Top 20 Movies for a Girl's Night
#20: “Booksmart” (2019)
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The “let’s go to one last party before we graduate high school” trope has been played out in many films; it’s a tale as old as time, really. In 2019’s “Booksmart,” protagonists Molly and Amy quickly realize that being “all work and no play” may not have been all it was cracked up to be. How to remedy it? By trying to get to the big house party on the eve of graduation - except they don’t know the address. Cut to an evening of yachts, watching porn in the back of their principal’s Lyft, a murder mystery party, and very public blow-ups between friends. While the antics they get up to are thrilling to be sure, the rewatch value lies in the relatable friendship between Molly and Amy. If you find yourself with a group of gals who didn’t catch “Booksmart,” call a “Malala” and press play.
#19: “Dirty Dancing” (1987)
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Set in the ‘60s but released in 1987, this romantic drama follows heroine Frances, who is a young girl stuck at a fancy summer resort with her family. Though things seem bleak at first, Baby quickly becomes involved with the establishment’s in-house dance instructor, Johnny Castle. Filled with iconic lines and moments, this movie made every girl’s dream in the ‘80s to be Jennifer Grey dancing in the arms of Patrick Swayze. That being said, apparently Swayze wasn’t too into the whole thing. Sources on set revealed Swayze and Gray did not get along during filming...at all. Hey, at least they did a great job of faking it!
#18: “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
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This lush rom-com is a fairy tale for the 21st century, with a simultaneously modern and classic feel to it. The story follows Rachel Chu, an Asian-American economics professor, and her boyfriend, Nick Young, heir to a modern day dynasty. While their love is strong, it’s put to the test when Rachel is invited to an extravagant wedding in Singapore, and Nick’s family begins to question her motivations, as well as whether she belongs in high society. A rich exploration of class, race, gender and culture, this Shakespearian tale will have you in equal parts sad and joyful tears.
#17: “Easy A” (2010)
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Emma Stone plays Olive in this sharp teen comedy. When a nasty rumor that she’s lost her virginity spreads, a fed-up Olive decides to roll with it in the hopes of improving her social standing at school. In a true display of girl power, Stone’s character draws parallels between her life at school and Hester Prynne’s life in The Scarlet Letter, adorning all her clothes with an “A” for adulterer just like the character of the novel. In addition to Stone’s lingerie chic wardrobe, this film features an abundance of ‘80s rom com references, not to mention an incredible supporting cast that encompasses Stanley Tucci, Thomas Haden Church, and Lisa Kudrow.
#16: “The Princess Diaries” (2001)
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Based on the hit novel of the same name, this film stars Anne Hathaway in her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis. She is an awkward teenager who, just before her 16th birthday, discovers she is actually the princess of a European kingdom. In one of the finest roles of Julie Andrews’ later career, Clarisse must teach Mia how to go from nerdy invisible teen to picture-perfect royal. Filled with makeover montages, heartwarming moments, and catty villains, this movie centers on a slew of strong female characters, including Mia, Clarisse (claire-eece), Mia’s best friend Lilly, and her mom, Helen.
#15: “Grease” (1978)
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Sing and dance the night away with this musical from the ‘70s! Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in perhaps the most iconic roles of their careers, “Grease” tells the story of Sandy and Danny. The twosome fall in love over the course of a summer, and have lots to say about it when they return to school the following year. Filled with upbeat dance numbers, 50s fashion, and songs you can’t help but belt out, this film will have you and your girlfriends tapping your toes all night long. Besides, have you ever seen a group of girlfriends more stylish than the Pink Ladies?
#14: “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” (2005)
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This drama follows four best friends who devise a plan to stay connected via a pair of pants during a summer apart. The magical pants bring each of the girls luck as they face new loves, new friends, and new family members. Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, and America Ferrera star in this empowering chick flick, and while what we see onscreen may not be real, the foursome are actually best friends in real life. Heartwarming and realistic, the adaptation of the novel of the same name was so well received that it spawned a sequel.
#13: “Sex and the City” (2008)
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Another classic flick for a girls night is none other than big screen adaptation of the beloved TV series of the same name. It’s finally Carrie’s big day. Of course, things don’t go exactly as planned, but at least her rock star team of friends step in to save the day. This movie will remind you of the importance of friendship. Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, there’s no denying the intoxicating fun of this beautiful foursome. Just try not to spend the whole movie arguing over which of your friends is a Samantha and which is a Charlotte.
#12: “To All The Boys I've Loved Before” (2018)
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We all love a good rom-com. We especially love a GREAT rom-com like this one. “To All the Boys” is a bright, cheery love story that, even though it’s set in the present day, seems to harken back to bygone traditions like writing letters and putting your hand in your significant other’s pocket a la “Sixteen Candles”. It’s easy to root for main character Lara Jean from the start - especially after - horror of horrors - all the notes she wrote to crushes over the years actually get sent to them. But starting up a fake relationship with one of the recipients promises to become very real very fast. Come for the promise of a candy-colored Netflix movie, stay for Lara Jean and Peter’s undeniable chemistry, and *that* hot tub scene.
#11: “Miss Congeniality” (2000)
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It’s the heat in high heels. The struggle for beauty is real with women of all ages, and no other film on this list summarizes that struggle better than “Miss Congeniality.” Sandra Bullock’s tough gal FBI agent Gracie Hart must go undercover to prevent a bomb threat against the Miss United States beauty pageant. Along the way, her coach, portrayed by Michael Caine, teaches Gracie to embrace her inner beauty and womanhood, all the while remaining true to herself.
#10: “Legally Blonde” (2001)
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Reese Witherspoon takes center stage in this comedy about a girl who goes to Harvard Law to win back her man. Her fake it ‘til you make it attitude only gets her so far, though, and her journey becomes one of independence as she learns to be a lawyer. Along the way, she teaches us valuable lessons, such as the “bend and snap,” the mandatory waiting period before having a shower after a perm and to always believe in yourself. Never short on laughs, this feel-good movie has quickly become a classic for any girl’s night. Nobody can object to that.
#9: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003)
Top 10 Movies for a Girl’s Night
Men, amiright? Digging into the subtle pitfalls of relationships, Kate Hudson’s magazine writer must write an article titled, that’s right, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” And for the purpose of research, she must figure out how to do just that. As Matthew McConaughey’s cold advertising exec tries to settle his own bet to make a woman fall in love with him, this playful comedy hits its mark wonderfully. Also, for all you fans of the Texas hunk: look out for him again on this list! Alright, alright, alright.
#8: “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
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Who would have thought that the writings of Shakespeare could translate so well to a high-school romance? Loosely based on the Bard’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this rom-com sees a young Heath Ledger being hired to woo Julia Stiles in order to allow her younger sister to begin dating, as per the family’s rules. What develops is as sweet as it is intelligent, as a girl who shuts herself off from the world learns to open up, and the tough guy learns to fall in love.
#7: “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001)
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Anyone who’s ever struggled with a relationship, job, or just finding their place in the world (so, in other words: everyone), can relate to this 2001 adaptation of the best-selling novel. Meticulously outlining the thoughts and feelings of women in the modern world, Renée Zellweger’s portrayal of the titular heroine earned the actress an Oscar nomination and set the benchmark for modern chick-flicks. As such, this honest, yet heartwarming, glimpse into the inner workings of a woman’s mind continues to resonate with old and younger viewers alike.
#6: “Bring It On” (2000)
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This one’s for those viewers who don’t mind a little competition. You know who you are! As a struggling cheerleading squad finds out their routines have been ripped off from a rival school, the competition gets hot and heavy as they try to reinvent themselves. Striking a chord with many young women, this teen comedy still manages to hit the nostalgia mark with 20-somethings. It’s got everything a girl’s night needs: attitude, playfulness, and style.
#5: “Girls Trip” (2017)
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This stacked ensemble cast includes Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah as a best friend group that dub themselves the “Flossy Posse”. When Hall’s character, an Oprah-esque lifestyle guru named Ryan Pierce, is presented with an opportunity to travel to New Orleans, she uses it as an excuse to reunite the aforementioned posse after years of separation. Things quickly go off the rails as the friends are launched into a chaotic string of events that test their resolve and friendship with one another. Equal parts heartwarming tale of friendship and vulgar comedy, these ladies remind us of the resilience of sisterhood in two of the sidesplitting hours you’ll ever spend with your friends!
#4: “Magic Mike” (2012)
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For a film that could have skated by on looks alone, this flick boasts a surprising amount of narrative depth. It tells the story of a young man who gets sucked into the life of an exotic dancer alongside his mentor, the titular Magic Mike himself. Featuring a who’s who of handsome men taking off their clothes, this movie continually has ladies watching in awe of the man-candy so artistically put on display. The sequel may have had more over-the-top stripping, but the original’s the one with the goods. Ever since we first saw it, we haven’t been able to listen to “Pony” the same way.
#3: “Bridesmaids” (2011)
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No other entry on this list hits such a genuine level as this ensemble comedy led by Kristen Wiig, who also co-wrote the script. Going from the outrageously hilarious to the tremendously awkward, this emotional rollercoaster will have you feeling for the characters while laughing at and with them. Like we said, this film’s strength is in its characters’ realistic nature, and girls of all ages relate to and understand just what Wiig is going through, most notably being down and out while struggling to make a real relationship work, and maintaining the relationship with her best friend.
#2: “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)
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Leave it to Anne Hathaway to once again perfectly capture the every-girl persona in this timeless classic. Featuring the queen herself, Meryl Streep, in one of her fiercest performances, the story follows a young journalist as she becomes the personal assistant to the devil herself, and gets more and more intertwined in the snake pit that is the fashion industry. It brilliantly captures the struggles that every young woman faces, and relishes in Hathaway’s triumphs. It’s a must for any group of ladies after a tough week at work.
#1: “Mean Girls” (2004)
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Let’s be real for a second, “fetch” is never going to happen, but “Mean Girls” has already earned its spot as a girls’ night staple. Playing teen comedy clichés like a fiddle, while going deeper with them than some might have expected, “Mean Girls” manages to be both personal and hilarious at the same time. In spite of the absurdity it sometimes showcases, the movie hits very close to home when it depicts the social cliques that exist within high school. Written by the magnificently witty Tina Fey, it is a must for any teens, twenty, or thirty somethings’ night in, if only to relive the pop culture references.
