Films to Make You Feel Good About Being Single
Being single can often come with societal pressures and expectations, but it can also be a time for self-discovery, personal growth, and enjoying life on one's own terms. Films that celebrate the joys of being single often showcase characters who embrace their independence, explore their passions, and learn to love themselves fully. These films can inspire viewers to appreciate their own journeys and find happiness in solitude, transforming the narrative around singlehood into one of empowerment and self-fulfillment.
“Eat Pray Love”, 2010
Director: Ryan Murphy
Based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, this film follows a woman who embarks on a journey around the world to find herself after a painful divorce. Through her travels in Italy, India, and Bali, she discovers the importance of self-love and the joy of being alone.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, Billy Crudup, Viola Davis, Mike O'Malley, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Christine Hakim, Sophie Thompson, Hadi Subiyanto, Ashlie Atkinson, Lisa Roberts Gillan, I. Gusti Ayu Puspawati, A. Jay Radcliff, Ryan O'Nan, Gita Reddy, Dwayne Clark, Jen Kwok, Mary Testa, Elijah Tucker, Karen Trindle, Zachary Dunham, Clair Oaks, Ned Leavitt, Lynn Margileth, Welker White, José Ramón Rosario, Lucia Guzzardi, Tuva Novotny, Luca Argentero, Silvano Rossi, Giuseppe Gandini, Ludovica Virga, Marco Lastrucci, Elena Arvigo, Andrea Di Stefano, Remo Remotti, Vanessa Marini, Lidia Biondi, Emma Brunetti, Chiara Brunetti, Ajay Bhandari, Michael Cumpsty, Rushita Singh, Ritvik Tyagi, Sd Pandey, Anand Yeshwant Bapat, Micky Dhamejani, Peter Davis, Shona Benson;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “Eat Pray Love” on the website imdb.com
“Under the Tuscan Sun”, 2003
Director: Audrey Wells
After a rough divorce, writer Frances embarks on a spontaneous trip to Tuscany, where she buys a villa and begins to rebuild her life. The film highlights the beauty of new beginnings and the happiness that can come from embracing change and independence.
Starring: Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan, Raoul Bova, Vincent Riotta, Mario Monicelli, Roberto Nobile, Anita Zagaria, Evelina Gori, Giulia Louise Steigerwalt, Pawel Szajda, Valentine Pelka, Sasa Vulicevic, Massimo Sarchielli, Claudia Gerini, Laura Pestellini, David Sutcliffe, Kate Walsh, Don McManus, Matt Salinger, Elden Henson, Johnny Radzik, Geoffrey Rivas, Jack Kehler, Dan Bucatinsky, Kristoffer Ryan Winters, Sean Kaplan, Jeffery Jones, Giuseppe Buondonno, Vittorio Pecchillo, Andrea Saran, Giulia Bernardini, Marco Fubini, Davide Paganini, Pierfilippo Macchiavelli, Nuccio Siano, Malva Guicheney, Marit Nissen, Ralph Palka, Marco Bonini, Salvatore Lazzaro, Sandro Dori, Marcello Marziali, Domenico Gennaro, Romina Cansanella, Emiliano Novelli, Francesca Petrucci, Chiara Porti, Jeffrey Tambor;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Under the Tuscan Sun” on the website imdb.com
“Legally Blonde”, 2001
Director: Robert Luketic
This classic comedy follows Elle Woods, who defies stereotypes and pursues her dreams of attending Harvard Law School after being dumped by her boyfriend. Elle’s journey is a celebration of self-empowerment and the idea that being single can lead to personal success and growth.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Holland Taylor, Ali Larter, Jessica Cauffiel, Alanna Ubach, Osgood Perkins, Linda Cardellini, Bruce Thomas, Meredith Scott Lynn, Raquel Welch, Samantha Lemole, Kelly Nyks, Ted Kairys, Michael B. Silver, Kimberly McCullough, Shannon O'Hurley, Greg Serano, Francesca Roberts, Lisa Arch, Natalie Barish, Cici Lau, Allyce Beasley, Kevin Cooney, Ted Rooney, David Moreland, Wayne Federman, James Read, Tane McClure, Niklaus Lange, Doug Spinuzza, Lisa K. Wyatt, Jason Christopher, Corinne Reilly, Victoria Mahoney, Lacey Beeman, Melissa Anne Young, Brody Hutzler, Chaney Kley, John Cantwell, Ondrea De Vincentis, Terence Michael, Nectar Rose, Jodi Harris, Patricia Kimes, Sasha Barrese;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Legally Blonde” on the website imdb.com
“The 40 Year Old Virgin”, 2005
Director: Judd Apatow
This romantic comedy revolves around Andy, a middle-aged man who has never had a romantic relationship. While the film includes themes of love, it also humorously explores the joys and quirks of single life, emphasizing the importance of friendship and self-acceptance.
Starring: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Leslie Mann, Jane Lynch, Kat Dennings, Gerry Bednob, Shelley Malil, Jordy Masterson, Chelsea Smith, Jonah Hill, Erica Vittina Phillips, Marika Dominczyk, Mindy Kaling, Mo Collins, Gillian Vigman, Kimberly Page, Siena Goines, Charlie Hartsock, Nancy Carell, Cedric Yarbrough, David Koechner, Jeff Kahn, Nick Lashaway, Loren Berman, Julian Foster, Loudon Wainwright III, Lee Weaver, Gloria Helena Jones, Jazzmun, Miki Mia, Denise Meyerson, Shannon Bradley, Brianna Brown, Liz Carey, Elizabeth DeCicco, Hilary Shepard, Barret Swatek, Carla Gallo, Michael Bierman, Marisa Guterman, Stormy, Kevin Hart, Wayne Federman, Ron Marasco, Joseph T. Mastrolia, Kate Luyben;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: comedy, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The 40 Year Old Virgin” on the website imdb.com
“Frances Ha”, 2012
Director: Noah Baumbach
This black-and-white indie film follows a young woman navigating life and friendships in New York City. As she faces the ups and downs of her career and relationships, Frances learns to embrace her individuality and the freedom that comes with being single.
Starring: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Michael Esper, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen, Charlotte d'Amboise, Grace Gummer, Daiva Deupree, Isabelle McNally, Vanessa Ray, Justine Lupe, Lindsay Burdge, Patrick Heusinger, Marina Squerciati, Christine Gerwig, Gordon Gerwig, David Salem, Isaac Salem, Anna Salem, Laurie Aloisio-Salem, Daniel Roose, Courtney Coffin-Jensen, Kristine Jensen, Doug Craft, Timothy Mickiewicz, Tre Borden, Connor Mickiewicz, Lauren Parker, Britta Phillips, Juliet Rylance, Josh Hamilton, Dean Wareham, Maya Kazan, Serena Longley, Hannah Dunne, Barbara Ross English, Peter Scanavino, Ryann Shane, Danish Hyder, Teddy Cañez, Gibson Frazier, Cindy Katz, Cohlie Brocato, Finnerty Steeves, Michelle Hurst, Molly Lieber, Eleanor Smith, Alex Moore, Marlieke Burghouts, Jos Daamen;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Frances Ha” on the website imdb.com
“Wild”, 2014
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir, this film tells the story of a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone after a series of personal tragedies. It’s a powerful tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the healing power of nature, showcasing the strength that can come from solitude.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Keene McRae, Michiel Huisman, W. Earl Brown, Gaby Hoffmann, Kevin Rankin, Brian Van Holt, Cliff De Young, Mo, Will Cuddy, Leigh Parker, Nick Eversman, Alles Mist, Randy Schulman, Cathryn de Prume, Kurt Conroyd, Ted deChatelet, Jeffree Newman, Lorraine Bahr, Jerry Carlton, Kevin Michael Moore, Debra Pralle, Gray Eubank, Anne Sorce, Charles Baker, JD Evermore, Beth Hall, Jan Hoag, Carlee McManus, Art Alexakis, Anne Gee Byrd, Evan O'Toole, Jeanine Jackson, Jason Newell, Barry O'Neil, Rich Morris, Bobbi Strayed Lindstrom, Robert Alan Barnett, William Nelson, Tony Doupe, Dan Considine, Andrew Saunderson, Greg James, Orianna Milne, Brian Borcherdt, Eric D. Johnson, Matt Pascua, Edric Carter;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Wild” on the website imdb.com
“How to Be Single”, 2016
Director: Christian Ditter
This romantic comedy illustrates the lives of various characters navigating singlehood in New York City. With humor and heart, the film highlights the joys and challenges of being single, ultimately celebrating the freedom and fun that comes with it.
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie, Leslie Mann, Nicholas Braun, Jason Mantzoukas, Damon Wayans Jr., Colin Jost, Jake Lacy, Anders Holm, Sarah Ramos, Nick Bateman, Mickey Gooch Jr., Vanessa Rubio, Zani Jones Mbayise, Brent Morin, Kay Cannon, Judith Lightfoot Clarke, Patrick Boll, Anna Eilinsfeld, Charlotte Kirk, Angela Bellotte, Kevin Yamada, Richie Moriarty, Paul Laudiero, Richard «Bumper» Walker, Ali Marsh, Patrick J. Clark, Diana Oh, Eason Rytter, Ella June Conroy, Katrina Braxton, Kate Fahrner, Sipiwe Moyo, Genevieve Adams, Julia Mattison, Caroline Lowe, Murf Meyer, Jonathan Braylock, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Chloe Fontain, Allan Greenberg, Roy Koshy, Anthony Triolo, Tony Cheng, Jessica Shea Alverson, Bijou Arcangela, Tati Baramia, Ashley Blankenship;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “How to Be Single” on the website imdb.com
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, 2013
Director: Ben Stiller
While not solely about being single, this film follows Walter as he embarks on a global adventure to break out of his mundane life. His journey of self-discovery encourages viewers to embrace their dreams and live life to the fullest, regardless of relationship status.
Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn, Patton Oswalt, Adrian Martinez, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Marcus Antturi, Jon Daly, Terence Bernie Hines, Paul Fitzgerald, Grace Rex, Alex Anfanger, Amanda Naughton, Nolan Carley, Joey Slotnick, Gary Wilmes, Amy Stiller, Rosamund Gundmundsdottir, Maariu Olsen, Makka Kleist, Þórhallur Sigurðsson, Ari Matthíasson, Hendrikus Schraven, Finni Johannsson, Eysteinn Gardarsson, José Antonio Alcántara, Rodrigo Espinosa, Seba Alón, Miguel Baez-Olavarria, Danny Orellana, Antonio Molina, Martin Lagos, Andres Quezada, Valur Snaer Hilmarsson, Eythor Atli Hilmarsson, Birgir Jarl Runarsson, Gunnar Helgason, Kai Lennox, Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter, Gurdeep Singh, Anthony Desio, Losang Thonden, Rinjee Sherpa, Haroon Nawabi, Stefan B. Onundarson;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: comedy, adventure, fantasy, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a refreshing perspective on singlehood, encouraging viewers to find joy in their own company and navigate life with confidence and positivity.
In a world where societal pressures often glorify romantic relationships, these films serve as a refreshing reminder that being single is not only valid but can also be incredibly fulfilling. Each story encapsulates the beauty of self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of friendship, encouraging viewers to embrace their independence and celebrate their unique journeys. Whether through humor, heartwarming moments, or empowering narratives, these films illuminate the joys of solitude and the richness of life outside of a romantic partnership, ultimately leaving us feeling uplifted and inspired to cherish our own company.
