I think it goes without saying that most of us have a lot of extra time on our hands right now. And when we are stuck indoors, one of our favorite things to do is to binge movies and TV shows. Many of us have already wasted seven hours of our lives on the craziness that is Tiger King, so what are we left to do now? Well, I can tell you: rewatch (or, gasp, WATCH) classic chick flicks! I am by no means a chick flick sort of gal, but even a bad bitch like me is a sucker for these female favorite flicks. And, just like you, I totally cry when I watch them again, too. The following list is my go-to, and if you’ve got another you want to add that is an absolute must, share with us in the comments section!
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Okay, I might be showing my age here (36), but this film starring Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow as two airhead fashionistas dreading their high school reunion is super-packed with fun fashions, music to make you miss the ’80s and ’90s, and so much more. And, of course, great guest appearances from stars like Janeane Garofalo. Romy White and Michele Weinberger are two best buds that are flat broke living in Los Angeles after skipping out of town straight out of high school in Tucson, Arizona. Hoping to impress their old frenemies from their high school days at their ten-year reunion, the two devise a plan that they invented Post-it Notes. And, of course, things just don’t go as planned. This one is too good to miss, and it’s silly and lighthearted so you won’t need to worry about crying when you watch it.
P.S. I Love You (2007)
Dear God. This one rips my soul in half. I remember the first time I watched it, I ugly cried in the movie so hard I was thankful the room was incredibly dark. Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank will give you all the feels in this one, and it will really touch your heart in ways you never thought a movie could. Just imagine for a moment that you marry the love of your life, he happens to have a sexy accent, and he’s incredibly thoughtful, romantic, kind, funny. And then he dies. But before he does, he leaves you hidden notes everywhere for you to find—starting on your 30th birthday—because he feels terrible he can’t be there to celebrate it with you. Are you crying yet? You will be once you watch, or rewatch, this ultimate rip-your-heartstrings-out chick flick.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Okay, this one you might just need to watch simply for the incredible fashion. It doesn’t matter that this flick is nearly 15 years old, the fashion is still killer and will make you want to raid the Runway magazine clothing samples dressing room. Meryl Streep crushes as an Anna Wintour doppelgänger, and Anne Hathaway is the very likable Andy Sachs (regardless of your opinion of the actress in real life). Based on the best-selling book of the same name, the tale of Andy the overworked and underpaid assistant to Runway‘s devilish Miranda Priestly is always watchable in my book.
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (2003)
Matthew McConaughey stars as Ben Barry, with Kate Hudson as the female lead playing Andie Anderson. The premise is simple: Andie needs to get a guy to fall in love with her in ten days. But, of course, plans go awry and Ms. Anderson finds herself in quite a pickle. This classic chick flicks is a great watch simply to see the magnetic chemistry that Hudson and McConaughey share on screen. And did I mention that Matthew McConaughey is in it? That’s reason enough, if you ask me.
Definitely, Maybe (2008)
I LOVE this one so much for so many reasons. The flashbacks told by Ryan to his daughter in the film, the adorable Abigail Breslin, are enough to melt your heart. The film has a great female cast, with Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz, and the gorgeous Isla Fisher as female leads. Ryan Reynolds as Will Hayes is perfect, and watching him fall in love with all these different woman only to find that they aren’t right for him pulls at your heartstrings—as you know all along which woman was the perfect one for him from the beginning. If you’ve never seen this one, it’s a must!
Love Actually (2003)
This one has a major Christmas element to it, but it’s a perfect watch all year-round if you ask me. This British romantic comedy stars Hugh Grant and an ensemble cast in nine intertwined stories which all examine a powerful dynamic that connects us all: love. It’s a sweet story with highs and lows, and it might make you shed a tear or two, but it will definitely leave you feel all warm and fuzzy all over once it’s finished.
The Notebook (2004)
Watching this when it first came out was much easier than watching it as a mature woman, since it’s clear to see the tumultuous relationship between Rachel McAdams’s Allie and Ryan Gosling’s Noah character. But, the performances delivered by Adams and Gosling are most certainly memorable, along with the sweet tale of a man who has loved a woman since the very first moment he laid eyes on her. If you haven’t seen this one, it’s a beautiful testament of love that lasts a lifetime…despite a rocky start. The Nicholas Sparks novel-based feature film is a favorite go-to chick flick for many gals across the globe. If anything, it’s worth a watch for the set design and costumes alone. Set in the 1940s, the clothes and scenery are breathtaking and whisk you away to a nostalgic past.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
I think this film with the lovable Billy Crystal and everyone’s favorite ’80s girl next door Meg Ryan has a certain dinner movie scene that just about everyone knows. (And if not, you can watch it above before you check out the film!) The late ’80s film is a favorite for many women, a sweet yet humorous love story of friends turned lovers that many of us can relate to. When Harry Met Sally has a sharp script with witty banter and dialogue that helps this classic chick flick withstand the test of time.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Everyone’s favorite bubbly blonde sorority sister turned Harvard law student played by Reese Witherspoon is an adorable watch for a number of reasons. Witherspoon is perfect as Elle Woods, her dog Bruiser is adorable, and Stifler’s mom, none other than Jennifer Coolidge, is fun to watch on screen. The flick shows Woods working hard to prove herself to others, and she eventually learns not to take any crap and to show the world that blondes can be smart—even if they’re super happy and dressed head to toe in hot pink. The sequel isn’t as good as the original, but it’s worth a watch, too. And guess what, Legally Blonde fans? There’s a third movie in the works!
27 Dresses (2008)
Katherine Heigl stars as Jane the perennial bridesmaid in this funny tale of “always a bridesmaid, never the bride” come to cinematic life. The story starts out when Jane’s sister Tess, played by Malin Akerman, gets engaged to the man that Jane is secretly in love with, played by Edward Burns. Mix in a super-cute James Marsden who plays a reporter intrigued by Jane’s perennial bridesmaid story, and you have a recipe for a bonafide chick flick you’ll be sure to enjoy.
Sadly these classic chick flicks are not currently available on Netflix, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t watch them. Check for them on Amazon Prime Video, Redbox on Demand, or other streaming services. Happy watching!
In search of some must-see mom movies? Check out our recommendations here!