10 Female-Written and/or Directed Films To Watch For Galentine's Day!

Step aside Valentine’s Day—we're all about Galentine’s Day, a time to celebrate all things love with your closest girlfriends. Below we have a roundup of 10 female-written and/or directed movies to watch with your girls to celebrate!

1. Clueless (1995)

Written and directed by Amy Heckerling, 1995’s Clueless is a classic teen rom-com. An moderm adaptation of the Jane Austen novel Emma, Clueless centers around Beverley Hills teen Cher (Alicia Silverstone) and her group of friends as they navigate high school and meddle in other’s love lives. Full of iconic dialogue, incredible '90s fashion, and a whole lot of personality, Clueless is a movie to be watched and re-watched. Finding a better Galentine’s pick? As if! Watch now on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

2. To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

The movie that made a charming addition to any Galentine’s roster, To All The Boys I've Loved Before is so incredibly sweet, and the slow burn between lead characters Lara Jean and Peter is perfectly executed. Written by Sofia Alvarez and directed by Susan Johnson, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is full of character and warmth. It’s worth adding that the sister dynamics are impeccable—and so relatable! To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before never disappoints. Watch now on Netflix.

3. Love and Basketball (2000)

Written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, Love and Basketball is an unforgettable feature debut. It centers around Monica, played by Sanaa Lathan, and follows her basketball career and relationship with childhood friend Quincy. Tackling gender gaps in sports and a protaganist who juggles career and love, there’s nothing quite like Love and Basketball. Its equal focus on Monica’s self-development and the core friends-to-lovers relationship makes Love and Basketball a standout, empowering romance for your Galentine’s celebration. Watch now on HBO Max and Tubi.
 

4. But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)

Jamie Babbit’s directorial debut, But I’m a Cheerleader is a hidden gem of the rom-com variety. It stars a younger Natasha Lyonne, who only realizes she is a lesbian after being sent to a conversion camp; as a cheerleader, this is a big surprise to her. While a sad premise, But I’m a Cheerleader flips it on its head through a heavy dose of camp and the adorable enemies-to-lovers relationship with Clea Duvall. But I’m a Cheerleader has a big heart and is an incredible, joyful journey to self-acceptance containing a whole lot of pink! Watch now on Showtime.

5. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

An oldie but a goodie, When Harry Met Sally... is one of the most famous rom-coms of all time, written by rom-com queen Nora Ephron. It’s an exceedingly slow burn that watches as protagonists Harry and Sally find and re-find each other over the years, eventually falling in love. It’s for those who believe that some people are just meant to be and shows realistic characters finding the love of a lifetime. Witty and extraordinarily crafted, When Harry Met Sally... stands the test of time even 3 decades later. Watch now on HBO Max.

6. Girls Trip (2017)

Galentine’s Day vibes to the max, Girls Trip is co-written by Tracy Oliver and features a star-studded main cast of Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah, and Jada Pinkett Smith. It tells the story of the Flossy Posse, a group of college friends who reunite for a trip to a music festival in New Orleans. Full of fantastic banter and insane misadventures, Girls Trip sees a group of ride-or-die girlfriends navigate career and interpersonal troubles, coming together in the end closer than ever. The love story here is between friends, and proves that platonic love is just as strong, if not stronger, than romantic love, making it a flawless Galentine’s movie. Available to rent on Prime Video.

7. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Bend It Like Beckham is another early-2000s sports rom-com, this time directed by Gurinder Chadha. Featuring a young Keira Knightley alongside Parminder Nagra, Bend It like Beckham is about young female soccer player, Jess, who, while unsupported by her strict Indian parents, continues to play and joins an amateur team where she meets love interest Joe and best friend Jules. Amid drama of family and friends, Jess learns how to choose herself and follow her dreams. Bend It Like Beckham is a lighthearted coming-of-age rom-com that’s all about friendship and the people we hold dear, making it a perfect addition to your Galentine’s watchlist. Available for rent on Prime Video.

8. "Heartstopper" (2022)

Okay, okay, this is a show, I know—but it’s only 8 episodes of around 30 minutes each, and the 4 hours are worth it on this one. Written as a web comic by Alice Oseman, who also created the script for the show, "Heartstopper" shows the budding high school romance between the sensitive Charlie and sweet rugby player Nick. It has the most precious pining that culminates in one of TV’s sweetest relationships, and even when dealing with tricky subjects of sexuality and mental health, it retains a sense of lightness. "Heartstopper" is a therapeutic, feel-good pick that’s so fun to watch with all your closest friends. Watch now on Netflix.

9. Legally Blonde (2001)

The ever-lovable Legally Blonde, written by power duo Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods as she goes from fashion-obsessed sorority girl to Harvard law student after a brutal heartbreak. While initially Elle goes to Harvard to win back her man, she ends up a top student and finds that her career and her integrity is worth far more than any man. Elle Woods proves that femininity and intelligence can go hand-in-hand, and gives one of the most iconic monologues in movie history in this feel-good girl power film. Legally Blonde is, quite truthfully, essential girls’ night viewing. Watch now on Tubi.

10. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Based off of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You is another crucial '90s teen rom-com. Written by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith (again!), we see Kat Stratford meet her romantic match in Patrick, played by young Heath Ledger. An enemies-to-lovers with yet another iconic monologue, the movie presents two romantic stories with Kat and sister Bianca struggling to date under their strict father’s rules. Through many hijinks, we see one of the snarkiest movie romances form with a rocking soundtrack and dialogue that actually pulls from the original play. 10 Things I Hate About You is an undeniably classic, and the final key pick this Galentine’s Day. Available for rent on Prime Video.

Tell us which movie is your favorite, and what you picked for Galentine’s Day!