by Jennifer Lopez is one of the biggest stars in the world, but even global superstars can feel homesick sometimes. As an iconic Latina actress and singer born and raised in New York, Lopez no doubt misses her friends, family and the comforts of home when she’s away for long periods of time working on movies or touring internationally. Watching feel-good films that remind her of home, family, love and her roots could help lift her spirits when a case of homesickness strikes. Here are 5 movies from Lopez’s illustrious career that are perfect for overcoming those lonely, homesick feelings.
Selena (1997)
One of Lopez’s earliest and most acclaimed roles was as Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 biopic Selena. Not only did the film introduce Lopez to mainstream audiences and launch her into superstardom, but it tells the story of another strong, talented Latina icon from Texas. Selena was Mexican American just like Lopez, and her rise to fame against the odds while staying true to her cultural roots is inspiring. The film is a moving tribute to Selena’s all-too-brief life and career that was cut short by her tragic murder at only 23 years old. Watching Selena would surely make Lopez proud of her own Latina heritage and remind her of the importance of family, culture and honoring one’s community – things she may feel homesick for when away from her own loved ones for long periods of time. The film features Selena’s large, supportive family who were always by her side, which Lopez no doubt misses when working abroad without her own family nearby. Selena’s story of triumph over adversity would motivate and uplift Lopez if she’s feeling down from homesickness. After all, it was the role that first introduced Lopez’s incredible acting talents to the world and truly launched her career. Revisiting Selena is sure to fill Lopez with nostalgia, hope and Latino pride when she’s missing home.
The Wedding Planner (2001)
In the early 2000s romantic comedy The Wedding Planner, Lopez plays Mary Fiore, a driven wedding planner who is always so focused on her work that she hasn’t had time for love. When she meets Dr. Steve Edison (Matthew McConaughey), the groom of an upcoming wedding, sparks fly – but he’s engaged to someone else! The film is a lighthearted romp about following your heart even when life throws obstacles in your way. For Lopez, watching it could combat homesickness by reminding her of the importance of family, friendship and surrounding herself with loved ones for support – things Mary learns through her journey. Especially with Lopez’s own high-profile relationships and wedding plans over the years that garnered intense media attention, she could relate to Mary’s story. The film celebrates the beauty of love, relationships, and having a solid support system through good times and bad. It would uplift Lopez’s spirits if she’s missing her own family and friends while away from home for work by showing how important they are for living a full, happy life. Plus, the gorgeous wedding scenes are sure to give anyone home sick pangs a boost! Revisiting this feel-good romantic charmer could help soothe Lopez’s homesickness.
Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Maid in Manhattan tells the classic Cinderella story with Jennifer Lopez playing Marisa Ventura, a single mother and hotel maid who dreams of a better life. In a twist of fate, she’s mistaken for a wealthy socialite by politician Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes) during a chance meeting. Marisa goes along with the mistaken identity, not realizing she’s starting to fall for Christopher for real. The film is a charming fish-out-of-water romantic comedy that celebrates following your dreams no matter your circumstances. For Lopez, it could help ease feelings of homesickness by reminding her of the importance of hope, family and not giving up on yourself even in challenging times. Like Marisa, Lopez knows what it’s like to rise from humble beginnings to international superstardom through sheer determination and hard work. Watching Maid in Manhattan may inspire Lopez if she’s doubting herself or missing her family support system from afar. It celebrates the power of dreaming big and having people who believe in you. Plus, the gorgeous New York City settings are sure to transport Lopez right back “home” if she’s missing the city while away for work. Revisiting this classic fairy tale-esque film could lift her spirits.
Hustlers (2019)
In the critically acclaimed drama Hustlers, Lopez delivered one of the best performances of her career as Ramona, a veteran stripper who takes a young newcomer (Constance Wu) under her wing in their New York City club. When the 2008 financial crisis hits and fewer customers can afford to spend money at the club, Ramona hatches a plan – drugging and stealing from their wealthy Wall Street clients. Based on a true story, Hustlers showed a grittier, darker side of Lopez not often seen before. For an actress and star usually associated with lighthearted romantic comedies, it was a bold career move – and one that earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Watching Hustlers again could help Lopez overcome homesickness by reminding her of the resilience of New York City and its people during hard times. Like Ramona, New York is gritty yet glamorous, and always finds a way to bounce back no matter the challenges. The film celebrates female empowerment, friendship, and the strength of the community Lopez comes from. Revisiting such a career-defining role in a film so deeply rooted in New York City culture could absolutely lift her spirits if she’s missing her hometown while away for work.
Marry Me (2022)
One of Lopez’s most recent romantic comedies, Marry Me, saw her star alongside Maluma and Owen Wilson. In the film, pop superstar Kat Valdez is all set to marry her also-famous music partner Bastian (Maluma) when she finds out moments before their live-streamed wedding ceremony that he’s cheated on her. Heartbroken and impulsive, Kat decides to marry a random math teacher in the crowd instead – Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson). What follows is a sweet story about unexpected love, personal growth, and learning to embrace life’s happy accidents. For Lopez, rewatching Marry Me could help ease homesickness in several ways. Like Kat, she knows the pressure of life in the spotlight and demanding schedule of a world-famous entertainer. The film celebrates taking time for yourself, following your heart, and surrounding yourself with genuine people who love you for who you are – not what you do. It would remind Lopez of the importance of family, real friends, and keeping romance and joy in her life no matter how hectic her career gets. Plus, it was partially filmed in New York City, so watching familiar locations could absolutely transport her right back home. Overall, Marry Me spreads an uplifting message of embracing life’s surprises and prioritizing love over everything else – themes that could certainly lift Lopez’s spirits if she’s missing friends and family from afar.
These five feel-good movies starring Jennifer Lopez showcase her incredible career spanning over two decades and highlight why any of them could help ease homesickness. Whether it’s celebrating her Latina roots in Selena, cherishing relationships in The Wedding Planner, dreaming big in Maid in Manhattan, showcasing female resilience in Hustlers or embracing love in Marry Me – each film reminds viewers of the importance of community, culture, perseverance and following your heart. For Lopez, revisiting movies close to her heart could lift her up if she’s feeling down from being away from loved ones for work. They celebrate the very things she may be missing – her heritage, hometown of New York City, and the people who have supported her journey. Watching films that remind her of where she came from and all she’s overcome to achieve her dreams is sure to boost her spirits. Homesickness is natural, but with the help of movies close to her soul, Lopez has the power to overcome it even when she’s far from home.
