Ruth Mia Davis
Chick flicks are guilty pleasures we shouldn’t be ashamed of having. They’re fun and easy to watch, definitely something that we need to temporarily escape from the conundrums of life. From romantic comedies to teen movies to all-women ensemble features, there’s plenty to choose from. And to make sure that they’re not extremely cringey or mushy to the point of losing your interest, we’ve gathered 20 of the best chick flick movies you can watch on Netflix right now.
Burlesque (2010)
Director: Steve Antin
Writer: Steve Antin
Cast: Christina Aguilera, Cher, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Peter Gallagher, Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci
IMDB: 6.4
Ali, played by Christina Aguilera, has always wanted to perform on stage. Leaving her job as a waitress, she goes to Los Angeles to pursue her dream. Failing every audition, she comes across a burlesque club. Unwelcome at first, she perseveres and proves that she has what it takes to take any stage by storm.
With fascinating dance numbers, Christina Aguilera’s singing, Stanley Tucci’s acting, and Cher’s mere screen presence, Burlesque makes for a fun movie night with your girlfriends. Ready the sparkly costumes for any impromptu at-home performance. Just in case.
He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
Director: Ken Kwapis
Writers: Marc Silverstein, Abby Kohn
Cast: Ben Affleck, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Justin Long,
IMDB: 6.4
People, relationships, challenges, heartbreaks, self-discovery – that’s what an ensemble romantic-themed movie is for. In He’s Just Not That Into You, some of the biggest names in Hollywood come together to tell a story about the complexities of relationships. The movie is not as perceptive as it aspires to be but He’s Just Not That Into You is an entertaining spin on love and its complications.
Holidate (2020)
Director: John Whitesell
Writer: Tiffany Paulsen
Cast: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Jessica Capshaw, Andrew Bachelor
IMDB: 6.1
With the holidays just around the corner, it’s only right to watch a film that centers on the festive atmosphere. Throw in a charming love story, a couple of good laughs and it’s all good. Starring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, Holidate follows two strangers who pledge to be each other’s holiday dates all year long.
All this scheming to avoid family members tormenting them with questions and judging them for being single. Of course, they fall in love for real. It’s formulaic, sure, but Holidate breaks the familiar romance recipe by presenting a self-aware approach to telling its story.
The Kissing Booth (2018)
Director: Vince Marcello
Writer: Vince Marcello
Cast: Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Joel Courtney, Molly Ringwald
IMDB: 6.0
Teen love is always worth revisiting. No matter how old you are, whatever phase of life you’re currently in, teenagers falling in love is still a fun watch. And it’s only in teen movies that something as simple and silly as running a kissing booth leads to something more – friendship, love (and even a sequel). If you’re in the mood for something quirky and lovey-dovey, The Kissing Booth delivers with a likable cast.
Ocean’s 8 (2018)
Director: Gary Ross
Writers: Gary Ross, Olivia Milch
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter
IMDB: 6.8
There’s so much female talent in this film that makes it an irresistible watch. Sandra Bullock plays Debbie Ocean, Danny Ocean’s sister. After serving time in prison, she puts together an all-girl crew to steal a diamond necklace worth $150 million with the help of her partner, Lou (played by Cate Blanchett).
Ocean’s 8 is the ultimate pick if you want to replace the aspect of romance with heist, comedy, and even fashion (hello, Met Gala?) Deft, engaging, and fun, this reinvention of the Ocean’s franchise is simply perfect for some “girls get it done” vibe. Besides, chick flicks don’t need to be constantly romance-themed, right?
Bad Moms (2016)
Directors: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Writers: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Cast: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jay Hernandez
IMDB: 6.2
Mothers hanging out together to relax, unwind, and then whine about the daily struggles of motherhood now have an official mom flick – Bad Moms. Of course, it’s not just for moms. It’s basically for everyone who wants good comedy, sassy dialogues, groovy music, and the fun ensemble of Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn.
Just Go With It (2011)
Director: Dennis Dugan
Writers: Allan Loeb, Timothy Dowling
Cast: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Bailee Madison, Brooklyn Decker, Nicole Kidman
IMDB: 6.4
To cover up a lie, a plastic surgeon persuades his assistant to accompany him on his trip to Hawaii along with his girlfriend. For sure, anything that begins with a ridiculous lie is bound to get messier. Just watch Just Go With It to find out that despite the title, we really shouldn’t just go with it. Deception and pretenses only mean one thing in comedy movies – jokes and gags. Starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, Just Go With It has moments of romance and hilarity that makes the pairing of Sandler and Aniston pleasant.
The Ugly Truth (2009)
Director: Robert Luketic
Writers: Nicole Eastman, Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler, Eric Winter, John Michael Higgins, Nick Searcy, Kevin Connolly, Cheryl Hines
IMDB: 6.4
Katherine Heigl plays TV producer Abby Richter. She’s a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love. She then meets her exact opposite, love cynic Mike Chadway (played by Gerard Butler). Forced to work together, Abby reluctantly agrees to follow his advice to better her blooming relationship with a potential ideal man. In The Ugly Truth, Heigl and Butler have great chemistry, which makes their love-hate relationship enjoyable to watch. That and hefty amounts of smart one-liners.
The Lucky One (2012)
Director: Scott Hicks
Writers: Will Fetters, Douglas McGrath
Cast: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Jay R. Ferguson, Blythe Danner
IMDB: 6.5
We’ll take this one because it’s straight from a Nicholas Sparks novel, which, as we all know, many women dig. To start, Efron plays US Marine Logan Thibault. After finding a woman’s picture while serving in Iraq, he decides to keep it and has since carried it with him for good luck. Upon returning home, he decides to find the woman in the photograph. He did, and they fall in love. Their story, however, is laced with several complications. Overall, The Lucky One is a decent adaptation of a Sparks material with some commendable moments.
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Director: Marc Lawrence
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, Alicia Witt, Dana Ivey, Robert Klein, Heather Burns
IMDB: 6.1
Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, an undervalued lawyer. Fed up with her insensitive and womanizing boss and being there for him at his every beck and call, she decides to quit and gives him her two weeks notice. In the process of finding a replacement, they eventually realize that they actually need each other. Like really need other. In Two Weeks Notice, Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock combine their star power and their irrevocable charm that it’s hard to pass up on this movie.
Life As We Know It (2010)
Director: Greg Berlanti
Writers: Ian Deitchman, Kristin Rusk Robinson
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks
IMDB: 6.5
Two people who hate each other have to set aside their differences to honor their best friends’ wishes – to take custody of their orphaned baby. Life As We Know It is made well enough to serve that warm fuzzy feeling that romance brings with blends of goofiness and endearing moments. Or, maybe that’s just the baby being cute in whatever she does. Either way, this romantic comedy serves its purpose.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Writer: Catherine Johnson
Cast: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski
IMDB: 6.4
Music always puts us a in a good mood. Classics in the ’70s, even more so. In Mamma Mia!, Meryl Streep unleashes her inner stage diva by performing easily familiar classics along with the rest of the amazing cast. Before the main dance and song numbers, it all starts with Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) inviting three men from her mother’s past to her wedding, hoping that one of them is her father. Putting the questions of paternity aside, Mamma Mia! is an easy-going musical with catchy songs, gorgeous backdrop, and a singing and jiving Meryl Streep.
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009)
Director: Mark Waters
Writers: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Breckin Meyer, Lacey Chabert, Robert Forster, Anne Archer, Emma Stone, Michael Douglas
IMDB: 5.8
Remember when Matthew McConaughey was still doing romantic comedies? That’s right, that era totally existed and this is one of the highlights. Get the popcorn and/or chips and whatever unhealthy cold drinks you have because this one needs further relishing. In Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, McConaughey plays Connor. He attempts to brainwash his brother from tying the knot but instead is haunted by the ghosts of his former girlfriends to teach him a lesson, and a hard one at that.
Friends with Benefits (2011)
Director: Will Gluck
Writers: Will Gluck, Keith Merryman, David A. Newman
Cast: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman, Bryan Greenberg, Richard Jenkins, Woody Harrelson
IMDB: 6.5
Two friends decide to add sex into their relationship without the usual drama and strings attached. While it starts well for the both of them, they soon fall into the trap of relationships and the intricacy of developing feelings for each other. Surely, it’s not the most unique premise but Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis’ smooth-sailing chemistry is fun to watch, which is why Friends with Benefits deserves to be on your Netflix and chill movie list.
The Other Woman (2014)
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Writer: Melissa Stack
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Kinney, Don Johnson
IMDB: 6.0
Three women sharing one man find themselves bonding over their shared heartbreak. After finding out about each other, they decide to take revenge on the man who started it all. In No Other Woman, the unlikely friendship of women meeting under unfavorable circumstances has an empowering vibe. It could’ve been more but it chose to stay in the moderate side of things. The movie is still entertaining during those nights (or days) when you just want something that’s easy to watch.
Grease (1978)
Director: Randal Kleiser
Writer: Bronte Woodard
Cast: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Eve Arden, Frankie Avalon
IMDB: 7.2
John Travolta showing his moves in his intoxicating dance ensemble is definitely something that’s been bonding women for decades. Needless to say, if you and your girls are wanting something classic with a dose of music, dance, and romance, Grease should be one of your top picks.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Writer: Jason Segel
Cast: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand
IMDB: 7.1
Difficult break-ups warrant a vacation. In Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) chooses to go to Hawaii after his girlfriend of five years, Sarah, dumped him. But instead of getting his much-needed respite from his heartbreak, he encounters his ex and her new boyfriend at the same resort. Forgetting Sarah Marshall combines raunchy humor and romantic comedy so it does a great job at making you laugh. Interestingly, this movie is Segel’s debut as a writer and also his breakthrough performance.
The Holiday (2006)
Director: Nancy Meyers
Writer: Nancy Meyers
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell
IMDB: 6.9
Amanda and Iris are two women from different parts of the world who struggle with their own relationship issues. To get away from all the toxicity, they agreed to swap homes for the holiday. However, the temporary arrangement gets more complicated when Amanda falls in love with Iris’ brother, Graham, and Iris falls in love with Amanda’s colleague, Miles. In The Holiday, that pretty much sums up their holiday experiences. The viewers, however, can appreciate the stunning visuals, the main cast’s performances, and the few surprises in the film that are quite insightful.
When We First Met (2018)
Director: Ari Sandel
Writers: John Whittington, Isabelle Nuru Dayne
Cast: Adam DeVine, Alexandra Daddario, Shelley Hennig, Andrew Bachelor, Robbie Amell
IMDB: 6.4
How far can you go to land the girl of your dreams? For Noah, as far as it gets. So when an opportunity to travel through time comes knocking, he uses it to go back to the night he and Avery first met to change things and win her over. But that proves to be harder than it seems. When We First Met, with its central plot, can easily be the official friend zone movie. It also has its very own special moments that generate feelings of amusement and clarity on love and relationships.
Save the Last Dance (2001)
Director: Thomas Carter
Writers: Duane Adler, Cheryl Edwards
Cast: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, Terry Kinney, Fredro Starr
IMDB: 6.2
Sara is a dancer, who, after losing her mother, loses her passion for dancing. After meeting Derek, she finally allows herself to heal and get through her grief. She also starts to regain her love of dancing with his help and encouragement. Seeing Julia Stiles transform from ballet to hip-hop is an entertainment in itself. In Save the Last Dance, it’s also apparent how the dance numbers are a sight for sore eyes. Finally, the appeal of this teenage flick is further heightened by its coming-of-age elements.
Movies are designed to educate, to inspire and to enlighten, but other times it’s great to just watch and have fun. That’s why chick flicks are people’s go-to when the mood for something light and funny sets in. While the stories are mostly formulaic, chick flicks can still be engaging with just the right mix of romantic and harmless comedy. Some are even rousing and manages to be somewhat profound. If nothing else, chick flicks make us smile and that’s good enough reason.
