College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and stressful; especially those first couple weeks when you blink and all of a sudden you have five new canvas notifications and a group project on the way.
Sometimes, you don’t need another productivity hack, you need something to turn your brain off. A movie can be a great solution, but don’t fall into those film bro traps that will have you watching The Godfather to relax from a hard day.
Instead, check out these easy comfort watches for when you need a break from school. Whether you’re looking for nostalgia, romance, comedy, friendship, etc. these five movies have it all.Â
- The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club is the ultimate nostalgia movie to remind you that everyone is going through something. Five very different high school students stuck together during Saturday detention find common ground despite their completely different personalities.Â
It’s the perfect comfort watch when you need the reminder that, despite feeling isolated or that you’re the only one struggling, everyone has their own struggles going on, even if you can’t see them.
 Plus the classic 80’s atmosphere makes it feel cozy and familiar, providing that hazy comfort feeling. Sometimes you just need a movie that reminds you you’re not the only person figuring stuff out.
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Now this is the definition of a classic rom-com. Pretty much in every girl’s top 5, this movie is basically impossible not to enjoy.Â
Kat and Patrick, the main love interests, provide funny, chaotic, and romantic moments throughout their iconic scenes, known for their great chemistry. The high school setting makes it nostalgic without being overly serious, a nice callback to a simpler time in life.Â
Kat’s personality and independence provides some pick-me-up confidence when you’re feeling low and Patrick singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is cheesy and sweet enough to help you forget any of your boy drama.Â
One of my favorites, 10 Things I Hate About You has romance, friendship, family drama, and comedy all at once. It’s the perfect easy movie to put on when you want something fun and familiar.Â
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
A Disney classic, The Princess Diaries provides pure comfort and escapism.Â
Mia Thermopolis finds out she’s a princess, leading to her life becoming the perfect fantasy. We get to watch her go from awkward teenager to confident young woman, the transition extremely nostalgic if you grew up watching Disney movies.
With the cozy San Francisco setting and school scenes, it’s easy to sink in, put aside emotional investment, and just enjoy the makeover moments.Â
- She’s The Man (2006)
In She’s The Man, Viola disguises herself as her twin brother to play soccer. It’s completely ridiculous premise is so fun and is exactly what you need when you need something that will actually make you laugh.Â
Amanda Byne’s comedic performance carries the movie and the soccer storyline and romance subplot are perfect when you’re too tired from your day to day to watch something serious.
- Bottoms (2023)
If you aren’t into older movies, Bottoms is a newer movie that provides a similar feeling. Two unpopular girls create a fake self-defense club for women to get closer to their crushes.Â
It’s a completely absurd and exaggerated comedy. It’s very different from the older movies on this list but it still has the same recipe for movie comfort: friendship, crushes, and drama. It’s a great choice for when you want something fast-paced and funny.
College stress can seem daunting and overpowering but your nights don’t always need to be productive. Sometimes it’s good to take a night off and watch something that makes you happy. So go grab a snack, put that phone on do not disturb, and dive into this list of nostalgic, funny, and romantic films.Â