As we reach a stressful point in the semester, in the midst of finals, one of my favorite ways to relax after a tiring week is to get cozy and watch one of my favorite comfort movies. These can be movies that make me laugh or cry but will never fail to make me feel right at home, no matter where I am. While I am a movie lover, here are a few that I always turn to as a way to help me destress after a long week.
1. ‘Pitch Perfect’
This is a movie that has been one of my favorites ever since it first came out and is the first I always think of to watch when I am feeling down. From the comedy to the catchy songs, I am always either laughing or singing along, which keeps me watching this movie again and again. I found this to be a great movie to watch, especially while starting college. The main character, Becca, is a freshman in college and we watch her learn a lot as she navigates school, her social life and relationships. The movie deals with real conflicts of identity, friendship and purpose in a lighthearted and comedic way that any college student can laugh along with and find relatable. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh or just love music, this is a great movie to help you relax after a stressful week.
2. ‘Barbie’
As someone who loved the Barbie movies growing up, I knew I had to see this movie when it came out. I ended up loving it even more than I thought I would and have watched it several times since. This movie is a beautiful representation of girlhood, and I felt it really spoke to my inner child, who loved playing with Barbies. As a 19 year old, it even reminded me of a lot of important messages about feminism and what it means to be a woman. Not only does the movie have a really meaningful message, but it is also comedic and is the perfect feel good movie that leaves me feeling happy and hopeful after watching it. It is always an enjoyable one for me to watch with loved ones, friends, or by myself.
3. ‘The Perks Of Being A Wallflower’
After watching the movie and reading the book, ‘The Perks Of Being A Wallflower’ will always be special to me. It is a very moving film with a beautiful storyline that always leaves me reflecting on my own life and feeling emotional every time I watch it. The movie follows Charlie, a high school freshman, as he battles mental health issues throughout the start of high school and while finding a new friend group. While the movie can be sad, I felt I could relate it to parts of my life, and in that respect, it has helped me face some of my own problems. The movie accurately depicts what it feels like to be a teenager and the confusing and stressful moments that come with growing up. The movie’s message reveals that even in the toughest of times, you are not alone, and there are always other people battling similar issues as you, whether you know it or not. This movie is a great reminder of all the adversities many people face with mental health and that you are not alone.
4. ‘Little Women’
Not only does this movie include some of my favorite actors, such as Saoirse Ronan, but it also shares a meaningful story of love, family and womanhood. The movie takes place in Massachusetts throughout the 1860’s and early 1870’s, following four sisters who battle hardships throughout their relationships with themselves and others and fight for a place in the world as women. The story displays a small part of how women’s lives were at the time and how they have changed throughout history. Although the story takes place over 100 years ago, many of the situations the sisters go through translate to various problems women still struggle with today. The movie even follows several captivating love stories between the characters that always have me on the edge of my seat. This is one of the best movies if you’re looking to relax and get lost in a heartbreaking, yet entertaining story.
5. ‘Matilda’
For as long as I can remember, this has been one of my favorite movies. I have fond memories of renting “Matilda” from the library and watching it with my sister when I was a child. It was something that always brought me joy. This movie is comedic and especially heartwarming, as it is from the perspective of a young girl, Matilda, who has a particularly mature and hopeful outlook on life. Not only is the story told through a unique lens, but it also shares messages of hope and the power of knowledge and kindness. Unlike some of the other movies on this list, “Matilda” concludes with a happy ending and is the perfect movie to watch if you’re seeking a pick-me-up after a long week.
Everyone has their own ways of relaxing after a stressful week. Watching one of your comfort movies can be a great way to destress and put yourself back in a good mindset. Whether I need a pick-me-up or just a good movie to watch with friends, I know I can always rely on one of these movies to put me in a good mood and make me feel at home again.