Breakups suck — that's a given. No matter who you are, you've probably dealt with abroken heartat some point. It's essentially the one universal struggle that doesn't discriminate. That's precisely why there aretonsof movies about heartbreak.
The thing that helps us get through devastating breakups — or any issue — is knowing that you're not alone. There is always comfort in knowing that someone else has survived it and come out on the other side ... or is currently just as miserable as you are. Heartbreak movies remind us there is always hope for finding love.
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So, when you're going through heartbreak and feeling down in the dumps, watch these 12 movies. You'll cry, laugh, smile, and heal your broken heart.
Why Heartbreak Movies Help Make Us Feel Better
According to relationship expertSpicy Mari, heartbreak movies offer empathy and enlightenment in addition to entertainment. Mari suggested that breakup movies "make us reflect and generate some self-awareness," adding that films in this genre validate our feelings. She noted that watching characters experience joy and pain can be cathartic.
"Breakup movies usually end with an 'I found self-love' or 'I moved on to a bigger and better partner,'" said Mari. "Both of these endings motivate us to keep going and growing [instead of giving up] after a heartbreak."
The Best Heartbreak Movies:
'500 Days of Summer' (2009)
Just because you're head over heels in love with someone doesn't mean they're right for you. Just like the seasons, love will come and go. When your summer ends in sadness, autumn is never far behind.
Watch 500 Days of Summer on Hulu
'Falling Inn Love' (2019)
This romantic comedy has a classic storyline: A big-city girl gets fired and dumped, so she uproots her life in hopes of a fresh start in a small farm town where the hottest local helps her rebuild an old inn.
Watch Falling Inn Love on Netflix
'La La Land' (2016)
You'll fall in love with this cinematically stunning, heart-rending tale of two starving artists in Hollywood whose meet-cute plays a significant role in the realization of their dreams.
Rent or buyLa La Land on Amazon Prime Video
'Music and Lyrics' (2007)
Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant), a washed-up '80s pop star, must write a smash hit for current music sensation Cora (Haley Bennett) to keep his music career afloat. When his plant-waterer, Sophie (Drew Barrymore), shows off her songwriting abilities, Alex hires her to help him write the song. While on a tight deadline, the two quickly discover their chemistry and compatibility.
Rent or buy Music and Lyrics on Amazon Prime Video
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'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' (2008)
Unfortunately, there's usually one person who takes the breakup better than the other. This rom-com follows brokenhearted Peter (Jason Segel) on his quest to move on from his longtime girlfriend — and titular character (Kristen Bell) — with a lavish Hawaiian vacation.
Rent or buy Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Amazon Prime Video
'Breakin' All the Rules' (2004)
After getting dumped by his fiancée, Quincy (Jamie Foxx) writes a best-selling book about breakups. His cousin, Evan (Morris Chestnut), enlists his help when he believes his girlfriend, Nicky (Gabrielle Union), is about to break up with him. The new author finds himself in a sticky situation when he unknowingly starts seeing Nicky.
Watch Breakin' All the Rules on Amazon Prime Video
'Table 19' (2017)
A quirky tale about a few strangers who come together at a wedding and ponder their personal relationships throughout the weekend.
Rent or buy Table 19 on Amazon Prime Video
'Marriage Story' (2019)
Scarlett Johansson. A very sexy Adam Driver. This Oscar-nominated film has it all and realistically depicts the heartaches of divorce. Be prepared for waterworks.
Watch Marriage Story on Netflix
'She's All That' (1999)
In the original version of this cult classic, high school hunk Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.) gets dumped by his popular girlfriend, Taylor Vaughan (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe). So, he takes a bet from his friends to remake Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook), the school's nerdy, quiet girl, into a prom queen-worthy candidate. When Zack develops feelings for Laney, things start to get complicated.
Once you've rooted for Laney inShe's All That, follow up your heartbreak movie marathon with Netflix's 2021 gender-bending remakeHe's All That, which reunites OG cast members Cook and Matthew Lillard in different roles.
Watch She's All That on Netflix
'The Object of My Affection' (1998)
This rom-com stars two legends who have not aged one bit:Jennifer Anistonand Paul Rudd. When Nina (Aniston) gets pregnant, her gay best friend and roommate, George (Rudd), offers to help raise the child. Nina begins to fall for her friend, who simply cannot return the attraction.
Rent or buy The Object of My Affection on Amazon Prime Video
'The Wedding Singer' (1998)
When renowned '80s wedding singer Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) is left at the altar by his fiancée Linda (Angela Featherstone), the former hopeless romantic starts to give up on the institution of marriage and the idea of love entirely. That is until he befriends the wedding hall caterer, Julia (Barrymore), who is engaged to the wrong guy.
Rent or buy The Wedding Singer on Amazon Prime Video
'Call Me By Your Name' (2017)
Two forbidden lovers grow close one summer after having a passion-filled affair that must come to an end at the arrival of winter and impending nuptials in this queer, coming-of-age story.
