Valentine’s Day is around the here, and even if there’s no partner in sight, there’s no reason not to celebrate. Whether you’re single and not searching or simply embracing some newfound independence, this guide is your ultimate ticket to a night of cinematic self-love. We’ve handpicked the top 10 movies that perfectly capture the magic of being single on Valentine’s Day—films that are as uplifting as they are entertaining. From quirky rom-coms that toss clichés aside to heartfelt dramas that celebrate your inner strength, these movies offer a delightful mix of humor, heart, and a dash of self-love.
So, dim the lights, settle into your coziest nook, and let these films be your companions on a journey of laughter, tears, and self-affirmation. Tonight, it’s all about enjoying your own company and celebrating love in every form imaginable. Remember, being single on Valentine’s Day means prioritizing self-love, indulging in comfort, and celebrating life’s joys.
1. The First Wives Club (1996)
For over two decades, The First Wives Club has held its ground as a classic comedy based on Olivia Goldsmith‘s 1992 novel. Directed by Hugh Wilson, the movie centers around three divorcees and their quest for revenge on their ex-husbands, who left them for younger women. Legendary actresses Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton bring life to the characters of Brenda Morelli-Cushman, Elise Eliot-Atchison, and Annie MacDuggan-Paradis, respectively.
In a nutshell, this is one of those movies that celebrates singlehood and proves that being alone doesn’t have to be lonely. Even more, it’s a different experience from the usual romantic comedies that saturate the air on Valentine’s Day, offering a good balance of laughs and aww moments. With its “independent woman” vibe, it’s a perfect watch for the day.
2. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Director Audrey Wells helms this 2003 movie based on Frances Meyes’ 1996 memoir of the same name. Diane Lane plays Frances Meyes, a San Francisco writer whose life seems perfectly under control until it’s not. She finds out about her husband’s extramarital affair, and that eventually leads to divorce. Meyes loses her house and even worse suffers from writer’s block due to depression. But in an inspired moment, she decides to travel to Tuscany, where she buys a villa and starts life afresh.
It’s a tale that encourages new beginnings, no matter how drastic they may be. But that’s not the only message the film is peddling as it preaches that joy can be found in the most unexpected places. That, among many things, makes it a profound watch.
3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
In his feature directorial debut, first-timer Nicholas Stoller directed Forgetting Sarah Marshall. As the story has it, rom-com composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) runs to Hawaii after his five-year relationship with TV actress Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) ends. Unknown to him, his recent ex is also on vacation at the island resort with her new boyfriend, Aldous Snow, eccentrically played by Russell Brand. Then, he finds love in the arms of a desk clerk, Rachel Jensen (Mila Kunis).
Forgetting Sarah Marshall flips the typical rom-com formula by focusing on Peter’s emotional fallout rather than a fairy-tale romance. Instead of immediately finding love again, he stumbles through awkward encounters, misguided attempts at moving on, and self-discovery. The film balances heartbreak and humor, making Peter’s journey feel both relatable and hilarious.
4. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
(500) Days of Summer is the love story of an aspiring architect and greeting card writer, Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel), in a non-chronological manner. The pair has different needs: Tom wants a serious relationship, while Summer prefers a casual one, which eventually leads to a breakup. The movie was directed by Marc Webb and released in 2009.
This is not a typical rom-com, as it leans more toward a coming-of-age narrative. The film is more about finding happiness within oneself than in the eyes of others. It is unsentimental and uncynical, and a must-watch for single people on the night of Valentine’s Day.
5. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir of the same name, Eat, Pray, Love was released in 2010 and centers on Elizabeth “Liz” Gilbert (Julia Roberts), who left her 8-year marriage to find herself. She journeys to three countries in Europe and South Asia to rediscover herself. Liz satisfies her appetite with Italian food in Italy, immerses herself in prayer and meditation in India, and finds love in Indonesia.
This is not your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy, nor is it a “chick flick.” Eat, Pray, Love is about self-discovery. The story teaches that sometimes, what you truly need to reconnect with is outside your comfort zone. Case in point, Liz finds greater meaning after leaving her marriage, home, and career.
6. Gone Girl (2014)
Another movie based on a novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl, is directed by David Fincher. It follows the sudden disappearance of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), with her husband Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) as the prime suspect. However, she staged her disappearance and planted shreds of evidence in several spots to implicate Nick after their marriage deteriorated and he started having an affair with another woman.
The movie’s title could lead audiences to mistake it for a romantic film, but it is more of a psychological thriller. Gone Girl is a battle between two wrongs in a world of love, and it is as nasty as it is interesting between Amy and Nick. But for what’s worth, it is an incredible addition to the list of films single people should watch on Valentine’s Day because… catharsis.
7. How To Be Single (2016)
How to Be Single is a 2016 rom-com directed by Christian Ditter and based on Liz Tuccillo’s novel of the same name. It is about three women, Alice Kepley (Dakota Johnson), Meg Kepley (Leslie Mann), and Lucy (Alison Brie), and how they navigate single life in New York City. Alice temporarily broke up with her long-term boyfriend, embracing independence and singleness; Meg wants to be a single mother via sperm donor; Lucy wants a relationship, but has had horrible dating experiences.
How to Be Single is a toast to singlehood and independence, filled with more than enough laughs for the audience. The film highlights feminism in a lighter vein, which is new to the genre’s conventions. It also makes one thing clear: having fun and being single can be in the same sentence.
8. Someone Great (2019)
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson directed Someone Great in her directorial debut in 2019. This funny romantic film centers on a New York City music journalist, Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez), who lands her dream job in another part of the country. Sadly, her boyfriend of 9 years breaks up with her, and depression sets in, but she decides to go on a last-minute hangout with her two best friends, Leah (Rebecca Naomi Jones) and Blair Helms (Brittany Snow), in the city she knows too well.
The rom-com weaves in themes of loss, growing up, and the incredible bond of friendship, especially between these ladies. Instead of drowning in sadness due to heartbreak, Jenny leans on her friends for support. As such, the story is more about letting the heart heal, one laugh at a time.
9. Girlfriend’s Day (2017)
Raymond “Ray” Wentworth (Bob Odenkirk), a greeting card writer in California, falls into depression after his divorce, suffers writer’s block, and goes on to lose his job in the movie Girlfriend’s Day. At some point, he meets Jill (Amber Tamblyn), and sparks fly between them, but unknown to him, it’s all a ruse… or at least it starts that way.
With elements of dark comedy, Girlfriend’s Day is a tale of deceit, betrayal, and murder. Ray is spellbound by the very storm set to destroy him, but he must do all he can to clear his name. The film passes a clear message: genuine love thrives, but manipulation doesn’t.
10. Marriage Story (2019)
Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) are in the middle of a draining divorce in Noah Baumbach’s 2019 drama. Manipulated by their lawyers to push each other to the extreme, they fight bitterly in court for the custody of their son, Henry (Azhy Robertson). Exhausted by the legal process, they decide to rip off the band-aid and get the divorce over and done with.
While Marriage Story leans into divorce, it’s still a kind of love story. It gives viewers tons of insight into how Nicole and Charlie struggle to navigate the difficult terrain of marriage just before everything goes south. If you’re wondering why it’s a good Valentine’s Day watch, well, for anyone who wants something real, raw, or even anti-romantic, it delivers the perfect kick.
