Natural Born Killers (1994)

Oliver Stone's *Natural Born Killers* (1994) presents a disturbingly romanticized take on violence. Two victims of traumatized childhoods, Mickey and Mallory Knox, become lovers and psychopathic serial murderers, irresponsibly glorified by the mass media. Their journey is framed through a chaotic and visually arresting style, blending film stocks, animation, and frenetic editing to depict their brutal spree across America. The film explores the media's obsession with violence and the perversion of celebrity, while simultaneously showcasing a twisted form of love and devotion within the context of their shared trauma and nihilistic worldview. While undeniably controversial, *Natural Born Killers* arguably deserves a place on the list of "Best Romance Movies" due to the intensity and unwavering commitment of Mickey and Mallory to each other. Their bond, forged in the fires of shared pain and a mutual rejection of societal norms, is the driving force of the narrative. Despite their horrific actions, their actions are motivated by a passionate, albeit twisted, connection. The film highlights themes of loyalty, devotion, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect and be with their beloved, even if that love is found within the context of extreme violence.