We all have times when we're feeling low and in need of a pick-me-up. While some of us find comfort in food, time with family, or a good book, there's also the option of cozying up under a blanket on the couch and getting lost in a favorite comfort movie. We're talking about those always dependable, feel-good films that we can watch over and over again. The ones that are comfortingly familiar and never fail to bring us joy and take our minds away to a happier place β at least for a little while.
From dramas to rom coms and everything in between, Hollywood has cranked out some enduring classics over the years that people can't help but keep coming back to for that escape factor. In the moments we need it most, they always come through for us, whether it's giving us a good laugh or a good cry, a break from our problems and life's stresses, a feeling of hope, or the motivation to chase our dreams and follow our hearts.
If you're going through a tough time, missing home, craving a happy ending, or looking to be inspired, there's a comfort movie out there for everyone. Here are 15 of our personal favorites to check out the next time you need a little boost.
'Twilight'
Twilight, which has been a pop culture phenomenon since its debut in 2008, is a movie people love to hate β but secretly love. Adapted from the wildly successful Stephenie Meyer vampire romance novels, it has so many iconic lines, scenes, and characters. From its moody setting of Forks, Washington, and its dreamy cast of vampires, to its epic love story and addictive soundtrack, Twilight definitely delivers. And once the first movie gets you hooked β which it will, trust us β you'll have four more sequels to dig into, offering hours and hours of comfort viewing.
'Ever After'
Loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Cinderella, Ever After feeds into our medieval fantasy of falling in love with a misunderstood prince and becoming best friends with Leonardo da Vinci. Not only is the film set in the beautiful French countryside, it features the best late '90s cast of Drew Barrymore and Anjelica Huston. And if you're a fashion fan, you'll find the period costumes absolutely breathtaking.
'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'
When you need a laugh or you're missing your family, go watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It's the story of a 30-year-old Greek woman (played by the wonderful Nia Vardalos), who is single and lives with her parents. Feeling stuck, she decides to transform her life. After going to school, getting a new job, and updating her look, she meets the man of her dreams. The only problem is he isn't Greek, and her traditional family has trouble accepting him. Every scene in this movie is hilarious and also features elements of Greek culture and typical family tropes that so many people can relate to and laugh along with.
'Clue'
Clue is a smart and hilarious murder mystery based on the classic board game. Set in 1954 New England, it centers on six strangers who are invited to a dinner party, where they learn they are all being blackmailed β and before long, murder ensues. Not only is this movie a fun watch, but the cast filmed three different endings in homage to the board game and its many possible outcomes. Clue also features a stellar cast of comedians including Tim Curry, Lesley Ann Warren, and Martin Mull.
'The Princess and the Frog'
If you ever need a movie to motivate you to go after your dreams, Disney's The Princess and the Frog is it. Main character Tiana has to overcome several obstacles to finally open her dream restaurant and along the way, she finds a handsome prince. The movie is filled with lovely songs and animated scenes of the Louisiana bayou. Disney has so many options when you need a feel-good movie, but this is the one that will always give you the push to keep moving forward in life.
'Mamma Mia!'
Musicals are magic in that they never fail to lift the spirits and make you want to get up and dance. Mamma Mia! spins the story of a woman who is about to get married but learns she has three possible fathers. In an effort to find out which one is her real father, she invites them all to her wedding. This movie has an outstanding cast (including Amanda Seyfried and hunks Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan) and a super catchy soundtrack by the '70s pop group ABBA. And then there's the dreamy setting: The story takes place on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. You'll be swept away by the gorgeous sea views and charming Mediterranean scenery.
'Clueless'
Clueless is one of the best movies to showcase what teen culture was like in the '90s, while still appealing to people of all ages. It's a highly quotable film with iconic fashion, spot-on slang, unforgettable characters, and an over-the-top Beverly Hills setting. It focuses on Cher, the daughter of a successful lawyer who tries to set up two crabby teachers, makes over the new girl in school, and winds up falling in love with her ex step-brother. As crazy as the plot sounds, it's a happy story that makes you giggle in every scene.
'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'
There's something about a fictional world of witches and wizards β combined with a boarding school setting β that's so cozy and comforting. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that Harry Potter is the story of an orphaned boy who finds out he is a wizard, attends the magical school of Hogwarts, and goes on some epic adventures trying to defeat the evil Voldemort. Though originally written for children, the book-turned-film has found a captive audience among all ages. We love that it imparts messages like the importance of friendship and courage.
'The Parent Trap'
This 1998 remake of the 1960s original, starring a tween Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, and the late Natasha Richardson, stole the hearts of everyone who watched it. It's about two identical twins who happen to go to the same camp and discover they're sisters. Their parents divorced when they were young and decided not to tell them about each other. In a sneaky plot to reunite their estranged parents, the twins then decide to switch places and pretend to be the other. This movie serves up some fun summer camp nostalgia and reminds viewers of the importance of family.
'13 Going on 30'
In this 2004 classic, a 13-year-old in the 1980s makes a wish to be "thirty, flirty, and thriving," and then wakes up as a 30-year-old magazine editor, played by the bubbly Jennifer Garner. But she soon finds that her new grown-up life isn't all it's chalked up to be, and goes on a journey of self-discovery with her childhood friend, Matt (played by Mark Ruffalo in his leading-man prime). Filled with fun '80s songs and references, it's a sweet movie about growing up and enjoying the process instead of wishing you could rush into adulthood or repeat the past.Β
'Napoleon Dynamite'
Possibly one of the most quoted films of the 21st century, Napoleon Dynamite has a cult following β and easily one of the best solo dance numbers in any film ever. The plot centers on teenager Napoleon Dynamite, who lives in a rural Idaho town with his grandma and older brother, Kip (who spends most of his time chatting with women online). Napoleon is an outcast, but we see him slowly make two best friends, gain confidence, and show us how to live as unapologetically as he does. Each scene is like a comedy skit, and it's a great film to watch when you need a laugh or to remember to embrace your quirks.
'Pride and Prejudice'
Though there is a fierce and forever ongoing debate over which version of Pride and Prejudice is better β many die-hard Jane Austen fans prefer the 1995 miniseries starring the swoon-worthy Colin Firth β we're partial to this 2005 movie adaptation. The filming locations are beautiful, the dashing Mr. Darcy is the man of everyone's dreams, and the music is perfect. And who can forget the satisfaction of seeing Mr. Darcy striding toward Elizabeth in the dawn mist and telling her, "You have bewitched me body and soul." Not us.
'Singin' in the Rain'
This classic old Hollywood film from 1952 is about the beginning of "talkies" (movies with sound) and features some marvelous singing and dancing numbers. Starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, it's the ultimate cheerful film when you want a timeless love story and to escape the fast-paced modern world we live in. The 1920s-era fashion is a delight, the songs are dreamy, and the ending is happy (just how we like it).
'50 First Dates'
There's something about the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore dynamic that makes every movie they are in together so magical β and 50 First Dates is no exception. Set in Hawaii, it's about a man who meets a woman in a diner and ends up falling for her. The problem is, she has short-term memory loss and doesnβt even remember who he is the next day. It's a sweet movie with a killer soundtrack that makes you believe in love and the possibility of finding someone who will do anything to make you happy.
'Legally Blonde'
Legally Blonde is the story of sorority girl Elle Woods β perfectly played by Reese Witherspoon β whose Harvard Law School-bound boyfriend breaks up with her because she's not "serious" enough to be a future senator's wife. She decides to get into Harvard herself to win him back, but ends up moving on, discovering who she really is, and solving a high-profile murder case. Elle is someone we all aspire to be, what with her iconic fashion, determination, and kind spirit. Just the montage alone of Elle studying, working out, and showing her ex how valuable she is is the best motivator to get out of bed and chase your dreams.
