One of the most heartbreaking moments in life is going through a breakup. And there is nothing wrong in feeling sad and lost at times. But many get confused and frustrated when it happens. What can you do to get over a heartbreak? Binge-watch break up movies is one of the proven methods to get over a breakup. But choosing the right movie to watch is a struggle on its own.
So, if you want to learn from movie characters about how to get over a breakup, you are in the right place. There are plenty of badass characters whose journey will show you what’s important in life and how to find light at the end of the tunnel. There is more to life than your ex and some movie characters can be your breakup therapists.
Breakup is not end of everything. They are just a part of life. Even if you are going through a breakup or you just want the feel of it, here is a list of 20 best breakup movies of all time for you to choose from.
1. La La Land
Some relationships are not meant to last long. In the movie, Sebastian a pianist and Mia an actress fall in love with each other but because of very different aspirations and dreams in life, they are forced to part ways. They eventually separate on a happy note leading their own lives happily. But all breakups are not a sad endings. They move on with their lives and find happiness and love separately.
This movie is written and directed by Damien Chazelle and was released in August 2016. This Oscar-winning musical movie ends on a happy note. This movie received six oscar wins in 2017 and for all right reasons. This is a movie for all the crazy romantics out there. It will make you forget your own breakup with its singing and dancing.
2. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
The Netflix original movie released in 2018, this is a teenage romance movie which goes through the life of Lana Jean and how her love letters to multiple crushes are exposed. Originally a novel series, this series is one of the most watched romance movies on Netflix. Lana writes about her feelings towards her crushes and locks it in her locker. But when all her letters are delivered to guys, a mess is created. You will be up for a fun comedic ride with this film. This is the first film of the popular Netflix series.
3. John Tucker Must Die
Written by Jeff Lowell and Directed by Betty Thomas, John Tucker must die is a teen romantic comedy film. John Tucker, played by Jesse Metcalfe, is a playboy who has dated multiple girls at the same time and left them heartbroken. John has made an elaborate plan to deceive the girls, but all his tricks come to an end when one of the girls he is dating reveals it to others.
But things take a turn when his ex-girlfriends come together to teach him a lesson about how hurtful a breakup can be by setting him up with a girl. They come up with multiple plans to teach him a lesson, but it only backfires them by working towards John’s advantage. Then he tries to impress Kate, who is already aware of John’s dating history and avoids him.
As John falls for Kate and tries to win her affections, his ex-girlfriends plot against him. It is revenge- heartbreak movie that provides different viewpoints of a relationship.
4. Legally Blonde
Released in 2001, Legally Blonde is a film directed by Robert Luketic. What will you do when your boyfriend thinks you are dumb-headed and leaves you? Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) goes on a long journey to win back her ex, who does not appreciate her. She follows him to Harvard Law School after passing the entrance test with flying colors. But after getting into the college, Elle discovers that she does not fit into the East Coast classmates group.
She tries to point out that she is more than what her ex thinks she is, but she realizes how she deserves someone better in the process. Elle’s boyfriend realizes how he misses treated her and apologies. But how will things end? This movie gives you a message that you need not force someone to be in your life. You deserve to be loved as much as you, the other person.
5. Call Me By Your Name
In summer 1983, Call Me by Your Name is a love story between 17-year-old Elio and Oliver, who is working as an intern under Elio’s father. Elio and Oliver spend most of their time together, and like that, Elio gets increasingly attached to Oliver. When Elio confesses his feelings towards Oliver, he shuts him down, saying that it is not possible for them to be together.
Even though they cannot be together forever, Elio and Oliver spend the short time together. Oliver then moves out and gets engaged to someone else. A coming of age summer fling between two boys is what this movie is about. Will their love last for better? The movie shows how the love slowly starts fading. It is one of the most beautiful yet heartbreaking stories. If you are romantic, this movie can make you cry your heart out, but it is worth watching.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
This American romantic comedy film directed by Nicholas Stoller was released in 2008. Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) goes on a vacation to Hawaii after his breakup with his famous TV star girlfriend Sarah of a show he hosted. Sarah suddenly calls break up after five years of being in a relationship. After checking in to his hotel, he comes to know that Sarah is in the same hotel.
She was the last person Peter wanted to see on this vacation, but she’s right there with her new boyfriend. Peter starts falling in love with Rachel, the hotel concierge who had offered an expensive suit to Peter in exchange for him cleaning the room. Will Peter start a new relationship with Rachel? Will he get back to Sarah? If you are looking for a romantic comedy movie involving a breakup, this one is for you.
7. The Notebook
The story starts with Duke reading the story of Alice and Noah, two lovers who were separated by fate to Ms. Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton has dementia. In 1940s South California, Allie, a rich girl, falls in love with mill worker Noah Calhoun. However, Allie’s parents strictly oppose their marriage because of differences in status. Due to the family’s disapproval, the relationship falls apart.
Once separated, Allie and Noah meet again several years later when Allie is engaged to a different person. Alice is overwhelmed by seeing Noah again, and all her memories stir up. Then both of them have to face the quest of love once again. In the end, you come to know that Duke is Noah and Ms. Hamilton is Alice, Noah’s wife.
With many mixed emotions and scenarios, you are up for a whole roller coaster ride with this. This film was released in 2004 with great performances from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. This movie ends on a happy note, and you can end your day happily.
8. Gone Girl
A 2014 psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy and Nick; her husband becomes the prime suspect of the event. Even though this movie’s prime plot is not about the breakup, it has a lot to tell about disastrous marriage relationships. Nick and Amy, who were once happily married, realize they are better off single. However, Nick has to go through a series of events when his wife goes missing on their anniversary.
A forensic search is conducted in Nick and Amy’s house, leading to a series of events where Nick becomes the suspect and gets a lot of media attention. It is a psychological thriller that goes through the relationship of Nick and Amy in detail. What happened to Amy? Will she come back? Was Nick responsible for Amy’s disappearance? Find out what the suspense is by watching the movie.
9. Sliding Doors
Sliding Doors is a 1998 romantic comedy movie written and directed by Peter Howitt. With parallel universe storytelling, this movie shows two possibilities of one situation. Helen, the female lead, is fired from her public relations job and on her way home, she has to take a train on London Underground. In the first scenario, she misses her train and reaches home after the woman has left.
But the film rewinds in time, and this time she manages to get on the train. In the second scenario, she gets on the right train and reaches home to find out that her boyfriend Gerry has an affair with another woman. In the first situation, she finds out about the affair and breaks up with her boyfriend, and in the second scenario, she is doubtful of her boyfriend’s affair. It can leave the audience with different plot lines.
This shows how many situations in our life is a mere time game. Even though there is two different sets of events, the plots intersect at certain points, making them look trippy. The possibilities of the situation create an Interesting plotline.
10. 13 Going On 30
In 2014, 13 going on 30 is a fantasy film written by Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa and directed by Gary Winick. Jennifer Garner, who plays the female protagonist in the movie, is a 13-year-old who wakes up as a 30-year-old after her thirteenth birthday. She always had the dream to be 30 and thriving in life. But when her wish is fulfilled, she realizes that life not as easy as she assumes.
She enjoys her new life for a while and is delighted to be an adult, but later it hits her that adult Jenna is not like what she had imagined. Then when she returns to her reality, she learns her lesson. This movie shows you the hardships of adult life and the right way to deal with people.
11. Someone Great
A Netflix original movie released in 2019 starring Brittany Snow and Gina Rodriguez is a story about a woman who has just broken up with her long time boyfriend of nine years just before she has to leave the city for her dream job. She tries to start her life afresh with new friendships.
You may think this is one of the cliché movies with a group of friends doing things together after one of them goes through a breakup. You are right. But is it still worth the watch? This is the kind of movie that will leave you inspired and empowered. You will be left with a message that there is always something new to life.
12. Birds of Prey
Forgetting a breakup is not an easy thing. Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, is the protagonist of the movie, and she shows how with a positive attitude and some good friends, you can get out of an explosive breakup. After Joker breaks up with Harley, leaving her on the Gotham city streets, she is taken in by a Taiwanese restaurant owner. He helps Harley get over her breakup by giving her a new haircut and adopting a spotted hyena. Because of her breakup with Joker, she becomes the target of narcissistic crime boss Black Mask. She is on the run to protect herself where she meets few people and befriends them. Based on a superhero theme, this movie is drafted out of DC Comics. Directed by Cathy Yan, this movie was released in 2020. To feel empowered and like the main character, watch this movie
13. How To Be Single
Is there a right and wrong way to be single? This movie has answers. This is an American Romantic Comedy film directed by Christian Ditter, released in 2016 and told a story about Alice, who has taken a break from her relationship with her long term boyfriend Josh and moved to New York to find a new meaning to life. There she meets different people, including Robin, her co-worker, who is very eager to teach Alice how not to stay single, and in the process, Alice tries dating.
When she realises that she is not over her boyfriend, she tries to get back with him, but he has already moved on with someone else. The film shows how dating in modern times can be so complex at times. From heartbreaks to the excitement of meeting someone new, this movie has it all. If you are looking for a light-hearted breakup movie, you must check this out. This is not the cliché breakup cries movie.
14. Before Sunrise
Before Sunrise is a romantic drama film released in 1995, directed by Richard Linklater, it is the first movie of the Before trilogy. This story follows Jesse, an American guy, and meets Celine from France on a train journey. They start talking to each other, and Jesse asks Celine to spend the rest of the day with him as the possibility of them meeting again is minute. Before going on with their destinations, both of them decide to spend the remaining time with each other exploring Europe.
As the movie continues, you come to know that both Jesse and Celine recently went through a breakup. At the end of the film, they depart at the train station without sharing contact numbers promising that they will meet again at the same spot exactly after six months. After a few hours of being together, the main character’s chemistry leaves a strong impression. This film is real and strong with its emotion.
The movie is shot simplistically with dialogues consisting of mostly monologues. What will happen to Jesse and Celine? Will they fall in love or part ways silently? This movie was inspired by the personal experiences of the director of the film. Watch this beautiful movie today just for the feels.
15. Eternal Sunshine Of Spotless Mind
In 2004, Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind is an American drama film directed by Charlie Kaufman. This movie is about a couple who were once madly in love with each other but have erased their memories of each other to forget the pain of separation. Who doesn’t want to erase hurtful memories? That is exactly the plot of this movie. Clementine goes through a breakup with Joel and decides to completely erase the memories of her ex-boyfriend.
Joel does the same when he realises that Clementine has taken this extreme decision to forget him. Then Joel realises that he wants to keep his memories and struggles for love. This movie takes through the pain and loss involved in both lives. Did they make the right choice by erasing memories? Will they get back together? This movie will hold you on the edge of your seats. Get ready for it.
16. When Harry Met Sally
Directed and produced by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally is a 1989 release. Remade in multiple languages, Harry met Sally, one of the best romantic comedy movies. Harry, played by Billy Crystal and Sally, played by Meg Ryan, are good friends for a long time, but when they meet each other after a long time, they are forced to give a name to their relationship. Even though both have feelings for each other, they are scared that intimacy can ruin their friendship.
They met each other in different stages of life when they were in a relationship with different people. When Harry and Sally get intimate, Sally says that they cannot be friends anymore. After almost 12 years of first meeting and getting attracted to each other, will Harry and Sally finally confess their love or keep silent? As an audience, you will go through the complex relationship and dilemma of Harry and Sally. Once you watch this movie, you will realize why many people love it.
17. 500 Days of Summer
500 days of summer is a romantic comedy released in 2009. This is a story of Tom and Summer, who have opposite ideas of love. Even with the differences in their personalities, both experience 500 days of a relationship. Tom becomes extremely dependent on Summer and expects her to keep him happy. As Summer feels tied up in the relationship, she chooses to part ways.
This leaves Tom’s heart in pieces. He tries to avoid Summer and move on but finds it too hard as she was the one for him. After some time going through hangovers and depression, Tom gives the relationship a deep thought and finds that he was incompatible with Summer. After all the chaos, this movie for sure ends on a good note.
This movie makes you realize how two people in love may not be compatible long-term and how you should not depend on someone for your happiness. This movie is a must-watch for many different reasons, and once you watch it, you’ll find it all.
18. Eat Pray Love
Directed by Ryan Murphy, Eat Pray Love was released in 2010. When the female lead Elizabeth Gilbert in the movie, played by Julia Roberts, goes through a breakup, she decides to travel the world. With many ups and downs, this movie is all about getting over a divorce. Elizabeth was everything a woman needs to be with a perfect family and career. But after losing everything, she stands confused and lost, looking for meaning in life.
As she travels, she steps out of her comfort zone, discovers many new things, and tries to find that inner peace she is always looking for. Will she find new meaning in life? Will she fall in love with someone else? Will she turn spiritual after visiting India? Find out yourself by watching the film. After watching the movie, you may feel the urge to leave everything behind and go on a world tour, even if you are going through a breakup or not.
19. Silver Linings Playbook
Written and directed by David O. Russell Silver Linings Playbook is an American romantic drama film. It is based on the 2008 novel written by Matthew Quick named Silver Linings Playbook. In Pennsylvania, Pat, played by Bradley Cooper, is admitted to a mental health institution after his wife leaves him. After getting discharged, he starts living with his parents, and things start getting intense.
Pat, who cannot move on from his wife, tries multiple ways to get back with her. When he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who promises to help him get back with his wife if he helps out with a dance competition, they become close friends, and Pat realizes that there is someone else made for him. With excellent performances from Bradley Cooper and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, it is a touching romantic movie.
20. Blue Valentine
An American drama film was released in 2010 following the life of Dean and Cindy, a young married couple with their daughter Frankie in a particular period of their life. The film shows how the two fell in love when both were college students when Dean was a hopeless romantic high school dropout and Cindy an aspiring pre-med student. Cindy then gets pregnant with Dean’s child, and they both decide to raise the child together.
After five years of marriage, Cindy could not be a doctor and now works as a nurse, whereas Dean paints houses for a living. With a lot of differences in opinion, their relationship starts to fall apart. How will they handle the situation? Will they be able to save it? You will see how their relationship has changed over the years and how eventually, their marriage falls apart.
It’s devastating, heart-wrenching and real. It shows the reality of how two people once madly in love can change or evolve in life. For someone going through a breakup, it can be painful. Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling played the main lead in the film while also being the co-executive producer.
This was the list of 20 best breakup movies to watch. We all know that there is no better way to recover from a bad breakup than watching good movies. So, choose the right movie for you and binge-watch it till you feel comforted. So, what are you waiting for? Get your blankets and snacks while watching your favorite movie. These movies will empower you. Whatever mood you are in, there’s a movie for you.
