45 Best Movies To Watch After A Breakup That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Movies To Watch After A Breakup

A breakup can be one of the most painful events of your life, and we don’t need to tell you that. Even if you’re the one who initiates the breakup and isn’t the one who is dumped, it’s still difficult to go on. Movies to watch after a breakup are what you need.

In the aftermath of a breakup, it’s easy to fall into poor habits like drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, texting your ex, or any combination of the two (we can’t speak from experience here). Even so, we’ve come up with a slew of remedies for your post-breakup blues.

You see, the old adage that you have to get under someone in order to rise above them is a complete hoax. All you really need is a long movie marathon packed with characters who tell you that, no matter how awful things go, you’re not alone. As it turns out, sobbing on the couch with a bucket of ice cream in your hand is a rather depressing pastime. Iconic is doing the same thing as Bridget Jones while watching TV.

Some of our favorite breakup movies are funny, uplifting, and downright informative, so we’ve compiled a list of the best of the best. Even if they’re merely a calming soundtrack, we’re confident that they’ll help youheal. And, of course, The Notebook is included in this list.

1. ‘Promising Young Woman’

Promising Young Woman

We propose Promising Young Woman, a film that will reaffirm your belief that males are to be avoided at all costs if they have broken your heart. Make sure you finish the movie before making any hasty conclusions based on what you see in the beginning.

2. ‘I’m Thinking Of Ending Things’

At least 36 hours after seeing Charlie Kaufman’s weird, unnerving I’m Thinking Of Ending Things, you’ll want to curl up on the couch and watch it all over again.

3. ‘Soul’

This Pixar animation about how souls are produced and sent out into the world teaches us that sometimes the things that appear most important to us in life could require some adjustment. It’s not as heart-wrenching as some of Pixar’s other offerings, but it’ll help you appreciate the little things in life.

4. ‘Blue Valentine’

Blue Valentine

The “can’t stop sobbing” stage of a breakup is an excellent time to watch this movie. Over the course of two torturous hours, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams will crush your heart and make you believe in love all at once. It’s also a good idea to include any Ryan Gosling film in the canon of breakup movies.

5. ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’

The one in which Jason Segel serves full-frontal nudity in the first five minutes? That’s right, this is it. Mila Kunis, Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Paul Rudd, and Kristen Bell are featured in the cast. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll cry, and your heart will break as Segel moves on from ex-girlfriend Bell.

6. ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’

The flying jump from Dirty Dancing is re-created at some point in this film by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Gosling has removed his shirt. Now that I’ve had your attention, I’d like to tell you about a heartfelt movie about a divorce and how it affects the lives of Steve Carell and Julianne Moore’s children.

7. ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’

My Best Friend’s Wedding

When Julia Roberts discovers she is in love with longtime friend Dermot Mulroney just as he becomes engaged to Cameron Diaz, you’ll be reminded of how crazy people can go when they’re in love. After a breakup, you’ll be reminded to quit pursuing people who can’t meet your needs, which is an important lesson to learn at any time.

8. ‘The Holiday’

When Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap places from England and California, they fall in love with Jude Law and Jack Black. No? Oh, and the movie opens with a breakup?

9. ‘Call Me By Your Name’

This film is ideal for any occasion, from the beginning of a romance to the conclusion of a relationship. After meeting in Italy one summer, Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet begin a relationship that engulfs them both. The end will provide you serenity and closure, if not for your relationship, at least for the relationship of the people you care about.

10. ‘The First Wives Club’

What happens when three divorcees stroll into a funeral? In this 1996 rom-com, Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler plot to avenge their scumbag ex-husbands. These three actresses’ antics are hilarious, and you’ll want to use some of the catchy lines as captions on your social media posts.

11. ‘Gone Girl’

Gone Girl (2014)

A breakup movie? No, but that’s what this one is about, right? But this isn’t a movie about a successful relationship, and anyone who’s left a relationship wondering how well they truly knew the other person will be able to identify with the feelings here. It’s a good bet that the movie won’t feel like a retread. It’s also the film that introduced Emily Ratajkowski to the world’s attention.

12. ‘Silver Linings Playbook’

As Bradley Cooper’s character begins this film, you’ll want to avoid him after a split. Jennifer Lawrence, who is suffering with her own sadness, has a newfound admiration for her ex-boyfriend. Both of these people are battling depression, and they’re also trying to learn how to dance and fall in love. It’s a dark comedy with an unexpectedly moving conclusion (and yes, there is a dance number).

13. ‘Eat Pray Love’

It’s all in the name, really. She heads off on a tour to Italy, India, and Bali in an attempt to discover who she really is after a recent divorce. Many people’s lives have been changed by this story, which is based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling book of the same name.

14. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’

Crazy Rich Asians is unquestionably one of the year’s best romantic comedies. However, there’s also plenty of touching moments, breathtaking visuals (the cuisine! the clothes! the places!), and laugh-out-loud hilarity in this genre. Once you get over your ex, you won’t think about them anymore.

15. ‘What If’

What If

Daniel Radcliffe in a love story? As far as we’re concerned, we’re in. A young man who has had a succession of bad relationships, Radcliffe plays Wallace in the film What If. His life changes forever when he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), a girl he instantly falls for.

16. ‘The Incredible Jessica James’

As far as we’re concerned, we’re smitten with anything Jessica Williams appears in. Williams plays a New York City woman on the rebound in The Incredible Jessica James as she tries to navigate her new singledom via Tinder and blind dates in the film. Her new love interest is played by Chris O’Dowd.

17. ‘The Big Sick’

Illness, grief, and turmoil within families… Doesn’t that sound like a tragic story? This film is guaranteed to make you laugh, however (and probably cry, too).

18. ‘Snatched’

With Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer on your side, it’s tough to brood over a shattered heart while you’re having a good time.

19. ‘Everybody Loves Somebody’

Everybody Loves Somebody

When a single woman goes home for a wedding, she begs a coworker to act as her lover. In some ways, this is a narrative we’ve heard before (hey, The Wedding Date with Debra Messing and My Best Friend’s Wedding are two of our all-time favorite movies), but it’s still fresh in 2017.

20. ‘Table 19’

Anna Kendrick is ejected from a friend’s wedding and relegated to the “loser table” after the best man dumps her. When Lisa Kudrow, Craig Robinson, and Stephen Merchant are seated next to you, though, it’s not so bad.

21. ‘Everything, Everything’

Young love is the epitome of optimism. Nope. Despite being forbidden from having any physical contact with the kid she lives next door, a chronically ill adolescent who is unable to leave her house falls in love with him in this charming film.

22. ‘Atomic Blonde’

Love? We’re not in the market for any kind of love. Charlize Theron kicking asses and taking names is all we need, thank you very much.

23. ‘Bridesmaids’

Life smacks you in the face from time to time. However, if Annie can quit slapping herself and fight for her stupid life, so can you.

24. ‘Beauty and the Beast’

In the absence of this film, we don’t know what else will. It’s also worth noting that Emma Watson is an instant mood enhancer.

25. ‘Hidden Figures’

The stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson will inspire you. Some of the most influential women of our era were among these women.

26. ‘My Girl’

Vada Sultenfuss, despite being a child, had to deal with a lot of heartache in her short life. Still, she fought on. When we watch this film, we’re always reminded of her.

27. ‘Dirty Love’

Following the discovery of her boyfriend having sex with another woman, Jenny McCarthy’s character Rebecca descends into a complete humiliation spiral.

You’ll be laughing your ass off even if you’re in the midst of a terrible situation.

28. ‘The Notebook’

The Notebook is a classic love story that will offer even the most jaded of souls a little hope — not to mention an excellent excuse to cry your eyes out (as if you needed one). Even the most jaded of hearts will soften when they see Ryan Gosling.

29. ‘How to Be Single’

Laugh your ass off while learning how to navigate the waters of singledom anew. It’s a no-brainer.

30. ‘Legally Blonde’

After Warner broke up with her, Elle Woods persevered and graduated from Harvard Law School. She went on to win the case of the century. It’s time for us to take on the world like she did following her split.

It’s also found to be beneficial to reenact the moment in which Elle is laying in bed sobbing and yelling “Liar!” while throwing a box of chocolates at her TV.

31. ‘The Sweetest Thing’

Cameron Diaz’s character, Cameron Diaz, is a model for many people. Because of your fear of commitment, you may have a hard time committing to a long-term relationship. Even if you don’t like girl flicks, this one will tell you that if you’re with the right guy, you’ll open up and not destroy a good thing. Regardless.

32. ‘Sliding Doors’

When a door closes, another one opens up in its place. That’s a nice mantra to keep in mind following the termination of a relationship that you thought was wonderful. Though it may be hard, you must remember that your current route will eventually take you to better things. Your heart can be completely rerouted by the most minute of circumstances in this Gwyneth Paltrow love story. At the end of the day, you will be exactly where you belong.

33. ‘August Rush’

Perhaps this ex isn’t the one for you. Just as crucial as moving on after a bad relationship is believing there is a perfect match for you out there. Still not persuaded? You’ll be a believer after seeing this Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers film. In the film, a pair of long-distance lovers become mixed up in their search for one another. Surprise, their orphan love child pulls them back together in the most miraculous way.

34. ‘Closer’

After a breakup, it can be comforting to watch people who have had much worse relationships than you. Natalie Portman and Jude Law feature alongside Julia Roberts and Clive Owen in this slew of high-octane drama. Portman’s character, meanwhile, rises above the chaos. You’ll see in the final scene that getting out of a difficult circumstance was the best thing you ever did, so trust us.

35. ‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’

What would you do if you didn’t have the support of your closest female friends? After a breakup, nothing beats catching up with your gal pals. Isn’t it true that they help you get through difficult times? In this film, starring America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn, we are reminded of the bonds that accompany us wherever we go. When guys treat us poorly, it is our BFFs who tend to our emotional and physical well-being.

36. ‘Love Actually’

The answer is yes. That’s exactly what Colin Firth and Keira Knightley and Hugh Grant illustrate in this zany adventure film. There are many ways to show your love in this romantic comedy/holiday film (not the dirty kind, relax). In the aftermath of a breakup, it can be difficult to see the bright side of things. But if you see this movie, you’ll get your faith in love restored once more.

37. ‘Amélie’

Breakups, for example, can have a negative impact on your mental health. Amélie’s upbringing was a little unusual, so you might be able to identify with her. Because her father was convinced she had a heart defect, she was isolated from the rest of the world as a child. She has finally found a job as a waitress in Paris after a long search. It’s as though she worries about others more than she worries about herself, as a result of an unconventional upbringing. When she realizes she’s been sabotaging her own search for love, she chooses to take control of her own destiny. It’s your time now.

38. ‘A Lot Like Love’

Everything comes down to timing. That guy keeps popping up at the most inconvenient moments, and you and what’s-his-face may have broken up to make place. And if he looks like Ashton Kutcher and can make you laugh, that’s an even better combination. Your on-again, off-again rebound guy may be able to get back together with you!

39. ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’

This is a good one to have on hand for those post-breakup sobs. Dumpers and dumpees agree that this is a movie that will tug at your heartstrings, bring back memories, and transform your understanding of love. Carrey and Winslet shine as they struggle to erase their most traumatic relationship memories together in this film.

40. Celeste & Jesse Forever’

This quirky 2012 indie rom-com stars Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg as a humorous match made in heaven as you reassess what it means to be friends with an ex. In the film, we see what occurs when a young couple decides to break their marriage, but not their friendship.

41. ‘The Break-Up’

Even if the title doesn’t pique your interest, you can’t deny the allure of Jennifer Aniston. It’s a common problem for cohabiting couples: they both want to break up, but neither wants to give up their apartment. The laughter and tenderness ensue as they try to out-passive-aggress each other as roommates.

42. ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’

If you haven’t seen this 2001 classic yet, you probably haven’t come to terms with the end of your relationship yet. All of us know that seeing Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) disgrace herself to the core in her search for love is the only way out of a broken relationship.’ Drinking wine and singing along to “All by Myself” with weepy Bridget are a double bonus. (

43. ‘(500) Days of Summer’

This one is for you if you’ve just ended a 500-day roller-coaster romance. Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-adorable Levitt’s pairing is unmatched, but this movie has a special message for those of us who are still recovering from a broken heart: Just because you love someone, that doesn’t mean they’ll always love you back, and just because you share common interests doesn’t mean you’re a perfect match.

44. ‘Peter and Vandy’

This 2009 Sundance runner-up tells the story of a relationship that went awry. Peter and Vandy’s tumultuous relationship is depicted in no particular order in the romantic drama, which calls itself a “love story in disorder.”

45. ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’

Funny because it’s accurate. After a breakup, some people need a dose of reality, and this movie is one of the more pleasant ones to swallow. Jennifer Aniston, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Drew Barrymore all have relationship issues, so you’re not the only one in this situation. Amazon has the video.