Bollywood movies to ease pain of a tough breakup: From Jab We Met, Tu Jhooti Mai Makkaar to Dear Zindagi

If you're healing from heartbreak, these Bollywood breakup movies are a must-see. They'll offer you a fresh perspective and help you find your way through the tough times.

By Sanchi Gupta

Updated on Nov 04, 2023 | 04:00 PM IST | 708.6K

Bollywood movies to ease pain of a tough breakup: From Jab We Met to Dear Zindagi

Picture Courtesy - IMDb

Classic Bollywood breakup scenes often feature the heroine in tears on a satin-covered bed, while the hero dramatically paces below her balcony. They both sing the same song, complete with burnt letters, closed windows, and a windswept sidewalk confrontation.

But times have changed. Modern Bollywood breakup movies take a more mature and sensible approach. They've evolved from melodramatic tearjerkers to a subtler, realistic portrayal of heartbreak. Check out our list of the best Bollywood heartbreak movies, including classics like Jab We Met, Dear Zindagi, and Cocktail, offering a fresh perspective on breakups and helping you navigate them with a different outlook.

Top Bollywood films for healing after a tough breakup

1. Tu Jhooti Mai Makkaar (2023)

IMDb Rating: 6/10
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor
Director: Luv Ranjan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix

Step into the world of Tu Jhooti Mai Makkaar, one of Bollywood's finest breakup movies that has the magical ability to lift your spirits, even during the toughest times. In this cinematic delight, Ranbir Kapoor takes on the role of a breakup facilitator with a twist, joined by the charismatic Shraddha Kapoor. The plot weaves a fascinating love triangle, unraveling the complexities between the girl, the boy, and the boy's family.

2. Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022)

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Stars: Kiara Advani, Varun Dhawan, Neetu Singh, Anil Kapoor
Director: Raj Mehta
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime

JugJugg Jeeyo is like a warm, comforting blanket for your watchlist. It's particularly appealing if you're navigating the tumultuous waters of a painful divorce. The movie reminds us that sometimes, we tenaciously cling to connections that weigh us down with sorrow rather than lifting us up with joy.

3. Veere Di Wedding (2018)

IMDb Rating: 3.3/10
Stars: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhasker, Shikha Talsania
Director: Shashanka Ghosh
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime

When life gets a bit rough, some downtime with your besties can do wonders. Veere Di Wedding is all about four childhood pals who've always had each other's backs. Watching it with your own gang of friends will surely brighten your day, making you feel lighter and more relaxed. It's a movie that celebrates the power of friendship, the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, and, of course, the magic of laughter and love. So, gather your squad, grab some popcorn, and let the good times roll.

4. Dear Zindagi (2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar
Director: Gauri Shinde
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix

In Dear Zindagi, Alia Bhatt beautifully delves into Kiara's character, unraveling her struggles with abandonment issues and her eventual journey towards therapy. This film serves up a gentle reminder that there's often a profound reason why certain relationships don't stand the test of time. It encourages us to release our grip on the past and make space for new beginnings.

5. Tamasha (2015)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix

Tamasha dives into the life of a guy who's fed up with the cookie-cutter routine of modern life. Ranbir Kapoor is Ved, our hero, tired of the humdrum job scene. Then he meets Tara, played by Deepika Padukone, during a holiday, and sparks fly. Back in Delhi, they kindle their love, but things move slower than a sloth on a coffee break. Tara gets restless and decides to hit the brakes on their relationship. It's a story about self-exploration and the twists and turns of love – relatable and thought-provoking, all in one package.

6. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin, Aditya Roy Kapur
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix / Amazon Prime

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani isn't your everyday Bollywood romance. It's more like a friendly nudge to chase your dreams and feel the freedom it brings. Plus, it dives into unrequited love, letting you in on the fact that life might not always tie up loose ends, but that's okay. Just keep that smile going and move forward because happiness often pops up when you least expect it.

7. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)

IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Stars: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Imran Khan, Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah
Director: Shakun Batra
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu is one of those Bollywood heartbreak movies that gently nudges you to accept the hard truth – sometimes, our love is one-sided, and there's no changing that. You can't will someone to love you back, no matter how deep your feelings run. That's the lesson Rahul learns the hard way. Riana was never in love with him, and he had to come to terms with it.

8. Cocktail (2012)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Stars: Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Diana Penty
Director: Homi Adajania
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Jio Cinema/ Zee5/ Amazon Prime

Cocktail is the kind of film that will inspire you to embrace life's challenges, put on a bit of mascara, and confidently take on the world, just like Veronica. In the movie, all three characters—Veronica, Gautam, and Meera—experience heartache and eventually find their paths in life. It's a story of resilience and self-discovery that reminds us that we have the strength to face life's curveballs with grace and style.

9. Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Stars: Kartik Aaryan, Divyendu Sharma, Nushrratt Baruccha, Ishita Raj Sharma, Sonnalli Seygall
Director: Luv Ranjan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix

Pyar Ka Punchnama is a cult classic, and it's not hard to see why. This movie is guaranteed to put a grin on your face with its relatable take on friendships and relationships. It follows the romantic escapades of three buddies and is a great watch for those who might occasionally overlook the sacred bro codes when caught up in a relationship.

10. Jab We Met (2007)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Stars: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor
Director: Imtiaz Alia
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix

Jab We Met is a tale of two strangers who meet on a train. One is heartbroken, and the other is a bundle of joy and laughter. They navigate through their past relationships and learn the art of starting fresh.