50 Iconic Movies Every Woman Should Watch In Her 30s

There’s no better way to celebrate reaching your 30s than by watching some amazing movies. If you have a Friday night free, collect your group of friends, pop some popcorn, and get ready to watch.

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Here are 50 films every woman should watch in her 30s:

1. Good Will Hunting

This is a classic movie with Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams. Matt Damon’s character, Will Hunting, has the IQ of a genius but works as a janitor at MIT. After he solves an impossible graduate-level math problem, he is noticed by a professor who wants to help the misguided guy reach his full potential. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you may open a bottle of wine.

2. The Hunger Games

This adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ hugely popular novels is a must-see for any woman in her 30s. Jennifer Lawrence gives an unforgettable performance as Katniss Everdeen, a young girl who must fight to survive in a brutal, televised competition. The Hunger Games is an action-packed thrill ride from start to finish, and it will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.

3. Bridesmaids

This hilarious comedy follows the chaotic events that occur when Annie (Kristen Wiig), the maid of honor, tries to plan her best friend’s wedding. Bridesmaids is full of laugh-out-loud moments, female friendships, and features an amazing cast that includes Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, and Melissa McCarthy.

4. The Help

Based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help tells the story of a group of African-American maids who work in white households in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960s. The film explores the racism and sexism that was rampant at that time, and it features some outstanding performances, including Viola Davis as the head maid, Aibileen Clark.

5. The Blind Side

This heartwarming true story follows Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless teenager who is taken in by a wealthy family, the Tuohys (played by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw). With the help of his new family, Michael goes on to become a successful football player. The Blind Side is an inspirational film that will leave you feeling good about the world.

6. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This gripping thriller is based on the first book in the Millennium series by Stieg Larsson. It tells the story of Lisbeth Salander (played by Rooney Mara), a brilliant but troubled young woman who helps investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) solve a decades-old murder. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a must-see for any fan of detectives stories or crime thrillers.

7. Black Swan

Natalie Portman gives a tour-de-force performance in this psychological thriller about a ballerina who is driven to the brink of madness as she prepares for the role of a lifetime. Black Swan is an unsettling and visually stunning film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

8. Gone Girl

This adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel is a dark and twisty thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The film follows the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike). Gone Girl is a masterfully crafted film that will have you questioning everything you think you know.

9. The Imitation Game

This historical drama tells the true story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a brilliant mathematician who helped crack the German Enigma code during World War II. The Imitation Game is a fascinating look at the life of a truly remarkable man, and it will leave you in awe of the power of the human mind.

10. Wild

Based on the best-selling memoir by Cheryl Strayed, Wild tells the story of a woman who decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail after her life falls apart. Reese Witherspoon gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Strayed, and the film is both emotionally powerful and visually stunning. Wild is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt lost in life.

11. Steel Magnolias

This classic comedy-drama tells the story of a group of close-knit women in a small Louisiana town. Steel Magnolias is full of hilarious one-liners and touching moments aomg best friends, and it features an all-star cast that includes Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Julia Roberts.

12. The Shawshank Redemption

This classic prison drama is based on the Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a man who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to the infamous Shawshank Prison. The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful film that is sure to leave you feeling hopeful about the human spirit.

13. Forrest Gump

This classic film follows the life of Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks), a simple man with a big heart. Despite the obstacles he faces, Forrest always manages to see the best in people and find the positive in every situation. Forrest Gump is an uplifting and heartwarming film that will leave you feeling good about life.

14. The Dark Knight

This dark and gritty superhero film follows the story of Batman (Christian Bale) as he tries to stop the Joker (Heath Ledger) from wreaking havoc on Gotham City. The Dark Knight is a masterfully crafted film that is action-packed.

15. The Silence of the Lambs

This classic thriller tells the story of FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she tries to track down a serial killer known as “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine). The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling and suspenseful film that may give you nightmares.

16. The Godfather

This classic crime drama tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia clan in New York City. The Godfather is a gritty and realistic film that explores the dark side of human nature.

17. Under The Tuscan Sun

This heartwarming film tells the story of Frances Mayes (Diane Lane), a woman who decides to move to Tuscany after her life falls apart. Under The Tuscan Sun is a beautiful film that will make you appreciate the simple things in life. The only thing better than a story of love is a story set in Italy!

18. To Kill a Mockingbird

This classic film tells the story of Atticus Finch (played by Gregory Peck), a moral and upstanding lawyer in the 1930s. To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful film that explores issues of race and injustice. This great movie was adapted from Harper Lee’s iconic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird.

19. Eat, Pray, Love

This film tells the story of Elizabeth Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts), a woman who decides to travel the world after her life falls apart. Eat, Pray, Love is an inspiring film that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world and embrace yourself fully.

20. The Descendants

This film tells the story of Matt King (played by George Clooney), a man who is struggling to deal with his wife’s coma and his daughters’ teenage antics. The Descendants is a moving and touching film that will leave you feeling hopeful about the power of family.

21. Girls Trip

This hilarious and raunchy film follows a group of four friends as they travel to New Orleans for a wild girls’ weekend.

22. Erin Brockovich

This film tells the true story of Erin Brockovich (played by Julia Roberts), a woman who takes on a big corporation to expose its illegal practices. Erin Brockovich is an inspiring film that will leave you feeling like you can make a difference in the world.

23. The Joy Luck Club

This film tells the story of four Chinese-American women who have been friends since they were girls. The Joy Luck Club is a touching film that will leave you feeling connected to your heritage.

24. Hidden Figures

This film tells the true story of the African-American women who worked behind the scenes at NASA during the Space Race. Hidden Figures is an inspiring film that will leave you feeling proud of your accomplishments.

25. Lion

This film tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, a man who was separated from his family in India as a child and ended up being adopted by an Australian couple. Lion is a heartwarming and emotional film that will leave you feeling grateful for the power of family.

26. Bridget Jones Diary

This film follows the story of Bridget Jones (played by Renee Zellweger), a single woman in her 30s who is trying to find love and happiness. Bridget Jones Diary is a funny and relatable film that will leave you feeling like you’re not alone in your quest for love. A classic romantic comedy!

27. The Women of Brewster Place

This film tells the story of a group of African-American women who live in a housing project in New York City. The Women of Brewster Place is a powerful and inspiring film that will leave you feeling hopeful about the strength of women.

28. Lean On Me

This film tells the true story of Joe Clark (played by Morgan Freeman), a controversial and polarizing figure who was appointed principal of an inner-city high school. Lean On Me is a thought-provoking film that will leave you feeling like education is the key to success, and that community is powerful.

29. Julie & Julia

This film tells the story of Julie Powell (played by Amy Adams), a woman who decides to cook her way through Julia Child’s cookbook during what seems to be a mid-life crisis. Through the pages of the cookbook, Julie finds her own voice and her own path to follow.

30. Love & Basketball

This film follows the story of two friends, Quincy (played by Omar Epps) and Monica (played by Sanaa Lathan), who fall in love while playing basketball. Love & Basketball is a sweet and inspiring film that will leave you feeling hopeful about the power of love.

31. Away We Go

This film follows the story of Burt (played by John Krasinski) and Verona (played by Maya Rudolph), a couple who are expecting their first child. Away We Go is a film that will leave you feeling like family is the most important thing in life.

32. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

This film tells the story of Toula (played by Nia Vardalos), a Greek woman who falls in love with a non-Greek man. My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a funny and heartwarming film that will leave you feeling proud of your culture and heritage.This is one of the best romantic comedies, and they are filming the third one now!

33. The Big Chill

This film follows the story of a group of college friends who reunite after the death of one of their own and are forced to reflect upon their own lives. This is a good movie if you’re in a thoughtful-and-nostalgic mood.

34. Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind

This film tells the story of Joel (played by Jim Carrey) and Clementine (played by Kate Winslet), a couple who have their memories erased after they break up.

35. Coco Before Chanel

This film tells the story of Coco Chanel (played by Audrey Tautou), a fashion icon who changed the way women dress.

36. The Devil Wears Prada

This film tells the story of Andy (played by Anne Hathaway), a young woman who lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine. The Devil Wears Prada is a funny and stylish film that will leave you feeling like you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.

37. Waitress

This film follows the story of Jenna (played by Keri Russell), a waitress who is pregnant and stuck in a loveless marriage. Waitress is a touching and relatable film that will leave you feeling like there is hope for a better life.

38. Little Miss Sunshine

This film follows the story of Olive (played by Abigail Breslin), a young girl who enters a beauty pageant. Little Miss Sunshine is a funny and heartwarming film that will leave you feeling like family is the most important thing in life.

39. Juno

This film follows the story of Juno (played by Ellen Page), a teenage girl who becomes pregnant and has to deal with the consequences. Juno is a funny and thoughtful film that will leave you feeling like teenage pregnancy is not the end of the world.

40. Slumdog Millionaire

This film follows the story of Jamal (played by Dev Patel), a young man from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on a game show.

41. The Pursuit of Happyness

This film follows the true story of Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith), a man who goes from being homeless to becoming a successful stockbroker. The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring and heartwarming film that will leave you feeling like anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

42. Interstellar

This film follows the story of Cooper (played by Matthew McConaughey), a former astronaut who must save the world from an impending disaster.

43. The Theory of Everything

This film tells the true story of Stephen Hawking (played by Eddie Redmayne), a world-renowned physicist who is diagnosed with ALS.

44. 127 Hours

This film tells the true story of Aron Ralston (played by James Franco), a mountain climber who is stranded in a canyon and must cut off his own arm to escape and save his own life. This movie is gritty but based on a true story.

45. Celeste and Jesse Forever

This film follows the story of Celeste (played by Rashida Jones) and Jesse (played by Andy Samberg), a couple who are getting divorced but still remain friends. Because some of the best but hardest things to learn are life lessons.

46. The Spectacular Now

This film follows the story of Sutter (played by Miles Teller), a high school senior who falls in love with a girl who is not interested in him. This is a story about the first time for many things, love, loss, and growing up.

47. The Fault in Our Stars

This film follows the story of Hazel (played by Shailene Woodley), a teenage girl who has cancer and falls in love with a boy who is also sick. The relationship between these two teenage cancer patients is moving and thought-provoking, and will leave you feeling like love is worth fighting for.

48. Begin Again

This film follows the story of Gretta (played by Keira Knightley) and Dan (played by Mark Ruffalo), a couple who are trying to make it in the music industry.

49. The Edge of Seventeen

This film follows the story of Nadine (played by Hailee Steinfeld), a teenage girl who is going through a tough time in her life. The Edge of Seventeen is a funny and relatable film that will leave you feeling like things will get better. Real talk, this movie will hit you in the heart if you were ever an awkward, lonely teenage girl. A true coming of age story!

50. Lady Bird

This film follows the story of Christine (played by Saoirse Ronan), a teenage girl who is trying to find her place in the world. Lady Bird is a funny and relatable film that will leave you feeling like things will get better.

It’s hard to say what the greatest film of all time is because there are so many amazing movies across cinema history worth watching. We hope you find a new favorite for yourself and enjoy a little time spent with friends.