Looking for the ideal flick to watch with your bestie this Galentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered. We’ve picked our favourite films in a variety of genres that accurately display the tumultuous ups and downs of female friendship but also why they are the most sacred of relationships.
Hustlers (2019)
Hustlers follows a group of strippers who steal credit cards from corrupt CEOs and stock traders who visit their clubs. Funny and dark, the film explores how strippers are mistreated by men and the bonds that hold women together when things go South. The film has an all-star cast featuring female baddies Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Lizzo, and Cardi B.
For the gal pals who… are always hustling.
Where to watch: Apple TV.
Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart is the yassified Superbad that you are your bestie will laugh out loud at. Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is a hilariously awkward coming-of-age comedy about two teen girls attempting to leave high school with a bang by spending their last day as students partying and breaking all the rules they rigidly stuck to throughout their schooldays. Amy and Molly’s sweet unbreakable bond and oodles of chemistry will make you fall in love with the odd duo.
For the gal pals who… have been friends since high school.
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer or rent on Prime.
Bridesmaids (2011)
If you haven’t seen Bridesmaids, where have you been? This outrageous comedy has everything that makes the perfect girlie film: a wedding, a female rivalry turned friendship, toilet humour, and a plane attacked by gremlins. Stick it on and you’re guaranteed some silly fun.
For the gal pals who… need a good chuckle.
Where to watch: rent on Prime.
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
Funny, sexy, and poignant – The Watermelon Woman focuses on Cheryl, a young black lesbian who works in a video store with her best friend Tamara and aspires to be a filmmaker. She sets out to make a documentary trying to pinpoint the identity of a black actress credited only as the ‘Watermelon Woman’. The film exposes some powerful truths amid the wry comic moments, bickering between the friends, and steamy love scenes – it really is unforgettable.
For the gal pals who… constantly squabble but love each other.
Where to watch: Mubi or rent on Prime.
Lady Bird (2017)
Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, and Beanie Feldstein star in this sweet complex coming-of-age drama about a girl who longs to move away from her sheltered life in Sacramento, California. The movie took the world by storm when it was released with many women identifying with the film’s awkwardly honest titular character inspiring many a Halloween costume. Lady Bird and Julie’s friend break up is a painful thing many girls will recall.
For the gal pals who… dance to the beat of their own drum.
Where to watch: Apple TV or rent on Prime.
Clueless (1995)
If spending the holiday with a man has you screaming, “As if!”, then this staple of 90s cinema is perfect for your Galentine’s Day. This coming-of-age film made every teen girl want their own computerised outfit picker when it was released and featured the chicest looks from the likes of Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana courtesy of costume designer Mona May. The film is a stylish revamp of Jane Austen’s novel Emma and features makeovers, romances, and of course the iconic friendship between Cher and Dionne.
For the gal pals who… are stylish divas (or virgins who can’t drive).
Where to watch: Prime or NOW TV
Thelma and Louise (1991)
This classic tale of female friendship is a must-watch for all the bad bitches who would do anything for each other. Featuring stars Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, and a very young Brad Pitt the film is full of wild antics and beautiful cinematography. Buckle up and jump in!
For the gal pals who… are ride or die.
Where to watch: Prime or Apple TV.
Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Josie and the Pussycats will bring a flood of nostalgia for any girl who watched this classic y2k flick as a kid. The film centres on a girl group who make it large but find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy to deliver subliminal messages through popular music. Not only is the film crammed with y2k rockstar fashion inspiration and an adorable yet fierce trio, but the soundtrack will also have you jumping out of your seat.
For the gal pals who… love everything y2k.
Where to watch: Apple TV.
Little Women (2019)
Sometimes the strongest female bond is that between sisters which is something Greta Gerwig perfectly captures in Little Women. The film includes iconic female actors such as Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Saoirse Rose, Laura Dern, and Eliza Scanlen, as well as international heartthrob Timothée Chalamet. It’s an adaptation full of charm with themes of romance, female ambition, friendship, and loss making this drama a solid pick for Galentine’s Day. Sob warning: you’ll need a whole box of tissues for this heart-wrenching film.
For the gal pals who… are sisters!
Where to watch: Netflix.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is having a resurgence due to Andie’s adaptation of ‘You’re So Vain’ trending on TikTok at the moment. The ridiculous romance follows Andie (Kate Hudson), a writer for a women’s magazine who needs a guy to break up with her so she can write her article “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”. She chooses Ben (Matthew McConaughey) who has made a bet with his friends that he can get any girl to fall in love with him. Hilarity ensues of course. We love Andie’s tête-á-têtês with her friends which makes this the perfect Galentine’s Day movie.
For the gal pals who… love a bit of unexpected romance.
Where to watch: Prime or Apple TV.
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
If you’ve ever had a man do you wrong this is absolutely the movie for you. John Tucker Must Die is a fun noughties flick with a terrific female cast including Brittany Snow, Ashanti, Sophia Bush, and Arielle Kebbel. The film revolves around a trio of high school girls who all discover the most popular boy in school has been dating all of them at once. Bent on revenge they enlist the help of a shy unpopular girl to break his heart. The soundtrack will also give you all the y2k throwback vibes you’re craving.
For the gal pals who… have been there for each other through bad break ups.
Where to watch: Disney Plus or Apple TV.
He’s Just Not That into You (2009)
He’s Just Not That Into You covers a myriad of romantic snags and muddles meaning you’ll definitely relate to at least one of the pairings in the film. The film follows nine individuals struggling with romance and has a crazy star-packed cast including Jennifer Anniston, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kris Kristofferson, and Justin Long. You and your bestie can groan away your own troubles watching these couples try to resolve their messes.
For the gal pals who… are always unlucky in love.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Ocean’s 8
Ocean’s 8 is the all-female cast spin-off of the Ocean’s trilogy making heist films sexier than ever before. Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter star in this comedy in which the group plans to perform a heist at the annual Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. If you like badass girls doing it for themselves, it’s a no-brainer watch for Galentine’s Day.
For the gal pals who… like breaking the rules.
Where to watch: Apple TV or rent on Prime.
Girl’s Trip
In Girl’s Trip, four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Music Festival, after not seeing each other for years. The girls discover that the love they always had for each other never left, each other’s crazy sides, some sad secrets, as well as some passionate romances. With legendary actresses Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish, and Jada Pinkett Smith there’s no doubt you’ll love this wild trip. For fans of the film, we have big news – there’s a Girl’s Trip 2 on the way!
For the gal pals who… know how to party.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Other Woman
The Other Woman is the (slightly!) more grown-up version of John Tucker Must Die that also includes schemes of revenge plotted up by gorgeous women. When Carly (Cameron Diaz) finds out the handsome Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) who she has been dating for 2 months is married she and his wife strike up an unlikely friendship. The two ladies then discover that he is cheating on them both with supermodel Amber and plan to take revenge on the greedy guy. We need to know who thought of putting Nicki Minaj in this film because her chats with Cameron Diaz are giving us life!
For the gal pals who… are an unlikely pairing.
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Words By: Molly Sutherland
Header Image: Clueless
