This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JMU chapter.
If you’re looking to have a fun movie night by yourself or with friends or family, here are 158 recommendations for you to pick from! Sorted into broad categories, this list is sure to have something for everyone.
*A â means it’s one of my personal favorites!
Festive
Picks for when you’re feeling festive this holiday season, or movies centered around specific seasons to help you get into the seasonal vibe.
- The Holiday (2006), Rated PG-13 â
- This is probably my favorite holiday movie (no pun intended)! I love the chemistry between the characters, the cozy homes, and the soundtrack (done by the amazing Hans Zimmer). Of course, itâs a Nancy Meyers film, which always brings those feelings of warm coziness that are perfect for the holiday season.
- The Family Stone (2005), Rated PG-13
- Itâs A Wonderful Life (1946), Rated PG
- Something From Tiffanyâs (2022), Rated PG
- Practical Magic (1998), Rated PG-13
- Spree (2020), No Rating
- Knives Out (2019), Rated PG-13
Classics
You’ve probably already seen these, but if you haven’t, this is your sign to see one of these classic movies during your next movie night!
- When Harry Met Sally⊠(1989), Rated R â
- A quintessential film for the romance genre, When Harry Met Sally⊠is funny, romantic, and visually stunning. Iâm a big Nora Ephron fan, and her writing is so quick and perfect in this movie.Â
- Dirty Dancing (1986), Rated PG-13
- Ferris Buellerâs Day Off (1986), Rated PG-13
- Singinâ in the Rain (1952), Rated G â
- I would not consider myself a big âclassic movie fan,â. I usually think most older movies feel dated and formulaic (and most of them are), but Singinâ in the Rain is not one of those movies. Itâs a genuinely funny movie about the shifting styles of art, which is a theme thatâs always relevant, soundtracked by phenomenal songs and insane dance sequences. Put simply, itâs a showcase of excellent film craftsmanship. P.S. Ayo Edebiri has this listed in her top four movies on Letterboxd, so that must mean itâs good!
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Rated PG
- Youâve Got Mail (1998), Rated PG
- Dead Poets Society (1989), Rated PG â
- If you like coming of age movies, Dead Poets Society is a perfect one to watch. Itâs a stacked cast of actors who, at the time, were in the beginnings of their careers. Robin Williams as Professor John Keating is one of his best roles; just think of the âO Captain, My Captainâ scene.Â
- Good Will Hunting (1997), Rated R
- St. Elmoâs Fire (1985), Rated R
- Heathers (1988), Rated R
- The Goonies (1985), Rated PG
- The Outsiders (1983), Rated PG
- Rear Window (1954), Rated PG
- Stand By Me (1986), Rated R
Girls Night in
Movies for a girls night in, ranging from chick flicks to 2000s teen comedies, these will definitely keep the whole friend group entertained.
- Bend It Like Beckham (2004), Rated PG-13
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Rated PG-13
- The Nanny Diaries (2007), Rated PG-13
- Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging (2008), Rated PG-13
- Easy A (2010), Rated PG-13
- Legally Blonde (2001), Rated PG-13
- Pitch Perfect (2012), Rated PG-13
- Coyote Ugly (2000), Rated PG-13
- Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), Rated PG
- John Tucker Must Die (2006), Rated PG-13
- Wild Child (2008), Rated PG-13
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005), Rated PG
- Uptown Girls (2003), Rated PG-13
- Hidden Figures (2016), Rated PG
- Oceanâs 8 (2018), Rated PG-13
- Marie Antoinette (2006), Rated PG-13 â
- Although itâs not historically accurate, Sofia Coppollaâs Marie Antoinette touches on themes of girlhood, greed, and the role of fashion â all relevant themes to social criticism at any time. Also, Kirsten Dunstâs performance is stellar, and it really hones in on themes of isolation and being forced to grow up, as well as the pressure of girlhood.Â
- Monte Carlo (2011), Rated PG â
- I feel like this is one of the 2010s unsung heroes of chick flicks. It has a stacked cast, a perfect soundtrack, a funny plot, and a great setting. If you love travel films, movies that center around female friendship, and a bit of romance, Monte Carlo is the perfect movie.Â
- Mamma Mia! (2008), Rated PG-13 â
- This is my favorite movie of all time, itâs just so nostalgic, fun, and energetic. The cast is also so stacked, the songs are all perfect, and thereâs just enough drama and resolution to make it the ultimate comfort movie to lift your spirits anytime.
- Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), Rated PG-13
- Barbie (2023), Rated PG-13 â
- Highly contentious upon its release, I find Barbie to be a perfect movie about female strength, empowerment, and ambition. Although itâs about a doll, the themes of the film are the bare bones of feminism. Plus the âWhat Was I Made For?â montage at the end never fails to make me grateful to be a woman.Â
- Dick (1999), Rated PG-13 â
- One of the most underrated chick flicks, Dick follows two teen girls (Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams!) as they accidentally find themselves in the middle of the Watergate scandal. If youâre a NoVA or DC native, youâll recognize the filmâs location as itâs set in Georgetown, and if youâre a fan of Youâre So Vain by Carly Simon, youâll especially enjoy the filmâs closing scene.Â
- Moxie! (2021), Rated PG-13
- Blue Crush (2002), Rated PG-13 â
- Blue Crush is advertised as a teen movie, but touches on broader themes of gentrification, struggles of the working class, and wealth disparities in Hawaii between native Hawaiians, residents of the islands, and visitors. Additionally, itâs perfectly 2000s and entertaining, whilst still touching on these heavy subjects.Â
- Sheâs The Man (2006), Rated PG-13
- Little Women (2019), Rated PG â
- What is there to say about Little Women (2019) that hasnât been said before? A star-studded cast, cozy setting, and lovable story, Greta Gerwigâs adaptation has it all. If you *really* need a reason to watch, just think about Laurie and Jo on the hill.Â
- Twilight (2008), Rated PG-13 â
- Twilight is a classic movie, and itâs one of those âso bad itâs good.â I love to watch the first one specifically because it has iconic one-liners, the memorable blue tint, and a really good soundtrack!
- Clueless (1995), Rated PG-13
- Chicago (2002), Rated PG-13
- 21 Jump Street (2012), Rated R
- Weâre The Millers (2013), Rated R
- Now You See Me (2013), Rated PG-13
- Unpregnant (2020), Rated PG-13
- Theater Camp (2023), Rated PG-13
- Do Revenge (2022), Rated R
- The Menu (2022), Rated R
- Not Okay (2022), Rated R
- Are You There God? Itâs Me, Margaret (2023), Rated PG-13
- Booksmart (2019), Rated R
- Hairspray (2007), Rated PG
- Mean Girls (2004), Rated PG-13
- 17 Again (2009), Rated PG-13Â
- Bottoms (2023), Rated R â
- If youâre a Rachel Sennott or Ayo Edebiri fan, Bottoms is a perfect combo of their comedy styles. Itâs a unique, fresh, and actually funny take on the teen movie. Not only is it funny for teenage audiences, but itâs just a genuinely well-written and fun movie that most people can enjoy.
- Flipped (2010), Rated PG
- Almost Famous (2000), Rated R â
- If youâre a music fan, Almost Famous transports you into the 70s rocker scene â the good, the bad, and the ugly. Itâs one of my favorite movies because it captures this magical element of music and feels so realistic. The fake band at the center of the film, Stillwater, feels like a real rock band due to the director/writer Cameron Crowe basing the film on his real life experience as a teen rock journalist on the road, like the filmâs main character Michael.Â
- Juno (2007), Rated PG-13Â
- Twisters (2024), Rated PG-13
- Everybody Wants Some!! (2016), Rated R
- Superbad (2007), Rated R â
- A classic teen movie, Superbad is really funny. McLovinâs storyline is super funny and includes big names like Bill Hader. Additionally,
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Rated R
- Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), Before Midnight (2012), all Rated R â
- This trilogy is one of the best in the romance genre. The entire trilogy is essentially the main characters walking and talking about everything but donât be alarmed; itâs not boring! The chemistry between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke is strong and makes you forget that Jesse and Celine are not real people.Â
- Flora and Son (2023), Rated R
- Priscilla (2023), Rated R â
- Another Sofia Coppolla film, Priscilla is a classic Copolla, with insight into power imbalance, stripped girlhood, and isolation through the story of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. The soundtrack, acting, and visuals are also showstopping. Â
- Coda (2021), Rated PG-13
- Hot Rod (2007), Rated PG-13
Rom Coms
For all the hopeless romantics, here is a compiled list of Rom Coms, both old, new, popular, and lesser known to supply your next movie night.
- To All The Boys Iâve Loved Before (2018), Rated PG-13 â
- One of the best recent romcoms, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before captures the best parts of teen, coming of age, and romance movies. With a main character that feels like a real girl, realistic problems, and a supportive family dynamic, this movie just has all the best feelings. Itâs one of my most rewatched movies because itâs just always perfect!
- Set It Up (2018), Rated R
- Love, Simon (2018), Rated PG-13
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Rated PG-13
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Rated PG â
- If youâre a fan of stories that follow big families, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is your perfect choice. The film follows a romantic storyline between a Greek woman and her white boyfriend as their relationship developsâand her traditional family is there every step of the way. Itâs a wholesome, funny movie that I think most people could enjoy!
- What If (2013), Rated PG-13
- Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011), Rated PG-13
- Ticket to Paradise (2022), Rated PG-13
- Little Italy (2018), Rated R
- Plus One (2019), No Rating
- Rye Lane (2023), Rated R
- The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020), Rated PG-13
- Leap Year (2010), Rated PG
- Itâs Complicated (2009), Rated R
- Always Be My Maybe (2019), Rated PG-13
- I Want You Back (2022), Rated R
- Failure to Launch (2006), Rated PG-13
- Notting Hill (1999), Rated PG-13
- Austenland (2013), Rated PG-13
- Brooklyn (2015), Rated PG-13 â
- If you love Saorise Ronan, New York, and historical dramas, Brooklyn might be the best choice for your next movie night. Sometimes period dramas can be slightly boring, but Brooklyn has something magical in it that just works.Â
- The Other Zoey (2023), Rated PG-13
- The Longest Ride (2015), Rated PG-13
- The Last Song (2010), Rated PG
- Emma (2020), Rated PG
- Down with Love (2003), Rated PG-13
- Along for the Ride (2022), No RatingÂ
- Prom Pact (2023), Rated PG-13
- Love, Rosie (2014), Rated R â
- If slowburn and friends to lovers are your favorite romance tropes, Love, Rosie might be your new favorite movie. The film follows two lifelong friends as they grow up and encounter lifeâs surprises and their relationship with one another develops. I think this is a very underrated romcom, and it has an excellent soundtrack.
- 13 Going On 30 (2004), Rated PG-13
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Rated PG-13 â
- This is one of my favorite movies, itâs actually on my top four on Letterboxd! Itâs a classic teen movie, a Shakespeare adaptation, and has Heath Ledger; what more is there to ask for?Â
- Pride and Prejudice (2005), Rated PG â
- The hand flex is all anyone really needs to know in order to be convinced to watch the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.Â
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), Rated PG-13Â
- Red, White, and Royal Blue (2023), Rated R
- Catch and Release (2006), Rated PG-13
- Begin Again (2013), Rated R
- Return to Me (2000), Rated PG
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Rated R
Childhood favorites
A selection of childhood favorites to bring back those warm, fuzzy feelings of comfort and simplicity.
- Ramona and Beezus (2007), Rated PG â
- Based on the books, this movie is adorable. It features great actors, emotional heart, and the perfect early 2000s vibe of it all.Â
- Ratatouille (2007), Rated G â
- If youâre a food lover, look no further than Ratatouille! A heartwarming, funny, and dreamy Disney movie, Ratatouille is perfect for a night in and maybe even a charcuterie board.
- Luca (2021), Rated PG
- Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009), Rated G â
- Featuring one of Miley Cyrusâs best songs (âThe Climb,â of course), Fearless era Taylor Swift, and a cowboy love interest, Hannah Montana: The Movie is the perfect movie for when youâre missing summer vacation.Â
- Curious George (2006), Rated G â
- If youâre a Jack Johnson fan like me, this film features an entire soundtrack by the singer, including the viral song âUpside Down.âÂ
- Aquamarine (2006), Rated PG
- Enchanted (2007), Rated PG
- Tangled (2011), Rated PG â
- One of the best Disney movies, everything about Tangled is perfect: the songs, the emotions, the lantern scene! This is your sign to rewatch Tangled if itâs been a while.Â
- Lilo and Stitch (2002), Rated PG
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010, 2011, 2012), Rated PG
- Lemonade Mouth (2011), Rated G â
- If this isnât your favorite DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie, of course), what are you doing? Starring Disney icon turned Harvard and MIT graduate and now space company owner, Bridgit Mendler, Lemonade Mouth has the best soundtrack of any DCOM IMO. Â
- Princess Protection Program (2009), Rated G
- High School Musical (2006, 2007, 2008), Rated G
- Because of Winn Dixie (2005), Rated PG
- Ella Enchanted (2004), Rated PG
- The Princess Diaries (2001), Rated G
- The Parent Trap (1998), Rated PG
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Rated PG-13
If you want to try something new…
If you’ve liked the other selections from this list, this category contains movies you may not have seen before but might enjoy if you like other movies from this list!
- Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (2021), Rated PG â
- A heartwarming story of a house shell who gets separated from his family, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, features many notable actors (like Jenny Slate, Nathan Fielder, and Isabella Rosselini) and you wonât be able to resist the adorable Marcel.Â
- Lords of Dogtown (2005), Rated PG-13
- About A Boy (2002), Rated PG-13
- Finding You (2021), Rated PG
- Yesterday (2019), Rated PG-13
- The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021), Rated PG-13
- Palm Springs (2020), Rated RÂ
- Juliet, Naked (2018), Rated R
- Drive Me Crazy (1999), Rated PG-13
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940), No RatingÂ
- Game Night (2018), Rated R â
- If you like Knives Out, Game Night is like the suburban, middle-class version of it. Instead of a mega-mansion and murder, Game Night centers around a group of friends who get roped into a murder-mystery game gone awry.Â
- Everything Is Copy (2015), No Rating â
- If youâre a Nora Ephron fan, this documentary done by her son looks into her life and gives insight as to how one of the best romance writers became who she was. It features interviews with many of her âmuses,â like Meryl Streep and Meg Ryan.Â
- Gran Turismo (2023), Rated PG-13
- Press Play (2022), Rated PG-13Â
- Saved! (2004), Rated PG-13 â
- A satirical movie, Saved! is laugh out loud funny and genuinely heartening at the same time. Â
- Rosaline (2022), Rated PG-13
- Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), Rated PG-13 â
- If you want to escape to Italy and buy a house, watch Under the Tuscan Sun instead. It follows a newly single middle-aged woman who moves to Italy and purchases a villa. The quirky set of characters makes for an entertaining journey through Tuscany.
- La Chimera (2023), No Rating
- The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019), Rated PG
- Wild Rose (2018), Rated R
- After Everything (2018), Rated R
- Handsome Devil (2016), No Rating
- The Descendants (2011), Rated R
- The Internship (2013), Rated PG-13
- The Intern (2015), Rated PG-13
- Morning Glory (2010), Rated PG-13
- The Holdovers (2023), Rated R
- Heartburn (1986), Rated R
- My Old Ass (2024), Rated R
- That Thing You Do! (1996), Rated PG â
- If you like music, and the 1960s, That Thing You Do! follows a band from Pennsylvania who become mainstream and the turbulence that comes with fame. My favorite parts of the film were the color grading, costumes, and original soundtrack; I listen to it pretty regularly!
- The Meddler (2015), Rated PG-13
- The Jane Austen Book Club (2007), Rated PG-13
- Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016), Rated R â
- Calling all fans of Brooklyn 99, SNL, and Andy Samberg, Popstar is a mockumentary (stacked with celebrity appearances you just have to see for yourself) about a former boy band member turned rapper, whose album flops. Itâs funny, outlandish, and goofy, but that makes it the perfect movie to watch with friends!
- Sing Street (2016), Rated PG-13 â
- Sing Street is an adorable movie that follows a boy living in the Dublin recession in the 1980s as he escapes into music. Forming his own band and discovering himself through music, the movie has a strong moral core whilst being a fun watch.
- The Way Way Back (2013), Rated PG-13 â
- Another one of my ultimate favorite movies, The Way Way Back is one of the best coming of age movies. It follows a boy named Duncan during his summer vacation at his momâs boyfriendâs beachside home. As he spends his summer in New England, he gets a job at the waterpark where he has the chance to come into his own. The ending of the movie just always gets me, and makes it a great watch during the cold months when youâre missing summer a little extra.
- About Time (2013), Rated R â
- About Time follows a man who discovers he can time travel. But, the best part of this movie is that it shows the importance of cherishing and living your best life; even if that means you live a simple life with those you love. Itâs a great movie to remind you of the beauty of life.Â