All hail Leslie Knope and her ludicrous holiday creation – Galentine’s Day! It’s hard to believe the holiday’s origins were that wonderfully silly tv show, Parks and Recreation, back in 2010.
Of course, we should appreciate our BFFs year round, and the name Galentine’s Day feels a little cringe-y, but that was all part of its origination. Leslie’s unfettered passion for her girlfriends should and shall be celebrated on February 13th.
And what better way to honor this tradition than by watching a bust-gutting movie about besties?
Movies about women coming together to defy odds or rekindle neglected friendships have been highlighting the depth and delicacy of female kinship since film’s early days. Pictures like “The Women” (1939), “9 to 5” (1980), and “Thelma and Louis” (1991) allowed female movie-goers to discuss and connect over relatable stories and relationships.
Today, the genre continues to release heart-warming, and relatable stories that make us laugh, cry, and celebrate our unique womanness (made up word alert.)
So, whether you’re gathering with your friends or just missing them on G-Day, here is the Old Maid’s Guide to the 5 funniest, girlfriend-poweriest movies of the last decade to celebrate with.
My completely subjective criteria:
- Mostly female cast
- Women supporting each other
- Comedic charm – in reverence of the holiday’s origins
- Released in the last ten years
- Available to stream
Joy Ride – 2023
I just watched this movie again and I did not give it enough credit the first time around. This movie is laugh-out-loud funny and endearing at the same time. The cast is incredible, the writing is smart, it moves along quickly, and there are surprises around every corner. All that along with a beautiful travelogue of China and Korea, this checks all the boxes and hits the top of my Galentine’s Day movie picks. Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Barb and Star go to VIsta Del Mar – 2021
Another Kristen Wiig banger, Barb and Star are mid-life, mid-west and ready to go on a good old-fashioned soul-douching getaway to Vista Del Mar, Florida. These two women discover their true strengths while saving a town and their own friendship. It’s a real tit-flapper. Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Girls Trip – 2017
This is a romp through New Orleans with four women who each have their issues – don’t we all? College friends reunite and drive each other crazy, but also fall back into the tight bond they had back when they were the Flossy Posse. Quite a few celeb cameos and some really funny gags – watch out below! Available on Prime and Max.
Ghostbusters – 2016
As a Gen-Xer, it’s almost criminal to remake an ‘80s great like “Ghostbusters.” It’s like trying to forge a Nagel poster. But, I did it “for the blog” – and guess what Mikey? I liked it! As far as girls coming together and supporting each other, these old childhood friends and new oddball besties (Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate Mckinnon, and Leslie Jones) kick some serious slime ass. It’s goofy and a little corny, and very much in the same vein as the original. Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Sisters – 2015
Not technically a girlfriends movie and just barely making the decade cutoff, two sisters who live very separate lives, are brought together by their shared history. They decide to celebrate the loss of their childhood home with one last all-out throwback house party. For me, this is as much about the amazing cast as the storyline. Watching the founder of Galentine’s Day (Amy Poehler) and her amazing gaggle of real-life friends come together (Tina Fey, Rachel Draecht, Maya Rudolph, and Paula Pell who also wrote the screenplay) makes this so much fun to watch. Available on Netflix.
If these movies inspire you to make more girlfriends, check out the Old Maid’s Guide to “How to Make Friends After 50”
Have a Happy Galentine’s Day! 💗 Let me know if I missed any of your favorite fem-flicks in the comments.
