- Primary Subject: Empowering and anti-romance movies for single viewers on Valentine’s Day
- Key Update: This guide curates the top films celebrating independence and self-discovery, providing updated streaming and rental information for 2026.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 13, 2026
- Quick Answer: The best Valentine’s Day movies for singles focus on self-love and growth, featuring titles like Barbie, How to Be Single, and Frances Ha on streamers.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while couples are out claiming table reservations, some of you are perfectly happy claiming the couch. Whether you're celebrating your independence or just avoiding the crowds, the right movie is the ultimate February 14th companion.
From empowering solo journeys to "anti-romance" classics, here is our guide to the best movies for singles and exactly where to stream them.
How to Be Single
How to Be Single, starring Dakota Johnson, is a non-negotiable addition to this list. It perfectly captures the messy, vibrant energy of navigating life on your own terms rather than just waiting for "the one."
While it might not be a classic yet, its relatable humor and cozy atmosphere make it an essential watch. The film stands out because it refuses to treat being single as a problem that needs to be solved.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love is a quintessential film for self-discovery, exploring the search for fulfillment on a global scale. Driven by Julia Roberts’ charming performance, the story follows a woman’s profound journey through Italy, India, and Bali.
The film resonates because it proves that second chances and personal reinvention are possible at any age. It’s an inspiring, soul-searching watch that encourages viewers to embark on their own version of a self-finding journey.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
(500) Days of Summer
(500) Days of Summer is a refreshing departure from the typical romantic comedy, making it ideal for a solo Valentine’s Day. Rather than following a traditional "happily ever after" arc, the film serves as a clever deconstruction of a failed relationship.
Led by charming performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, the film has earned its status as a modern cult classic. It resonates deeply because it prioritizes personal growth and the reality of moving on over cinematic clichés.
Where You Can Stream: Hulu
Barbie
Barbie might sound like an unconventional choice, but it is an essential watch for anyone celebrating their independence. The film explores womanhood and self-actualization in profound ways that move far beyond its colorful exterior.
It serves as an empowering reminder that your identity is defined by your own journey. Whether you’re single or not, its message of self-discovery makes it a perfect fit for a story centered on self-love.
Where You Can Stream: HBO Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime
Frances Ha
Frances Ha is an independent film classic that resonates deeply with Millennial and Gen X audiences alike. Greta Gerwig delivers a powerful, relatable performance as Frances, a woman navigating the awkward transitions of adulthood in New York City.
It is a standout film that explores singlehood in profound ways by focusing on personal growth rather than romance. The journey is both touching and realistic, likely offering a sense of comfort by the time the credits roll.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a hilarious comedy that explores the pain of a breakup through a lens of chaotic, R-rated humor. It has become a beloved favorite for its classic comedic antics and its relatable portrayal of trying to move on.
This film is a perfect watch for singles because it manages to be both incredibly entertaining and surprisingly comforting. It finds the light at the end of the tunnel in a way that feels genuine, making it a great pick for a Valentine's Day laugh.
Where You Can Stream: Starz
Marriage Story
Marriage Story might be an unusual choice, but it is a powerful film about divorce that offers a surprisingly cathartic viewing experience. It explores the chaotic and often painful nature of separation in a way that leaves you feeling oddly hopeful by the end.
The raw depiction of a crumbling marriage may even make you glad that being single isn't a curse at all. If you are looking for a film that validates the peace of independence over a fractured partnership, this is a must-watch.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
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