Movies are a great escape from reality. They take us to different worlds, and provide us with an escape from our daily lives. Whether you’re into action, comedy, drama, romance, or horror, there’s something for everyone. But while movies are usually a social experience, with friends, family or a significant other, sometimes it’s better to watch them alone. There’s a certain magic that comes with watching a movie in solitude, and it can be a truly immersive experience.

For starters, when you watch a movie alone, you can truly focus on the film without any distractions. There’s no need to worry about who’s talking during the quiet parts, or if someone’s phone is ringing. You can fully immerse yourself in the world of the movie and be transported to a different place. This is especially true for films that require your full attention and require you to be fully in the moment.

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But some movies are not just better to watch alone, they’re better watched in solitude because of the type of movie they are. For example, some films contain explicit physical intimacy scenes that can make you feel uncomfortable watching with friends, family, or parents. These films are designed to make you feel a certain way, and that feeling can be ruined by someone else in the room. So, if you want to fully enjoy these films and their intended impact, it’s best to watch them alone.

That being said, watching movies alone can provide a unique and immersive experience that can’t be replicated when watching with others. And for some films, it’s just better to watch them without people around you. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of movies you should definitely watch alone!

15 Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)

Noémie Merlant as Marianne & Adèle Haenel as Héloïse
Pyramide Films

If you're in the mood for a love story that's a little unconventional, then Portrait Of A Lady On Fire is the movie for you. This beautiful and visually stunning film is set in the late 18th century and follows the story of a painter who is commissioned to paint a portrait of a wealthy young woman who is set to be married. The two women develop an intense connection as they work on the painting, and their relationship blossoms into a beautiful and forbidden love affair. The film is a feast for the eyes and the heart, with its stunning cinematography, touching score, and emotional performances. But be warned, this is a movie best watched alone, as the intimate moments between the two women may make some viewers uncomfortable.

14 Her (2013)

Joaquin Phoenix Her
Warner Bros. Pictures

Her is a movie that takes us to the future and shows us a love story unlike any other. The film follows the story of Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who falls in love with his artificially intelligent operating system, named Samantha. The film is a unique and thought-provoking look at what it means to love and be loved, and it will have you questioning the boundaries of reality and technology. The scenes between Theodore and Samantha are intense, emotional, and at times, intimate. This movie demands attention and should be watched alone, as it may make some viewers uncomfortable.

13 Sound Of Metal (2019)

Sound of Metal - Riz Ahmed
Amazon Studios

Sound of Metal is a movie that will take you on an emotional journey through the senses. The film follows the story of a heavy metal drummer who suddenly loses his hearing, and must come to terms with the changes in his life. The film is a powerful and moving story of acceptance and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The scenes in the movie that demand your full attention include the moments when the protagonist starts losing his hearing, and the film's powerful sound design puts you in the shoes of the character, making you feel what he feels. This is a movie that should definitely be watched alone, as it's a deeply personal and introspective experience.

12 Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)

Woman and young look at each other.
TeaTime Pictures

What hasn’t been said about Cooper Raiff that needs to be said again? Cha Cha Real Smooth follows the story of a 20-something guy named Andrew, played by Cooper Raiff, who, through a series of thoroughly enjoyable and humorous events, ends up working the job of a bar mitzvah host. Along the way, he befriends Domino, played by Dakota Johnson, and her daughter.

This is not your usual coming-of-age story where the main character is so absorbed by their own self-discovery that they forget to be kind towards others. Cooper Raiff fleshes out a character who looks out for his little brother, does everything in his power to make Domino’s daughter feel comfortable, and loves his mother a bit too much. Without losing it’s casually earnest intimacy, Cha Cha Real Smooth manages to stay effortlessly humorous and unprovocative, calling for an entrancing and unbothered viewing experience.

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11 Lost in Translation (2003)

Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation
Focus Features

Do you remember the last time you felt lost in a foreign land? That's exactly what Lost in Translation explores - the feeling of being alone in a place where you don't belong. The movie follows the story of Bob Harris, a famous American actor who travels to Japan for a whiskey commercial. He meets Charlotte, a young college graduate who is equally lost in life. Together, they explore the bustling city of Tokyo, experiencing the cultural differences and the feeling of being out of place.

The film is a beautiful portrayal of the unlikely friendship between two people who find solace in each other's company. The characters are well-developed, and the story is told in a way that demands your undivided attention. The quiet and intimate moments between Bob and Charlotte are what make the film a true masterpiece. If you want to experience the beauty of this film, it's best watched alone, where you can fully immerse yourself in their world.

10 Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)

Christian being an abuse monster and strangling Anastasia in Fifty Shades of Grey
Universal Pictures

Fifty Shades of Grey explores the world of dominance in the intimate sense of the word and the power dynamic between two people. The movie follows the story of Anastasia Steele, a shy and innocent college graduate who meets Christian Grey, a handsome and successful businessman with a dark secret. As they delve deeper into their contractual relationship, they both explore their own desires and limitations.

The film is a steamy and sensual journey that demands your attention. The scenes between Anastasia and Christian are not just intimate but also explicit. If you're looking for a movie that is made to be provocative, this is definitely a must-watch. However, it's best watched alone, where you can fully immerse yourself in these two characters. So, if you're feeling adventurous, grab a glass of wine and get ready to explore your darker desires with Fifty Shades of Grey.

9 Titane (2021)

Titane
Kazak Productions

A movie that captivates the audience from start to finish, Titane is a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and in a complex and twisted way, love. The main character, a young woman named Adrien, who has a titanium plate inserted in her head, is on the run and finds herself in a series of jarring events. Along the way, she stumbles upon a man who has been on the search for his son for over 10 years. From the impersonation as the man’s long-lost son to the main character’s unexplained murderous intent, Titane is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography and an engaging storyline.

For those who appreciate the beauty in quiet moments, Titane does not feature a lot of dialogue, hence requiring your full attention. However, some visuals of body horror are too disturbing to be watched in the company of another person. With a focus on character development and relationships, this film is perfect for a solo viewing experience.

8 Borat (2006)

Borat Pam Anderson

A movie that will have you in stitches from start to finish, Borat is a cultural satire that takes aim at the American way of life. The film follows the journey of a Kazakhstan journalist as he travels to America to make a documentary about American culture. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters who are both endearing and frustrating, and he becomes embroiled in a series of hilarious and outrageous situations. Borat is a movie that demands a solo viewing experience. With its explicit content and outrageous humor, this film is not for the faint of heart. But for those who appreciate a good laugh, Borat is a must-watch. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the hundredth, this movie will have you in stitches and leave you feeling grateful for the absurdity of life.

7 Newness (2017)

Newness

A film that explores the complexities of love and relationships, Newness is a movie that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The film follows two characters, Martin and Gabi, as they navigate the ups and downs of dating in the digital age. As they search for something real and meaningful in a world of endless possibilities, they are forced to confront the realities of love, commitment, and the role technology plays in our lives.

With its focus on character development and the emotional dynamics of relationships, Newness is a movie that requires a solo viewing experience. The film is an intimate exploration of love and the challenges that come with finding something real and meaningful in a world of endless possibilities. So, grab a box of tissues and get ready to be transported to a world of heartbreak, hope, and the complexities of love.

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6 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Sony Pictures

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a thrilling and intense ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The film follows the story of Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist who is hired to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy family member. Along the way, he meets Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker who assists him in his investigation. The characters are well-written and expertly portrayed, making them feel like real people. The film is also incredibly suspenseful, with many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. However, the scenes that require complete attention and being alone are the intense and graphic sexual scenes that are not meant to be watched with others.

5 American Pie (1999)

american pie
Universal Pictures

American Pie is a classic coming-of-age comedy that will have you laughing from beginning to end. The film follows a group of high school friends as they navigate their way through the ups and downs of teenage life, including their attempts to lose their virginity. The characters are lovable and relatable, and the humor is spot-on. From Jim's infamous apple pie scene to Finch's hilarious antics, there are plenty of moments that will have you in stitches. However, the film is not meant to be watched with parents or grandparents due to its explicit sexual content.

4 The Fountain (2006)

The traveler meditates in space in The Fountain
Warner Bros. Pictures

The Fountain is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that explores the concept of love and life itself. The film follows the journey of a man as he travels through three different time periods, all in search of the fountain of youth. The film is a visual feast, with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. The characters are complex and captivating, and the film is full of moments that will make you think long after the movie is over. However, the film is best watched alone as it requires your full attention in its themes.

3 Pleasure (2021)

Pleasure 2021
AB Svensk Filmindustri

Pleasure is a bold and intimate film that explores the complexities of desire, passion, and the human body. The movie follows the journey of a young woman named Bella Cherry, who is on a quest to become the world’s biggest pornstar. To say that Pleasure is Sofia Kappel’s first ever acting role is actually what’s going to have you shook.

With stunning cinematography and an unflinching honesty, the film explores the power differences in the porn industry and takes us through a world of sensual experiences that are as raw as they are unsettling. The characters are complex and layered, and the film explores their deepest desires and fears with a frank, honest, and truly important female gaze. The scenes that demand attention are the ones that showcase the intense and intimate physical moments between the characters. Pleasure is a film that will leave you with a sense of shock and wonder, and it’s best watched alone, for a lot of reasons.

2 Love (2015)

Love 2015
Rectangle Productions 

Love is a beautifully crafted film that explores the complicated and messy world of love and relationships. The movie takes us through a heart-wrenching journey of a couple who are struggling to keep their relationship alive. The characters are raw, real, and relatable, and their struggles will leave you feeling both moved and heartbroken. The film is beautifully shot and has some stunning scenes that demand attention. The film’s tender moments are best watched alone, as the experience is more intimate and personal when you’re not surrounded by others.

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1 Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (2021)

Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy
Reel Pictures / Incline

Ryusuke Hamaguchi has a way of pulling you in with even the most mundane of stories. Such is the concept of Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy. The film is a whimsical and visual treat that takes us through the lives of three women who are delicately tracing back their lives and its unexpected trajectory. From something as routine as a love triangle to a rousing and seductive narrative from one of the main characters, this movie encounters all sorts of emotions and pulls at your heartstrings with its breathtaking rhymes.

Like every Hamaguchi movie, this one also has an underlying air of the unexpected with little ironies we fail to notice in everyday lives. The characters are rich portraits of existential ambiguity and the themes are deeply charming. This film is best watched alone, as the experience is more immersive and personal when you’re not surrounded by others.