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7 Movies With Happy Endings You Need to Watch This Semester

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at ASU chapter.

This semester may be a little more stressful than most, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it a little easier! It’s important to remember to relax and take some time for yourself after long days of work. One of my favorite ways to sit back and chill out has always been watching movies (preferably with a warm drink in hand). So here’s a list of some of my favorite movies to help keep your spirits up this semester and get you motivated!

The Parent Trap

It’s always great to throw it back with Lindsey Lohan and Lindsey Lohan! The Parent Trap is a heartwarming movie about two twin sisters being reunited at summer camp after being separated at birth. Filled with pranks, evil fianceés, and an amazing cast, this is the perfect movie to get lost in after a busy week.

Where to watch: Disney+

10 Things I Hate About You

Looking for a chick-flick all about finding love when you weren’t expecting it? This 1999 movie is the one for you! Following the grunge queen, Kat Stratford, and her mega popular sister, Bianca, this movie is all about letting your walls down and learning how to love. Let your troubles wash away and worry about theirs instead. Oh, and Heath Ledger is always a plus.

Where to watch: Disney+

Love, Rosie

Lily Collins fans unite! Love, Rosie is a classic girl next door/boy next door romance that will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions, and a personal favorite of mine. Centered around best friends who always seem to get the timing wrong– this movie has a little bit of everything. Love, heartbreak, comedy, second-hand embarrassment… what’s not to love?

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

The Princess Diaries 12

So good you have to watch them both! These classic Disney movies are star studded– featuring Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, and Chris Pine. Join Mia Thermopolis as she discovers how she is princess of Genovia in the Princess Diaries 1, and then again on her search for the perfect husband in Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. These two movies are great to watch back to back and perfect for a weekend movie marathon.

Where to watch: Disney+

What A Girl Wants

Follow Daphne Reynolds, played by Amanda Bynes, as she searches for her long lost father– a well esteemed British politician. Watch as she tries to fit in with the bourgeoisie and reconnect with her father, all while dealing with a status seeking fiancé and soon-to-be step-sister. Find yourself while you watch this movie, and remember that you can do it all on your own!

Where to watch: Netflix

Legally Blonde

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I saved the best for last. This is the movie that has gotten me through multiple finals weeks because nothing is a better motivator than watching Elle Woods get into Harvard– and getting revenge on her ex-boyfriend all at the same time. If you need something to help you get through midterms, finals, or even just a busy week, this is the movie to watch. 

Where to watch: Hulu Premium, or available to rent for $3.99

Hopefully, this list can make your movie nights a little bit easier, and your semester a little less stressful. Going to school during a pandemic was never something anyone expected, but it’s important to try and make the most of it and give yourself some happy moments. And I promise, the endings of these movies will not disappoint. So sit back, relax, turn off your phone and close your laptop, because the movie is about to begin.

Haley Argenio is a junior at Arizona State University studying psychology with a double minor in family and human development and justice studies. When she's not typing away or doing schoolwork, you can find her watching Netflix, making playlists, or hanging out with her cat.