Anyone who’s ever had their heart broken knows that breakups ain’t easy. But one of the best pick-me-ups to whatever ails us, whether it’s a nasty autumn cold or heartache is a good movie. The best movies to watch after being dumped are the ones that either shed some light on whatever went down between you and your SO, make you recognize how much better life is without crappy baes bringing you down or just take your mind off of things altogether.
The best thing about these movies is that they make you realize that bad breakups happen to literally everyone and sometimes give you ways to describe how you’re feeling. No matter if you’re already looking to move on from the pain, or you’re still in your sweatpants, surrounded by a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. Either way, this is a great place for you to start on your journey to happiness. So grab your BFF, break out the junk food, and get comfy and watch some of the greatest movies that are sure to help get over even the realest of breakups.
16. LEGALLY BLONDE
If there’s one thing that Elle Woods taught us about breakups it’s that the best revenge is busting your butt, challenging yourself and meeting those goals you’ve set for yourself. On the night she thinks she’s getting engaged, her good-for-nothing boyfriend dumps her and tells her he needs to be with someone a little more ~serious~. (Read: less blonde.) While she initially follows him to Harvard Law School, she learns that there are more important things than getting the guy back — and that he wasn’t even all that great in the first place.
15. THE BREAK-UP
Laughter is the best medicine when it comes to breakups and watching Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn fight it out after a breakup is strangely cathartic. Yes, you’ll see them try to salvage the relationship (which we all try at least once post-breakup) but ultimately it’s a pretty realistic, though slightly over-the-top telling of what we go through when we break up with bae. It definitely puts some things into perspective.
14. HOW TO BE SINGLE
The perfect companion for you on your new path of self-discovery after a breakup is How To Be Single. Alice (Dakota Johnson) sets out to experience all that New York has to offer as she finds herself newly single. With her adventurous and wild co-worker Robin (our fav Rebel Wilson), she goes off to finally learn how to put herself above her relationships, one hilarious and crazy escapade at a time. It’s a win-win.
13. THE SWEETEST THING
When you’re just going through a breakup, thousands of thoughts float into your mind. Naturally, one of the questions you ask yourself has to be, “Do I sabotage my relationships?” If you’re in doubt, then just watch this hilarious chick flick and find out if you’re making all the same mistakes when it comes to love… just like Cameron Diaz is in this funny flick!
12. SNATCHED
There’s no way in the world you can dwell on a broken heart when you’re laughing your ass off to the oddly amazing chemistry between Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer. In this movie, Amy’s character Emily gets dumped right before she’s supposed to go on a vacay with her boyfriend. (Oh, you thought the timing of your breakup was bad?
Think again.) Her mother tags along instead and, of course, hilarity ensues.
11. TABLE 19
Ever been to a bad wedding? Anna Kendrick‘s character gets dumped by the best man via text message, gets kicked out of the bridal party, and then rudely gets banished to the ~loser table~ on the big night. Horrible right?! You’ll have no choice but to laugh (and cry) as this table of misfits navigates a crappy wedding. Other stars include Lisa Kudrow, Craig RobinsonStephen Merchant.
10. HIDDEN FIGURES
Quite frankly, the hurdles that these three women had to overcome in the 1960s will make all your problems seem minute. The ladies, Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), and Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) were some of the most inspiring women in history and are a good reminder that we are so much more than the way others see us.
9. BRIDESMAIDS
If a crucial part of getting over your ex is spending time with your best friends, then why not spent with a group of awesome fictional characters who are more than sure to distract you from your pain for a few hours? Sure, you’ll get a little ~jealous~ at Kristen Wiig‘s character’s brewing romance, but the movie as a whole is sure to cheer you up.
8. HEATHERS
We’re not saying that a murder/crime spree is ever okay, but the dark comedy of Heathers will probably make you realize that your ex wasn’t sooooo bad after all considering the way the main love interest acts. Thus, you’ll be feelin’ totally empowered when Winona Ryder tells psychopathic Christian Slater off. “You know what I want, babe? Cool guys like you out of my life.” ICONIC. Tell ’em gurl!
7. BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY
Bridget Jones is so authentic, there’s a pretty good chance something about her will feel super relatable. Bridget knows that sometimes on the way to finding your prince you’ve got to kiss a few frogs, but lucky for this Brit it isn’t all that traumatizing considering the frog happens to be Hugh Grant and the prince is hunky Colin Firth. This movie, though romantic, will help you remember that someday someone will love you ~just as you are~!
6. THE NOTEBOOK
Yes, it may sound cliché, but this Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams flick is a quintessential love story that will help those tears start to flowing. You’re never going to feel better unless you get all those feels out, so turn on The Notebook and start your process.
5. HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
This is one of those movies that’s stacked with an A-list cast. With Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson and Ginnifer Goodwin, strong women are at the center. Plus, considering the whole film centers on failing relationships — it might shed some light on what happened with yours.
4. JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE
After three women discover that they’re all dating the same guy, John Tucker (Jesse Metcalfe), they all band together to break his heart and take this serial cheater down. These ex-girlfriends hunt him down and ruin this human trashcan’s life. A great movie for those who are feeling the need for revenge post-breakup.
3. FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL
This movie will take you on an emotional ride from the lowest of lows to the highest highs and then back down again. Our poor hero played by the hilarious Jason Segel, goes on a wild journey to try and win back his ex (Kristen Bell). Let’s just say that the ending might seriously speak to you.
2. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
Do you wish you had never met the person who broke your heart into tiny pieces? That’s what you’ll be thinking about as you watch this movie. Joel Barrish (Jim Carey) and his ex-girlfriend (Kate Winslet) both find a way to erase each other from their memories — but of course, wind up meeting each other yet again. This movie is all about how all memories, no matter how painful, are valuable in one way or the other.
1. THELMA & LOUISE
This movie is girl power at its very best. A fun road trip becomes the adventure of a lifetime when Thelma and Louise find themselves running from the law after a ton of bad timing. The perfect movie to watch with the gal pal helping you through this tough time, these heroines remind you that the most important relationship in your life is the one you’ve got with your BFF.