9 Movies about Betrayal ...

Why is it, I wonder, that movies about betrayal and heartbreak intrigue people so much? Trust me, I'm including myself in this. Give me a movie where someone gets messed over, whether it's a spouse, a significant other, a friend, or a business partner, and I'm all over it. It's odd, because I myself am extremely loyal to the people I love and the people I work with, but when people do it in the movies … wow. Here are just a few movies about betrayal I find particularly intriguing. Let's see if it compares to your list!

1. The Social Network

The Social Network Price: $18.49 at amazon.com
There's a reason this movie is so universally loved, even though it's relatively new. It's a great movie about betrayal, a great definition of betrayal. It shows how money, power, envy, and greed affect friendships and working relationships. Mark Zuckerberg was both ruthless and sad, and Jesse Eisenburg played him to a tee. I half wonder if the reason Mark opposed this film so much is because it showed just how ruthless he really was – and maybe is.

2. Fatal Attraction

Fatal Attraction Price: $29.79 at amazon.com
Fatal Attraction is a classic story of love, lies, and betrayal, with iconic performances and a whole host of well known quotes. People know about this movie even if they've never seen it. Alex Forrest – is she crazy (yes), or just determined not to be ignored? I have to say, if anyone ever treated me the way Dan treated her, I'd probably go a little nuts as well – but not to the point of boiling a bunny. I have a bunny. That's awful. Still, Dan Gallagher is the king of betrayal: he betrays his wife, his daughter, and Alex too, of course.

3. Antitrust

Antitrust Price: $12.60 at amazon.com
I love this movie. I've loved this movie since the first. Milo gets betrayed by everyone, really, and betrays his friends in the bargain. Perhaps his treatment of them causes karma to rise up in the form of Lisa, Alice, and Gary. The kid can't get a break – and let me just say, Ryan Phillippe is smoking in this.

4. Wanted

Wanted Price: $12.49 at amazon.com
Wanted is a great movie about betrayal as well, both in terms of love and business. Sloan uses Wesley ruthlessly, with no regard for his feelings – and in her way, Fox betrays him as well. His best friend betrays him (but gets his, several times), his girlfriend betrays him, so in retrospect, it's no wonder he goes on an assassinating spree. Fox's ultimate act of penance, in retrospect, is almost beautiful. And gory.

5. Pirates of Silicone Valley

Pirates of Silicone Valley Price: $15.99 at amazon.com
This is the most iconic betrayal story ever – the story itself, I mean, the real story. It ranks right up there with the origins of Facebook. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are just … wow. Wow. Given all the acts of betrayal that come out of this industry, we might all be better off going back to passing handwritten notes and using the library instead of Google.

6. Atonement

Atonement Price: $6.33 at amazon.com
I adore this movie – and I hate that awful little Briony Tallis with all my heart. It's hard, actually, because part of you really wants to sympathize with her … but her assumptions and the spite behind many of them make it impossible. Poor James McAvoy, though; he's always getting the short end of the stick.

7. Cruel Intentions

Cruel Intentions Price: $10.99 at amazon.com
I could have put any version of Dangerous Liasons on here, but Cruel Intentions is my favorite. Again, everyone gets it in this movie about betrayal. Sebastian betrays everyone, Kathryn is even worse, Blaine has his chance, and even sweet Annette commits the best act of betrayal, right at the end. I don't blame her, but I probably would have done worse to Kathryn myself.

8. Kill Bill: Volume 1

Kill Bill: Volume 1 Price: $9.09 at amazon.com
Black Mamba (shh, we don't really know it's her in Volume 1), is just betrayed by everyone. Volume 2 should really be included in this, too, because it culminates there. Still, everyone she ever knew, respected, worked with, and even loved screwed her over – but doesn't she get hers beautifully?

9. Unfaithful

Unfaithful Price: $10.99 at amazon.com
Wow. Edward Summer is crazy. Of course, he's the one who gets betrayed, but I'm sorry. Those scenes between Constance and Paul are gorgeous – and hot, too, can't forget that part. Still does Paul really deserve to die in quite that way? Really?

There are many more movies about betrayal, but these are the ones that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering how the characters could do that to one another. So many lies, so much deceit, such sly, sneaking behavior – I could never imagine doing that! How do you feel about films that feature betrayals like these?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good movies about betrayal between friends?
Oh, there are so many! 'Mean Girls' is a classic when it comes to friendship betrayal. Another good one is 'The Social Network' – you can really see the tension build up between friends.
Can you recommend movies that deal with betrayal in romantic relationships?
Absolutely! 'Gone Girl' is a must-watch – it's intense and so gripping. 'Revolutionary Road' is another one, and it really dives deep into how betrayal affects a marriage.
Are there any movies about betrayal that are based on true stories?
Yes, for sure! 'The Imitation Game' is based on Alan Turing's life and his feeling of betrayal by the government. 'American Sniper' also involves themes of betrayal and is based on Chris Kyle's story.
What's a good movie with betrayal as a theme that's kid-friendly?
For a more family-friendly option, 'Toy Story 3' is actually all about betrayal and redemption. Another one is 'The Lion King' – I mean, Scar betraying Mufasa is totally a classic.
Do you have a favorite movie about betrayal?
Oh, that's a tough one! I'd say 'Gladiator' has to be up there for me – the betrayal is heartbreaking and it’s just such a powerful movie overall. How about you? Any favorites?
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