Self Love Sunday… Movies to Watch When You’re Sad

Ladies…gentleman…we all get sad after a breakup or when we feel lonely or even when we just don’t feel good enough. But what do we do? Mope around? Drink wine in the bathtub? Not shower for three days? I’m guilty of all of those things. But you know what always helps to distract my mind and motivates me to get out of my funk?…

…empowering movies! And guess what, the ones I’m sharing are all on Netflix or Amazon Prime. You’re welcome!

So, to help people in situations like mine, I made up a list of movies that inspire me, distract me, or just make me feel better about the sadness I can’t escape. We’re all in this together, and I swear you’re not alone. You’re not broken, you’re not pathetic, you won’t feel this way forever.

Pour some wine or heat up some hot chocolate, get in your PJs, and turn on one of these movies with me. Put your phone away. Turn off those sad thoughts. You can get through this.

1. Eat, Pray, Love

I’ve heard good things and bad things about this movie, but you know what? I loved it. The movie gave me everything I needed in my moment of need.

Liz (the beautiful Julia Roberts) goes on a soul-searching journey after her divorce. She travels to Italy, India, and Bali and finds parts of herself she had been searching for, finds the solace and adventure she needed, and realizes what she truly wants in her life. This movie made me feel so good. And, here’s the thing, you don’t need to travel the world to figure out what you want in life or to get out of the funk you’re in. All you need to do is listen to what your body and heart are telling you to do and trust it. Liz’s heart told her she needed to get a divorce and go on a journey. Maybe yours is telling you to quit your job and find a new one, or to move on from that guy that only texts you when he wants sex and talk to that cute guy at the coffee shop. Whatever it is, Liz can inspire you to do just that. It’s also a book that I REALLY want to read. Have you read it?

Rated: PG-13

2. Unicorn Store

I know I’ve already written a full review on this one, so I won’t talk your ear off about it. But if you’re looking for a feel-good movie that makes you happy cry and love yourself, this is it.

Kit feels out of place in the drab world around her. She doesn’t enjoy acting like society wants her to act. An opportunity is presented to her to adopt a unicorn. But, in order to do this, she has to prove she’s worthy. She goes through a series of tasks given to her by a mysterious salesman and realizes she loves herself for who she truly is. She realizes she doesn’t need to conform to what everybody wants of her to be truly happy. This movie has inspired me above all others to be true to myself and to love myself so fiercely that it will radiate to everyone around me.

Go check out my full review on it if you’re interested!

Rated: PG

3. Sex and the City: The Movie

I tell you what, you guys! I have never seen the Sex and the City TV series or the movies until now, but I’ve heard so much about them. I’m wondering why I never joined the club sooner! This movie was so satisfying.

I was feeling sad the other night, like, very sad, and I googled “Movies after a breakup” and this one popped up. I decided to give it a go, and I loved it! It’s not as empowering as the other two I mentioned, but it distracted me. I got so caught up in each girl’s story that I could hardly think about my own. Not to mention, they’re all so different so you’re bound to relate to one of them. And, here’s the thing, each trial they went through, they struggled of course but they bounced back and continued being amazing, independent woman who inspire all women to seize the day and be in control of their own lives and their own feelings.

Rated: R

4. Captain Marvel

Maybe this movie is too basic to be on such a list. But watch this movie and explain to me how it doesn’t inspire you and empower you. Every time I watch this movie I feel like I can conquer anything.

Captain Marvel has no boyfriend, no lover, no man to take care of her. She feels heartbroken, lost, and down on herself, but she gets through it—granted she has superpowers, but her story is still enough to get me out of my bed and off to conquer my next challenge. We can do hard things and we can overcome whatever is thrown in front of us.

Rated: PG-13

5. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Talk about a movie that helps to get you out of your rut. This is the ultimate inspirational, feel-good movie.

Walter Mitty is the epitome of being unhappy and stuck in a rut. He’s trapped in his imagination always wanting more. But he’s finally able to go out on the adventure he always dreamt of. Along the way he finds who he is, finds his confidence, and realizes he has the power to live the way he wants to. This movie has always been a favorite of mine because it helps me to realize I am in control of my own life and my own happiness.

Rated: PG

XO – Alex