Here’s a fact—female friendships are underrated. While pop culture from the West has been a major catalyst for putting the magical bond at forefront, closer home we still face a dearth. All thanks to the patriarchal social construct that we’ve grown up watching movies and shows which glorify male friendships, or aptly put—bromance. There’s the iconic Sholay, Dil Chahta Hai or perhaps a more contemporary version, 3 Idiots and many more.
Now, as the cult favourite Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara gets a female rendition with a star-studded cast, we can’t help but think how many Bollywood movies have portrayed a woman and her best girls? Yes, you can probably count the number on your fingertips. But if you’re looking to indulge in a movie marathon that’s packed with the warmth of female friendships, then we’ve got you. From Selena Gomez and her girlfriends in Monte Carlo to the iconic Carrie Bradshaw and her favourite New Yorkers in Sex And The City, ahead, find five movies which are perfect for a girls night-in.
1. Clueless (1995)
One of the best teen films of all time, the friendship in Clueless appears to be superficial at the start. But when Cher thinks of her friend Tai as her makeover project, they eventually end up allowing each other to create their own paths in a no-judgement zone. Packed with iconic dialogues bursting with sass and honest lessons about friendships, count on this movie when you need something real and fun.
2. Monte Carlo (2011)
Starring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy, the light-heartedness of Monte Carlo will fill you with all the good feels. Here’s how the plot goes: a young girl named Grace (played by Gomez) is mistaken for a British heiress while vacationing with her best friend and step sister in Paris. The three women are then whisked away to Monte Carlo, Monaco where they discover royalty and romance. Bonus—couch surfing (literally!) to the Mediterranean Sea.
3. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Featuring Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn—The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants follows four childhood best friends who buy a mysterious pair of pants that fits each of them despite their differing sizes. Watch their inseparable bond shine through as they spend their first summer apart from each other.
4. The First Wives Club (1996)
In the mood for revenge? This movie is for you. Starring Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton—the film is packed with snappy one-liners which clearly portray the power of an all-girl team. Here’s what to expect: When three wives are dumped by their husbands for younger women who are models, they set out to seek revenge against them.
5. Sex And The City (2008)
Let’s simply agree that a marathon with your best friends would be incomplete without this movie. From navigating love and marriage to taking impromptu trips—Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda weave the true essence of female friendships through this film which honestly, beats romantic relationships, we’d say!
Photographs: Instagram