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12 Galentine’s Romance Recs Featuring Strong Friendships

  • evemrileyauthor
  • Feb 10
  • 4 min read

Because love is great, but your ride-or-die girls are magic.


Every February, the world screams about roses, candlelit dinners, and romantic grand gestures. And look, I love all of that. But I also love celebrating something just as swoony… friendship. The fierce, chaotic, loyal kind that keeps us standing, laughing, crying, and occasionally texting someone “tell me I’m not being dramatic but…”


So this Galentine’s Day, I wanted to put romance aside for a second and spotlight stories that show strong female friendships. Some feature romance too, some are pure friendship gold, and all of them remind us that platonic love is just as powerful as the kiss-at-midnight type.


Here are my ultimate Galentine’s romance recs for a cozy night filled with snacks, laughs, and fictional women who would absolutely hype you up in real life.


Books Featuring Amazing Female Friendships📚


1. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Ann Brashares

A classic for a reason. Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget carry each other through heartbreaks, adventures, and coming-of-age chaos. Their bond is messy and real and beautifully imperfect. A perfect pick if you want a hit of nostalgia and a celebration of unshakeable girlhood.


2. The Soulmate Equation – Christina Lauren

Yes there’s swoon, but the heart of this book is Jess and her best friend Fizzy. They support each other like real grown women do. Honest conversations, calling each other out lovingly, and always showing up with coffee or backup plans.

Turquoise book cover for "Firefly Lane" by Kristin Hannah, with yellow splatters and white text indicating it's a Netflix series.

3. Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah

If you want emotional carnage, look no further. This book follows Kate and Tully through decades of friendship. It’s raw, heartfelt, and proof that sometimes your soulmate is the woman who knows all your terrible hair decisions from every era of your life.


4. The House in the Cerulean Sea – T.J. Klune

Not traditionally a Galentine’s pick, but hear me out. This book is a love letter to found family, compassion, and caring for your people. The female characters are powerful, nurturing, and fierce in all the best ways.


5. Well Met – Jen DeLuca

While the romance is fun, the real treat is Emily forming new friendships with the other women of the Renaissance Faire. It’s warm, supportive, and gives big village-of-women energy.


Book cover with a whimsical house, yellow car, and gate. Text: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Colors: purple, yellow.
6. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches – Sangu Mandanna

If sisterhood and magic had a baby, it would be this book. Mika joins a house full of chaotic witches who become her found family. The ladies in this book carry each other in ways that feel tender and powerful.



Movies Featuring Iconic Female Friendship🎬


1. Bridesmaids

This is the ultimate Galentine’s movie. It is hilarious, chaotic, and full of iconic lines, but what really makes it shine is the friendship between Annie and Lillian. Their relationship is messy and real as they navigate jealousy, life changes, and growing apart. Beneath the comedy is a heartfelt story about how hard and rewarding long-term friendships can be.


2. Legally Blonde

Elle Woods and Paulette Bonafonté are one of the greatest female friendship duos ever created. Snap cup energy forever.


Three performers in blue sequined outfits sing and dance energetically on stage, with colorful lights and a festive background.
3. Mamma Mia & Mamma Mia 2

Donna and the Dynamos steal the show. Their lifelong friendship is full of music, mischief, and unwavering support. Whether they are dancing around in overalls, giving life advice, or helping each other through heartbreak, they embody joyful sisterhood. This is a perfect feel-good watch for Galentine’s night.


4. The Devil Wears Prada

Yes, it is technically not a romance, but Andy and her best friend Lily have a relationship that evolves in meaningful ways. The movie explores how ambition, work, and stress affect friendships. Despite the conflicts, their connection highlights the importance of honesty and forgiveness. Plus, it is stylish, snappy, and full of quotable moments.


5. Booksmart

This movie perfectly captures best friends on the brink of adulthood. Molly and Amy are academic overachievers who decide to live an entire high school’s worth of partying in one night. Their bond is supportive, honest, and full of love, even when they argue or feel insecure. It celebrates the friendships that shape who we are before romance ever enters the picture.


Seven women in sunglasses pose confidently against a purple textured background. Yellow text reads "PITCH PERFECT" at the top.
6. Pitch Perfect

The Bellas are chaotic, dramatic, and incredibly fun. They support each other’s dreams, challenge each other, and create the kind of found family that feels warm and empowering. The music, humor, and camaraderie make this perfect for a group watch.


7. Girls Trip

Wild, funny, supportive, and full of heart. A perfect Galentine’s pick if you want to laugh until you wheeze.


8. Practical Magic

Sisters, witchcraft, loyalty, and margaritas. Enough said.


Final Thoughts

Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the women who make your world brighter. Whether you’re reading together, watching a movie, or group-texting memes until midnight, the love behind female friendship deserves its own holiday.


So grab your favorite snacks, throw on something comfy, and dive into stories that celebrate the kind of love that lasts forever.


Sending love to all of you and your galpals, Eve xx


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