Summary
Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is February 14, but many are still new to the concept of Galentine’s Day, which is February 13. This special holiday - meant to celebrate friendship among women - was invented by the fictional character Leslie Knope (played by Amy Pohler) in Season 2 ofParks and Recreation.It has since grown in popularity as a beloved counterculture holiday among the internet generation.
For those only just learning about this awesome day and wishing to celebrate, why not have a movie marathon? Not any movie will do, though - the best films for Galentine’s Day viewing should celebrate women from all walks of life and the bond they share. Here’s a list of great film choices already lined up for friends looking for a girl’s night in and where to catch them.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
A classic film about women sticking together through thick and thin,Thelma & Louiseis the quintessential gal pal watch. Susan Sarandon plays Louise, and Geena Davis plays Thelma, two best friends who go on a road trip to escape their dreary lives only to find themselves in a heap of trouble.
Co-starring a young Brad Pitt, the movie is a perfect blend of comedy, drama, and a celebration of the bond of friendship between women.
$14.99
$8.99
$3.49
$3.99
Set It Off (1996)
This star-studded film combines action, crime, and drama, while putting a spotlight on women taking power in a world that consistently puts them down. Vivica A. Fox is Frankie, a bank teller who is unfairly fired after she recognizes one of the culprits in an armed robbery.
Along with friends Cleo (Queen Latifah), T.T. (Kimberly Elise), and Stony (Jada Pinkett), Frankie hatches a plan for them to become bank robbers and fight back against the system that wronged them.Set It Upis a great Galentine’s Day watch that inspires women to stand up and fight back.
$13.59
$3.19
$2.99
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
How Stella Got Her Groove Backstars Angela Basset as Stella, a successful stockbroker and single mom who struggles to balance her work life and her personal life. While on vacation in Jamaica, she meets a handsome, younger man named Winston.
However, challenges back home begin to pile up when she loses her job, tensions with Winston about their age difference arise, and her best friend is diagnosed with cancer. The movie is a great reminder for women to live life to the fullest and without regret.
$17.99
$7.99
$4.29
Barbie (2023)
A contender for the 2024 Academy Awards,Barbieis a refreshing comedy from director Greta Gerwig. Margot Robbie is the classic Barbie - one of many Barbies living in the magical world of Barbieland. When Barbie finds herself in an unexpected existential crisis, she goes on a journey to the real world in the hopes of finding her true purpose.
No Galentine’s Day would be complete without a viewing of this modern classic, which addresses the impossible standards set for women and encourages them to find their own path.
$15.99
$9.99
$5.99
The First Wives Club (1996)
The comeback comedyThe First Wives Clubproves that, like fine wine, women only get better with age. Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, and Goldie Hawn are Brenda, Elise, and Annie, three college friends who have reunited after drifting apart over the years.
Brought together by the death of a mutual friend, the women learn that each of their husbands has left them for younger women. Together they form the First Wives Club, rekindling their bond as they seek revenge on the men who wronged them.
$11.99
Bridesmaids (2011)
Bridesmaidsis a laugh-out-loud, raunchy rom-com starringSaturday Night Livealums Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph as Annie and Lillian, alongside an outstanding cast of female stars. Annie is a hot mess: down on her luck in love and her career.
She steps up to the plate when her best friend Lillian asks her to be Maid of Honor at her wedding, but things get heated when a rival bridesmaid outdoes Annie’s efforts at every turn. The hilarious comedy focuses on the hardships of both romantic relationships and friendship, for better or for worse.
A League Of Their Own (1992)
Another classic movie starring Geena Davis,A League of Their Ownis a comedy-drama that brings women together and celebrates their determination, drive, and fortitude. The movie depicts the story of the Rockford Peaches, a fictional women’s baseball team inspired by historical events of the 1940s. Davis is Dottie Hinson, the Peaches' star player.
Also on the team are feisty friends Doris (Rosie O’Donnell) and Mae (Madonna), as well as women from all walks of life who find camaraderie during troubling times.
Practical Magic (1998)
Get in touch with your inner witch this Galentine’s Day withPractical Magic,starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as sisters Gillian and Sally Owens. A widow with two daughters, Sally has sworn off love, while Gillian seeks it out with destructive abandon.
When a spell goes awry, Gillian and Sally must join their magical forces together to stave off a dark spirit. This supernatural rom-com is a magical journey that celebrates the bond between sisters and all women.
$3.79
Boys On The Side (1995)
Boys on the Sideis an often-overlooked hidden gem. The drama stars Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker, and Drew Barrymore as three women who begin a road trip as strangers and become friends for life. Goldberg plays Jane, a woman who decides to make a new life in Los Angeles.
She is joined by Robin (Parker) and Holly (Barrymore), and the three women drive across the country on a wild adventure à laThelma & Louise.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Reese Witherspoon plays fashion icon Elle Woods inLegally Blonde,a perfect viewing choice for Galentine’s Day. When her boyfriend dumps her out of the blue, Elle follows him to Harvard to win him back.
In the process, she succeeds in destroying harmful stereotypes, all while wowing those who cross her path with a keen fashion sense and insightful grasp of the legal system.
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig directed this version of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, a period saga about the lives and loves of the March sisters. Saoirse Ronan plays Jo, an aspiring writer who refuses to conform to society’s expectations of women.
She is joined by Emma Watson as Meg, Eliza Scanlen as Beth, and Florence Pugh as Amy. The sisters connect through love and loss as they mature into adulthood.
Now And Then (1995)
In the 1990s, there were plenty of coming-of-age movies aimed at young men, but there was only one made for young women that stood out. That movie isNow and Then,a comedy-drama about four young girls growing up in the 1960s and their modern-day counterparts who reunite to wax nostalgic.
This movie has a star-studded cast, including Christina Ricci, Demi Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, and Melanie Griffith.
The Best Way To Spend Galentine’s Day
This Galentine’s Day movie watch list has a little bit of everything, from movies about friendship and sisterhood to heroines finding their independent voices. It may be impossible to watch all 12 films in one sitting, but there is a way to narrow down the choice.
For those not looking to spend their cash on renting a bunch of movies at once, there are a few free options.Set It Off, Thelma & Louise,andBoys on the Sideare all available on various streaming sites without having to pay a penny.Now and Thenis the cheapest option for $3 on Amazon and Vudu. However someone decides to spend their Galentine’s Day, these movies are must-see picks at any time!
