At the heart of most iconic, feel-good movies is a familiar message: that a romantic relationship is both the ultimate goal and the key to happiness. But where are the films that make you feel good about being single—the ones that remind you that independence can be just as fun, freeing, and fulfilling?
Whether you’re freshly out of a relationship or just looking for entertainment that has nothing to do with finding “the one,” these expert-approved movies are the perfect pick-me-ups ahead of cuffing season.
How to Be Single (2016)
As the title suggests, this comedy starring big names like Dakota Johnson and Rebel Wilson does exactly what you’d hope—it makes being single look exciting, transformative, and glamorous. “Learning to enjoy your alone time can seem scary if you haven’t had much experience being solo,” Chloe Bean, LMFT, a Los Angeles–based therapist, tells SELF. But this movie, which navigates messy breakups (and spontaneous hookups) in New York City, celebrates singlehood not as something to fix, but as an adventure worth embracing.
Legally Blonde (2001)
This iconic comedy isn’t just good for endlessly quotable one-liners—it also carries a bigger message about self-worth and putting yourself first, Greg Gomez, LMFT, clinical director at The Oasis Recovery in California, tells SELF. After being dumped by her long-term boyfriend, Elle Woods channels her heartbreak into getting into Harvard Law School. Along the way, she discovers her own brilliance and proves that in some cases, rejection can be the ultimate redirection.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
A classic that’s equal parts thrilling and empowering, Thelma & Louise celebrates an unlikely bond between a soft-spoken housewife and a bold, independent waitress who, after an incriminating encounter, flee together on a road trip to Mexico. It’s a timeless ode to female friendships “that celebrates platonic bonds outside of romantic love and highlights how autonomy can be just as meaningful, if not more,” Erica Schwartzberg, LMSW, psychotherapist at Downtown Somatic Therapy in New York City, tells SELF.
The Break-Up (2006)
While the plot does revolve around a romantic relationship, The Break-Up is a much-needed comedic reminder that walking away can sometimes be the healthiest choice. Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn star as a couple slowly realizing they’re just not compatible. “It illustrates that sometimes, being single is better than being in a relationship that doesn’t fit,” Bean says, which can be a grounding takeaway when the FOMO of seeing couples everywhere starts to creep in.
Moana (2016)
For anyone uninterested in watching anything centered around love, Moana is a great pick, Diane Bagatourian, LMFT, a therapist at Clear Behavioral Health in California, tells SELF. A young Polynesian girl is chosen to save her island, navigating her own doubts and forming unlikely friendships along the way. Ultimately, this Disney staple “is about self-discovery, honoring your culture, and finding yourself, which offers a different message that adventure and community can be fulfilling without romantic validation,” Bagatourian says.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Based on a true story, Hidden Figures tells the story of three Black female trailblazers at NASA who, despite facing discrimination in a male-dominated, predominantly white field, break barriers at the height of the space race. “This movie is great, because it’s centered around achievement, not romantic relationships,” Gomez points out, showing us that pursuing your passions can be way more rewarding than chasing “the one.”
La La Land (2016)
Sure, this Oscar winner might make you tear up—and yes, it revolves around a relationship. But at its core, “La La Land highlights the importance of following your dreams,” Bean says—even if that means doing it solo. As an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and struggling jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) chase their dream careers, they slowly come to the bittersweet realization that growing independently might be exactly what they need to become the best versions of themselves.
Frances Ha (2012)
If you’re looking for something quirky, heartfelt, and a little indie, this is the option for you. Starring (and cowritten by) Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha taps into the relatable chaos of taking risks and figuring out who you are—your passions, friendships, ambitions—without a romantic knight in shining armor driving the plot. “It’s messy, funny, and deeply human,” Schwartzberg says. Best of it, “it shows that singlehood can be full of creativity and possibility, no matter how uncertain life feels.”
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Behind the film’s unforgettable fashion moments lies a bigger story about standing up for yourself in the early stages of your career. “I’ve worked with many clients who describe gradually making themselves smaller to manage a partner’s discomfort with their success,” Bagatourian says. “And Andy choosing her goals and self-respect when her relationship demands she shrink? Sometimes that’s the best choice (and an inspiring one).”
Frozen (2013)
Historically, “we’ve been so conditioned to see romantic partnership as the ultimate goal in fairy-tale princess movies,” Bagatourian points out. “But what I appreciate about Frozen is how it shows that family bonds can be your most important relationships”—and that ultimately, you’re never truly alone when you have supportive siblings by your side.
Originally published on SELF.
