10 Movies You NEED to Watch If You’re Going Through a Breakup

Recovering from a breakup takes time and patience.

It's not easy to just snap your fingers and move on from someone you have strong feelings for, so self-care is basically essential to your post-breakup routine.

Sometimes taking care of yourself means getting out of the house and spending some quality time with your pals, and sometimes it's just popping in a movie and spending the day snuggled up on your couch.

If you're in the latter stage of your recovery, keep scrolling for 10 movies you need to watch if you're going through a breakup.

1. Bridge to Terabithia 

Watch if: You need to cry.

If you're in the early stages of your breakup, crying is likely at the top of your priority list. A sad movie like Bridge to Terabithia can take your mind off of what's really bothering you, while still allowing you to expel all those feelings of sadness. After all, sometimes a good cry is all you need to really start feeling better.

(Bridge to Terabithia via Walden Media)

 

2. The Princess Bride

Watch if: You just need a distraction.

If you really need a break from incessantly thinking about your split, a lighthearted movie like The Princess Bride might just do the trick. Sure, it's a beautiful and compelling love story, but it's also funny and slightly ridiculous at times. It's a good reminder that life won't always take a linear path, and that you can still find the humor even when things look particularly bleak.

(The Princess Bride via Act III Communications)

 

3. La La Land 

Watch if: You need a reminder that not all love stories end in a happily ever after.

Even if you're convinced that your relationship was one of the epic loves of your life, La La Land is the perfect reminder that even the most beautiful of love stories don't always end in a happily ever after. It doesn't make your relationship less important or less meaningful, it just means that there's something different (and probably better) waiting for you down the line.

(La La Land via Summit Entertainment)

 

4. Inside Out 

Watch if: You need a reminder that it's okay to be sad.

Not only is this movie fun, lighthearted and completely devoid of any mention of love or breakups, it's also the perfect reminder that it's okay to be sad. Sadness can shape you just as much as any other emotion, and pushing out those feelings will only make you frustrated and confused. Embrace the hurtful emotions and you'll find that you'll recover from them much faster.

(Inside Out via Pixar Animation Studios)

 

5. He's Just Not That Into You 

Watch if: You're having trouble letting go of the relationship.

Sometimes you just need some blunt but truthful advice about the state of your relationship, and He's Just Not That Into You definitely provides that. If you're having trouble getting over your ex, this movie is a good reminder that anyone who wants to be with you will be with you, and that you shouldn't waste time on anyone who doesn't care for you as much as you care for them. It might be difficult to watch, but it also contains some harsh realities that will eventually help you recover.

(He's Just Not That Into You via New Line Cinema)

 

6. John Tucker Must Die 

Watch if: Your ex was a total jerk.

If you're looking for a place to channel all your breakup rage, then you definitely need to watch John Tucker Must Die. It's a story all about three girls getting revenge on a guy who treated them poorly, making it the perfect blend of girl power and anger-fueled breakup vengeance. It's funny and not too intense, but it'll still act as a cathartic release of all that anger you've been storing up.

(John Tucker Must Die via Twentieth Century Fox)

 

7. High Fidelity 

Watch if: You need a reminder that relationships kind of suck.

While it's very cool to be in love and have someone to care about, relationships aren't the easiest thing in the world. They're time-consuming, frustrating and painful, and oftentimes the good times don't outweigh the bad. If you need a little time to wallow in the "relationships suck" stage, this story about a man recounting his top five breakups, including the one he's currently going through, will definitely give you some time to reflect on the uselessness of dating.

(High Fidelity via Touchstone Pictures)

 

8. (500) Days of Summer 

Watch if: You're convinced your ex was "The One."

Spoiler alert: This movie is centered around the idea that there is no "The One." You might have thought that your ex was absolutely flawless and you might genuinely believe that you'll never find anything better, but there's always something waiting for you in the future. Your love story is far from over, and (500) Days of Summer represents the struggle you're going through perfectly.

((500) Days of Summer via Fox Searchlight Pictures)

 

9. Legally Blonde 

Watch if: You're feeling a little lost.

If your breakup left you deeply unsure about your next move, Legally Blonde is the perfect movie for you. Watching Elle Woods conquer her breakup by becoming a total boss in law school is all the motivation you need to pick yourself up and pursue your own dreams.

(Legally Blonde via MGM)

 

10. Love Actually 

Watch if: You're ready to find love again.

No matter how you might feel right now, no breakup pain can last forever. Love Actually is the perfect movie to watch when you're feeling ready to fall in love again. It captures all types of love stories in a two-hour long movie, some totally inspiring and some absolutely heartbreaking. However, the primary message is that love is everywhere, so you're bound to find it again.

(Love Actually via Universal Pictures)

 

On the hunt for more breakup advice? Click HERE for how to take care of yourself after a breakup.