Going Through Heartbreak? Cry It Out With These 15 Romcoms
Whether you’ve been ghosted yet again, are ending a long-term relationship with your beau, or just ran into that crush of yours with another woman, an evening snuggled up with your favorite pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and a selection of movies to cry it out to is our idea of the perfect cure.
And we’ve got you covered! From funny to sad to empowering and everything in between, below you’ll find the full lineup of our favorite romcoms to get you through.
1. The Notebook
Let those tears out, girl! If you need help, this movie is sure to do the trick. A timeless romance between two devoted lovebirds, Allie and Noah, who despite their differences, spend a lifetime finding their way back together. This film is sure to restore your hope in pure love again! Plus, watching two hours of Ryan Gosling on the big screen never hurt anyone either.
2. Eat, Pray, Love
In this film, Julia Roberts inspires us all to mend an important relationship after a heartbreak…the one with ourselves. As she leaves behind her once picture-perfect life with the dream home, gorgeous husband, and successful career, she packs her bags to rediscover happiness post-divorce. Immerse yourself in the journey as she takes you through the healing powers of Italy, India, and Bali.
3. The Break-Up
You can always count on Vince Vaughn for some good laughs! Although, this movie highlights what heartbreak can do to even the most humorous of us. With a blend of light-hearted comedy and heartbreaking sadness, this movie is a testament to the good, the bad, and the ugly found in trying to force a broken relationship into being something it once was.
4. Under the Tuscan Sun
Poor Frances. Played by Diane Lane, Frances discovers her husband is cheating on her. While he continues to take everything and move on to the next girl, Frances falls into a depression as she is left picking up the pieces. Thanks to her amazing friends (shoutout to good friends!), she was gifted a vacation to Italy…that turned into a lifetime. Watch as she adventures into a new enchanting home, new circles of friends, and even new love, as she releases the past and reclaims her future.
5. Legally Blonde
Listen, sometimes breakups can spark some of the best personal advancements and discoveries, just ask Elle Woods! In this comedy, prepare to feel empowered as you watch this LA beauty queen take on Harvard law school to win back the love of her life…and so much more.
6. The Holiday
The guy who cheats. The guy who doesn’t want to commit, but wants to keep you close. We’ve heard this story before. Following a similar theme to our other leading ladies, Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet), decide on a much-needed escape when they figure out the old tricks their men are up to. In this romantic pick-me-up, watch as these women who are worlds apart agree to swap houses and unexpectedly find the true love they were searching for.
7. He’s Just Not That Into You
Ready for some hard-to-swallow truths? This fun-spirited movie is full of them as it trails the romantic complexities all 20 to 30-somethings experience. Ditch overthinking and put the phone down (we see you getting ready to text your ex!), as this film will ease your second thoughts and affirm your decisions.
8. Runaway Bride
This one’s a classic! Richard Gere and Julia Roberts are an iconic duo. Julia’s character, Maggie, has trouble with commitment. As charming and stunning as she is, she has a history of failed attempts down the aisle which draws in New York’s cynical reporter, Ike. The small town can’t help but buzz with gossip about their chemistry – is this unusual stranger “the one”? This film is a restoration of what’s possible when two people are committed to healing their emotional wounds together, rather than letting it split them apart.
9. She’s All That
‘90s heartthrob Freddie Prince Jr. plays the part of high school all-star, Zach. After being dumped by his trashy cheerleader girlfriend Taylor, Zach is challenged by his friends to take on a bet that’ll supposedly save his reputation of being the most popular guy in school. He has six weeks to turn outcast art lover, Laney (Rachael Leigh Cook), into his next prom queen….but he’s about to realize all bets are off the table when it comes to matters of the heart.
10. My Best Friend’s Wedding
Ahh the ever awkward dynamic between male and female “friends” who are secretly desiring more. The storyline is nothing short of comical as jealous Julianne (Julia Roberts) finds out her BFF Michael (Dermot Mulroney) is engaged just a few short days before her 28th birthday. A long-ago promise to get married if they were still single at 28 came crashing down right before her eyes as the news broke loose. To make things even more complicated, Julianne was asked to be the maid of honor…for the new girl! In a desperate attempt to win Michael back, Julianne stops at nothing. The question is, will it be enough?
11. A Walk To Remember
Do not watch this movie unless you have a box of tissues nearby (you were warned). These unlikely high school sweethearts experience a deep, soulful love that many search their whole lifetime to find. The pastor’s daughter Jamie (Mandy Moore) and bad boy Landon (Shane West) prove what’s possible when you stay rooted in your authenticity and don’t try to change one another.
12. The Ugly Truth
Total proof that opposites attract! Abby (Katherine Heigl) is a sophisticated TV producer who is waiting to meet Mr. Right, defined as the man who checks off every box on her list. Which has left her hopelessly single. Things heat up when rough-around-the-edges TV personality, Mike (Gerard Butler) is hired to talk all things “ugly truth” when it comes to what men and women really want. As he agrees to help the reluctant Abby land the man of her dreams with his methods, they both come to realize they might have a different dream after all.
13. Notting Hill
A London bookstore owner (Hugh Grant) falls for an American actress (Julia Roberts). As they dive head-first into a fantasy-like love, they encounter the unique challenges that come with their relationship that balances stardom and average. Living completely different lives, they prove love isn’t reserved to price tags, status, or fame. As the famous quote goes, “Remember, I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her.” It will pull on your heartstrings every single time!
14. Titanic
This one’s a tragic love story between a poor boy and a wealthy girl who found each other by chance aboard the Titanic. Stuck in societal pressures to proceed a certain way, they battled against the odds by following their passion and desire for one another. Inevitably doomed to an unpredictable fate, their relationship was short-lived but their hearts lived on. This four-hour sob fest is a definite must-watch.
15. Up
Who knew a cartoon could make you cry so much? Well, brace yourself because this romance between 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl and his wife/best friend Ellie is going to make you feel all the feels. As a fulfillment of her life-long wish, Carl sets his house in flight by strapping on thousands of balloons. In his hilarious adventures across the South African wilderness, he discovers a different kind of love – friendship.
Closing Thoughts
With this variety of tear-jerking films, you’ll feel ultimate comfort from your favorite characters and storylines. It’s true, we all need to let out a good cry to fully experience heartbreak before being able to move on to happiness. Grant yourself the permission to do so. Let these movies remind you that true love exists – sometimes unexpectedly, awkwardly, and definitely not as we planned.
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