10 Break-up films and TV shows to soothe your broken heart

Heartbreak, with its maelstrom of difficult emotions, has been a recurring theme in cinema and television.

Through the lens of various narratives, filmmakers and creators have offered audiences a profound window into the complexities of love and loss.

As you immerse yourself in these ten films and shows, you might find solace, relatability and perhaps a renewed sense of resilience in the face of heartbreak.

The film follows Joel Barish, played by Jim Carrey, who discovers that his ex-girlfriend Clementine, portrayed by Kate Winslet, has undergone a procedure to erase him from her memories.

In a fit of heartache, and also curiosity, Joel decides to undergo the same process. As the memories of their tumultuous relationship are methodically erased, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, delving into the depth of their shared experiences.

The film cleverly blends science fiction elements with a deeply emotional and philosophical exploration of love, memory and the human psyche.

This romantic dramedy dismantles traditional love story tropes and follows Tom Hansen, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as he reflects on his 500-day journey through a failed relationship with Summer Finn, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel.

Tom, a romantic idealist, falls for the enigmatic Summer, who believes in keeping love casual.

The film skilfully dissects the challenges of modern romance, disrupting conventional notions of love and destiny.

As Tom navigates the highs and lows of their connection, 500 Days of Summer offers a relatable portrayal of love's unpredictability and the inevitable fallout that comes with unrequited affection. 

Starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, The Break-Up follows the end of a romantic relationship, when this seemingly mismatched couple decide to part ways but continue sharing their luxury condominium.

The narrative humorously unfolds as the ex-couple navigates the awkwardness of cohabitation, leading to a series of comedic clashes and moments of introspection.

The Break-Up strikes a balance between laughs and genuine insights into love and compatibility, making it a humorous yet relatable take on the aftermath of a failed romance.

Someone Great stars Gina Rodriguez as a music journalist who, after a devastating breakup with her long-term boyfriend, embarks on a final adventure with her two best friends before moving across the country for a new job.

The narrative intertwines themes of friendship, self-discovery and the resilience needed to navigate life's unexpected turns.

As the trio embarks on a whirlwind night in New York City, the film explores the highs and lows of love, loss and the profound bonds that sustain us during times of heartbreak. 

Set in modern-day Los Angeles, the film follows aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) as they navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams in a city known for both its glamour and heartbreak.

The narrative unfolds through a series of enchanting musical numbers that capture the magic of the duo's burgeoning love story.

As Mia and Sebastian's careers and romance face inevitable crossroads, La La Land dives into themes of ambition, compromise and the bittersweet realities of chasing one's passion. 

Marriage Story is a raw and nuanced exploration of the dissolution of a marriage. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, the film chronicles the intricacies of divorce proceedings as the couple navigates the legal, emotional and personal challenges that arise.

The film is a poignant examination of the turbulence of divorce, the impact on family dynamics and the quest for personal and professional identity amidst the tumultuous process of untangling lives. 

Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, the film juxtaposes the early, hopeful days of the protagonists’ relationship with the disintegration of their marriage years later.

Through a non-linear narrative, the film delves into the complexities of their bond, revealing both the passionate beginnings and its painful breakdown.

Gosling and Williams deliver fraught, compelling performances that capture love's fractious evolution, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer's understanding of the fragility and resilience of human connection. 

This critically acclaimed comedy-drama series transports viewers to the vibrant world of 1950s New York City. The show follows the journey of Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a seemingly perfect housewife whose life takes an unexpected turn when her husband leaves her for his secretary.

Fuelled by a newfound passion for stand-up comedy, Midge defies societal norms and embarks on a career in the male-dominated world of stand-up, eager to make a name for herself now that she is freed from being only a housewife. 

This series follows the life of a record store owner navigating relationships and personal growth in her thirties. Set in the eclectic backdrop of Brooklyn, Zoë Kravitz’s character—Robyn—reflects on past romantic failures while running her store, Championship Vinyl.

The series delves into the trials of finding love through Robyn's interactions with ex-partners, exploring themes of heartache, nostalgia and the perpetual quest for self-understanding.

Kravitz's charismatic portrayal gives High Fidelity a modern and relatable charm as she navigates the highs and lows of love in the digital age.

Based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, Eat Pray Love is a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.

Starring Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, the film follows a successful writer who, after a painful divorce, embarks on a year-long quest for self-renewal. Dividing her time among Italy, India and Indonesia, Elizabeth seeks pleasure, spiritual enlightenment and balance.

Eat Pray Love beautifully captures Gilbert's introspective odyssey, offering a visually captivating and emotionally resonant portrayal of resilience, personal growth, and the universal quest for a more fulfilling life.