10 of my favourite movies that feature middle-aged women

I love watching movies featuring middle-aged women. Because when I see myself represented and can relate to the experiences, I feel seen, validated and celebrated. Do you feel the same way?

Movies featuring middle-aged women

Oh wow, writing this post made me quite nostalgic because many of these movies are OLD. It’s also made me want to watch some of the older ones again because I wasn’t in midlife when I first watched them! So I’m sure I’ll gain even more from them now.

Shirley Valentine (1989)

This is a charming comedy-drama about Shirley, a middle-aged housewife from Liverpool who’s feeling stuck in her routine and undervalued by her husband. When she gets a chance to go on a spontaneous trip to Greece with a friend, Shirley grabs it and finds herself rediscovering her love for life. She dives into new adventures and starts redefining who she is. The film is all about finding yourself, feeling empowered, and having the guts to break away from what others expect of you.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

“Under the Tuscan Sun” follows Frances, a writer who, after a painful divorce, impulsively buys a rundown villa in Tuscany. As she renovates the house and navigates Italian culture, she meets new friends and slowly rebuilds her life. The film explores self-discovery, resilience, and new beginnings amid life’s challenges.

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

“Something’s Gotta Give” is a romantic comedy that centres on Harry, a perennial bachelor in his 60s, who is used to dating much younger women. His world is turned upside down when he unexpectedly falls for Erica, the accomplished mother of his latest girlfriend. As Harry and Erica navigate their budding romance, they confront the complexities of love, ageing, and vulnerability. Meanwhile, Erica finds herself in a love triangle with Harry and her handsome, much younger doctor. The film explores the unpredictability of love at any age.

And some slightly newer movies featuring middle-aged women

It’s Complicated (2009)

“It’s Complicated” is a romantic comedy about Jane, a bakery owner, who finds herself in an unexpected love triangle. After years of being divorced from her ex-husband Jake, they unexpectedly reignite their romance, despite Jake being remarried. At the same time, Jane starts to develop feelings for her architect, Adam. As Jane navigates this complex situation, she must decide between rekindling the past or embracing a new future. The film explores the challenges of love, relationships, and starting over in midlife.

This is 40 (2012)

“This Is 40” is a fun and relatable comedy. Pete and Debbie are navigating the ups and downs of turning 40. As they juggle their careers, family life, and the inevitable midlife crises, the film takes a humorous look at their struggles and triumphs. It turns out, there is plenty to laugh about while finding balance and joy as we grow older.

Still Alice (2014)

“Still Alice” is a heartfelt drama about Alice Howland, a famous linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. As her memory and cognitive skills start to fade, Alice finds it tough to keep her sense of self and stay close to her family. The film touches on her journey as she deals with the tough challenges of the illness while trying to hold on to who she is. It dives into themes of identity, family, and the strength we find within ourselves when life throws us a curveball.

Bookclub (2018)

“Book Club” is a comedy featuring four lifelong friends—Diane, Vivian, Sharon, and Carol—whose lives are turned upside down when they decide to read “Fifty Shades of Grey” in their monthly book club. The novel’s provocative themes inspire the women to embark on bold new adventures in their personal lives, from rekindling old romances to exploring new relationships. As they each confront their desires and insecurities, the friends are reinvigorated and more connected than ever, proving that life and love can still surprise you at any age.

And some more recent movies featuring middle-aged women

Wine Country (2019)

To celebrate Rebecca’s 50th birthday, Abby organises a picturesque trip to Napa with their closest, longtime friends. The group includes workaholic Catherine, recovering Val, homebody Jenny, and exhausted mom Naomi, who are all excited to unwind and reconnect. However, as the drinks keep coming, real-life worries start to seep into the laughter and conversations, resulting in the women questioning their friendships and what lies ahead. I had so many laughs in this movie.

Good luck to you, Leo Grande (2022)

“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” is a dramedy about Nancy, a retired widow and former teacher, who, after a lifetime of unfulfilling sex, hires a young sex worker named Leo Grande to explore her long-suppressed desires. Over a series of meetings in a hotel room, Nancy and Leo engage in candid conversations about sex, self-acceptance, and intimacy. As they break down each other’s walls, both characters experience personal growth and challenge societal expectations. It also leads to a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.

You Hurt My Feelings (2023)

“You Hurt My Feelings” is a dramedy that centres on Beth, a successful author, who overhears her husband, Don, expressing doubts about her latest book. This is a stark contrast to his usual unwavering support. This revelation shakes Beth’s confidence and strains their marriage as they grapple with honesty, self-doubt, and the complexities of their relationship. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is so good in this movie.

You may also want to read: The 7 Packing Mistakes I Made on My Recent Summer Holiday

Here are some bonus movies to check out:

Fried Green Tomatoes

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Terms of Endearment

Eat Pray Love

Sideways

Hope Springs

The Bridges of Madison County

Enough Said

Gloria Bell

August: Osage County

Thelma and Louise

Death Becomes Her

Juanita

The Big Chill

I had so much fun putting this list together. Which of these movies featuring middle-aged women have you watched and enjoyed? Let me know in the comments.

Also, are there more movies featuring middle-aged women that you’d add to this list? I’ll check the comments and update this post with any new suggestions.

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