This post is all about the best movies to cultivate and inspire self-love, self-empowerment, self-discovery, and self-compassion. The compiled list is toward the bottom of the post!
This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
Sometimes you need a good movie to watch to get you out of your head, and in your feels, make you laugh, inspire you, and practice self-love.
First and foremost, it’s important to consume media that positively impacts your mental health. It can truly make a difference in your everyday life.
Also, it’s easy to get lost in our worlds. Between stressors, mental illness, differing abilities, and everything in between, it’s easy to get stuck in our bubble. Movies can help bring us out of those bubbles. They might also help us remember how amazing we are, be a motivator, or even give us a role model to look up to.
Regardless, everyone needs a self-love reminder here and again.
Grab your favorite snack, and a snuggly blanket, and get ready to binge some amazing movies.
Spectacular Self-Love Movies You Should Absolutely Watch This Weekend
These movies will be broken up into a few different categories, including “Romantic Comedy and/or Drama-Esque”, “Musicals”, “Action and Adventure”, “Nicholas Sparks-Esque but They’re Actually So Amazing and Not Too Sad lol”, and “Animated Movies”.
The Best Netflix TV Shows that Celebrate Self-Love
The Ultimate List of Amazon At-Home Self-Care Essentials
Romantic Comedy and/or Drama-Esque
I Feel Pretty (2018)
I Feel Pretty, starring Amy Schumer, is incredible and hilarious.
“A woman struggling with insecurity wakes from a fall believing she is the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. Her new confidence empowers her to live fearlessly, but what happens when she realizes her appearance never changed?” (imdb.com)
Sometimes self-love and self-confidence simply require a change of perspective. You already have everything in you to create change in your life.
Also, two side notes. One, I’ll never forget seeing this in theaters with one of my best friends and hollering at the bikini contest scene. Amy Schumer is iconic in that scene.
Two, I love that the love interest character, Ethan, is an actual person. He isn’t some unrealistic inhuman specimen of a person (don’t worry, there’s another character like that lol). He’s adorable, relatable, and has different interests. Men of any appearance are just as deserving of love and respect, and women don’t have to end up with some hunky dude only because he’s a hunky dude.
The 12 Best Date Ideas to Successfully Date Yourself and Show Yourself Some Much-Needed Love
Legally Blonde (2001)
I mean Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, need I say more?
Elle Woods is driven, hard-working, fabulous, and pushes against the narrative of the “ditsy blonde girl”.
Nothing can get in the way of anyone who believes in themselves.
The 10 Greatest Tips on How to Cultivate Self-Love
Last Holiday (2006)
Last Holiday with Queen Latifah and LL Cool J is not only adorable and feels like a comfy hug every time I watch it, but reminds us to put ourselves first and live life while we still can.
“Georgia, who leads a life full of unfulfilled desires, is left shocked when she discovers her terminal illness. Soon, she quits her job, gathers her savings and sets out on a luxurious trip to Europe.” (imdb.com)
You deserve to prioritize yourself, take chances, and live life to the fullest.
Nappily Ever After (2018)
“When a perfectionist ad exec [Sanaa Lathan] experiences a romantic setback, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that begins with a dramatic hair makeover,” (netflix.com). Based on the novel Nappily Ever After by Trisha R. Thomas.
The symbolism and parallels of perfectionism, societal pressures, and transformations are done so beautifully.
The Ultimate List of Amazon At-Home Self-Care Essentials
Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
“Hilarious and outgoing, Brittany Forgler [Jillian Bell], is everybody’s best friend ― except her own. Her partying, underemployment and toxic relationships are catching up with her. Too broke for a gym and too proud to ask for help, Brit is at a loss, until her neighbor pushes her to run one sweaty block. Soon, she sets an almost unthinkable goal: the New York City Marathon,” (amazon.com).
This film was loosely based on Brittany O’Neill, a friend of the writer and director. It was also filmed at the actual 2017 New York City Marathon.
Although being physically healthy is important, this film demonstrates that mental health is just as important.
Successfully Self-Soothe with the Best Techniques (and Tools from Amazon)
The Princess Diaries 1 & 2 (2001 & 2004)
This may be controversial, but I like the second one a little more. When does that ever happen in a movie franchise? It is hilarious, and I love that she can be queen regardless of her marriage status. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the first movie too!
Dumplin’ (2018)
“To prove a point about measuring up and fitting in, Texas teen Willowdean Dickson [Danielle Macdonald] enters a local pageant run by her ex-beauty queen mom,” (netflix.com). It is based on the novel, Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy.
Self-love comes from compassion, accountability, and acceptance. And everyone deserves a spot to be their authentic selves. As said in a fabulous southern accent, “Viva la revolution, baby!”
How to Be Single (2016)
Inspired by How to Be Single by Liz Tuccillo, “From playing the field to cracking dating-site algorithms, four fun-loving friends approach singlehood differently — but it’s time to shake things up,” (netflix.com).
Dating is difficult, and it’s important to remember who you are in the throes of dating and life. I’m just going to say the Ken character is everything, I am low-key obsessed with him.
The 10 Greatest Tips on How to Cultivate Self-Love
Coyote Ugly (2000)
“Aspiring songwriter Violet Sanford[Piper Perabo], after getting a job at a women-run NYC bar that teases its male patrons, comes out of her shell.” (imdb.com)
This movie is all about being brave enough to go after what you want in life, self-discovery, and believing in yourself.
Stick It (2006)
“Haley (Missy Peregrym) is a naturally gifted athlete but, with her social behavior, the teen seems intent on squandering her abilities. After a final brush with the law, a judge sentences her to an elite gymnastics academy run by a legendary, hard-nosed coach (Jeff Bridges). Once there, Haley’s rebellious attitude wins her both friends and enemies,” (rottentomatoes.com).
There are times in life when you have to own your shit in life and make your own life for yourself. Plus, Missy Peregrym is such a badass in this movie.
Blue Crush (2002)
“Nothing gets between Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth) and her board. Living in a beach shack with three roommates including her rebellious younger sister, she is up before dawn every morning to conquer the waves and count the days until the Rip Masters surf competition. Anne Marie finds all she needs in the adrenaline-charged surf scene … until pro quarterback Matt Tollman (Matthew Davis) comes along. Like it or not, Anne Marie starts losing her balance – and finding it – as she falls for Matt,” (rottentomatoes.com).
Phenomenal cast. When you work hard, let people help you, and choose yourself, you can do anything.
Ice Princess (2005)
“Casey Carlyle (Michelle Trachtenberg) is supposed to go to Harvard, just like her mother (Joan Cusack). While Casey has the grades to get into her mom’s alma mater, what she really wants to do is pursue her passion: figure skating. Both Casey’s mom and Gen (Hayden Panettiere), the captain of the local team, scoff at the idea of Casey on the ice. But Casey soon finds an unlikely ally, and coach, in Gen’s mom, Tina (Kim Cattrall), a former skater trying to live down mistakes from her past,” (Google).
I could not tell you how many times I watched this growing up. My dreams of being a figure skater were crushed when I realized I was terrible at it lol. But, it reminds us to follow our own dreams, not those of anyone else.
Musicals
Hairspray (2007)
“Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad[Nikki Blonsky] teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show,” (imdb.com).
I remember seeing this movie when I was younger and being so excited to see a leading lady who looked like me. Representation truly does matter.
This musical reminds us to go against the status quo, fight for what we believe in, and that we can make a difference no matter how big or small.
The Best Netflix TV Shows that Celebrate Self-Love
Respect (2021)
“Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice,” (imdb.com).
Jennifer Hudson is immaculate in her portrayal of Aretha Franklin.
Potential trigger warning: some viewers may be sensitive to a few intense moments in the film.
The Color Purple (2023)
“A woman faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood,” (imdb.com).
Everyone in this film is brilliant, and the musical aspects are done incredibly well.
Trigger warning: some viewers may be sensitive to a few intense moments in the film. Due to my anxiety and depression, there were a couple of scenes I fast-forwarded through due to their intensity. If you’re able, it is still definitely worth a watch.
Action and Adventure
Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
“After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn [Margot Robbie] joins superheroines Black Canary [Jurnee Smollett], Huntress [Mary Elizabeth Winstead], and Renee Montoya [Rosie Perez], to save a young girl from an evil crime lord,” (imdb.com).
First and foremost, Margot Robbie is an absolute badass in this film. And we can all sympathize with the woes of a post-breakup. And the woes of rediscovering our worth.
The 12 Best Date Ideas to Successfully Date Yourself and Show Yourself Some Much-Needed Love
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
“Best friends Audrey [Mila Kunis] and Morgan [Kate McKinnon] unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of them discovers that the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy,” (imdb.com).
It’s basically Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon being badass and hilarious. Need I say more? I highly recommend it!
40+ Self-Love Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery and Self-Compassion
Nicholas Sparks-Esque but They’re Actually So Amazing and Not Too Sad lol
The first two movies are based on Nicholas Sparks novels. The third movie mentioned in this section is not, but it still falls in the same genre.
The Lucky One (2012)
“A Marine [Zac Efron] travels to Louisiana after serving three tours in Iraq and searches for the unknown woman [Taylor Schilling] he believes was his good luck charm during the war,” (imdb.com).
Was this the first movie for anyone else to see Zac Efron in a different role than the teenage Troy Bulton (HSM franchise), or Link (Hairspray), and it was like a weird fundamental time of your life? Is this aging me? Lol
Regardless, yes this is undoubtedly a romantic movie. However, it still represents Taylor Schilling’s character coming into her own and not letting her ex dictate her life anymore. Sometimes it takes someone coming along to help us evolve in our lives and have the strength and bravery to do so.
The Ultimate List of Amazon At-Home Self-Care Essentials
Safe Haven (2013)
“A young woman [Julianne Hough] with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower [Josh Duhamel] forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her,” (imdb.com).
Similar to The Lucky One, this is a romance and drama. (Also, it does have some intense moments that may be triggering or anxiety-inducing for some viewers, so I wanted to mention that.) However, Julianne Hough’s character still has the strength to start over and rebuild her life on her own.
Purple Hearts (2022)
I absolutely love this movie, I highly recommend it! Also, the music from this movie is awesome.
“In spite of their many differences, Cassie [Sofia Carson], a struggling singer-songwriter, and Luke [Nicholas Galitzine], a troubled Marine, agree to marry solely for military benefits, but when tragedy strikes, the line between real and pretend begins to blur,” (imdb.com).
Again, it is a romantic drama. That being said, this movie shows characters that go after what they want, grow, evolve, and refuse to give up on their own aspirations.
The Best Netflix TV Shows that Celebrate Self-Love
Animated Movies
Princess and the Frog (2009)
“A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him,” (imdb.com).
This movie reminds us to work hard and not give up on our dreams, while simultaneously remembering to take care of ourselves, enjoy life, and slow down along the way. Sometimes you have to dig a little deeper to find who you truly are.
Successfully Self-Soothe with the Best Techniques (and Tools from Amazon)
Frozen 2 (2019)
“Show Yourself” sung by Idina Menzel is possibly the most moving representation of self-love in any Disney movie. It gets me in my feels every single time.
Elsa has been searching for belonging her entire life, looking for whatever will make sense of herself and her powers. And when she makes it to Ahtohallan, she’s shown that the answer she’s been searching for is herself. It is so powerful and beautiful.
An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000)
Last, but certainly not least, is An Extremely Goofy Movie. “Max goes to college, but to his embarrassment, his father loses his job and goes to his son’s campus,” (imdb.com).
Goofy is everything in this movie. Plus, the soundtracks of the Goofy films are phenomenal. It shows us that it is never too late to try again, work hard, and reinvent yourself. Although change is hard and scary, it’s also an opportunity to grow and create a new life you love.
The 12 Best Date Ideas to Successfully Date Yourself and Show Yourself Some Much-Needed Love
40+ Self-Love Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery and Self-Compassion
List of the Spectacular Self-Love Movies:
- I Feel Pretty (2018)
- Legally Blonde (2001)
- Last Holiday (2006)
- Nappily Ever After (2018)
- Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
- The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement (2004)
- Dumplin’ (2018)
- How to Be Single (2016)
- Coyote Ugly (2000)
- Stick It (2006)
- Blue Crush (2002)
- Ice Princess (2005)
- Hairspray (2007)
- Respect (2021)
- The Color Purple (2023)
- Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
- The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
- The Lucky One (2012)
- Safe Haven (2013)
- Purple Hearts (2022)
- Princess and the Frog (2009)
- Frozen 2 (2019)
- An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000)
And there you have it, the Spectacular Self-Love Movies You Should Absolutely Watch This Weekend
What is your favorite self-love movie? Are there any movies you would add to this list? What movie will you be watching first? I’d love to hear all about it!
Related Posts:
The Best Netflix TV Shows that Celebrate Self-Love
The 12 Best Date Ideas to Successfully Date Yourself and Show Yourself Some Much-Needed Love
Successfully Self-Soothe with the Best Techniques (and Tools from Amazon)
The Ultimate List of Amazon At-Home Self-Care Essentials
The 10 Greatest Tips on How to Cultivate Self-Love
40+ Self-Love Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery and Self-Compassion