana, who have fallen on hard times, and a moment of desperation tests their love for each other. The titular proposal comes when a wealthy man, John, offers the couple $1 million in exchange for one night with Diana. After much thought, the couple agrees because they really need money. However, as the months go by, knowing that his wife and John have been together is too much for David, ultimately pushing her into John's arms.

In the Adrian Lyne movie, the questionable topic of John "buying" Diana for an evening (and only asking David's permission, not hers) has always been criticized, and the movie received poor reviews upon release. However, Indecent Proposal went on to be a massive hit and, to this day, is a cautionary tale about desperation and the consequences of one's actions.

19 The Girl On The Train (2016)

Obsession And Infidelity Become A Murder Mystery

Based on Paula Hawkins' debut novel, The Girl on the Train featured Emily Blunt in a standout performance as Rachel, an alcoholic obsessed with her ex-husband. She takes the train every single day, not always entering or exiting it sober. One of her favorite sights on her commute is Scott and Megan, a seemingly idyllic couple. After she (believes she) sees Scott murder Megan, Rachel gets wrapped up in a missing person case that may have larger implications regarding her potential innocence or guilt.

Hawkins' book was a fun summer read, but the film adaptation was clearly trying to emulate the visual palette seen in David Fincher's Gone Girl. That movie is widely seen as the superior of the two, but The Girl on the Train still has an incredible cast anchored by an intense Emily Blunt lead performance which earned her nominations for SAG and BAFTA awards.

18 What Lies Beneath (2000)

A Cheating Husband Suffers Supernatural Consequences

While infidelity is often used in movies for heavy dramatic storylines of characters dealing with these implications, the betrayal can also set the stage for an intense thriller. In What Lies Beneath, Harrison Ford plays Norman, a man whose affair comes back to haunt him in a very literal sense. After noticing some strange occurrences in their house, Norman's wife, Claire, discovers he had an affair with a woman who died and now is quite possibly haunting their house, which leads to more dark secrets coming to the surface.

Written by Clark Gregg, acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis channels his inner Alfred Hitchcock, delivering a suspenseful, slow burn that culminates in an explosively gripping finale. Even Alan Silvestri's score is reminiscent of Hitchcock's frequent composer, Bernard Herrmann. With Ford teaming with fellow acting legend Michelle Pfeiffer, the movie became a huge hit.

17 Unfaithful (2002)

Tastefully Erotic Cheating Wife Movie Starring Richard Gere

Director Adrian Lyne tackles infidelity once again with the aptly titled, Unfaithful. Richard Gere and Diane Lane star as Edward and Connie, a couple in a passionless marriage. However, Connie's chance encounter with a younger man, Paul (Olivier Martinez), leads to a passionate affair. Ultimately, Edward's discovery of the affair leads to a downward spiral of events which leads to deadly consequences.

Lyne, famous for his tastefully erotic films, crafts a thriller for adults that might spark debate and discussion between the married couples who decide to watch it. It is another movie in which the cheating wife is made to be a complex character, who despite her extramarital betrayal, is the hero of the story. Lane steals the show with her complex and layered performance, which earned her Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.

16 Fatal Attraction (1987)

A Cheating Husband Encounters One Of Cinema's Most Iconic Villains

A rare example of an erotic thriller nominated for the Best Picture Oscar is Fatal Attraction. One of the more critically acclaimed cheating movies is directed by Adrian Lyne and stars Michael Douglas as Dan who, despite having a happy marriage, ends up involved in a passionate affair with Alex. However, after Dan puts an end to the affair, Alex won't give him up, won't be ignored, and begins exhibiting obsessive and dangerous behavior toward him.

The movie was a huge hit that served as an exciting and intense thriller. Impeccably cast and tension-filled throughout, Fatal Attraction remains a sexually charged but tragic thriller that delivers Glenn Close's Oscar-nominated role as one of the most iconic movie villains. Showing the movie's impact years later, there are still debates on how fair it was to depict Alex as the villain of the story.

15 Brothers (2009)

Perceived Infidelity Opens Old War Wounds

This underrated war drama focused on what happens when a POW comes home and the strained relationships that come as a result. Tobey Maguire plays Sam Cahill, a veteran who was held in a Taliban village and declared K.I.A. by the US military. Sam's brother, Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal), begins entwining himself in the lives of Sam's family, including his wife, Grace, and daughters Isabelle and Maggie.

There actually is no affair in Brothers (just a swiftly regretted kiss), but Sam thinks there was. He's forced to kill a fellow soldier while being held captive and returns to the States with PTSD. As he's closing himself off from his family, his daughter alludes to Grace and Tommy being a better match. Things come to a head, forcing Sam to open up in order to save his marriage. It's an inversed take on the infidelity film, and the performance from the cast sells it well with Maguire earning a Golden Globe nomination for one of his best performances.

Brothers is available to stream on AMC+.

14 The Great Gatsby (2013)

Baz Luhrmann's Take On A Classic Infidelity Story

Visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann took on one of the most celebrated novels of all time with his adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Set in the 1920s, the movie follows a rich and mysterious man who attempts to reconnect with his old lover who is now married. The movie explores the lives of the rich and morally complex characters of this affluent community which include Jay Gatsby, his former love, Daisy, and her cheating husband Tom.

There are many themes explored in this grand story and an aesthetically pleasing adaptation, but infidelity and its consequences have perhaps the biggest effect on it all. It sets the stage for the famous ending where justice is not necessarily served. The movie is a visually stunning experience and features an all-star cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio as the title character.

13 Bound (1996)

Engrossing Infidelity Thriller Featuring The Mob

Before their ground-breaking The Matrix, the Wachowski sisters made their directorial debut with the crime thriller Bound. The film tells the story of an ex-con who meets and falls for the girlfriend of a mob money man. As the two women engage in an affair, they make a plan to steal the money for themselves.

While a much smaller-scale movie than the Wachowskis are known for, it is a gritty and engrossing thriller. However, it also showcases the brilliant filmmaking talent they already possessed. It makes for a sexy and gripping story that has plenty of twists and turns as the audience attempts to figure out who is playing who. While they went on to make a bigger splash with their movies, fans of the Wachowskis should seek out their stunning early work as well.

12 Fish Tank (2009)

Michael Fassbender's Early Role As A Cheating Boyfriend

Before becoming a household name, Michael Fassbender starred in this small and intense coming-of-age drama Fish Tank. The movie tells the story of a young teenage girl in a lower-class family who struggles with her aggressive and reckless personality while dreaming of becoming a dancer. However, her world is turned upside down when she begins an affair with her mother's new boyfriend, played by Fassbender.

Anchored by a terrific performance from Katie Jarvis, Fish Tank is a small and impactful story. It explores the coming-of-age drama in a grounded and powerful way, especially when intertwined with themes of infidelity. It can be difficult to watch at times, with Fassebender's performance being charismatic yet frightening, but makes for a thought-provoking and powerful experience. The small indie movie received critical acclaim and has a Criterion Collection release.

11 Sideways (2004)

Paul Giamatti's Cheating Friend Creates Moral Conflict

The Oscar-winning comedy Sideways stars Paul Giamatti as a struggling writer who takes his soon-to-be-married friend on a weekend getaway in wine country. However, as the friend looks to find a quick fling before his marriage, Giamatti tries to get up the courage to pursue a friendly waitress. These two very different pursuits collide in hilarious and interesting ways.

The small independent comedy is captivating thanks to its sharp and funny script as well as some wonderful performances from the great cast, including Thomas Hayden Church as the obnoxious, cheating best friend. Like Giamatti's other collaboration with Alexander Payne, The Holdovers, it is a movie that is funny and touching without ever feeling inauthentic. The movie deals with a lot of topics, including friendship, while also being a story about a midlife crisis which is handled with humor and heartbreak.

10 Notes On A Scandal (2006)

A Multilayered Tale Of Infidelity And Suspicion Starring Cate Blanchett And Judi Dench

Based on the 2003 Zoe Heller novel, Notes on a Scandal revolves around Sheba (Cate Blanchett), a teacher whose affair with a student is uncovered by another teacher, Barbara (Judi Dench), who herself has a history of stalking. Unfortunately, lonely Barbara uses the secret to her advantage in order to manipulate Sheba. This spirals into an intense conflict where the secrets being exposed are not the most dangerous things in play.

Notes on a Scandal is a tragic tale of not only trusting the wrong people but also the potentially terrible repercussions an affair can have on a family and those involved. It makes for an intense thriller as well as a very human story about deeply flawed people. For their complex performances that further elevate the story, both Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench received Oscar nominations.

9 Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Stanley Kubrick's Final Movie Explores Consensual Infidelity

Stanley Kubrick's final movie saw the master filmmaker diving into the cheating movie subgenre with Eyes Wide Shut. Nicole Kidman portrays Alice Hartford, a woman who admits to her husband that there is another man she knows who she wouldn't mind sleeping with. Tom Cruise plays her doctor husband, Bill, who then takes this information and embarks on a nightlong endeavor for anonymous sex. Bill never goes through with it, but he gets close.

Kubrick's film is the same way with answers. It's not quite clear if the masked orgy cult killed Bill's friend, Nick. The same goes for the young woman who saves him at said event. It makes for an eerie and thought-provoking experience that may not reach the heights of Kubrick's most iconic work but is a stunning display of his unparalleled talents.

8 Little Children (2006)

A Cheating Wife And Husband Find Only Flaws When Seeking Forbidden Happiness

Told through omniscient narration, Little Children is one of the more complex cheating movies, and concerns Sarah (Kate Winslet) and Brad (Patrick Wilson), who find themselves having an affair after both being in an unhappy marriage. Sarah, the unhappy housewife, catches the attention of Brad, known as the "Prom King," who is married to a beautiful woman and relives his youth instead of maturing. For Sarah, the affair is realizing a fantasy, and for Brad, it means feeling desired.

Like American Beauty, Little Children is a look at the troubled lives and ugliness that lie under the surface of seemingly picturesque suburban communities. Combined with a subplot about a sex offender, Little Children is a complex look at suburban life with flawed everyday characters. Winslet was nominated for an Oscar for her performance, while the movie, based on the book by Tom Perrotta, was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.

7 An Affair To Remember (1957)

A Classic Love Story That's Heavy On Infidelity

Starring movie icons Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, An Affair to Remember concerns two people who have a whirlwind romance together aboard a cruise ship, despite being in relationships. They plan to meet six months later at the top of the Empire State Building to continue their romance if they have ended things with their respected partners. However, an accident leaves one unable to show up, possibly ending their reunion and their chance at a happy ending together.

Despite initial mixed reviews, An Affair to Remember has become known as one of the most romantic movies of all time. Referenced in such films as Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember shows audiences the enduring power of love, and that despite all obstacles, true love can sometimes find its way back to you somehow, despite being about infidelity.

6 The Bridges Of Madison County (1995)

A Surprisingly Wholesome Cheating Wife Movie From Clint Eastwood

Based on the book by Robert James Waller and directed by star Clint Eastwood, The Bridges of Madison County follows Robert, a photojournalist, who comes to Madison County to photograph its bridges and, while there, meets Francesca, who's involved in a passionless marriage. The two begin a four-day affair while her husband and children are away. Ultimately, the affair gives her meaning, and she remembers it all her life.

Hollywood doesn't produce a lot of romance films about older people. However, Bridges of Madison County presents a mature, adult love story for people of experienced age, as well as young couples in it for the long haul. The performances of the two screen icons sell the romance, with Streep earning an Oscar nomination. It is a sweeping and moving two-handed story that is filled with sadness as well as life-affirming revelations.