Post-breakup Movies For That Post-Valentine’s Day Slump
Going through a breakup? Hung up on loneliness post-Valentine’s Day? Here’s a list of the best movies to watch when you’re feeling anti-love.
(Illustration by Nicole Lin and Aaliya Luthra via Washington Square News)
by Ruby Griffin
This story was originally published on New York University’s Washington Square News.
Breakups suck. All you want to do post-heartbreak is cry, get into some cozy pajamas, wrap yourself in a fuzzy blanket, cry some more, and eat a shit ton of ice cream while watching a movie, in an attempt to escape from your new single life. The problem, though, is that seemingly every movie has some cheesy, unrealistic romantic plotline that you probably don’t want to sit through.
To help you through these trying times, I’ve compiled a list of the best post-breakup movies to watch that avoid the unbearably-romantic, fairytale happily-ever-afters.
“Someone Great”
After I broke up with my ex-boyfriend, I had this movie on loop for a month straight. It’s perfect to watch for a good cry, but it does have a hopeful side to it. “Someone Great” follows the journey of Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) after her boyfriend of nine years breaks up with her. Jenny and her two best friends decide to have one last unforgettable New York City adventure together before Jenny moves across the country to pursue her dream job.
“(500) Days of Summer”
This movie is not a typical love story, as is stated in its opening — “(500) Days of Summer” is about self-reflection. The film follows Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he tries to figure out where his 500-day situationship with Summer (Zooey Deschanel) went wrong.
“Straight Up”
Meet a quirky pairing, watch them start a relationship, and go through a journey of self-discovery along with them. You will fall in love with leads Todd (James Sweeney) and Rory (Katie Findlay) as you see their heartwarming bond develop — despite its evident dysfunction. This hilarious, independent film about accepting your identity shows two people that found each other exactly when they needed to.
“Clueless”
This iconic 1995 film will turn you away from love — the love interests, played by Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd, are ex-step-siblings. Sometimes a strange romantic comedy is all you need to cure a heartbreak, and this is a great choice.
“The Last Five Years”
Love musicals and just got dumped? Don’t fret! This movie musical, written by Jason Robert Brown, tells the story of Jamie (Jeremy Jordan) and Cathy (Anna Kendrick) as they fall in and out of love. Cathy tells the story backward, from the breakup to the start of their relationship, while Jamie tells it from start to finish.
“How to Be Single”
A movie with Rebel Wilson and Dakota Johnson, two genuinely funny women? Pass me the popcorn! I had to include this movie — it’s all about how people process breakups. From meaningless rebound sex to clubbing and learning how to cope with the world as a single person, “How To Be Single” covers it all.
Read the rest of the story at Washington Square News.