Love Lessons From Julia Roberts Movies

Steel Magnolias

By Natasha Burton

Sorry to start with a tear-jerker, but we're going chronologically here, folks. Julia's character, Shelby, in this film shows us to live life to the fullest, no matter the risks. We love when she says, "I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." Same here, Shelbs.

Pretty Woman

Man, we love this movie. The message here is not so much that a man will come save you no matter who you are (or what your profession is) — it's more that self-respect is key to a healthy relationship. We covet Vivian's this-is-me demeanor in this most-ultimate of chick flicks.

My Best Friend's Wedding

If you're in love with your best friend, don't wait until right before his wedding to tell him so, this movie advocates. Also not a good idea to enlist your gay best friend to pretend to be your new boyfriend in an attempt to make another man jealous. But starting an impromptu rendition of "I Say A Little Prayer" in the middle of a restaurant? A very good idea indeed.

Stepmom

If this movie doesn't make you cry, you have a heart of stone. No, seriously. At one point Julia's character, stepmom Isabel, says to real-mom Jackie, who is dying of cancer, "I'm in a room alone with [your daughter], fixing her veil, fluffing her dress, telling her no woman has ever looked so beautiful. And my fear is she'll think, 'I wish my mom were here.'" The message? Life can change in an instant — and we have to just trust that we can handle it.

Runaway Bride

This role took Julia down the aisle ... and notoriously sprinting away from it. Here, we learn not to settle for a man you just don't feel right about, and that it's okay to be scared of marriage, specifically of losing your independence. As she famously says in the film, "When I ride off into the sunset, I want my own horse." In the end, her character learns that marriage doesn't have to mean dependence.

Erin Brockovich

This unemployed single mom deploys her take-no-prisoners attitude to bring down a corrupt corporation. In the love story part of the film, we see Julia's character struggle with trusting George, a man who genuinely wants to help her. She learns to let him through her tough exterior and we learn that while you do have to kiss a lot of frogs, you can't assume every man is one.

America's Sweethearts

Julia's portrayal of Kiki, the sister of a super-diva Hollywood actress, sends the message that good things come to those who wait ... very, very patiently. While we wouldn't want to put up with her sis (or partake in a love triangle with her and another actor), we have to hand it to Kiki for standing up for herself — and getting the guy — in the end.

Closer

If you've seen this movie, you know its message about love and relationships is anything but warm and fuzzy. In fact, the film is a pretty good case study of how to ruin your marriage, hurt your partner and end up miserable. (Fun times!) The love lesson here: Watch the movie, and then do the opposite!

Charlie Wilson's War

In another real-life portrayal, Julia played Houston socialite and political activist Joanne Herring, who was known for throwing lavish parties and convincing Mr. Wilson to follow her military advice. The moral here: A smart, savvy and gorgeous woman can get just about anything she wants. And, boy does she have style.

Eat Pray Love

While we don't know what parts of the book will specifically make it into the movie, we know that Julia's character, Elizabeth, learns a great deal about love over the course of her journey. We're looking forward to seeing the film ... and crossing our fingers for many moments in which Javier Bardem forgets to wear a shirt.