Breakups suck, there’s no way around it. Whether it’s a slow fizzle or a dramatic fallout, the aftermath can leave you feeling lost, heartbroken, and more than a little bitter. After my own rough patch, I found myself seeking comfort in something simple and familiar: rom-coms. Some made me laugh, some made me ugly cry, but all of them helped me put the pieces of my heart back together. If you’re struggling to move on, here are five movies that helped me heal.
My obsession with romance movies started when I was seven. When I was younger, I was obsessed with my grandma. I loved to watch her and copy everything she did. She loves romance movies, her favorites involved Reece Witherspoon finding love after a failed marriage, mine were the ones with girls finding love for the first time and ending happily. Over the years, we stopped having movie nights as often, but every time there’s a new rom-com in the theaters we take the time to see it together.
You know that stage where you’re just angry? Angry at your ex, at yourself, at the world for not going the way you thought it would? That’s when I found myself rewatching 10 Things I Hate About You on repeat. From Kat Stratford’s iconic poem that broke me all over again to Patrick Verona’s over-the-top serenade that somehow made me smile, this movie felt like a cathartic release. It gave me permission to be mad, hurt, and guarded without feeling guilty about it.
But beneath all the snark and sarcasm, the film is about learning to let your guard down, even when it feels impossible. Watching Kat soften her edges and accept love without losing herself was like watching a how-to guide on how to heal. And let’s be real, Heath Ledger’s smile should be prescribed as emotional medicine.
Why It Helped: It let me feel angry and hurt without apologizing but also reminded me that opening up again isn’t impossible.
In the middle of my heartbreak spiral, I needed something light and ridiculous to remind me that relationships are supposed to be fun, not exhausting. And How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days delivered. Andie’s commitment to being the worst girlfriend ever to prove a point, and Ben’s stubborn attempt to win her over for a bet, somehow felt reassuring.
Sure, the premise is absurd, but watching them mess up and laugh along the way made me realize that love shouldn’t be a chore or a competition. It’s not about trying to mold yourself into someone else’s ideal version of you. It’s about being real and enjoying each other’s company, flaws and all.
Why It Helped: It made me laugh when I needed it most and reminded me not to take myself—or my heartbreak—too seriously.
I almost didn’t watch this one. The idea of sitting through a movie about a devastating breakup when I was barely holding it together sounded like a recipe for emotional destruction. But I did it anyway, and somehow it was exactly what I needed.
This movie hits hard. Watching Jenny fall apart and try to piece herself back together felt a little too real. The scenes of her breaking down and feeling completely lost mirrored my own reality. But the beauty of Someone Great is that it’s not just about heartbreak. It’s about friendship, growth, and finding your way back to yourself when it feels like the ground’s been ripped out from under you.
It taught me that healing isn’t linear. It’s messy, painful, and frustrating. But it’s also worth it. Watching Jenny reclaim her life, bit by bit, gave me hope that maybe I could do the same.
Why It Helped: It showed me that grief and growth can coexist. Sometimes a breakup isn’t just an ending, it’s the start of something better.
When your heart feels shattered, sometimes you just need to believe in fairy tales again. And what better way to do that than with The Princess Bride? This movie is pure magic. From sword fights to the iconic love story between Westley and Buttercup, it’s a reminder that true love exists, even if it’s only on a screen.
The thing about The Princess Bride is that it’s a love story told with humor and heart. It’s about loyalty and persistence, but also about knowing when to walk away from toxic situations. “As you wish” might be one of the most romantic lines in film history, but the movie also teaches you to fight for yourself, not just for love.
Why It Helped: It reignited my hope in love without making me feel bitter about my own story. Sometimes you just need a beautiful fantasy to lift you out of the sadness.
When all else fails, put on your dancing shoes and belt out some ABBA. Mamma Mia! is pure joy in movie form, and when you’re deep in breakup blues, that’s exactly what you need. It’s chaotic, sun-soaked, and unapologetically fun. Donna’s wild, unpredictable life felt like a reminder that life goes on, even when it feels like your world has crumbled.
Watching her dance her way through heartbreak and single motherhood made me feel like it’s okay to be a mess sometimes. And it’s definitely okay to dance through your tears if that’s what you need to do. The soundtrack alone is therapy, but the underlying message about resilience and independence? That’s what truly sticks with you.
Why It Helped: It reminded me that happiness doesn’t have to depend on anyone else. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just let loose and enjoy the ride.
