There will always be people telling you to leave your toxic situationship or end things with that possessive girlfriend, but no one prepares you for the fresh wounds of a breakup. The relentless struggle to forget romantic evenings at the park and inside jokes laced with memories can be truly excruciating. Blocking a number that once used to be on speed dial and listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘SOUR’ on repeat are desperate attempts to forget and move on. How can a love that was once the center of your world be blatantly buried at the bottom of an ice cream tub?
While throwing a pity party can be the best antidote to forget the love that once was, sometimes bouts of reality prove to be the best cure. And what better way to begin this new journey of self-discovery and acceptance of the bitter truth than to immerse oneself in a good old movie marathon? It’s time to put away the chocolate bars and ditch the tissues for some popcorn and good vibes before diving into these eight movies that will certainly make getting over that brutal breakup a little bit easier!
1. Legally Blonde (2001)
Unsurprisingly, the incredibly iconic and feel-good movie Legally Blonde had to be the first on this breakup movie list! An empowering film that turns the negative emotions of being recently dumped to positive productivity that could even get the dumper’s panties in a twist is just the kind of energy one needs to bask in. Although the movie starts with sorority queen Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) enrolling at Harvard Law School to win her ex-boyfriend back, the film takes turns that motivate viewers to embark on a journey of self-sufficiency and success.
Throwing superficial perceptions out the window, this movie is a satisfying watch, where every character gets exactly what they deserve. Based on Amanda Brown‘s novel of the same name, the beloved cult classic also has a sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde. Additionally, if all the content from the Gemini superstar is simply not enough, Witherspoon recently confirmed via an Instagram post that a third movie is in the works. So it’s time to bend and snap and look for a new distraction!
Watch Legally Blonde on Prime Video
2. John Tucker Must Die (2006)
If your coping mechanism banks on “revenge is a dish best served cold,” then John Tucker Must Die is just the movie for you! The film revolves around a trio of teenage girls who vow to break the heart of the three-timing high school basketball jock John Tucker (Jesse Metcalfe) with the help of the shy girl-next-door Kate Spencer (Brittany Snow). The film is a raging entertainer that will conjure lots of shits and giggles, relaying a stronger message on how wholesome female friendships reign superior over the attention of the hottest boy in school — even if he adorably proclaims that he’s “whipped.”
Watch John Tucker Must Die on Hulu
3. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
No heartbreak in the world can’t be fixed with authentic Margherita pizza and creamy gelato. Eat, Pray, Love stars Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman who sets out on a journey of self-discovery to Italy, India, and Bali. Based on Gilbert’s memoir of the same name, the movie takes viewers on an eye-opening journey of being reacquainted with oneself, especially when that sense of self gets lost along the way while jumping from one relationship to the next. A movie that makes viewers realize that the best and most fulfilling relationship one can have is with oneself, number three on this list is a must-watch!
Watch Eat, Pray, Love on Netflix
4. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
Although (500) Days of Summer is deemed a romantic comedy, one quickly realizes it is neither. A story featuring the delusional Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt ) who is completely smitten with Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel) despite her being crystal clear about her intentions. It serves as a relatable tale for situationship casualties in today’s age.
For all those viewers who’ve found themselves to be in love with the idea of a person in their head rather than the individual who stands in front of them, this movie is a slap in the face. It serves as a wake-up call to jerk oneself out of that hopelessly romantic fantasy. This movie is not for the faint of heart, but it can help reinforce the more practical aspects of being in a relationship that are often blindsided by love.
Watch 500 Days of Summer on Prime Video
5. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
Breakups often leave one pondering over a million questions — is there someone else? Do they no longer find you attractive? Are you no longer as interesting as that first interaction? As the title suggests, He’s Just Not That Into You gives viewers an answer to all those frustrating questions in the most direct fashion. It follows the story of nine people and their romantic endeavors. Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a highlighted character given an eye-opening talk by Alex (Justin Long), who imparts valuable advice on men’s dating perspective. While not everyone can hope to be the exception to the rule, this movie is like that friend who hits you with the harsh truth to jumpstart the healing phase.
Watch He’s Just Not That Into You on Netflix
6. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Some love stories don’t need to have happy endings to be beautiful. The movie that gained Timothée Chalamet international recognition, Call Me By Your Name is a life-changing film that boasts a unique storyline and dazzling filmography, leaving a lasting impact on one’s soul. The plot revolves around the romantic, tension-rich relationship between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Chalamet) and 24-year-old graduate student Oliver (Armie Hammer).
The film received critical acclaim and has slowly paved its way to becoming a cult classic has viewers reaching for their tissues as the story unfolds. Albeit some mildly vulgar but loosely realistic shockers, the movie leaves one with the dying urge to catch the next flight to Bergamo. This one is an essential stop in your healing journey.
Watch Call Me By Your Name on Netflix
7. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Every chaotic girl deserves a man like Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), who makes swoon-worthy confessions like “I like you very much, just as you are.” Sure, the sizzling rendezvous with your gorgeous casanova boss is hot and sneaky, but he’s hardly someone to feel heartbroken over. Bridget Jones’s Diary is a relatable tale of the conundrums of being a single woman in her 30s and the raging societal pressures constantly thrust upon her.
The cult-classic movie takes viewers through the romantic struggles of 32-year-old Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) as she struggles to choose between her sexual hunger for her douchey boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and heartfelt emotions for Mark Darcy. A hilarious tale that’s just the right post-breakup antidote, viewers can also tune into its sequels, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) and Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016). The fourth one, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, is currently in the works.
Watch Bridget Jones’s Diary on Netflix
8. Begin Again (2013)
For all those whose musician ex tactfully strummed his way into their heart or those simply getting over a relationship based on the shared love of music, Begin Again is just the movie for you! As the title suggests, the film is brimming with profound scenes that instill in viewers the hope that regardless of the emotional turmoil and disappointment, one can always find the strength to rescue themselves. Starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine, the movie boasts a deeply moving storyline that prompts viewers to reflect on their own lives. It is also responsible for introducing us to the Academy Award-nominated song “Lost Stars.” For those who seek sunshine amid the storm, this movie simply cannot be missed!
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