Living in your 30s comes with a lot of wisdom, which is very well reflected in the films we watch. Here is a list of movies you need to watch in your 30s.
The 20s are full of fun, wild nights, and plenty of confusion, not to mention being broke most of the time. However, entering your 30s feels completely different. You finally feel more grounded, more aware of who you are. You might even get a little wiser when you are in your 30s. Sure, you are still figuring things out, but now you actually know what a Roth IRA is, and you can rock wide-leg pants with confidence!
With everything that we have mentioned above in mind, here is a list of 12 films that feel just right for the woman you have become: sophisticated, grown, wiser, and fully embracing this new chapter in your life!!!
1. Before Sunrise/Before Sunset/Before Midnight
This stunning trilogy follows the story of Jesse (Ethan Hawke), an American man, and Céline (Julie Deply), a French woman. They meet and reconnect at different stages of their lives throughout the three movies. The first film captures them in their 20s, filled with passion and big dreams. The second film finds them in their 30s, more reflective on life, with realities shaping their choices. The final film shows the two people in their 40s, facing love in its rawest and most complicated form. Love for them is tender, heartbreaking, impactful, and absolutely unforgettable. Our advice would be to clear a weekend to watch all three – you will laugh, you will cry, and you will see pieces of your story within theirs!
2. Wild
Based on the best-selling memoir, this absolutely moving film stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl, a woman devastated by loss who chooses to face her grief extraordinarily. Alone, she sets out to hike over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, carrying not just a heavy backpack but also the weight of her past. Along with the journey, she confronts sorrow, pain, regret, and the deep desire to heal. Reese delivers a powerful performance that earned her an Oscar nomination! This story is so much more than just about surviving the world; you will find the movie is about finding strength, forgiveness, and the courage to start over when your life feels broken.
3. 9 to 5
This classic comedy brings together Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda in a story that’s both hilarious and empowering. The film follows three women stuck under the thumb of their sexist and egotistical boss, and their journey from frustration to bold action. With wit, charm, passion, and just the right touch of chaos, they turn the tables in an unforgettable way. Beyond the laughs, the film shines a light on workplace inequality, making it just as relevant today as it was at release. This is why 9 to 5 is a must-watch for any woman who has ever faced challenges inside the office walls.
4. Frances Ha
Greta Gerwig co-wrote and stars in this witty and deeply relatable film that captures the messy charm of being in your 20s. The story follows a young woman living in New York City as she stumbles through relationships, friendships, money troubles, and big dreams that do not always match reality. With its quirky humor and heartfelt honesty, the film perfectly reflects the uncertainty of that stage in life. It is the stage to experience awkward transitions and continue the search for stability, hoping endlessly that you will get something more. Frances Ha is both bittersweet and funny; it is a snapshot of growing up in the city. And yes, you will be grateful that those chaotic days are finally behind you.
5. Joy Luck Club
Family relationships are never simple. With age, you often come to a deeper understanding of the choices our parents have made, perhaps even for us. This heartfelt story captures that truth beautifully as it spans generations and crosses continents. At the film’s core, it is about the bond between mothers and daughters, showing how love and sacrifice are passed down through time. You would find that the cultural differences add even more depth to the story. They will also reveal how traditions and expectations shape our identities. As the film progresses, it becomes abundantly clear that the past always lingers, influencing not just the present but also your path ahead. Juy Luck Club is a touching reminder of how family shapes who we become in life.
6. Carol
Set in 1950s New York, this hauntingly beautiful film tells the story of two women, played by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. The focus is on these two women and how they find themselves drawn to each other in a world that refuses to accept their love. The film captures the quiet intensity of their connection, the risks they take, their profound love for each other, and the longing that defines every glance and touch. Against the backdrop os a society bound by strict expectations, their relationship unfolds with both tenderness and heartbreak. With stunning performances, elegant cinematography, a powerful story, and breathtaking background music, Carol is a moving portrayal of forbidden love and the courage it takes to follow your heart.
7. A Separation
This Iranian drama is both unsettling and unforgettable, drawing you in with its raw honesty and emotional depth. The film’s power lies in its gripping storyline, which unravels slowly but keeps you invested at every turn. Layered with social and cultural themes, it offers a thought-provoking look into human struggles and morality, as well as the difficult choices people face when their values are tested. The performances are striking, where each actor brings a sense of realism that makes the story even more impactful. It is not an easy watch, but it is absolutely worth it for the insight and the undeniable perspective it delivers.
8. Eighth Grade
This funny yet tender coming-of-age story follows 13-year-old Kayla as she navigates the final week of middle school. It is a time filled with nerves, hope, and all the awkwardness of early adolescence. The film captures the raw emotions of trying to fit in, searching for identity, and longing to be seen, all while dealing with the pressures of growing up in a social media-driven world. It is both relatable and nostalgic, reminding you of those cringeworthy teenage years while also showing the resilience it takes to get through them. Watching Kayla’s journey will make you appreciate just how far you have come since then.
9. Someone Great
Jenny, played by Gina Rodriguez, finds her world turned upside down after the end of a nine-year relationship with her longtime boyfriend. Heartbroken and unsure of her next step, she leans on her two best friends, Blair (Brittany Snow) and Erin (DeWanda Wise). Together, the trio set out for one unforgettable night in New York City, filled with laughter and tears. The story shows the kind of messy adventures that only the truest form of friendship can bring. It is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and the unshakable bond between friends who help you through even the most difficult breakups.
10. When Harry Met Sally
This beloved romantic comedy brings together Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal as two quirky New Yorkers whose lives keep crossing paths over the years. At the heart of their story lies the timeless question: can men and women truly ever be “just friends”? With Nora Ephron’s sharp writing, the film blends humor, charm, and emotional honesty in a way that feels both relatable and timeless. From witty banter to unforgettable moments, it captures the complexities of love, friendship, and everything in between. A true classic, it continues to resonate with anyone who has ever wondered where the line between friendship and romance really lies.
11. Bridget Jones’s Diary
Bridget Jones is the kind of heroine you cannot help but adore. She is flawed, she is beautiful, she is funny, and she is completely relatable. This irresistible comedy follows her chaotic life as she juggles work, friendships, and the ups and downs of romance, all while keeping a diary that reveals her most unfiltered thoughts. With plenty of cursing, drinking, and laugh-out-loud moments, Bridget’s journey is as messy as it is charming. The film struck such a chord with audiences that it went on to inspire two sequels, cementing its place as a modern classic. It is a story that proves imperfection can be wonderfully entertaining and downright lovable!
12. Eat, Pray, Love
This inspiring film is guaranteed to spark your wanderlust and make you dream of packing a bag to set off on your own solo journey. At its core, it is about self-discovery, healing, and finding balance after life takes an unexpected turn. As the story unfolds across stunning locations, it beautifully blends the thrill of adventure with the comfort of food, the wisdom of reflection, and the joy of new connections. You will feel tempted to eat endless bowls of pasta, explore unfamiliar places, and maybe even sit still long enough to truly meditate. It is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes the best journey is the one within.
So, sit tight, the next weekend it is going to be you and your list of movies!
