It's February, and Valentine's Day is fast approaching. But, let's forget about that for a moment and focus on the significantly more awesome holiday: Galentine's Day. From the mind of queen feminist Leslie Knope (aka Amy Poehler's character on Parks & Recreation), Galentine's Day is a day when women come together to celebrate each other and their friendships. Or, as Knope explains it, "Every Feb. 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies." Clearly, Valentine's Day has nothing on Galentine's Day. As you and your girls make your Galentine's Day plans, might I suggest ditching the high waisted jeans and bras (f*ck the patriarchy) and settling in for a movie as a post-brunch activity? After all, what better way to celebrate your friends than by sitting down to enjoy a few hours of fun and empowering movies? If the idea of a celebratory movie marathon appeals to you: 1) call me, and 2) check out these 11 Galentine's movies to watch on Netflix.
In honor of the upcoming holiday, a majority of the films listed below focus on female friendships, whether they be powerful or destructive. Sadly (if unsurprisingly), there aren't nearly as many female-driven movies available on the site as male-led ones, but, we'll have to do with what we have, and what we have now are 11 kick-ass female friendship films perfect for any Galentine's Day movie marathon.
1. A League Of Their Own
A League of Their Own is bursting with so much girl power that even a grumpy, sexist Tom Hanks can't help but want to join in on the fun. The comedy, which follows the rise and sudden end of women's baseball during WWII, will remind you how fierce, loyal and supportive a group of girls can be (it's not always Mean Girls, people!). It will also help make baseball interesting.
2. For A Good Time, Call...
A gem of a comedy, For A Good Time, Call... is basically a romantic comedy between two former enemies, Lauren (Lauren Miller) and Katie (Ari Graynor), who become best friends after starting a phone sex hotline together. They have boys come and go along the way, but the romance here is really between the two friends, making it Galentine's Day perfection.
3. Heathers
Heathers is a great Galentine's Day movie for friends who have a taste for dark humor and a desire to see their awful high school memories destroyed. Sometimes, a girl really needs to vent, and Heathers is pretty much the movie version of everybody's high school bitterness.
4. Life Partners
Life Partners is basically Galentine's Day in a movie: two BFFS, played by Leighton Meester and Gillian Jacobs, grow apart when one of them falls in love and embarks on a serious relationship, leaving the other behind. Trust me, it's not nearly as depressing as it seems. (Bonus: Adam Brody is in it, so, you know.)
5. Mulan
Relive your childhood with Mulan. The movie may only have one female character for the majority of the film, but Mulan is so badass and fabulous, it really doesn't matter.
6. Crossroads
The Britney Spears classic Crossroads is basically all your '90s pop dreams come true in the form of a road trip movie. Perfection.
7. Philomena
Strong female characters FTW! Philomena is definitely more on the dramatic side, but, if you're willing to get riled up at the Catholic Church and a bit saddened by life's unfairness, then the film is a perfect movie for you and your gal pals.
8. Frances Ha
Frances Ha is another movie that's basically a romance between two BFFs. It's also a twentysomething coming of age story that might hit too close to home for some of you post-grads out there, so, be warned.
9. Clueless
This one speaks for itself.
10. Wish Upon A Star
If you never watched this 1996 Disney Channel Original Movie, then you're in for a real treat. Katherine Heigl starred in this comedy about two sisters who wish to switch places and wake up in each others' bodies. It's pretty much Freaky Friday, but with sisters, and it is wonderful.
11. Parks & Recreation
Finally, if none of those movies work for you, you can always cuddle up with Galentine's Day pioneer Leslie Knope and marathon Parks and Rec.
Go on, you tropical sunfish, celebrate each other this Galentine's Day, and don't forget to treat yo' self while you're at it!
Images: Focus Features; trashybooksforladies/tumblr; halfprincesshalfgoddess/tumblr; Giphy (9)
