50 Best Movies to Watch After a Breakup
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We probably don’t have to tell you this, but going through a breakup is pretty much one of the worst experiences you can have in life. Even if you’re the one initiating the split and aren’t the one getting dumped, it’s still pretty rough — either way, moving on from a relationship isn’t easy. That’s where movies to watch after a breakup come in.
Breakups can tempt you to indulge in all kinds of bad habits, like disappearing into your couch with endless bottles of wine, calling up your ex, or some horrible combination of the two (not that we’re speaking from experience). But we’ve got a solution to your post-breakup malaise — 50 breakup movies, actually.
See, the old saying that you have to get under someone to get over someone is actually total BS. All you really need is a nice, long movie marathon, packed with characters who let you know that, no matter how bad it gets, you’re not alone. After all, crying on your couch into a bucket of ice cream alone is kind of depressing. Doing the exact same thing while Bridget Jones is also doing it on your TV is iconic.
We’ve come up with a list of our favorite movies to watch post-breakups: some funny, some inspirational, and some downright enlightening. We promise they’ll help, even if they’re just a soothing soundtrack for you to recover in. And, yes, The Notebook is absolutely part of this roundup.
A version of this article was originally published in September 2017.
Check out the Best Breakup Movies on Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+, Hulu and Beyond Below:
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‘Mean Girls’
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie you already know word-for-word after a breakup. After all, a classic like Mean Girls might give you all the kinds of comfort you’re so craving right now. Plus, the love story here is kind of secondary with everything else going on.
'Mean Girls'
‘Girls Trip’
In another movie celebrating female friendships, Girls Trip starring Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Queen Latifah, is a must for a broken heart. The movie is all about how women help each other through anything, even the craziness of New Orleans during the Essence Festival.
'Girls Trip'
‘Birds of Prey’
When the Joker dumps Harley Quinn suddenly, she’s left to fend for herself. So what does she do? Make a badass girl squad that can kick butt (and look amazing doing so!) in Birds of Prey.
‘La La Land’
Both heartbreaking and inspiring, La La Land is a musical all about a pianist and an actress falling in love, while trying to make it big in Hollywood. Grab extra snacks and warm up your vocal cords for this one.
'La La Land'
‘John Tucker Must Die’
Nothing heals a broken heart quite as quickly as some good ol’ revenge films from the early 2000s. After three ex-girlfriends of a serial cheater are left heartbroken, they devise a plan to break his heart and get even in John Tucker Must Die.
'John Tucker Must Die'
‘Someone Great’
Whether you’re fresh off a breakup, have been meaning to break up with that person, or are scared to fall in love again, this Netflix film is exactly what you need. (Plus, it has a really killer soundtrack!)
'Someone Great'
‘Beauty and the Beast’
If this movie doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies, we don’t know what will. Plus, Emma Watson is an instant mood-lifter.
'Beauty and the Beast'
‘Hidden Figures’
Watching Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson overcome hurdles in the ’60s will inspire you. These ladies were pure power and some of the most important women of our time.
'Hidden Figures'
‘I’m Thinking Of Ending Things’
Charlie Kaufman’s bizarre, unsettling I’m Thinking Of Ending Things captures the claustrophobia and disorientation that can come from merging your life with someone else’s — and should make you want to sit by yourself for at least 36 hours after.
'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things'
‘Promising Young Woman’
If revenge is your speed, then the Oscar-winning Promising Young Woman might be in your lane. The film stars Carey Mulligan, whose character Cassie is on a mission of retribution for a friend. The film reminds you that even the nicest of guys can’t be trusted. But watch all the way through to the end of the film, it might just surprise you.
'Promising Young Woman'
‘Nappily Ever After’
A bit of heartbreak, self-love, and a fresh start are all in store with Nappily Ever After. Based on the book of the same name by Trisha R. Thomas, the film adaptation follows Violet Jones (Sanaa Lathan). After her longtime partner fails to propose, Violet takes her destiny (and hair) into her own hands. She shaves off all of her hair and comes into her own, learning how to be more spontaneous and embrace anything life throws at her.
'Nappily Ever After'
‘Crazy Rich Asians’
Undeniably one of 2018’s best rom-coms, Crazy Rich Asians will instantly lift your spirits. Sure, there’s all the sweet lovey-dovey-ness the genre provides, but it’s also chock-full of stunning eye candy (the food! The clothes! The destinations!), heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud silliness. You’ll forget all about that ex in no time.
‘What If’
A rom-com starring Daniel Radcliffe? Count us all the way in. In What If, Radcliffe plays Wallace, a young guy burnt out from a long string of failed relationships. And then he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), who quickly turns into his best friend and also the love of his life.
'What If'
‘The Incredible Jessica James’
We’re mesmerized with anything that has Jessica Williams in it, and this flick is no exception. In The Incredible Jessica James, Williams plays a New York City woman on the rebound as she attempts to navigate her new singledom through Tinder and blind dates. Chris O’Dowd plays her new love interest. Need we say more?
'The Incredible Jessica James'
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‘The Big Sick’
Illness, heartache, familial strife… sounds like a tragic plot, right? We promise this movie will make you LOL, though (and probably cry, too).
'The Big Sick'
‘Snatched’
Dwelling on a broken heart is impossible when you’re laughing your ass off — and the dynamic pairing of Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer will have you doing just that.
‘Everybody Loves Somebody’
A single career woman begs a coworker to pose as her boyfriend when she returns home for a wedding. It’s definitely a story we’ve heard before (hello, The Wedding Date with Debra Messing and My Best Friend’s Wedding are like two of our favorite movies ever), but this 2017 film still feels fresh.
'Everybody Loves Somebody'
‘Table 19’
After getting dumped by the best man, Anna Kendrick gets kicked out of the bridal party and unceremoniously banished to the loser table at a friend’s wedding. But when Lisa Kudrow, Craig Robinson and Stephen Merchant are sitting with you, it’s not such a bad thing, if you ask us.
'Table 19'
‘Everything, Everything’
Is there anything more optimistic than young love? Nope. In this sweet film, a chronically ill teen who can’t leave her own home falls in love with the boy next door, even though she’s not allowed to have any physical contact with him.
‘Atomic Blonde’
Love? We don’t need no stinkin’ love. We just need to watch Charlize Theron kick ass and take names, thank you very much.
'Atomic Blonde'
‘Bridesmaids’
Every now and again, life bites you in the ass. But if Annie can stop slapping herself and fight for her ridiculous life, so can you.
'Bridesmaids'
‘My Girl’
Sure, it’s a movie about kids, but Vada Sultenfuss went through some real loss in her life. Still, she persevered. We’re inspired by her every damn time we watch this film.
'My Girl'
‘The Notebook’
Yes, it may sound cliché, but The Notebook is a quintessential love story that will give even the most jaded of souls a little hope — not to mention an amazing excuse to cry your frickin’ eyes out (as if you needed one). Ryan Gosling will warm even the most hardened of hearts.
'The Notebook'
‘How to Be Single’
Laugh your butt off and learn how to navigate the waters of singledom again at the same time. It’s a win-win.
'How to Be Single'
‘Legally Blonde’
Elle Woods rallied after Warner dumped her, got through Harvard Law and won the case of the century. If she took on the world and won after her breakup, then gosh darn it, so can we.
Plus, it’s proven to be therapeutic to recreate the scene where Elle is lying in bed crying and throws a box of chocolates at her TV while screaming “Liar!”
'Legally Blonde'
‘The Sweetest Thing’
You might just realize you’re like Cameron Diaz in this movie. Maybe you do sabotage good relationships and find things wrong with guys you date because you’re a bit of a commitmentphobe. Regardless, this fun chick flick will clue you into one fact: For the right guy, you’ll open up and keep from ruining a good thing.
'The Sweetest Thing'
‘Sliding Doors’
When one door closes, another opens. That’s a good mantra to have after a sad end to what you thought was a good relationship. As hard as it is to believe, you have to know you’re on a path that will eventually lead to something better. In this Gwyneth Paltrow love story, you’ll see how even the slightest change will reroute your heart. But at the end of the day, you’ll be right where you belong.
'Sliding Doors'
‘August Rush’
Chances are this ex of yours isn’t “the one.” Believing there’s a perfect match out there for you is just as important as moving forward after a failed relationship. Not convinced? If you watch this Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers flick, you’ll become a believer. In the movie, two star-crossed lovers misplace each other. Spoiler alert: Their love child, an orphan, brings them back together like some kind of miracle.
'August Rush'
‘Closer’
After a breakup, watching people more messed up than you — with even more horrific relationships — can be oddly soothing. In this movie starring Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, you’ll witness betrayal, lust and a lot of drama. You’ll also see Portman’s character rise above all of the mess. Trust us, the last scene will make you realize that walking away from a bad situation was the best thing you’ve ever done.
'Closer'
‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’
Where would you be without your girlfriends? There’s nothing like talking with your lady pals after a breakup. They really get you through tough times, don’t they? This movie — starring America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn — celebrates the friendships that travel with us. Our BFFs are our rocks, and when men treat us less than fab, it’s our pals who nurse us back to health.
'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants'
‘Love Actually’
Yes, love exists. Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley and Hugh Grant prove just that in this escapade of a movie. This romance/holiday flick demonstrates various ways of lovin’ (not the dirty kind, relax). In heartbreak, it may be hard to see the silver lining — odds are you think love is crap. But if you catch this film, your faith in romance will be restored.
'Love Actually'
‘Amélie’
Rough situations like breakups can derail your mental state. You might be able to relate to Amélie, who grew up a little on the strange side. Her father thought she had a heart defect, so as a little girl, she rarely had contact with other people. She finally settles into a life as a waitress in Paris. Partly due to her unusual upbringing, she becomes consumed with the people around her — it’s like she worries more about them than she does about herself. Upon realizing she has been damaging her own quest for love, she decides to assert herself to find the happiness she’s always dreamed of.
'Amélie'
‘A Lot Like Love’
Timing is everything. Perhaps it’s the reason you and what’s-their-face broke up is to make room for that person who manages to come around at inopportune times. And if your person looks anything like Ashton Kutcher and can make you laugh, even better. Now’s your chance: Maybe both you and your on-again, off-again rebound guy have a chance!
'A Lot Like Love'
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’
Insert this one into the mix for that post-breakup ugly cry you so desperately need. Dumpers and dumpees agree — this is one movie that will tug at your heartstrings, pour on the nostalgia and change everything you think you know about love. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet shine as they try to erase their most painful relationship memories together.
'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'
‘Celeste and Jesse Forever’
In a quirky 2012 indie rom-com that will certainly make you rethink what it means to be friends with an ex, Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg are a comedic match made in heaven. In the movie, we watch what happens when a couple who married young decide to call it quits on their marriage — but not necessarily on their friendship.
'Celeste and Jesse Forever'
‘The Break-Up’
If the title isn’t enough to get you on board, the Jennifer Aniston charm factor just might be. Aniston and Vince Vaughn face a dilemma faced by so many cohabitating couples — they want to break up, but neither wants to give up their condo. As they try to edge each other out as passive-aggressive roomies, hilarity ensues, along with some tender moments.
'The Break-Up'
‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’
If you haven’t watched this 2001 classic yet, you’re probably not over your breakup. Everyone knows that watching Bridget Jones (played by Renée Zellweger) embarrass herself beyond belief in her quest to find love is the only way to put an expired relationship behind you. (Bonus points for drinking wine and crying along to “All by Myself” with a weepy Bridget.)
'Bridget Jones's Diary'
‘(500) Days of Summer’
If you’ve just come to the end of a 500-day roller-coaster relationship, this one’s for you. While the adorable pairing that is Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is certainly unmatched, this movie has a special message for those of us nursing our relationship wounds: Just because you love someone, that doesn’t mean they will always love you back, and just sharing common interests doesn’t make you a perfect match.
'(500) Days of Summer'
‘Peter and Vandy’
There’s something so right about this 2009 Sundance runner-up that details how a relationship went wrong. In a self-proclaimed “love story in disorder,” the romantic drama details the beginning, middle and end of the turbulent love affair of Peter and Vandy — told in no particular order.
'Peter and Vandy'
‘He’s Just Not That Into You’
It’s funny ’cause it’s true. For those who may need a hard dose of reality to push past their post-breakup slump, this movie is one of the less bitter pills to swallow. Sure, he may not be that into you anymore, but at least you’re in good company — Jennifer Aniston, Ginnifer Goodwin and Drew Barrymore have some major relationship problems, too. Watch on Amazon.
‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’
This movie about Julia Roberts realizing she’s in love with longtime friend Dermot Mulroney just as he gets engaged to Cameron Diaz is a classic wedding romp, and will remind you just how insane people can get when they’re head over heels. It will also remind you to stop chasing people who clearly can’t give you what you need — an important lesson at any point, but particularly after a breakup.
'My Best Friend's Wedding'
‘The First Wives Club’
Three divorcées walk into a funeral — and the rest is history. Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler decide to get revenge on their lousy ex-husbands in this 1996 rom-com. It’s totally absurd, full of snappy lines you’ll briefly consider using as Instagram captions, and a great reminder of how much we love these three actresses.
'The First Wives Club'
‘Silver Linings Playbook’
Bradley Cooper starts out this movie as exactly who you don’t want to be post-breakup. He’s obsessively focused on his ex, well after meeting and hitting it off with Jennifer Lawrence, who’s dealing with her own grief. These two work to kick their depression, learn to dance, and — forgive me — learn to love. It’s a darkly funny movie with a surprisingly heartfelt end (and yes, a dance sequence!).
'Silver Linings Playbook'
‘The Holiday’
If you’ve ever secretly dreamed of dropping your whole life and moving across the world, this will appeal: Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz do just that, swapping places from England and California — and conveniently falling in love with Jude Law and Jack Black in their new locations. Oh, and did we mention the movie starts with a breakup?
'The Holiday'
‘Gone Girl’
Okay, this isn’t exactly a movie about a breakup. But it sure isn’t a movie about a relationship going well, and the emotions here will feel familiar to anyone who’s left a relationship questioning how well you really knew the other person. (Hopefully, the actual events of the movie will not feel familiar.)
'Gone Girl'
‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’
Yes, this is that movie: the one that has Jason Segel serving full-frontal nudity in the first five minutes. There’s also a killer cast including Mila Kunis, Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Paul Rudd, and Kristen Bell. This movie will make you cry with laughter, and your heart will melt as Segel slowly moves on from his ex.
'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'
‘Eat Pray Love’
The title says it all. Facing a recent divorce, Julia Roberts takes off on a trip to find her true self, visiting Italy, India, and Bali (where she’ll eat, pray, and love, respectively). Based on the bestselling book by Elizabeth Gilbert, this story has been credited with changing many, many lives — maybe yours could be next.
'Eat Pray Love'
‘Crazy, Stupid Love’
At some point in this movie, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone re-create the flying leap from Dirty Dancing. Gosling is shirtless. Now that I have your attention: This is a genuinely touching movie about Steve Carell and Julianne Moore divorcing and breaking the news to their kids — whose love lives also end up being a little more complicated than they planned.
'Crazy, Stupid Love'
‘Call Me By Your Name’
This movie is perfect for most moments: the start of a relationship, the end of a relationship, or a casual Sunday afternoon. When Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet meet one summer in Italy, they have an intense connection and develop a relationship that consumes them both. The end will bring you peace and closure — if not for your relationship, at least for theirs.
'Call Me By Your Name'
‘Blue Valentine’
This movie is good if you’re in the “can’t stop crying” phase of your breakup. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams will break your heart over a painful two hours that make you believe in love and never want to leave your house again, all at once. Also: Pretty much any Ryan Gosling movie should be considered part of the breakup canon.
