Hollywood has had a longstanding fascination with romantic comedies, a genre that has been a staple of cinema since the early days of silent films. Regardless of your relationship status – whether you’re single, in a relationship, or like the kids call it these days, a ‘situationship’ – there are movies out there that you can connect with.
If cliched meet-cutes and over-the-top romantic gestures make you wanna barf, don’t worry there are plenty of films that celebrate the joys of being single. Hollywood has finally started to embrace that even being single is a path of happiness and not everyone needs to be married or in love to be fulfilled. So, here is a list of films that will make you feel like going solo is the only way to go.
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10. How To Be Single (2016)
The 2016 rom-com, ‘How to Be Single‘, is based on the novel by Liz Tuccillo and follows a group of women who live in New York City with different approaches to being single. The movie has a diverse cast of Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Damon Wayans Jr., and Jason Mantzoukas who deliver the message that there is joy in being single in the most perfect and hilarious manner.
The story revolves around Alice (Dakota Johnson) as she learns to navigate single life after a heart-wrenching breakup with her long-term boyfriend. Robin (Rebel Wilson) is Alice’s best friend who embraces the liberty and joy of single life. The film not only takes the viewers on a journey of self-discovery but also highlights the power of friendship.
9. Wild (2014)
The critically acclaimed biographical drama ‘Wild‘ earned Reese Witherspoon an Oscar nomination. The film chronicles the journey of a woman Cheryl Strayed, portrayed by Witherspoon as she embarks on a 1,100-mile solo hiking trip along the Pacific Crest Trail. The hike was a search for personal enlightenment following a personal tragedy.
Cheryl is forced to confront the loss of her mother to cancer and also the collapse of her marriage. She embarks on a mission of self-discovery and aims to redefine herself. She reflects on her past and finds a newfound strength and self-confidence along the solo trip through the beautiful and challenging terrain.
8. Legally Blonde (2001)
Another Reese Witherspoon classic, her character Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde‘ is to this date iconic and often hailed as the embodiment of female empowerment on the big screen. After being unceremoniously dumped by her Ivy League boyfriend, Elle decides to win him back by pursuing a degree at Harvard Law School. However, along the way, she realizes that she is worth far more than just her physical appearance and the stereotypical “blonde” persona.
The movie inspires its audience to embrace their true selves and enjoy being single, reinforcing the idea that one doesn’t need a significant other to feel fulfilled. Reese Witherspoon is a force to be reckoned with as Elle, as she fights numerous stereotypes and finally discovers her true potential. Sassy and brilliant, this movie is a must-watch for those who want more than just a relationship in life.
7. Someone Great (2019)
Netflix’s romantic comedy, ‘Someone Great‘ tells the story of a music journalist living in New York City who gets dumped on the eve of a big move across the country. She is determined to make the most of her time left in the city in one final adventure with her best friends.
The film features an amazing cast of Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow and DeWanda Wise and they celebrate their friendship and create memories for a lifetime. The movie deals with some pretty heavy themes of grief, love, and friendship. However, it does end with a message of hope and inspires viewers to keep moving forward.
6. The First Wives Club (1996)
The iconic 1996 movie ‘The First Wives Club‘ is based on Elizabeth Goldsmith’s novel of the same name, and follows the story of three divorced women who band together to exact revenge on their ex-husbands who left them for younger women. The movie was an unexpected box-office hit and developed a cult following among middle-aged women.
The movie is primarily a celebration of female friendship. The three women come together not only to seek revenge on their ex-husbands but also to embrace their newfound freedom and independence. The ladies have fun and wild adventures as they navigate their way through their newly single lives.
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5. Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ tells the story of a recently divorced writer who takes a chance on an impulsive decision. Based on the memoir of Frances Mayes, Diane Lane stars as the author who impulsively purchases a villa in Tuscany after she discovers that her husband is cheating on her. She embarks on an Italian adventure in search of a fresh start that she needs.
As she fixes up her new property, Frances discovers a new sense of purpose and fulfillment and she meets a host of colorful characters along the way. The movie is more than just about finding yourself, it’s also about embracing change, taking risks and learning to find happiness on one’s own terms. Through her journey, Frances learns to let go of her past and embrace the beauty of the present.
4. Blue Valentine (2010)
Derek Cianfrances’s 2010 romantic drama, ‘Blue Valentine‘, showcases the dynamic chemistry of Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling as they portray a young couple in the throes of a passionate romance that eventually fizzles out. Dean (Ryan Gosling) is a carefree house painter from Pennsylvania who charms his way into the heart of Cindy (Michelle Williams) a hardworking nurse struggling to make ends meet.
The film’s emotionally charged moments are captured in intimate close-ups, highlighting the couple’s arguments and the gradual decay of their relationship. Flashbacks to their joyous courtship contrast with the present-day struggles and amplify the tragedy that is their love story. Despite the heart-wrenching narrative, Dean’s ukulele and infectious smile add a touch of youthful exuberance to the film.
3. Eternal Sunshine Of A Spotless Mind (2004)
This film gave us the most unique way of moving on from a break-up: a ‘Men In Black‘ style memory wipe-out. Michael Gondry’s sci-fi masterpiece, ‘Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind‘, portrays Joel (Jim Carrey) seeking targeted amnesia from medical corporation Lacuna Inc after a breakup. His ex-girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet) has gone through the same procedure already to erase him from her mind.
The film delves into Joel’s mind, alternating between dreamlike sequences and raw reality, as he comes to terms with the pain of losing Clementine and eventually yearns for a chance to fix their relationship. The story artfully explores the complexities of love and memory, leaving viewers with a profound sense of loss and hope.
2. Frances Ha (2012)
Noah Baumbach’s ‘Frances Ha‘ might seem like a typical romantic drama with its monochromatic visuals and French New Wave influence but it is actually an ode to the unbreakable bond of female friendship. The film follows the life of Frances (Greta Gerwig), a dancer who goes through a mid-life crisis after her closest friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) moves out of their shared apartment. Frances struggles to fill the void left by Sophie’s departure and finds herself embarking on an ill-fated solo trip to Paris and seeks solace in family trips.
However, as the movie progresses, it is clear that the central love story is not between Frances and any potential love interest but rather between Frances and Sophie. The reunion of the two friends is a beautiful moment that shows the depth and importance of female friendships in a world where everyone is hell-bent on putting women in competitive boxes.
1. Eat Pray Love (2010)
The 2010 romantic drama ‘Eat Pray Love‘ is hands down the most well-known film about the joys of singlehood. The movie follows Elizabeth “Liz” Gilbert (Julia Roberts), a married woman who realizes that both her marriage and life are unfulfilling, which leads her to embark on a journey of self-discovery. After her difficult divorce, she decides to set out on a quest of self-discovery by traveling around the globe.
The film takes the viewers on a captivating journey that provides inspiration through different cultures and experiences. Liz travels to Italy to savor the pleasures that good food has to offer, India for spiritual awakening, and Bali to find peace and balance in her life. Her adventures help her find herself and leave her feeling fulfilled and content.
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