Don’t Text Your Ex — Watch These 5 Movies Instead And Remember Your Worth

We’ve all been there. 

Every single human being has had to deal with that late night temptation to text an ex when nostalgia or loneliness creeps into their mind. And while this is an incredibly valid experience to have when you’re navigating a broken heart or a period of missing, often — these emotions are fleeting, and what you really need is a distraction until the longing passes. 

So, before you hit send — take a deep breath and distract yourself with a movie that reminds you exactly why you’re better off moving forward. 

Here are five of our personal favorites that have never failed to pull us out of the trenches. 

1. Legally Blonde (2001)

Nothing screams self-worth like Elle Woods proving everyone wrong. Dumped by her boyfriend, Elle doesn’t wallow in her sadness, she iconically thrives in her newfound singleness. Instead of begging for love, and trying to win back the man who hurt her, she channels her pain into ambition, showing that the best revenge is always success. Watching her trade heartbreak for Harvard Law will remind you that you’re capable of greatness, with or without someone else’s validation. You don’t need to beg for anyone’s love — you are enough as you are. 

(Plus, who doesn’t love a pink power suit?)

Best Quote: “You must always have faith in yourself.”

2. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

This film is truly like a warm hug for anyone going through their deepest heartbreak. Diane Lane’s character, Frances, impulsively buys a villa in Italy after her marriage sadly falls apart. She goes through all the motions of grief — anger, sadness, loneliness, but through it all, she rediscovers herself and her will to experience life fully. She finds joy in unexpected friendships, delicious food, and the simple beauty of a fresh start. If you need a reminder that happiness exists beyond a breakup, this is it. 

Healing isn’t immediate, but step by step, you can build a beautiful new life within the ruins of your old one.

Best Quote: “Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game.”

3. Gone Girl (2014)

Feeling a little unhinged? Instead of sending that passive aggressive text, please trust us and watch Gone Girl, and let Amy Dunne’s calculated revenge curb your thirst for revenge. While we don’t recommend following in her footsteps, her sheer audacity and refusal to be a victim is an incredible representation of self-preservation. This psychological thriller will snap you right out of romanticizing your ex and remind you that some things, and human beings, are best left in your past. 

Instead of looking back — focus on reclaiming your narrative.

Best Quote: Honestly, the whole ‘cool girl’ monologue is a thing of beauty. Use it as your morning meditation.

If the ending of your relationship left you feeling disoriented and behind in life, and you need motivation to level up and step into your potential — this fashion drama is the perfect film to watch. Anne Hathaway’s Andy starts off lost and insecure, but she quickly transforms into a confident, driven woman who learns the importance of choosing herself. Sometimes, growth means outgrowing people who no longer serve you or expand your world. If you feel stuck, this film will remind you that change, even when it’s uncomfortable, is the path to becoming your best self. 

You don’t need an ex’s validation when you have your own power.

Best Quote: “You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.”

5. Someone Great (2019)

A breakup movie that actually celebrates moving on? We could cry from happiness. This heartfelt rom-com follows a woman picking up the pieces after a painful separation blindsides her. With the help of her best friends, she finds strength, closure, and a reminder that life goes on, and even has the potential to get better, when you allow it to. This film is an honest depiction of heartbreak, but it also emphasizes the importance of friendships and self-love, which is why it always empowers us to focus our energy inwards, and towards the people who actually deserve it in our lives. 

You don’t need a partner to feel whole. You are already someone great.

Best Quote: “You’ve been blessed with a broken heart. When it doesn’t hurt anymore, that’s when it’s really gone.”