Platonic love can be defined as an intimate relationship between two people in which sex and romance are absent. These relationships are typically portrayed as male-female relationships in the heteronormative society we live in as most don’t automatically associate someone with the same gender as first being a romantic interest. Platonic love is a powerful force that is often neglected, both in the real world and in the entertainment industry.
Platonic relationships are hard to come by in the film genre as most people automatically expect relationships to blossom into a romance. Even if the relationships do not blossom into a romance, it is usually expected that there is sexual tension between characters. That said, there are plenty of examples of platonic relationships throughout cinema. Indeed, here are some of the best movies about platonic love.
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10 Agora
Agora follows the astronomer Hypatia, played by Rachel Weisz, who spurns the advances of the men around her, instead choosing to focus on her passion for teaching her scientific beliefs. Surrounded by the threat of political unrest due to religious fanaticism, Hypatia struggles to teach in peace as her students falter. Her relationship with her father’s slave Davus is complicated. Love is displayed when she frees him from slavery despite Davus offering her his sword so she may kill him after she sexually assaulted her. This platonic love continues as Hypatia is soon called a witch and when her life is in danger, Davus is forced to make a difficult decision.
9
The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game chronicles the life of Alan Turing, hired by MI6 to crack Nazi codes and aid in the war effort. In order to do this, Alan puts together a team to aid him in his task. Turing and his team succeed in their mission, but their status as war heroes is quickly revoked when it is discovered that Alan is gay and the authorities imprison him. Now, it could be said that this relationship is not the same as others on this list as Alan is gay, so there is no natural attraction to women from him, but there is still a platonic love between the two of them. Joan cares for Alan very deeply and hates to see what the world is doing to him simply because of his sexuality.
8
Moana 
Moana’s island is in trouble, in order to save it, she must find Maui and restore the heart of Tefiti. Moana’s relationship with Maui is decidedly unromantic and while some would describe their relationship as more or a love-hate relationship, Moana and Maui's relationship is a platonic love grown out of everything they go through together. Despite their differences, they reach an understanding and care for each other with no romance in sight. Moana displays how difficult some relationships can be, with her struggle with Maui, Moana is challenged by him in every way imaginable, but this only makes their bond stronger.
7 Million Dollar Baby
Aspiring boxer Maggie reaches out to former boxing coach Frankie for training to become a professional and while he is reluctant at first, he eventually gives in and agrees to train her. The two form a bond over boxing and a platonic love is born. While some may argue that love is a strong word to use for the relationship in Million Dollar Baby, love is there when Frankie is faced with some difficult decisions regarding Maggie’s future when she asks him to do the unthinkable. The film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and managed to win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.
6 Mrs. Brown
A film that revolves around Queen Victoria and her late husband’s servant Brown who does his best to help her recover from her husband’s death. Brown’s unorthodox methods of shocking the Queen out of her mourning lead the two to bond in an unconventional way. Rumours begin to circulate about Brown and the Queen’s relationship, with many speculating them to be lovers. Mrs. Brown is a perfect example of the lack of faith that most have in the possibility that a man and woman can be friends and share a deep love without being sexually or romantically involved with each other.
5 A Patch of Blue
Blind, abused Selina’s life is changed when she befriends a stranger, Gordon, by chance at the park when making necklaces. Gordon treats her with nothing but kindness and is determined to save her from her abusive household when her mother discovers that Selina is friends with a black man. A Patch of Blue examines race relations from a 1960s perspective in a unique way but also examines platonic love. Some would say that Selina’s feelings for Gordon are romantic, but it is clear that the love they share is not romantic love, but a wholesome platonic love that crosses all boundaries where nothing else matters.
4 Amelie
Shy and strange Amelie goes about her quiet life until one day, she strikes up a relationship with her mysterious neighbour who can’t leave his apartment due to having a condition that gives him bones like glass, fragile enough to break at the slightest bump. He encourages her to live her life because her bones are not glass like his are. While Amelie does have a romantic relationship involved, it is not the relationship that changes her life forever. This foreign film is one of a kind in its portrayal of relationships and the way we choose to live our lives.
3 Wreck-It Ralph
Ralph is the bad guy in the game Fix-It Felix Jr. Determined to prove his worth, he leaves his game to get a medal and prove himself a good guy, but things don’t go as planned and soon he is dependent upon the glitchy Vanellope Von-Schweetz who agrees to help him get his medal. The two grow closer over their shared grievances of being cast out. Wreck-It Ralph is a perfect example of complete deep love existing without any hints at romance as Ralph is faced with freedom but risks everything for Vanellope because of how much he loves her to which Vanellope gladly returns the favour.
2 Lost In Translation
Lost graduate Charlotte and washed-up actor Bob meet by chance in Tokyo. The two share one thing in common: neither of them has any idea what they’re doing. The newly married Charlotte struggles to find what she wants to do with her life besides being married while Bob is taking what he can get, including doing commercials. Bob and Charlotte find kindred spirits in one another and they have fun with each other until Bob eventually leaves Tokyo. Lost in Translation is known for the ending scene when Bob mutters something inaudible to the audience into Charlotte’s ear before sharing a chaste kiss.
1 Spirited Away
Spirited Away follows Chirhiro’s journey when she is suddenly stuck in the spirit world. With the help of Haku, Chihiro is determined to free her parents from the grasps of Yubaba. Spirited Away’s director Hayao Miyazaki has been quoted saying: “I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live—if I’m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.” Platonic love is a common theme throughout Studio Ghibli films, but Spirited Away is the strongest example as Chihiro and Haku have a love so strong without any of the romantic aspects present.