“Over 200 movie enthusiasts have united to curate a captivating collection of their most beloved movies about the solo journey. Whether you’re reveling in the freedom of the single life or simply seeking a delightful dose of nostalgia, this list promises to captivate you.
From heartwarming romantic comedies that navigate the pursuit of love on one’s own terms to coming-of-age tales that unravel the path of self-discovery, these films celebrate the sheer joy of independence. Take, for instance, the iconic Bridget Jones’s Diary, a captivating chronicle of a formidable woman seizing control of her destiny. Or immerse yourself in the 2009 indie gem 500 Days of Summer, a modern tale of young adulthood and the art of embracing solitude following a heartache.
These cinematic wonders illustrate that true liberation lies in embracing our own unique journeys, rather than relying solely on others for happiness. They remind us that solitude need not always be equated with sorrow; it can also be an exhilarating and empowering experience when we take charge of our lives, free from reliance on others to define who we are.
So find a cozy spot, unwind, and embark on a thrilling cinematic adventure through this magnificent assortment of films celebrating the single life. And as you immerse yourself in these tales, don’t forget to share your personal favorites!”
1. (500) Days of Summer
This indie rom-com tells the story of Tom Hansen, an aspiring architect stuck in a mundane greeting card job, and his charismatic colleague, Summer Finn. Directed by Marc Webb, (500) Days of Summer breaks away from the traditional narrative structure and unfolds in a non-linear fashion, reflecting Tom’s emotional journey. The film has been recognized with two Golden Globe nominations and delves into themes of love, fate, and the nature of happiness through the ups and downs of Tom and Summer’s tumultuous romance and their differing perspectives on relationships.
Released: 2009
Directed by: Marc Webb
Actors: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend
2. Bridget Jones’s Diary
In the bustling city of London, we meet Bridget Jones, a woman in her thirties who is trying to figure out her love life, career, and how she sees herself. With a touch of humor and honesty, she pours her thoughts into her diary, hoping to navigate the complexities of life. As fate would have it, two men, Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver, enter Bridget’s life, bringing with them a whirlwind of romantic complications. Bridget Jones’s Diary is a smart and funny romantic comedy that earned Renée Zellweger an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This film is an adaptation of Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel of the same title.
Released: 2001
Directed by: Sharon Maguire
Actors: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
In the mind-bending drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, we witness Joel Barish (played by the talented Jim Carrey) experiencing a complete turnaround in his life. His world is flipped upside down when he discovers that his ex-girlfriend, Clementine Kruczynski (portrayed by the amazing Kate Winslet), has undergone a medical procedure to completely erase him from her memory. This shocking revelation leaves Joel devastated, pushing him to make the same decision. And so, the movie takes us on a mesmerizing journey through Joel’s mind, where his memories of Clementine gradually fade away.
This film is renowned for its utterly unique narrative structure and surreal visuals, which captivate and astound viewers. Its brilliance was acknowledged with the prestigious Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2005. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind delves deep into the themes of love, loss, and memory, offering a poignant exploration of human emotions. It truly stands out as one of director Michel Gondry’s most remarkable works.
Released: 2004
Directed by: Michel Gondry
Actors: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst
4. Themla and Louise
In the engaging road film Thelma & Louise, two friends, Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon), take off on a spontaneous road trip. But what starts as a carefree adventure quickly turns into a wild escape from the law after an unexpected incident. Their simple getaway becomes a powerful symbol of rebellion against societal norms. Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie is known for its strong female leads and even won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1992. Throughout the unfolding story, we witness the remarkable transformation of Thelma and Louise as they navigate through their unforeseen predicament.
Released: 1991
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Actors: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel
5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
In the comedic romance film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, we meet Toula Portokalos (played by Nia Vardalos), who finds herself caught between the expectations of her traditional Greek family and her own desires. Despite being 30 years old, working in her family’s restaurant, and still unmarried, Toula longs for something different in her life. And that’s when fate steps in.
Enter Ian Miller (played by John Corbett), a non-Greek man who unexpectedly crosses paths with Toula. Their encounter sparks a romance that nobody saw coming. As their love grows, they quickly realize that blending their vastly different cultures won’t be an easy feat. But they are determined to make it work.
This heartwarming film, which took everyone by surprise in 2002, was a sleeper hit. It even received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. This recognition speaks to the film’s clever and humorous dialogue, as well as its ability to tell a touching story that resonates with audiences.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Joel Zwick
Actors: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine
6. The First Wives Club
In The First Wives Club, we get to witness a hilarious and heartwarming story about three close friends, Elise (played by the amazing Goldie Hawn), Brenda (the incredible Bette Midler), and Annie (the talented Diane Keaton). These ladies come together again after the sad loss of a college friend, only to find out that all three of them have been dumped by their husbands for younger women. Can you believe it? Talk about a shared misfortune!
But here’s where things get interesting. Rather than wallowing in their sorrows, these ladies decide to make a pact and take revenge on their exes. And let me tell you, it’s not your typical revenge story. The First Wives Club takes us on a wild ride through the complexities of divorce, friendship, and getting even in the glamorous world of New York City’s high society.
What makes this movie truly stand out is its incredible cast and the brilliant dialogue that keeps us laughing throughout. With stars like Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton, you know you’re in for a treat. Their chemistry on screen is simply electric, and they bring such depth and humor to their characters. You can’t help but root for them every step of the way.
Beyond the laughter, The First Wives Club also serves as a poignant exploration of love and self-worth. It reminds us that no matter what age or stage of life we’re in, we deserve to be valued and respected. It’s a powerful testament to the strength and unity of women, showcasing their resilience and unwavering support for one another.
So, if you’re looking for a film that will make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you feeling empowered, The First Wives Club is a must-watch. Get ready to join Elise, Brenda, and Annie on their journey of revenge and self-discovery. You won’t regret it!
Released: 1996
Directed by: Hugh Wilson
Actors: Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton
7. Crazy, Stupid, Love.
The heartwarming film Crazy, Stupid, Love. tells the story of Cal Weaver, a straight-laced husband and father, whose life takes an unexpected turn when his wife Emily asks for a divorce. Suddenly, he finds himself in the unfamiliar world of singlehood. But then he meets Jacob Palmer, a smooth and stylish young man, who becomes his mentor in the world of dating. Cal embarks on a journey to reinvent himself, while also dealing with his complicated feelings for Emily. This romantic comedy-drama is filled with charming performances and surprising plot twists, ensuring that audiences are both entertained and intrigued.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Actors: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore
8. Love Actually
The movie Love Actually is a heartwarming film that delves into the complexities of love during the festive Christmas season. It tells nine intertwined stories that explore various aspects of love. The cast is made up of a group of talented actors, including Hugh Grant as Prime Minister David, Colin Firth as writer Jamie, and Bill Nighy as aging rock star Billy Mack. These characters take us on a journey of romance, heartbreak, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of London’s charming streets and homes. Richard Curtis, the director, skillfully weaves together these multiple narratives to create a comedy-drama that is both humorous and touching. The movie received critical acclaim and even won a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Bill Nighy, thanks to its clever storytelling and memorable performances.
Released: 2003
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Actors: Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Colin Firth
9. Auntie Mame
Mame Dennis, a strong and free-spirited woman from the 1920s, finds herself responsible for her nephew Patrick after his father’s passing. However, not everyone is on board with Mame’s non-traditional lifestyle. Mr. Babcock, the executor assigned to Patrick, takes issue with Mame’s way of living and pushes her to send Patrick off to prep school. This clash sets the stage for a power struggle between Mame and Mr. Babcock.
Despite the challenges, Mame and Patrick develop a deep bond as they spend more time together. Their connection is threatened when Mr. Babcock steps in, attempting to discipline Patrick and even going as far as threatening to separate the two if Mame doesn’t comply with his demands.
In this heartwarming yet sometimes frustrating tale, Mame’s progressive nature clashes with Mr. Babcock’s more traditional views. It’s a battle of wills as Mame fights to protect her nephew and maintain her own way of life.
Released: 1958
Directed by: Morton DaCosta
Actors: Rosalind Russell, Forrest Tucker, Coral Browne
10. Shallow Hal
The story centers on Hal (Jack Black), a guy who, following his father’s dying counsel, exclusively pursues women who embody physical perfection. However, everything takes a turn when Hal unexpectedly crosses paths with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Intrigued by Hal’s superficiality, Robbins decides to hypnotize him, enabling him to see the beauty that lies even in women who may not fit conventional beauty standards.
Released: 2001
Directed by: Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Actors: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jack Black, Jason Alexander
11. Almost Famous
Almost Famous, directed by Cameron Crowe, is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy-drama that draws inspiration from real-life events. The story revolves around the life of William Miller, a 15-year-old with dreams of becoming a rock journalist. His life takes a thrilling turn when he lands an incredible opportunity to write for the prestigious Rolling Stone magazine. Excitement fills the air as he embarks on a wild adventure, joining the up-and-coming band Stillwater on their tour. The band is fronted by the captivating Russell Hammond, whose magnetic personality adds a whole new dimension to the ’70s rock scene. This remarkable film received critical acclaim and even won an Academy Award for its incredible screenplay. It also introduced us to the incredible talent of Kate Hudson, who delivers a standout performance as Penny Lane, the groupie with a heart of gold.
Released: 2000
Directed by: Cameron Crowe
Actors: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson