Your 30s are all about refinement—of goals, relationships, and identity. If you’re looking for films that resonate with this stage of life, here’s a curated list that celebrates strength, vulnerability, and reinvention.
💼 1. Julie & Julia (2009)
A charming dual narrative about Julia Child’s culinary legacy and Julie Powell’s journey to find purpose. It’s perfect for anyone balancing ambition with uncertainty.
🌟 2. Eat Pray Love (2010)
Elizabeth Gilbert’s quest across Italy, India, and Bali captures the messy beauty of starting over. Ideal for anyone craving self-renewal and adventure.
🧳 3. Wild (2014)
Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, this film explores grief, healing, and self-discovery through a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.
🖋 4. Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation is a nostalgic and timely reflection on choice, sisterhood, and creative ambition. Jo March will always be iconic.
💔 5. Marriage Story (2019)
A nuanced portrayal of love, divorce, and identity. It reminds us that endings can be beginnings, even when they’re deeply painful.
💃 6. The Intern (2015)
A heartwarming story about intergenerational wisdom and women in leadership. Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of a modern CEO is both aspirational and real.
📸 7. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
A post-divorce story set in Italy that blends heartbreak, laughter, and home renovation. It’s about building beauty out of brokenness.
🍷 8. Wine Country (2019)
Funny, relatable, and refreshingly imperfect. This film about longtime friends reconnecting during a wine tour in Napa is pure 30s energy—gritty and graceful.
🎭 9. Frances Ha (2012)
A quirky, poetic look at the in-between moments of adulthood. Frances’s drifting journey reflects the rawness and joy of figuring it out.
👩🔬 10. Hidden Figures (2016)
Smart, inspiring, and deeply moving. It celebrates three brilliant Black women whose work at NASA helped launch space missions—perfect for fueling your own inner mission.
These films aren’t just entertainment—they’re emotional checkpoints. Whether you need courage, clarity, or just a reason to laugh through the chaos, each one offers a window into the multifaceted reality of womanhood.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
That Madras Mom 
I really appreciate how you’ve put together these films that beautifully reflect what it’s like to be in your 30s.
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I have only watched a few from this list of must watch films for women in their 30s but I think they are greta recommendations that celebrate life , living, independence and gratitude.
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These movies are a good list of movies to watch for young girls setting out in life and leading it with confidence. Except Frances Ha, I have watched the others and can vouch that they are all good.
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I’m glad to find some of my favorite movies on this fantastic list.
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Out of these, I am yet to watch Marriage Story and Frances Ha. In fact, I have not heard of the latter. The list is perfect.
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What a thoughtful mix of stories that speak right to the heart of life in your 30s. The way you balance films that explore friendships, motherhood, career shifts, and self‑discovery is just perfect.
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What a wonderful list it is! I’ve watched the first two , I’m definitely going to watch the other ones. Saving the names of these movies for my future-watchlist!
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I’ve watched two out of this list. Now, added another 8 to my bucket list. This just adds to my OTT addiction!
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This list gets it. The 30s are weird, you’re wiser, but also crying over animated films and googling ‘how to find yourself again’. Definitely bookmarking this for my next solo movie night.
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Though not a big movie person, this sounds a good list to watch!
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Love this list! I’ve watched a few like Eat Pray Love and The Intern and absolutely loved them. Adding the rest to my weekend watchlist.
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I watched Little women last month. Also loving this list. Want to try Eat prey love first. Thank you for the curation!
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Thanks for this curated list. Well, I’m not in my thirties anymore, yet I think it’s never too late to get the bus. I have watched some, though, but I love when someone recommends it so I know what I can look forward to.
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Ah, I have watched most of the movies from this list and they are brilliant. Will check out the rest too! 🙂
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Thank you for this list. I have watched Eat Pray Love and The Intern from the list. They are fabulous movies. So, I am sure the others would be too. Got a a long list to cover now!
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I have watched a few out of this list and read a few . Not sure when I will get to them but I quite liked your reasoning on why you posted them
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I’ve seen only a few from this list . Haven’t watched Marriage Storyor , Frances Ha yet, didn’t even know the latter. Great list.
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I am not a movie buff, but your movie list is tempting and exciting. Saving it for my 30s
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I have watched them all and I must say that it’s a great list! Of course being a Nancy Meyers fan, the intern is my favorite!
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Good list. Happy that I’ve seen many of them. Eat Pray Love being one of my favourites.
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Your curated list felt like a gentle embrace—a celebration of identity, strength, and reinvention in our 30s. It reminded me how stories mirror our personal growth journeys. Thank you for this gift.
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I’ve added a few to my watch list!
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