After a long, hard day, there’s nothing like winding down, relaxing and putting on a movie you can rely on to be enjoyable. Comfort movies may not always be award-winning, have 100% on Rotten Tomatoes or a 10/10 on IMDb, but they bring a sense of safety and happiness. No matter how many times you watch them, these films never, ever disappoint. I’ve definitely used comfort movies as a remedy for a bad day, and in doing so, have racked up quite the list over time — some of which are shared below in no particular order. Fair warning: these movies may not be for you, and that’s okay! Comfort movies are a judgment-free zone.
1) Pitch Perfect (2012)
I’ve seen this movie so many times that I’ve lost count, but the first Pitch Perfect film makes me laugh every time I watch it — I should be sick of it but I’m not, and it’s safe to say I never will be. I have all the iconic lines and musical numbers memorized by heart. This feel-good comedy never fails to bring up my mood.
2) Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Although offbeat, this film is the perfect mix between drama and comedy. There’s something about the dysfunction that is so grounding, constantly reminding me never to take life’s joys — big or small — for granted.Â
3) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Despite its clichés, this film is genuinely witty and heartfelt. When in the mood for a romantic comedy, no one can go wrong with 10 Things I Hate About You.
4) Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
This film is chaotic, but everything ties together in ways that make sense. Although a little sappy, the chemistry between each of the characters makes for numerous funny, heartfelt moments that don’t feel forced.
5) How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Reminder: this is a judgment-free zone. How to Train Your Dragon is fantastic through and through — the plot, the characters, the soundtrack and everything else. At the core of this film are messages about found family, friendship and adventure. Plus, Toothless (the dragon) is adorable.
6) The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
I can always rely on any of the Harry Potter films to cure a bad day. I’ll admit, however, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire each hold a special place in my heart out of all the films in the series. I’m transported to the magical, wizarding world every time I watch them.
7) The Hunger Games Trilogy (2012-2015), 8) The Maze Runner (2014) and 9) Divergent (2014)
Given The Hunger Games Trilogy, The Maze Runner and Divergent, I clearly favour dystopian teen dramas; they’re always a perfect mix between action, adventure, drama and a hint of romance. For me, these three movies are perfect comfort movies because they take me back to my childhood. I remember being in my early teens, devouring all the books in each series. I remember watching the movie adaptations in theatres with all my friends, so excited to see the characters we read about come to life on the big screen. Now, every time I watch any of these films, I can’t help but feel all the eagerness and excitement I had the very first time I watched them — this nostalgia is the perfect escape from reality.
While there are so many more that could have made this list, from me to you, these are some of the stand-out comfort movies that helped me end a tough day on a high note, time and time again.