The best movies to watch after a breakup

Yikes. It happened. It did not work.

Although breakups are as diverse and nuanced as people, they have also been around for so long been So, guys, we’ve gotten pretty good at failed relationships. That means we’ve been making films about breakups or in response to them for a very long time.

Of course, everyone is different, and the best post-breakup TV show depends on how you prefer to get through bad times as a person. You may want a distraction, and any will do. Maybe you want the embrace of a romantic comedy or a movie that makes you want to kick someone’s ass. Consider this a sample board to make your decision a little easier if you’re not clear on what to do next.

Really, the best thing you can do after life and love blow you away is to just take the smallest step forward – even if it’s just pressing play on the remote. Maybe this will help you find something that will get you the rest of the way.


For those who want to be sad

Forgot Sarah Marshall

Jason Segel watches Kristen Bell stare at Russell Brand in Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Image: Universal Pictures

Because: It’s about wallowing and moving on. It’s also very funny.
Where to see: Digital rental/purchase on Amazon, Apple TV and Vudu

Blue Valentine

Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams kiss passionately with her on his lap in

Photo: Davi Russo/Weinstein Company/Everett Collection

Because: It’s one of the best anti-love stories of all time. Really for those who feel better by giving in to misery.
Where to see: Max

In the mood for love

Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung as Su Li-zhen and Chow Mo-wan in Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love.  He looks at her as she looks away

Image: collection of criteria

Because: It’s the opposite of Blue Valentine. A beautiful, sensual film that you can touch Longing For love that may never be.
Where to see: The Criterion Channel, max

For those who want revenge

birds of prey

Margot Robbie rests her arms on a deli counter and looks pleadingly at her breakfast sandwich as Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey.

Image: Warner Bros.

Because: Your ex probably isn’t as bad as the Joker, but – guess what? Maybe they are. Here are some ideas on how to get over it.
Where to see: Netflix, max

Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2

Wearing a yellow jumpsuit, Beatrix poses with her sword in Kill Bill: Volume 1

Photo: Andrew Cooper/Miramax Films

Because: It’s truly inspiring how much Uma Thurman will kick herself to get to the man who wronged her.
Where to see: Starz, AMC Plus, The Roku Channel (with commercials)

John Tucker must die

The four women of John Tucker Must Die crowd into a small window

Image: 20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Because: Sometimes a dirty ex is the best fuel for solidarity.
Where to see: Digital rental/purchase on Amazon, Apple TV and Vudu

If a romantic comedy does that for you

Miss Congeniality

Sandra Bullock looks confused with pigtails in Miss Congeniality

Image: Warner Home Video

Because: It’s one of the best romantic comedies about finding someone to like you and it’s a very funny spy movie at the same time.
Where to see: Digital rental/purchase on Amazon, Apple TV and Vudu

My big fat Greek wedding

Ian (John Corbett) and Toula (Nia Vardalos) laugh in the backseat of a car in a screenshot from My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Photo: IFC Films

Because: Your whole family may be involved in your business, and it’s nice to remember that you might even like them.
Where to see: Max

trailer hitch

Will Smith as Hitch in Hitch.

Image: Columbia Pictures

Because: You could be the politest man in the world and none of that will matter when the time comes. You should be yourself! This is completely original advice that I just came up with.
Where to see: Hulu

When a romantic comedy about yourself is the answer

Naturally blond

Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde wears a pink dress and smiles broadly

Image: MGM

Because: Breakups are a great time for self-realization. You can become a famous lawyer now! Do it!
Where to see: Max

My best friend’s wedding

Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney hug at an airport

Image: TriStar Pictures

Because: Sometimes you should sing “I Say a Little Prayer” very loudly in a restaurant.
Where to see: Netflix, Starz

(500 days of summer

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel look at each other in “(500) Days of Summer.”

Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Because: All the negative energy you feel towards a person? It’s great fuel for finite Become an architect work towards your goals. However, it’s okay if you need to break a few plates first.
Where to see: Hulu, Max

If you just don’t want to do anything so quickly

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Extended Edition)

Image: New Line Cinema

Because: What else are you going to do in the next 12 hours? Hell, get in line with Krzysztof Kieślowski Decalogue next. You have the time.
Where to see: Prime Video, max

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