10 Netflix Originals to Watch to Celebrate Being Single
Valentine's Day can be an annoying time to be single. Sure, you've got Galentine's Day with your BFFs, but it's still hard to ignore the onslaught of happy coupledom all around you. Whether you're all about embracing the single life or simply want company as you wallow as a party of one, check out these nine movies and TV shows on Netflix — they'll help you see the good in riding solo. (Photos via Netflix)
Queer Eye: On the surface, the rebooted reality series is a makeover show, but at its heart, Queer Eye is all about learning to love and take care of yourself. The Fab Five are experts at making people feel fresh, fierce, and full of confidence, so you'll finish every episode feeling like the best version of yourself, even if all you're doing is watching big life changes from the comfort of your couch. (Photo via Austin Hargrave/Netflix)
Nappily Ever After: We've all been through some version of the breakup haircut. In Nappily Ever After, Violet Jones (Sanaa Lathan) shaves her head after a major split, and while it's done in haste, it slowly reveals itself to be a catalyst for letting go of the veneer of perfection she's been trying to keep over her life. Watching her come into her own is a reminder that the end of one thing is sometimes the beginning of everything else. (Photo via Tina Rowden/Netflix)
Happy Anniversary: Sam (Ben Schwartz) and Mollie (Noel Wells) are spending their three-year anniversary trying to decide whether they want to stay together or break up. The story of their relationship — from their meet-cute at a bar to Mollie's "I'm not happy" proclamation — is told over the course of a single day, revealing little cracks in their happily-ever-after. Sometimes all you need is a glimpse into the complexities of a relationship to remind yourself that you don't want one right now. (Photo via Robb Rosenfeld/Netflix)
Gaga: Five Foot Two: Lady Gaga was going through a breakup with her longtime boyfriend Taylor Kinney when she filmed this Netflix documentary, which focuses largely on her chronic pain problems and the loneliness that can come with fame. Ultimately, though, she prevails and even thrives to new heights in her career. (Photo via Netflix)
The Incredible Jessica James: Sometimes the best thing about being single is letting yourself get wrapped up in the fantasy of a momentary fling. Jessica Williams stars as an NYC playwright who gets over a painful breakup by commiserating with the recently dumped (and very charming) Boone (Chris O'Dowd). The real heart of the film, though, is the evolution of Jessica's relationship with herself and her non-romantic pursuits. Everything else is just a bonus. (Photo via Netflix)
When We First Met: Noah (Adam Devine) is on cloud nine when he meets his dream girl Avery (Alexandra Daddario) — until he realizes she just wants to be friends. The very next day, Avery meets her future husband. But thanks to a magical photo booth, Noah is able to go back in time to try to change their story. In the end, though, the only thing it really changes is his realization that you can't force what isn't meant to be. (Photo via Netflix)
She's Gotta Have It: Spike Lee's 2017 TV adaptation of his 1986 film of the same name is a fun, feminist take on modern love in all its many forms. DeWanda Wise plays Nola Darling, a New York City-based artist who's in open relationships with three different men. It's a good reminder that you have options beyond the so-called norm, and that your version of love and happiness might look different from someone else's. (Photo via Barbara Nitke/Netflix)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society: In some respects, this post-World War II drama is a classic romance, but in others, it's the story of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery. Lily James plays Juliet Ashton, a young author who travels to the island of Guernsey to meet with the members of a book club. While there, she begins to question both her career and her relationship with her fiancé. That's in part because of her feelings for another man, but it's also because she realizes what she really wants out of life. (Photo via Kerry Brown/Netflix)
You: If you're ever feeling down about your lack of a plus-one, just watch Penn Badgley's creepy character in You, and be glad you're not the object of his obsession. Being single is infinitely better than being in a relationship with your stalker. (Photo via Netflix)
Big Mouth: This animated series about navigating the specific torture that is early adolescence and puberty is an awkward and adorable reminder of the pitfalls of romantic relationships — and a good reminder to keep your friends close. (Photo via Netflix)
