Getting over a sense of loneliness can be difficult. Ultimately, having people around has no bearing on it. Heartbreak, the departure of a loved one, relocation, and other events can all cause feelings of exclusion.

We’ve compiled a list of the top Netflix films to watch when you’re lonely to help you deal with these. We are fairly certain that there is at least one for each type of loneliness, and each one tackles loneliness in a unique way.

14. A Family (2020)

Directed by Michihito Fujii, ‘A Family’ is about a young man named Kenji Yamamoto (Go Ayano), a solitary individual adopted by yakuza leader Shibazaki (Hiroshi Tachi). With a family and a cause at last, Kenji becomes a reliable lieutenant in his family. But with a pain rooted deep in his heart, he is the fall guy for a killing of a fellow gang member and serves 15 years in prison, only to be let out and left alone once more. But this time around, the yakuza had nearly disappeared, and his life was nothing but an extension of the crime he had committed. Gritty, poignant, and powerful, ‘A Family’ is both a film about having a family and one about not having a family. You can see it here.

13. Me Time (2022)

If you are single, you need some “me time” in your life. That is why we have included this film in the list. With the comedic duo Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg starring, this buddy comedy movie features best buddies Sonny (Hart) and Huck (Wahlberg) reconnecting after 15 years at Huck’s birthday party. Yet Sonny’s been a family man for years now, and what Huck apparently has to offer is things Sonny’s outgrown. These are skinny dipping, partying in the middle of nowhere, using a bucket to go number two, and having a finger broke with a hammer. Catch the drift? Crazy and funny, ‘Me Time’ is binge-worthy at best, and even better if you need a boost. The film is available here to be watched.

12. Nowhere (2023)

This movie will likely make you feel better even when you are by yourself. After all, you are not alone on a drifting shipping container slowly becoming submerged with water out in the middle of an ocean. This is the predicament Mia (Anna Castillo), who is pregnant, finds herself in. Circumstances which were unforeseen and happened during political turmoil in Spain brought her here, and she has no clue if she will survive. As you accompany her in her battle to survive, a bond is formed that is predicted to make you stronger emotionally. To accompany a mother is a battle against Nature; you can see ‘Nowhere’ here.

11. Orion and the Dark (2024)

This film shows that even alone, you are not so because darkness is your friend (no Bane puns needed). Directed by Sean Charmatz, this animated film depicts how Dark, the personification of darkness, assists 11-year-old Orion in overcoming his fear of darkness by revealing to him all the beautiful things that only happen at night. He takes Orion to meet Quiet, Insomnia, Sleep, Sweet Dreams, and Unexplained Noises. So, in order to make your time alone nice and productive, you may want to see this sweet movie. It is an adaptation of Emma Yarlett’s 2014 children’s book with the same title. You can view it here.

10. Your Place or Mine (2023)

A chick flick in the event that you feel lonely for the reason that you cannot express your feelings to that special person you love but are really close friends with, ‘Your Place or Mine’ is your best bet for this list. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher in the starring roles, it follows Debbie, a single mother in Los Angeles, and Peter, a recently broken-up New York successful businessman, who exchange places. Although they have slept together, it was 20 years before, and now they are each other’s best friend. One day, Peter offers to go to LA to take care of Debbie’s son, Jack, so Debbie can travel to New York for work. Though it is an excursion and a diversion from everyday life for the two, they realize that they never lost their love for one another. But has it come too late for them? To find out, you can watch ‘Your Place or Mine’ here.

9. Tall Girl (2019)

We all have something we want to change about ourselves, but all we can do is manage how we cope. That is a line from the film, and it tracks 16-year-old high-school “tall girl” Jodi (Ava Michelle), who is made to feel a freak, intentionally or unintentionally, both in school and home. But when she falls in love with a boy, she decides to have faith in her own self, even if that involves stepping out of her comfort zone. A tale of self-acceptance, adolescent complexes, and change, ‘Tall Girl’ is for those who are finding it difficult to cope with themselves since they don’t fit what others consider “normal.” Not being normal has nothing to do with how you look but how you treat yourself and the people around you. Having self-confidence and being who you are is the first step in overcoming your insecurities. ‘Tall Girl’ is written and directed by Nzingha Stewart, and it is available to stream here.

8. The Magician’s Elephant (2023)

Adapted from children’s author Kate DiCamilo’s novel of the same name, ‘The Magician’s Elephant’ is an animated coming-of-age movie that tracks the life of Peter (voiced by Noah Jupe), an adolescent boy seeking information regarding his lost younger sister Adele. A fortuneteller informs him that his sister is alive but he needs to find the magician’s elephant in order to locate her. Peter does manage to find the elephant, but first, he must complete three challenging tasks in order to set her free and utilize her assistance to locate his sister. Adele, meanwhile, who is residing at an orphanage, has been having visions of an elephant that will take her somewhere. The same applies to the elephant, who also dreams of being reunited with her family. With morals of belonging and beliefs, ‘The Magician’s Elephant’ is a stunning movie produced by Wendy Rogers that reminds you never to give up hope. You can see it here.

7. Leo (2023)

On the surface, ‘Leo’ is an animated musical comedy and appears to be about a lonely 74-year-old tuatara (voiced by Adam Sandler) who has spent his life within a classroom studying about the kids who pass through every year. But with that said, he assists a new set of kids deal with their new nasty teacher, connecting with every kid in a different way. Even after knowing that he has just one year more to survive and thinking of a means to escape, he realizes the children need assistance. Through him, the children and audience receive plenty of insight that brings many realizations. Therefore, if you choose to watch this film, you will be at an advantage, especially when you are lonely. ‘Leo’ is directed by Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel and David Wachtenheim. You can watch it here.

6. Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)

‘Mary and the Witch’s Flower’ is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a Studio Ponoc production. The animated epic fantasy film’s capability to take you to an alternate world will, most likely, stop you from being lonely, courtesy of its visual effects and background scores. The movie is all about young Mary Smith, who by accident enjoys the powers of a witch after discovering a secret flower. A magic broom transports her to the renowned Endor College, where she is valued for her abilities. But there are evil powers at work, and Mary is soon engaged in an encounter with these powers that intend to use her powers for their own power-stricken agendas. But will Mary be able to dominate these powers? Enchanting, exhilarating, and stunning, ‘Mary and the Witch’s Flower’ is your way out into a realm of enchantment. It is an adaptation of Mary Stewart’s novel of 1971 ‘The Little Broomstick.’ You may see it here. Netflix

5. The Sea Beast (2022)

A path of escape highlighted by the isolation that is brought about by misunderstanding and misinterpretation, ‘The Sea Beast’ is an animated film based on veteran monster hunter Jacob Holland (voiced by Karl Urban), who is on a mission to slay the powerful sea beast Red Bluster. In the process, he unknowingly partners up with Maisie Brumble (voiced by Zaris-Angel Hator), a young orphan. After a few incidents, as Maisie makes friends with the Red Bluster, Jacob understands how mistaken he has been regarding the monsters who have all been misconceived only because mankind never cared to determine the truth behind them. Now, you can pretend to be the Red Bluster or be Jacob; in either case, it is important to break the interaction to return to the awkward space. Directed by Chris Williams, ‘The Sea Beast’ can be watched here. Netflix

4. The Outrun (2024) Netflix

Recovery is an isolating process, and Nora Fingscheidt’s ‘The Outrun’ depicts it in a gripping and visually appealing way. The movie presents a non-chronological set of events as felt by the protagonist, Rona, a woman in her early twenties, who has just completed rehabilitation for alcohol addiction. She comes back from London to her childhood residence in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. As her many Netflix dilemmas clash with the emotions that recall her past, we have a moving drama of the ongoing inner conflict (whether with addiction or life), with only small doses of relapse or solace from time to time. Adapted from Amy Liptrot’s top-selling memoir, ‘The Outrun’ features Saoirse Ronan as Rona, who delivers a nuanced and emotive performance. You can stream the movie here.

3. Daddio (2023)

There is a lengthy discussion on life, love, relationship, and existence between a cab driver and his passenger in Christy Hall’s ‘Daddio.’ There is a collision of two worlds on two planes, one between the worlds of Clark (Sean Penn) Netflix and Girlie (Dakota Johnson) and the other between the world outside the cab and the one created within it. Gripping, engrossing, poignant and heartwarming, ‘Daddio’ neatly blurs the boundary of anonymity between two strangers as they begin to open up, pointing towards two universal themes of the human experience, i.e., loneliness and the need to connect. Satisfying through and through, the film may be streamed here.

2. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)

Loneliness usually includes an existential crisis. Macon Blair’s ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’ is a darkly comedic spin on it and basically captures the title, which is how you probably feel right now. Netflix  The movie centers around Ruth, who has her grandmother’s silver stolen and the police don’t care. Irritated and resentful at the way people can be obnoxious, she joins forces with her next-door neighbor Tony, a man who feels the same way about people. Underway to reclaim Ruth’s lost silverware, they find themselves faced with a band of insane criminals, fueling the fire of their own perception of a ridiculous, broken-down world. Will Ruth and Tony manage to stay sane while reclaiming the silver? A required watch drama, ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’ features Melanie Lynskey as Ruth and Elijah Wood as Tony. You can view it here.

1. Maareesan (2025)

Loneliness tends to need a thrill as a guide. ‘Maareesan’ does just that with its narrative that combines an odd road trip storyline with a serial killer storyline. We are introduced to two individuals, Dhayalan and Velayudham, who encounter one another in an uncomfortable circumstance and end up stuck together on a trip. When all appears to be hunky-dory, the revelation of a serial killer turns the narrative sinister, something that comes as a surprise but a welcome one nonetheless. With Fahadh Faasil playing Dhayalan and Vadivelu playing Velayudham, ‘Maareesan’ is worth a lone viewing only because of the close examination of what appears to be an unlikely relationship and how it addresses an unexpected menace. You may stream it here. Best Movies About Psychopaths on Netflix