Breakups can be one of the toughest experiences to go through in life. On the one hand, it can be a relief to finally put an end to an unhealthy or unhappy relationship, but on the other, it can leave us feeling incredibly vulnerable. It’s only natural to want to fill that void with something that will make us feel better, and for many of us, that something is a movie.
But while some movies can be comforting and cathartic, particularly those that feature characters going through the same experience, there are others that can make us feel even worse. It might be the sad ending, or the nostalgia it brings up, or simply the fact that it’s about love, but whatever the reason, these are the movies that we should avoid watching immediately after a breakup.
Even though it is tempting to curl up in bed with a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie, it is important to remember that not all movies are the right choice to watch right after a break up. It may seem like a good idea to watch a romantic comedy to take your mind off the situation, but chances are you’ll only be reminded of all that is lost. Similarly, a tear-jerking drama could make you feel worse than ever and make it harder to move on.
When you’re feeling down and out after a break up, it’s important to remember that you can still enjoy movies without feeling miserable. Instead of watching a movie that will only make you think of your ex and make you feel worse, look for a movie that will make you laugh and keep you entertained. It can be a good distraction from the sadness and help you take a break from reality for a while.
Rather than wallowing in sadness, a movie marathon can be a fun way to spend an evening, but make sure you choose movies that will make you feel better and not worse. There are plenty of movies out there that won’t remind you of what is lost and can help take your mind off the break-up.
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to stay away from the movies altogether. With the right selection, you can still enjoy movies without having to re-live the pain of the break up. So, to help you out, here is a list of movies NOT to watch immediately after a break-up. Because with their bittersweet romances and heart-wrenching storylines, they are sure to bring any recent breakup back to the forefront of your mind.
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20 Like Crazy (2011)
Indian Paintbrush
Starting off our list of movies NOT to watch immediately after a breakup is the 2011 romantic drama, Like Crazy. This movie follows the story of two young lovers, Anna and Jacob, who meet in college and fall passionately in love. However, after Anna overstays her visa, the couple is forced to try and maintain their long-distance relationship. As time passes, their love is tested in ways they never imagined, and the two lovers begin to question if the sacrifices for their love are worth it. This movie is an emotionally-gripping reminder of the beauty and fragility of love, and should be avoided if you’re still reeling from a breakup.
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19 The Notebook (2004)
New Line Cinema
One movie that should definitely not be watched immediately after a breakup is The Notebook. This emotionally charged romantic drama follows the story of two young lovers, Noah and Allie, who meet one summer and fall passionately in love. However, the two are forced to part ways due to their different social statuses. As their lives go on, the two eventually meet again and reignite their long lost romance. The movie follows the couple through their highs and lows, and is sure to tug at your heartstrings. A must-avoid for anyone who has just been through a relationship upheaval.
18 A Walk To Remember (2002)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Another movie to steer clear of while recovering from a breakup is A Walk To Remember. This heartfelt romantic drama tells the story of a rebellious teenager, Landon, who falls in love with a studious young girl, Jamie, whose faith and innocence challenge him to change his ways. The two embark on an unlikely romance, which leads them on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately, to a profound understanding of what true love really means. With its dreamy scenes and bittersweet ending, this is definitely one to avoid if you’re still feeling sensitive from a recent breakup.
17 Five Feet Apart (2019)
Breakups are hard enough as it is, and this movie isn’t going to make them any easier. Directed by Justin Baldoni, Five Feet Apart tells the love story of two cystic fibrosis patients, Stella and Will, as they navigate their own physical and emotional boundaries. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of young love and the struggle of wanting to be with someone you love, but knowing you can’t. While the story is beautiful and the performances are stunning, it’s a reminder of how fragile life is and of how difficult it can be to let go of someone you love.
16 Marriage Story (2019)
Netflix
Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story is a story of love, loss and the difficulty of navigating a divorce. It follows a married couple, Nicole and Charlie, as they go through the process of separating and the emotional repercussions that come with it. It’s an honest and raw portrayal of a relationship, highlighting the nuances of relationships and how even the most loving couples can find themselves at odds. It’s a realistic and powerful look at the complexities of love and the challenges of saying goodbye.
15 Architecture 101 (2012)
If you’re looking for a movie that will make you feel even worse about your breakup, then Architecture 101 is the one for you. Directed by Lee Yong-joo, this movie tells the story of a young man, Seung-Min, who falls in love with his college architecture professor, Seo-Yeon. Even though they’re from different worlds, they manage to find a connection and build a relationship. Unfortunately, things don’t end well and Seung-Min is left devastated. It’s a bittersweet story of first love and the struggles of letting go.
14 Trainwreck (2015)
Universal Pictures
Whether you’re a fan of Amy Schumer or not, Trainwreck is sure to leave a bad taste in your mouth after a breakup. Starring Schumer and Bill Hader, Trainwreck follows a commitment-phobic woman who finds herself in an unexpected relationship with a sports doctor. As the two delve deeper into their relationship, the protagonist reflects on her many breakups and failed relationships. While the movie does have its funny moments, it’s ultimately not a good choice for those dealing with a recent breakup.
13 Definitely, Maybe (2008)
This romantic comedy stars Ryan Reynolds as a soon-to-be divorced father telling his daughter the story of how he met her mother. The movie follows the protagonist’s romantic history with three different women, while he tries to figure out which one is his daughter’s mother. While Definitely, Maybe has its funny moments, it’s ultimately a story about love and loss, and is guaranteed to bring out the tears after a breakup.
12 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)
This anime feature follows Takaki, a young man trying to come to terms with his feelings for his childhood friend, Akari. As Takaki and Akari drift apart, their story is told in three parts, with each part taking place in different moments in their lives. 5 Centimeters Per Second is a heartbreaking tale of love and loss, and is not a movie you want to watch after a breakup. The story will leave you feeling empty, as Takaki and Akari’s relationship comes to a bittersweet end.
11 The Lobster (2015)
Element Pictures
This darkly comedic movie is a stark reminder of why you should never watch a movie that deals with relationships directly after a breakup. The Lobster tells the story of a man named David (Colin Farrell) who lives in a dystopian society where single people are sent to a hotel to find a romantic partner within 45 days or they will be transformed into an animal of their choice. While the movie is filled with some humorous moments, the underlying theme is a heavy one – loneliness and the search for companionship. It’s a movie that will make you question what it means to be in a relationship and the power of love, which is the last thing you want to be doing after a breakup.
10 Me Before You (2016)
Warner Bros.
One of the worst things to do to yourself in the wake of a breakup, watching Me Before You will leave you sobbing into a tub of ice cream. The movie follows Louisa Clark, a young woman who takes a job as a caretaker to Will Traynor, a paralyzed man who is struggling to come to terms with his disability after a life-altering accident. As Louisa helps Will cope with his physical limitations, the two develop a deep emotional connection that eventually blossoms into a sweet love story. While this movie is a must-watch for any hopeless romantic, it can be too much for a recently-heartbroken person to handle.
9 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
The ultimate modern-day Shakespearean comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You is a movie that will make your heartache even more unbearable. The movie follows high school student Kat Stratford who is determined to stay away from boys, until her father hires a male tutor for her. Despite her best intentions, Kat soon finds herself falling for her tutor and things get even more complicated when her younger sister’s suitor takes a liking to Kat. With its signature witty dialogue and romantic scenes, 10 Things I Hate About You is a movie that will only make your breakup blues worse.
8 Comet (2014)
Fubar Films
If you’re looking for a movie to avoid in the aftermath of a breakup, Comet is definitely a no-go. The 2014 romantic drama follows the story of an on-again, off-again couple, Kimberly and Dell, as they track their tumultuous relationship across six years and several different states. As they navigate the highs and lows, they ultimately come to the conclusion that their love is fated and that the universe is always pulling them together, despite the fact that it may not be the best thing for either of them. With its heavy focus on romance and its bittersweet ending, Comet is certainly not the most uplifting movie to watch after a breakup.
7 Bros (2022)
2022’s Bros is another movie you’ll want to stay away from after a breakup. This queer-centric romantic comedy-drama follows the story of two gay men with commitment issues as they try navigating the nuance of being in an exclusive relationship. Set in New York City, the movie is filled with delightful moments, quirky humor, and soft gestures of romance. Above all the hilarity and the fast-paced dating experience, Bros can definitely make you emotional as it delves into the full experience of falling for a person and getting used to the physicality of their presence. While the movie is something you’d want to watch over and over again, maybe leave it for a little later when the dust from your recent breakup has settled?
6 The Spectacular Now (2013)
A24
If you recently had your heart broken, The Spectacular Now may not be the best movie to watch. The film follows Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) after he’s dumped by his girlfriend Cassidy (Brie Larson). Sutter is a free-spirited high school senior who parties and drinks to cope with his pain and loneliness. After a night of partying, he meets Aimee (Shailene Woodley), an introverted classmate who’s never been kissed. As their relationship evolves, Sutter discovers the vulnerabilities of true love, which may not be as spectacular as he thought. Despite the charming performance by Teller and Woodley, this is an emotionally heavy movie that may not be the best thing to watch if you’re recovering from a breakup.
5 Carol (2015)
The Weinstein Company
This romantic drama from director Todd Haynes is certainly not the ideal movie to watch after a breakup. Set in 1952, the story follows Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), an unhappily married woman who is struggling to get a divorce. She meets Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a store clerk who falls in love with her despite Carol’s complicated past. Despite their differences in age and social status, the two begin an intimate relationship that is both tender and passionate. With its stunning visuals and heartbreaking performances, Carol will make you feel all the highs and lows of love, which might be too much to handle if you’re still reeling from a recent break up.
4 Take This Waltz (2011)
Joe's Daughter
A break-up movie that will make you want to curl up into a ball and cry for days, Take This Waltz stars Michelle Williams as Margot; a woman who is married to a loving and devoted man, Lou (Seth Rogen). However, when Margot runs into Daniel (Luke Kirby), Lou’s attractive rival, she can’t help but feel a strong connection with him. The movie follows Margot’s internal struggle as she struggles to choose between the two men and the paths in life they represent. Although Take This Waltz is a romantic movie, it offers a realistic and honest portrayal of relationships and explores the often difficult realities of making a decision when faced with a moral dilemma.
3 Letters To Juliet (2010)
Summit Entertainment
For those who enjoy a romantic fairytale, Letters to Juliet is the perfect movie for a post-breakup pick-me-up. The movie follows Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), an American in Italy who discovers a letter written to Juliet fifty years prior. Determined to find the author of the letter, Sophie embarks on an adventure of a lifetime and meets the author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave). Along the way, Sophie meets a charming Italian man, Luca (Christopher Egan), who helps her with her quest. Although Letters to Juliet is a classic romantic movie, it also offers a unique take on love, exploring how two people from different backgrounds and generations can find a connection in the most unexpected places.
2 The Last Kiss (2006)
Paramount Pictures
The Last Kiss is a movie that should be avoided at all costs after a breakup. The film follows the story of a man who, after the end of his long-term relationship, falls into a passionate romance with a younger woman. Although the relationship is ultimately doomed, it provides him with a taste of passion and a sense of renewal. However, The Last Kiss is not a romantic comedy, and its focus on the difficulty of rebuilding one’s life after a breakup is sure to be too raw to stomach. With heartbreaking performances from Zach Braff and Jacinda Barrett, The Last Kiss will leave you feeling even more despondent than before.
1 Happy Old Year (2019)
If you’re trying to nurse your broken heart and not think about your ex, Happy Old Year is definitely not the movie for you. Directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, this Thai movie explores the sentiments of a twenty-something woman named Jean as she returns to Thailand from her trip to Sweden and decides to declutter her life. Beginning with idea of getting her house renovated, Jean stumbles across past possessions (an old camera) from her relationship with an ex. The movie explores the concept of getting rid of relationship reminders and how it’s the memory of a person that really haunts you. It’s a slow burn that will have you feeling all sorts of emotions and leave you with a bittersweet feeling, so it’s probably best to avoid it after a breakup.
