There are some days when all you want to do is go home, put on your comfiest clothes, get your favorite movie-watching spread together, and be alone. It’s that treasured time where you have no social obligations and all you have to worry about is getting up to refresh your drink of choice – I’m talking about me time. As someone with a huge family with no sense of personal space, I know that me time is sacred, and I do some of my best movie-watching during it.
It’s the perfect way to watch something that either makes you weep like a child, brings out your ugliest laugh, or convinces the musical theater nerd in you that yes, you could totally have a show on Broadway. It’s also the perfect occasion for all your “I-know-this-is-terrible-but-I’ve-seen-it-five-times-and-I’m-going-for-a-sixth” faves, because there’s no judgment. Trust me, I have a lot of those.
In honor of that sacred solo movie night, here are 50 films that are perfect for watching by yourself. There are romances, comedies, and tear-jerkers galore, but if you’re in a mood for something a little darker, we’ve got you covered with some horror flicks, too.
Related: When I Just Need to Sob by Myself, Here Are the 10 Movies I Watch
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Honestly, you should watch this any chance you get, alone or not.
Love, Rosie (2014)
Talk about an emotional roller coaster! A film where, even if you knew they would, you couldn’t help but wonder if they actually would.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
Hilary Duff gives a legendary performance in this movie, and we all know it.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
I would have had a harder time choosing between Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey.
Just Wright (2010)
This movie hits all the rom-com spots! Who knew Common would make such an excellent leading man outside of your daydreams?
Big Fish (2003)
A perfect blend of whimsy, romance, and heartfelt moments that we could all use.
Trainwreck (2015)
We all know one (or are one), and this movie has some amazingly funny scenes. Also, who knew LeBron was such a natural actor?
Grease (1978)
Alone time means no one can judge your voice as you sing along to every single song.
Mr. Right (2015)
Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell are very weird in this. But somehow, so right.
Two Night Stand (2014)
This one surprised me. But watch for the love scene during the snowstorm. Worth it.
How to Be Single (2016)
This might be a painfully unrealistic depiction of living in New York City, but definitely a top contender for your new guilty pleasure film.
Bridesmaids (2011)
You might be thinking, “Wouldn’t this be better to watch with a group of friends?” And yes, it is great for that. But it’s also great when you’re alone and want to laugh obnoxiously loud at every other scene without disturbing other people.
Bad Teacher (2011)
If you ever meet a teacher like this, call the cops. I don’t care if they learn their lesson in the end. Still a good movie though!
Meet Joe Black (1998)
You cannot miss out on young Brad Pitt movies! Look at that face – he’s practically a Hollywood fetus.
Practical Magic (1998)
I’m sure this is already on your list of movies to watch, but just in case you forgot, here it is. It’s essential viewing.
Sisters (2015)
It’s Tina Fey and Amy Poehler throwing a rager. Of course you’re watching this!
Spy (2015)
Melissa McCarthy never fails to make me laugh.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
If you didn’t want to sign up for a soccer team after this, you have a stronger will than I do.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
A movie about a video game villain trying to find love and learning to accept himself as he is? Bring out the tissues AGAIN.
Penelope (2006)
This movie is so charming you’ll add it to your regular roster.
Armageddon (1998)
Yeah, I went there. Grab some tissues and get ready to cry.
Whip It (2009)
This movie almost made me want to join a roller derby team. But then I realized I don’t like pain.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Do you still have those tissues nearby? You’re gonna need them.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
I know this is typically a girls’ night movie! But sometimes you need to enjoy the classics alone.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
Gracie Hart got a new hairdo and still kicked ass. My kind of woman!
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Never forget the love fern.
The Last Five Years (2014)
One question: Where is Anna Kendrick‘s Oscar for breaking my heart in this film!?
Sleeping with Other People (2015)
This is not your typical “friend zone” movie. Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis play terrible people who you can’t help but root for.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Somehow, this movie has everything anyone has ever wanted in a rom-com . . . including Ryan Gosling‘s washboard abs.
Enough (2002)
Come through with the stunt work, Jennifer Lopez!
Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)
Yes we already have Step Up listed, but the sequel is also pretty damn good and worth the watch. For a real treat, watch it back-to-back!
Bachelorette (2012)
There are so many amazing actresses in this movie, which helps make it such a gem. Weddings should not be this complicated in real life.
The Boss (2016)
This comedy is both ridiculous and heartwarming AF. Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Bell are an unbeatable combination!
Stardust (2007)
If you like The Princess Bride, or just have great taste in movies, you’ll love Stardust. You might even want to share it with your friends.
Chef (2014)
Do you like food and Sofia Vergara? Then you’ll love Chef!
Transformers (2007)
Sometimes, you just want to watch robots fight. No shame.
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
How is Hugh Grant so charmingly inept in this film ?
The Wedding Planner (2001)
I know you know how good this movie is. There’s no reason to deny it when you’re home alone!
Up (2009)
Get ready to sob, because you’re definitely watching this tear-jerker!
Bad Moms (2016)
When being bad is oh-so good!
What's Your Number? (2011)
Anna Faris is rom-com perfection! She is a true comedian and is never afraid to go there, which is a perfect combo with a very cheeky, Chris Evans.
Speed (1994)
If you can’t watch Keanu Reeves save a busload of people from a bomb, alone, when can you watch it?
Pleasantville (1998)
A classic movie that is sure to bring some color into your drab night.
Clueless (1995)
As if I was leaving this out!
About Last Night (2014)
Can Kevin Hart and Regina Hall always be in movies together? Just wondering.
This Is 40 (2012)
I mean. Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd. Need I say more?
Step Up (2006)
Okay, this might be a hard watch given the circumstances. But a classic is still a classic and Step Up is too good to never watch again!
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
This is an amazing movie and everyone should watch it alone at least TWICE. At least.
The Other Woman (2014)
Who doesn’t love a movie about women coming together to get back at the man who hurt them?
The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
Jason Segel and Emily Blunt are so magic in this! They manage awkward-yet-endearing really, really well.