Loved The Girlfriend? Here Are 10 Must-Watch Films on Toxic Love & Survival

Mumbai, November 16, 2025: Rashmika Mandanna’s new film, ‘The Girlfriend’, is making a lot of noise. The movie is a powerful and emotional drama. It shows the dark side of a relationship that turns toxic, controlling, and abusive. The film’s story of a woman finding her voice and self-worth is connecting with audiences everywhere.

If you have watched The Girlfriend and are looking for more movies with similar, powerful themes, you are in luck. Many Indian films have explored these complex subjects. According to trade buzz, the demand for realistic emotional dramas is at an all-time high. We’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing films about strong women, difficult relationships, and self-discovery that you can stream right now. As per streaming reports, these films are all available on popular Indian OTT platforms.

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10 Movies Like The Girlfriend to Add to Your Watchlist

This list includes films that show what happens when love turns into control. They are stories of fighting back, finding yourself, and breaking free from toxic bonds.

The Must-Watch Hindi Films

These Bollywood movies are famous for their strong female characters who take a stand against bad relationships.

1. Thappad (2020)

• Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video

This film is a modern masterpiece. A happily married woman’s life is shattered when her husband slaps her once at a party. The story follows her quiet but firm decision not to “let it go.” It perfectly shows how a single, violent act can expose the hidden toxicity in a “perfect” marriage.

2. Darlings (2022)

• Where to Stream: Netflix

This film is a dark comedy, but its theme is very serious. Alia Bhatt plays a woman in an abusive marriage. She hopes her husband will change. When he crosses a line, she and her mother decide to take matters into their own hands. It’s a sharp, funny, and powerful movie about fighting back.

3. Queen (2014)

• Where to Stream: Netflix

This is the ultimate self-discovery film. A day before her wedding, a young woman’s fiancé dumps her. He says she is too “simple” for him. Heartbroken, she decides to go on their honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam all by herself. It’s a beautiful and funny story about how she finds her own strength and confidence.

4. English Vinglish (2012)

• Where to Stream: Zee5

This film is about a different kind of toxic relationship: family. A quiet housewife (played by Sridevi) is constantly disrespected by her husband and daughter because she cannot speak English well. Her journey of secretly joining an English class in New York is a touching story of regaining self-respect.

5. Akaash Vani (2013)

• Where to Stream: Zee5

This movie is very similar to The Girlfriend. Two college sweethearts are separated, and the woman (Vani) is forced into an abusive arranged marriage. The film shows how she is trapped by a controlling husband and societal pressure. It’s a raw and difficult watch, but very important.

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Powerful Dramas from South India

The South Indian film industry has produced some of the most intense and realistic dramas on this subject.

6. Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022) – Malayalam

• Where to Stream: Disney+ Hotstar

This film is a brilliant satire. It looks like a comedy, but it’s about a serious issue. A young woman, Jaya, is married to a chauvinist who thinks it’s normal to slap her. What he doesn’t know is that Jaya has a secret. She starts learning karate to defend herself. It’s a must-watch!

7. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021) – Malayalam

• Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video

This film shows how patriarchy can be a quiet, everyday poison. A new bride is happy to be married, but soon finds her life is just a cycle of cooking and cleaning. Her husband and father-in-law don’t even see her as a person. It’s a slow-burning film that will make you angry, and it shows her powerful journey to freedom.

8. Uyare (2019) – Malayalam

• Where to Stream: ManoramaMax

This is one of the most direct and powerful films on this list. Parvathy Thiruvothu plays a woman who dreams of becoming a pilot. Her possessive and toxic boyfriend, who feels threatened by her success, throws acid on her. The film is her inspiring story of survival and fighting for her dreams.

9. Gantumoote (2019) – Kannada

• Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video

This is a hidden gem. It’s a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl’s first love. It gives a much-needed “female gaze” on romance. It shows how “romantic” things can actually be toxic and controlling. It’s a perfect film for anyone who loved the college romance part of The Girlfriend.

10. Chola (2019) – Malayalam

• Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video

This is a dark and scary psychological thriller. A young college girl elopes for a day with her boyfriend. He brings his dangerous older “boss” with them. The film shows a terrifying power play and the dark side of male control. It is a very intense film that will stay with you.

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Opinion

It is great to see a film like The Girlfriend doing well. It proves that audiences in India are ready for real stories. We are tired of the old “love-at-first-sight” romances. We want to see movies that talk about real problems, like toxic relationships and gaslighting.

This list shows that many filmmakers are telling these important stories. From Thappad to Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, these movies are not just entertainment. They are starting important conversations. We hope to see more such brave and honest films in the future.