25 Must-Watch Movies on Netflix About Cheating & Relationship Affairs
Movies about cheating and relationship affairs explore the complex and often painful side of love. They show us the difficult choices people make and the consequences that follow. These stories can be emotional and thought-provoking, making us think about trust, betrayal, and what it means to be in a relationship. By watching these films, we can see different points of view and understand more about the delicate nature of human connections.
This collection of movies available on Netflix delves into the various aspects of infidelity. From secret romances to the fallout of discovered affairs, each film offers a unique look at this timeless theme. The stories are told in different ways, some with drama, some with suspense, and some with a touch of dark humor. They provide a window into the lives of characters grappling with difficult situations, making for a compelling and engaging viewing experience.
A Simple Favor (2018)
A single mother and vlogger named Stephanie befriends a mysterious and elegant upper-class woman named Emily. When Emily suddenly disappears, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate. The story is full of twists and turns, revealing secrets of betrayal, and a hidden affair.
As Stephanie digs deeper, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit that goes far beyond a simple case of a missing person. The film combines elements of thriller, mystery, and dark comedy, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. It explores the darker side of friendship and the shocking secrets people can hide.
The Good Nurse (2022)
Based on a true story, this gripping thriller follows Amy, a compassionate nurse and single mother battling a life-threatening heart condition. She befriends a new colleague, Charlie, who seems to be a supportive friend and a great help at work. However, a series of mysterious patient deaths sparks an investigation, and Charlie becomes the prime suspect.
Amy finds herself in a dangerous position, caught between her friendship and the growing evidence against Charlie. She must risk her own life and the safety of her children to uncover the truth about her coworker’s dark secrets. The film is a chilling look at how evil can hide in plain sight.
Burning Sands (2017)
This film takes a raw and intense look at the hazing rituals of a fictional black fraternity at a university. A promising student, Zurich, is torn between his desire to join the brotherhood and his conscience as the “hell week” of pledging becomes increasingly violent and dangerous. The story highlights the immense pressure to conform and the brutal traditions that are often kept secret.
The movie also touches upon themes of loyalty and betrayal within the fraternity. One of the underlying conflicts involves a secret affair, which adds another layer of tension and complexity to the already volatile situation. It’s a powerful and unflinching portrayal of the dark side of fraternity life.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
This adaptation of the classic novel is set in the roaring twenties and tells the story of the mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and his obsession with the beautiful and married Daisy Buchanan. Narrated by his neighbor, Nick Carraway, the film paints a picture of lavish parties, moral decay, and the illusion of the American Dream.
At the heart of the story is Gatsby’s desperate attempt to win back Daisy, who is in a loveless marriage with the wealthy and unfaithful Tom Buchanan. The film explores themes of love, wealth, and betrayal, showing how secrets and affairs can lead to tragic consequences in a society obsessed with appearances.
Closer (2004)
This intense drama follows the lives of four people in London whose lives intersect and become entangled in a web of love, lies, and betrayal. The film begins with two strangers, Dan and Alice, who meet by chance and fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated when Dan becomes obsessed with a photographer named Anna, who in turn gets involved with a dermatologist named Larry.
The story unfolds over several years, showing the raw and often brutal reality of modern relationships. It examines the complexities of desire, honesty, and the pain that comes from infidelity. The characters are caught in a cycle of attraction and deception, leading to heartbreaking outcomes for everyone involved.
A More Perfect Union (2024)
This documentary explores the life of civil rights leader James “Reeb” Reeb, who was murdered in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. While the film primarily focuses on his activism and the impact of his death on the Civil Rights Movement, it also delves into the personal complexities of the key figures involved.
The film touches upon the personal lives and relationships of those central to the movement, including rumored affairs. It provides a more complete picture of the historical figures, showing them as real people with their own struggles and secrets, set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in American history.
The Mother (2023)
A deadly female assassin comes out of hiding to protect the daughter she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men. The story is a high-action thriller that follows the protagonist as she uses her deadly skills to keep her child safe from a group of ruthless criminals.
While the main focus is on action and survival, the plot also involves past betrayals and broken relationships. The main character’s history is filled with complex alliances and personal entanglements that led to her life on the run, adding a layer of emotional depth to the intense action sequences.
Unfaithful (2002)
Connie Sumner lives a comfortable life in the suburbs of New York City with her husband, Edward, and their son. A chance encounter in the city leads her into a passionate affair with a mysterious and handsome bookseller named Paul Martel. The film explores the thrill and guilt of her secret relationship.
When Edward becomes suspicious of Connie’s behavior, he decides to investigate and uncovers the devastating truth. The discovery of the affair leads to a spiral of rage and violence, forever changing the lives of everyone involved. It’s a tense and emotional thriller about the consequences of betrayal.
Fatal Affair (2020)
Ellie, a successful lawyer, is trying to mend her marriage with her husband, Marcus. She has a brief and regrettable encounter with an old college friend, David, who turns out to be unstable and dangerous. David’s obsession with Ellie grows, and he begins to stalk her and threaten her family.
The film is a suspenseful thriller that shows how a single mistake can lead to a terrifying nightmare. Ellie must fight to protect herself and her loved ones from a man who will stop at nothing to be with her. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting the wrong person into your life.
May December (2023)
An actress named Elizabeth travels to Georgia to study a real-life woman, Gracie, whom she will be portraying in a film. Gracie was at the center of a tabloid scandal two decades earlier for her affair with a 13-year-old boy, Joe, whom she later married. As Elizabeth immerses herself in their lives, the family’s uncomfortable past comes to the surface.
The film delicately explores the complex and unsettling dynamics of Gracie and Joe’s relationship, which began as an illegal affair. Elizabeth’s presence forces the couple to confront the truth of their history, revealing layers of denial and emotional manipulation. It’s a thought-provoking and subtle drama about a deeply controversial subject.
Single All the Way (2021)
Tired of his family’s judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to pose as his boyfriend for the holidays. Their plan goes awry when Peter’s mother sets him up on a blind date with her handsome spin instructor, James. The film is a lighthearted and charming romantic comedy about finding love in unexpected places.
While the main story is about a fake relationship turning into something more, it also features a subplot involving a past affair that adds a touch of drama to the festive fun. The movie celebrates family, friendship, and the courage to be true to oneself, all with a healthy dose of holiday cheer.
Holidate (2020)
Sloane and Jackson are two strangers who are fed up with being single during the holidays. They make a pact to be each other’s platonic “holidate” for every festive occasion throughout the year. Their arrangement is purely for convenience, with no romantic strings attached, but as they spend more time together, their feelings start to grow.
The movie is a fun and modern romantic comedy that also touches on the messy realities of dating and relationships. Several of the holiday gatherings they attend are complicated by family members who are dealing with the fallout from cheating and affairs, adding a layer of relatable chaos to the story.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
John and Jane Smith are a bored, upper-middle-class couple whose marriage has lost its spark. They are both secretly world-class assassins working for competing agencies. Their double lives collide when they are assigned to kill each other, leading to an explosive and action-packed series of confrontations.
As they try to eliminate each other, they learn more about their partner’s secret life, which reignites the passion in their relationship. The film blends action, comedy, and romance, with the ultimate betrayal not being infidelity, but the professional mandate to kill one another, which forces them to confront the lies in their marriage.
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
This historical drama tells the story of two sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, who are pushed by their ambitious family to compete for the affection of King Henry VIII of England. Mary becomes the King’s mistress and bears him an illegitimate child, but it is the cunning and determined Anne who captures his heart and his crown.
The film is a tale of political intrigue, family rivalry, and betrayal. It centers on the extramarital affair between the King and the Boleyn sisters, which had a profound impact on English history, leading to the creation of the Church of England. It’s a lavish and dramatic look at the high stakes of love and power in the Tudor court.
What Lies Beneath (2000)
Claire Spencer, a former cellist, lives a quiet life in Vermont with her husband, a successful scientist named Dr. Norman Spencer. After her daughter leaves for college, Claire begins to experience strange and supernatural events in their lakeside home. She becomes convinced that the ghost of a missing young woman is trying to contact her.
As Claire investigates the haunting, she uncovers a dark secret about her husband’s past, including a hidden affair. The film is a suspenseful and spooky thriller that builds a sense of dread and paranoia, leading to a terrifying climax where the truth is finally revealed.
The Discovery (2017)
In a world where the existence of an afterlife has been scientifically proven, millions of people are committing suicide to get there. The scientist responsible for the discovery, Thomas Harbor, is living in seclusion on a remote island, trying to understand the full implications of his work. His son, Will, travels to the island to confront him.
On his way, Will meets Isla, a mysterious and troubled young woman with a tragic past. The film explores themes of love, loss, and regret, with a central plotline that involves a past affair and its devastating consequences. It’s a thought-provoking science fiction drama that questions the nature of life and death.
The Last Letter From Your Lover (2021)
A contemporary journalist named Ellie Haworth discovers a collection of secret love letters from the 1960s. The letters tell the story of a passionate and forbidden affair between Jennifer Stirling, the wife of a wealthy industrialist, and Anthony O’Hare, a financial journalist. Ellie becomes captivated by their story and is determined to find out how it ended.
The film weaves between the past and the present, showing the parallels between Jennifer’s constrained life and Ellie’s own romantic struggles. It’s a beautiful and emotional story about love, sacrifice, and the risks people are willing to take for a chance at happiness, even if it means betraying their commitments.
Little Fockers (2010)
In the third installment of the “Meet the Parents” series, Greg Focker is now a father of two and is still trying to earn the respect of his formidable father-in-law, Jack Byrnes. When a drug representative with a flirty personality starts working with Greg, Jack’s suspicions are once again aroused, leading to a series of comedic and cringe-worthy misunderstandings.
The central conflict of the film revolves around Jack’s belief that Greg is having an affair, which he investigates with his usual ex-CIA intensity. The movie is a comedy of errors that plays on the themes of trust and fidelity within a family, resulting in plenty of awkward and hilarious situations.
The Hating Game (2021)
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are two executive assistants at a publishing company who are complete opposites and despise each other. They are forced to compete for the same promotion, and their rivalry intensifies. However, as they spend more time together, their animosity begins to blur into an unexpected and passionate attraction.
While the main focus is on the enemies-to-lovers romance, the story is set in a corporate world where office politics and personal relationships often collide. The plot includes a side story involving a past workplace affair, which adds to the competitive and sometimes tense atmosphere of the office environment.
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Literature student Anastasia Steele’s life changes forever when she meets the handsome but tormented billionaire Christian Grey. She is drawn to his mysterious and powerful persona, and they soon begin a passionate but unconventional relationship. Christian introduces Ana to the world of BD*M, and she must decide if she can accept his dark desires and emotional distance.
The film is based on the bestselling novel and explores themes of control, submission, and emotional vulnerability. At its core, the story is about a complex and all-consuming affair that challenges both characters’ understanding of love and relationships. It’s a steamy and provocative look at a romance that exists outside the lines of a traditional partnership.
365 Days (2020)
This Polish erotic thriller follows a young woman from Warsaw named Laura, who is on a trip to Sicily with her boyfriend. She is kidnapped by a member of the Sicilian Mafia, Massimo, who gives her 365 days to fall in love with him. The film is known for its explicit scenes and controversial premise.
The story is built around a forced and obsessive relationship that begins while Laura is still with her boyfriend. It’s an intense and dramatic portrayal of a dangerous affair, filled with luxury, suspense, and a power dynamic that has sparked much debate among viewers.
Through My Window (2022)
Raquel is a young woman who has had a long-standing crush on her wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Ares. She has been secretly watching him from her window, but she has never spoken to him. When Ares starts to show interest in her, they begin a passionate and complicated relationship, much to the disapproval of his family.
The film is a teen romance that explores the challenges of a relationship between people from different social classes. The story also involves secrets and past flings that create obstacles for the main couple, adding a layer of drama and betrayal to their budding love story.
The Wedding Guest (2018)
A mysterious man with a hidden agenda travels from Britain to Pakistan to attend a wedding. He kidnaps the bride-to-be, and they embark on a journey across the Indian subcontinent. As they travel together, their motivations and secrets are slowly revealed, and an unexpected connection forms between them.
The film is a tense and atmospheric thriller that combines elements of a road movie and a crime story. The central relationship is a complex and illicit affair, born out of a dangerous situation. It’s a story of shifting allegiances and hidden identities, where trust is a rare and valuable commodity.
Ride or Die (2021)
This Japanese film tells the story of Rei, a woman who is in love with her former classmate, Nanae. When Rei learns that Nanae is suffering from brutal domestic violence at the hands of her husband, she takes matters into her own hands and kills him. The two women then go on the run together, and their journey is filled with passion, desperation, and emotional turmoil.
The movie is a raw and intense drama that explores the depths of love and devotion. It centers on a complex and all-consuming lesbian affair that leads to a violent and life-altering act. The film examines the consequences of their actions and the powerful bond that holds them together, even as their world falls apart.
