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The 40 Best Girls' Night Movies of All Time — How Many Have You Actually Seen?

Szalai Dóra13 min read
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The 40 Best Girls' Night Movies of All Time — How Many Have You Actually Seen? — Leisure
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Some nights, nothing beats the ritual: your comfiest pajamas, a giant pizza on the way, a bowl of popcorn, and your best friends curled up next to you on the couch. That's exactly when you want the kind of movie you can laugh at, cry over, swoon along with, and cheer out loud for — all in the same two hours.

So we rounded up the 40 best girls' night movies of all time — romantic classics, iconic comedies, inspiring stories, and modern favorites alike. Because a proper movie night with the girls always deserves the perfect pick.

1. Bridget Jones's Diary

Bridget Jones is a single thirtysomething trying to finally get her life together — dieting, journaling, and hopelessly bouncing between two very different men. The trio of Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant is still unbeatable, and the humor lands just as well as it did on day one. If there's such a thing as a mandatory girls' night movie, this is it.

2. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

Bridget finally lands the man of her dreams, only to discover that even a happy relationship comes loaded with jealousy and misunderstandings. The cringe-worthy situations, the very British humor, and Bridget's lovable clumsiness guarantee plenty of laughs once again. A worthy sequel to the original.

3. Bridget Jones's Baby

Bridget's life is turned upside down all over again when she finds out she's expecting — with no idea who the father is. The story is romantic, moving, and genuinely funny, and the familiar faces are back too. One of the strongest chapters in the whole series.

4. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

The newest Bridget Jones film proves once more that our beloved heroine can still put a smile on our faces. Bridget may be a more grown-up woman now, but she still faces the same everyday insecurities and awkward moments that make her so easy to relate to.

5. Legally Blonde

Elle Woods looks like the ultimate stereotypical blonde at first glance — and then proves there's far more to her than anyone assumed. At Harvard Law, she stuns everyone with her determination and intelligence. Inspiring, funny, and endlessly entertaining all at once.

6. The House Bunny

Shelley has spent her whole life in the Playboy Mansion, but when she suddenly finds herself out on the street, she lands a new home at a college sorority house. She teaches the girls confidence — and along the way realizes that who you truly are matters far more than how you look. Light, funny, and packed with lovable characters.

7. The Princess Diaries

Mia Thermopolis is living a totally ordinary teenage life until she learns she's the heir to a European throne. One of Anne Hathaway's first big hits is still utterly charming, and Julie Andrews makes the perfect grandmother. A true feel-good classic that's a joy to rewatch at any age.

8. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Mia is now trying to prove herself as a princess, but the road to the crown is anything but simple. Alongside her royal duties, romance is naturally never far behind. The sequel is every bit as charming and entertaining as the first.

9. The Devil Wears Prada

Andy lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine, where she quickly discovers that working for the legendary editor-in-chief is hardly a dream gig. Thanks to Meryl Streep's iconic performance and Anne Hathaway's character arc, this is one of the best films about career, self-discovery, and the world of fashion. Funny, inspiring, and surprisingly thought-provoking.

10. The Devil Wears Prada 2

The long-awaited sequel reunites the familiar faces, while the fashion world itself has changed dramatically over the years. Old conflicts, new challenges, and plenty of elegance await. If the first film is one of your favorites, this one is a must too.

11. Sex and the City

After the series, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte take it to the big screen — and prove once again that friendship is often stronger than any romance. The film is packed with fashion, humor, romance, and situations countless women will recognize in themselves. An absolute essential for a laid-back girls' night.

12. Sex and the City 2

This time the four friends jet off to Abu Dhabi, where — alongside the luxury, adventure, and new experiences — their personal lives are, of course, anything but drama-free. More divisive than the first, but the stunning locations and beloved characters still make it a great escape.

13. Mean Girls

When Cady first walks into an American high school, she quickly learns that the jungle can be a simpler place than a hallway full of teenage girls. The film is bursting with quotable lines, unforgettable characters, and scenes that have since gone cult. There's a reason it's considered one of the best teen comedies of all time.

14. Easy A

Thanks to one tiny misunderstanding, Olive becomes the most talked-about girl in school overnight — and decides to turn the gossip to her own advantage. Emma Stone's brilliant performance, the smart humor, and a classic story dressed up in modern clothes make it seriously lovable. Light, funny, and surprisingly wise.

15. Barbie

Greta Gerwig's film is so much more than a flashy toy adaptation. Behind the comedic scenes, it explores self-acceptance, women's roles, friendship, and identity — without ever forgetting to entertain for a second. The pairing of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling is simply genius.

16. Hustlers

A story based on real events, about women who take their fate into their own hands in the shadow of the financial world. Jennifer Lopez delivers one of the strongest performances of her career, while the film stays glossy, propulsive, and gripping throughout. No wonder it became one of the most popular girls' films of recent years.

17. The Hustle

Two con women with wildly different styles set out to fleece the same wealthy men — which naturally leads to no shortage of hilarious situations. Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson make a fantastic duo, and the film is easy, breezy fun after a long day.

18. The Other Woman

When three women realize the same man has been cheating on all of them, they decide to join forces against him. Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton click beautifully together, and the story is full of humor and satisfying payback. A perfect pick for a movie night with the girls.

19. Bride Wars

Liv and Emma have been best friends since childhood — right up until they accidentally book their dream weddings for the exact same day. The all-out war between the two brides is funny and painfully familiar, since the film nails just how easily a friendship can go off the rails when tempers flare.

20. 27 Dresses

Jane has been a bridesmaid twenty-seven times, yet her own happiness always somehow ends up on the back burner. Thanks to Katherine Heigl's charming performance and the romantic story, this is one of the best picks when you're craving a classic rom-com. Light, heartwarming, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

21. Confessions of a Shopaholic

Rebecca Bloomwood loves to shop — her only problem is that her credit card can no longer keep up. As she tries to dig herself out of debt, love finds her unexpectedly. A cheerful, breezy romantic comedy that just about every fashion lover will recognize a little of themselves in.

22. Magic Mike XXL

Three years after the first film, Mike and his old crew take the stage one last time for a big male-dancer competition. This one is looser, funnier, and more self-aware than its predecessor, packed with jaw-dropping choreography and great humor. A perfect choice for a girls' movie night.

23. La La Land

Two young artists chase their dreams in Los Angeles — and fall in love along the way. Thanks to the magical pairing of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the unforgettable musical numbers, and the gorgeous visuals, this one already counts as a modern classic. Romantic, inspiring, and heartbreaking all at once.

24. The Notebook

Noah and Allie's story has been one of cinema's most beloved love stories for generations. The chemistry between Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling is captivating from start to finish, and the story is both beautiful and tear-jerking. When it comes to romance, this is one everyone should see at least once.

25. One Day

Emma and Dexter reunite every year on July 15th, as their lives take completely different turns. Its unusual structure makes for a far different experience than the usual romantic stories, and the ending is guaranteed to stay with you for a long time. One of Anne Hathaway's most memorable roles.

26. The Holiday

Two women decide to swap homes for Christmas, opening a whole new chapter in their lives. The quartet of Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black is impossibly lovable, and the film is a true cozy favorite. It works not just in December, but on any day of the year.

27. Mamma Mia!

Before her wedding, Sophie wants to find out who her father is, so she secretly invites her mother's three old flames to a Greek island. ABBA's biggest hits, the breathtaking scenery, and endless humor guarantee a great mood. Few films leave you wanting to sing quite like this one.

28. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

The sequel weaves together Donna's youth and Sophie's new life, all set to more ABBA hits. Lily James was a great choice as young Donna, and Cher's appearance is a real surprise. A heartwarming, joyful, and dazzling musical.

29. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Andie sets out to drive off her chosen man for the sake of an article, while Ben has just bet that he can make any woman fall for him. The two schemes collide spectacularly, of course, sparking no end of funny moments. The pairing of Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson is still one of the rom-com greats.

30. The Proposal

Margaret, a successful but grouchy book editor, is facing deportation, so she pressures her assistant into pretending they're engaged. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds work incredibly well together, and Betty White steals the show in every scene. Romantic, funny, and the perfect choice when you're after some easy fun.

31. Pretty Woman

Edward, a successful businessman, meets Vivian by chance — and she completely transforms his life. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere made film history together, and the romantic story works just as well decades later. Few films have become as much of a classic in the genre as this one.

32. The Ugly Truth

Abby believes love is predictable, while Mike insists men are ruled by an entirely different set of rules. Their wager leads to plenty of awkward and hilarious moments — and, naturally, romance is never far behind. Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler make a great pair.

33. Monte Carlo

Three friends' European vacation takes an unexpected turn when one of them is mistaken for a wealthy heiress. The stunning locations of the French Riviera, the romance, and the humor come together to make this one genuinely lovable. Easy escapism that's guaranteed to give you the travel bug.

34. Second Act

Maya has worked hard her whole life, but without a degree she's never been given the opportunity she deserves. Thanks to one white lie, she finally gets the chance to prove that talent is often worth more than a diploma. Jennifer Lopez is an inspiring, lovable lead in this motivating romantic comedy.

35. Leap Year

Anna has been waiting a while for her boyfriend to propose, so — following the Irish leap-day tradition, she decides to travel to Dublin and pop the question herself. The journey is full of unexpected obstacles, and a forced road trip with a grumpy but incredibly charming local pub owner steers her life in a completely new direction. Amy Adams and Matthew Goode make a great pair in this charming rom-com set against gorgeous Irish landscapes.

36. P.S. I Love You

Holly's world falls apart after her husband's death, but before he passed, he left her a series of letters that help her start over. Though the story is deeply moving, it's laced with plenty of humor and hope. It belongs to that rare group of films that bring both tears and smiles at the same time.

37. 13 Going on 30

Thanks to a wish, Jenna wakes up one morning as a thirty-year-old woman — while still a teenage girl on the inside. Jennifer Garner's charming performance and the nostalgic mood make it one of the sweetest rom-coms of the 2000s. A light, funny, and heartwarming story.

38. What Happens in Vegas

After a wild night out in Las Vegas, Joy and Jack wake up married — a situation made even messier by a massive jackpot win. Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher nail the squabbling couple forced to live together. A classic romantic comedy packed with humor.

39. Eat Pray Love

After a painful divorce, Liz decides to leave her old life behind for a year and travel the world. In Italy she discovers the joys of life, in India she searches for inner peace, and in Bali love finds her too. Starring Julia Roberts, it's one of the most inspiring films about self-discovery and starting over.

40. Notting Hill

Anna Scott, one of the world's most famous movie stars, falls for a reserved London bookshop owner whose life is turned upside down from one moment to the next. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant are an irresistible pairing, and the story is romantic, funny, and endlessly charming. If you could only recommend one classic romantic film, this would surely be among the very best.

Whether you're throwing a pajama party with your best friends or just want to unwind after a long day, there's bound to be something on this list that fits the mood perfectly. The only real question left is: which one are you starting first — or better yet, how many of the forty can you already check off?

What makes a great girls' night movie?

The best picks let you laugh, cry, swoon, and cheer all in one sitting. This list spans romantic classics, iconic comedies, inspiring stories, and modern favorites, so there's something for every mood.

Which movies on the list are best for a light, feel-good night?

Titles like The Princess Diaries, The Holiday, Mamma Mia!, and Notting Hill are pure comfort viewing — charming, funny, and easy to rewatch at any age.

Are there films on the list for when you want something more emotional?

Absolutely. The Notebook, One Day, and P.S. I Love You all deliver the tear-jerking moments, while still weaving in warmth and hope.

Which films are the strongest picks if you love a franchise?

The Bridget Jones films, The Princess Diaries duo, the Sex and the City movies, the two Devil Wears Prada entries, and both Mamma Mia! films all give you full series to binge.