Mallory and Lula were both abused in the past and it's the love that set them free. Mickey and Sailor are both violent, angry and willing to do anything for the women they love. Both couples are being chased - by Lula's insane mother who doesn't want her daughter to be with sailor and Mickey and Mallory are on the run from the police, especially unhinged detective played by Tom Sizemore. Both films also have elements that are borrowed from road trip movies including cheap motels, driving at night, diners and weird people and incidents that they come across.
During their trips both couples come across various temptations, obstacles and difficulties but in the end it is love that conquers all. Both films end in similar way - where the characters are finally reunited and get their happy ending after all.