To me and some other cinephiles, a movie is not just a work of fiction- it is a philosopher and guide to life. Once you have been dumped, you need to wash away your misery by any means necessary, and the movies are an excellent constructive tool to take your mind

elsewhere. While some of them prepare you for the future ahead, some instill in you a yearning for the past. If you are recovering from a relationship and in need of films that would be appropriate or brighten up your somber mood, we have some recommendations on HBO Max.

7. Birds of Prey (2020)

‘Birds of Prey’ is an action-comedy movie of 2020 directed by Cathy Yan. The movie revolves around Harley Quinn as she tries to survive life after she dumped her notorious ex-boyfriend, Joker. As she sets out on a quest of self-emancipation and discovery, Harley

partners with a motley band of kick-butt women – Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) – to save a young girl named Cassandra Cain from Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask (Ewan McGregor), a crime lord. Under all the high-octane action scenes and snappy dialogue, however, there is a unifying theme of empowerment and self-realization for these supporting female characters who have been marginalized or underestimated within their male-dominated society. Along with delving into themes of independence and redemption within adversity, ‘Birds of Prey’ successfully depicts the intricacies of heartbreak and the ways in which one may overcome it. This gripping storyline, along with excellent performances, makes it a well-deserved entry on the list of Best Breakup movies on HBO Max. You can see ‘Birds of Prey’ here.

6. Sweethearts (2024)

Jordan Weiss’ directorial debut film ‘Sweethearts’ reveals what ensues when best friends Ben and Jamie end their respective long-distance relationships and the subsequent chaos that erupts amidst the college party. Though there is a trace of love between the two, they realize that they are best friends and cannot risk losing that for anything else. Nonetheless, it is what happens to them during and after the party that compels them to make the fateful move. What is it? Well, you will have to watch and see. Starring Nico Hiraga and Kiernan Shipka, ‘Sweethearts’ is a faithful-to-the-genre bingeworthy romantic comedy on the struggle between love and friendship. Watch it here.

5. Happy Together (1997)

Directed by Wong Kar-Wai and featuring Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, ‘Happy Together’ ranks as one of the greatest gay movies of all time. It tracks the lives of two men, Ho Po-Wing and Lai Yiu-Fai, as they sail through the peak and troughs of their love life, experiencing misunderstandings, jealousy, heartbreaks, and others. The movie presents an intimate portrayal of feelings, something of which Kar-Wai has presented magnificently in his previous work as well, such as ‘Chungking Express’ and ‘In the Mood for Love.’ A combination of plot and camera work that is perfect makes ‘Happy Together’ a highly emotional breakup tale with powerful images contributing to the cause. The movie earned Kar-Wai the Best Director award at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival. You can view it here.

4. Chungking Express (1994)

Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai adds hypnotic intensity to the romance crime drama film ‘Chungking Express.’ Are you struggling to forget the memory of your love? You would understand that you are not alone; there are people who would do anything to experience those moments again. Cop 223 regularly purchases pineapple cans with the May 1 expiry date, marking the day he would overcome his lost love. As Cop 223 is busy with his unfortunate life and a woman with sunglasses walking through the markets, Cop 663 becomes familiar with a waitress following his breakup with his flight attendant girlfriend. The neon-drenched cinematography and the intellectual score help create one of the most peaceful and atmospheric love films that will leave you forever. Feel free to go watch the film here.

3. In the Mood for Love (2000)

Hong Kong master Wong Kar-Wai is possibly the greatest director of romance films, and the romances in his films are typically demure, unsaid, and transient. In his archetypal moody romance epic, ‘In the Mood of Love,’ smoldering passion receives a sharp visual depiction that is difficult to match. A woman and a man lease apartments in a building; as their spouses are having an affair, they gradually fall in love with one another. But the silences and rain spent together do not translate into much. The ending of the film is perhaps one of the greatest movie endings ever depicted on the screen. Supported by the lovely mise-en-scène and poignant score, this cinematic gem will never fail to convey your heartache. You can watch it here.

2. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)

Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo’s eponymous self-help book inspired Ken Kwapis’ rom-com stardust ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’. It centers around a few Baltimore-based individuals

and their romantic lives. Romance is beautiful, but it is never issue-free. Feelings are complex, and there are bound to be misunderstandings that end up in break-ups. Beth (Jennifer Aniston) is commitment-phobic when it comes to boyfriend Neil (Ben Affleck); Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) misinterprets the romantic interest on her dates repeatedly; Mary (Drew Barrymore), as with Gigi, is nowhere when it comes to her dates; and Janine (Jennifer Connelly) lacks trust in her husband Ben (Bradley Cooper), who appears to have an eye for Anna (Scarlett Johansson); and so the tale hangs. ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ is a quintessential Hollywood romantic comedy that should be taken at face value, apt for binge-watching with your partner. It can be streamed here.

1. Barbie (2023)

With 8 nominations for the Academy Awards, of which it secured 1, 9 nominations for the Golden Globe Awards, of which it secured 2, 12 nominations for the Grammy Awards, and 15 BAFTA longlist categories, ‘Barbie’ is among the greatest films to ever be produced in

2023. Greta Gerwig (‘Lady Bird’ (2017), ‘Little Women’ (2019)) directs the film, with production revolving around Barbie, quite possibly the world’s most iconic doll, played by Margot Robbie. We observe how Barbie attempts to understand the actual world dominated by men following an existential crisis that leads her to it, as opposed to her Barbieland, where she and the other Barbies manage everything while being chased by their respective Kens. Ryan Gosling plays Ken to Robbie’s Barbie. Though the two do not have a break-up, they do fall apart, and that too in a worst possible manner, one traceable to patriarchy itself. The rest of the ensemble consists of Emma Mackey, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, and Will Ferrell. You can watch the movie here. Read More: Best Breakup Movies on Netflix