In this modern world, it can be all too easy to lose yourself in all of the negativity surrounding us…this list of 11 must watch self love movies is the perfect way to take in some positive media!
Some people deal with this overwhelming negativity by delving into their favorite book, others find it in nature, and some find it curled up on the sofa as they get lost in the wonders of film (the best movies will do that to you).
Movies aren’t just a great way to spend your Friday evenings. They teach us valuable lessons about love and life. And with research showing a connection between healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media, they are definitely worthy of our time!
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite 11 self-love movies that continually inspire and motivate my kids and me to accept, love, and respect ourselves. This list of movies, romantic comedies, long time favorites, some of the best inspirational movies of the last couple decades, and some newer films that are just a breath of fresh air. But the best thing about all of them? They are equal parts entertaining and inspirational.
11 Must Watch Self Love Movies
- Brittany Runs a Marathon: With this movie, there’s so much to unpack: family, growth, self-esteem, friendships, breakups, makeups, and more. There will be times when you want to hide from second-hand embarrassment for the protagonist Brittany, but much more where you will find yourself resonating with how the main character feels. Brittany Runs a Marathon is a great, unpredictable, and empowering film based on a true story inspiring us all to let go of toxicity and embrace who we truly are!
- Glow: Every beautifully written episode of Glow will capture your heart. This show follows a group of friends as they move along their own unique life paths, inspiring and empowering each other as they go. With characters that are impossible not to relate to and an enthralling storyline, trust me when I say you won’t be able to stop watching!
- Hairspray: Hairspray is an all-singing, all-dancing musical masterpiece. Based around the battling of discrimination, including racism and sizeism, Hairspray follows a girl named Tracy Turnblad, who describes herself as a “pleasant plump” and dreams of becoming a dancer on the local Corny Collins show. When an opportunity presents itself, Tracy is forced to fight back against sizeism to prove her spot on the front with the support of her friends and family. But the challenge doesn’t stop there. Tracy finds herself risking her dancing dreams as she becomes the frontrunner in the fight for black rights!
- Legally Blonde: This movie is much more than just the bend and snap, trust me! Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon), an incredible and captivating college student and beauty queen who decides to go to a VERY prestigious school for what seem to be all the wrong reasons at first, as she fails and succeeds throughout her slow but steady transformation into a strong, independent young woman once she’s stepped out of her comfort zone. The entire movie is an insightful study in self-discovery and personal growth and becoming a better person and is an absolute delight to watch over and over again! This clever and hilarious show offers a simple but extraordinary message: always believe in yourself and practice self love! (Could insert the what, like it’s hard gif here for some extra fun)
- Little Miss Sunshine: Little Miss Sunshine is the perfect mix of comedy and an authentic depiction of depression, failure, and family crisis. It offers an insightful and often brutally honest commentary on the reality of children’s beauty pageants and their strange, unsettling role in society. Little Miss Sunshine is a must-see for all those who have ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in anywhere.
- Now and Then: Are your kids growing up too fast? This is a feel-good movie telling the sweet story of lifelong friendship. Now and Then is a good chance to transport you back to your childhood years as it depicts the strong bonds formed in early life. This is the perfect movie to watch alongside your young girl to inform them of the realities of growing up, and it has a GREAT ensemble cast!
- Precious: This is an utterly enthralling story following one of the most endearing central characters there is, Precious. As the heart-wrenching series of disasters that is her life unfolds, we slowly come to love Precious and hold the same hope she does of a better life in the future. This movie depicts adult concepts, so it is not suitable for the younger kiddos.
- Real Women Have Curves: This one is a MUST SEE! A superb film about the unrealistic pressures placed on women of all ages to conform to irrational societal norms. Real Women Have Curves touches on some important themes, including weight judgment, capitalism, and so-called purity issues. This movie teaches us to accept ourselves as we are, even at the judgment of others and addresses the most important thing we have….our relationship with ourselves.
- Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: A touching and heartfelt coming-of-age film following four diverse characters as they navigate through the struggles that come with growing up. The film deals with divorce, personal and family struggles, loss of loved ones and portrays the importance of friends as they come together, encouraging and helping each other grow through their challenges and high school insecurities. I loved that this one pair of jeans united through everything they faced that summer. This is a teenage girl / middle school must watch!
- Tall Girl: Tall Girl is filled with passion and in-depth descriptions of the complexities of teenagers and social anxieties. This movie effortlessly sends powerful messages about self-love and body image and is a fantastic movie to introduce your child to these often hard-to-navigate subjects. Tall Girl should definitely be included in your collection of inspirational films and is a great coming of age story with a super relatable
titular character!
- Thelma and Louise: Thelma and Louise is a true classic good film that showcases a story of friendship, love, bravery, and feminism. As we follow the two best friend characters, Thelma and Louise, we see their bond turn from friends to one that resembles sisters. This movie does depict adult themes, so might not be suitable for younger kids! It has an incredibly talented cast, and you’ll recognize a LOT of familiar faces.
There you have it! 11 great films filled with inspirational tales, heartwarming heroism, and moving stories of overcoming hardships to strike our hearts and inspire our souls. The next time you’re feeling down, make sure to give one of these self love movies a watch – I promise you’ll feel better!
Can you do me a favor though? I feel like this list needs one more GREAT classic film or show to add to make it an even 12.
What self-love movies have you seen that we can add? Comment below!
