Sometimes when the weather is dreary and misty, with drizzling rain throughout the whole day, it is simply irresistible to bundle up in your blanket and put a good show to cry over. It is just what the vibes call for. So here are some comfort movies you could watch on Sad and Rainy days, when you need an emotional outlet to cry out all that sadness, anxiety and stress (we know we need it).
- The Notebook (2004)
Nothing to add here, the movie title speaks for itself. The It Romcom of its time, The Notebook is still emotionally moving to this day. The way the story is told, with recollection, the retro clothes and the classic backdrop, the touches on classism and finally, the beautiful twist at the end all make this movie a perfect one to watch solo or with a friend. The chemistry between the actors is impeccable and the way the scenes are shot and transitioned between two timelines just draws you into the story. It’s the type of movie that you can’t just pause to take a call for, or watch in between studying; it requires a good 2 hour binge, where you leave satisfied and a sense of longing that seemingly comes out of nowhere.
Even though I was skeptical at first because I dislike grainy quality videos, the 1980s setting and old film aesthetic calls on nostalgia for something I wasn’t even alive for. If you love a good sappy love story, this is the one for you. This movie is available on Netflix and other streaming sites. The main message: love knows no bounds!
- Our Times (2015)
Our Times is a Taiwanese highschool film. It was created in the era where Chinese/Taiwanese highschool films were at its peak and it saw massive audience turnout. I call this my “sob movie”, meaning a film I go to whenever I feel like I need a good cry to release all the pent up emotions in me. It is always in the same scenes that spark fresh tears even though I practically know the plot by heart now. If you love the enemies to friendship to lovers trope, this is exactly the movie for you. The subtle love, the hidden messages and mutual longing is just the right recipe to pull at your heartstrings. It is available on any Asian drama site and has English subtitles! The main message here: love knows no time.
- The Sound Of Music (1965)
I remember my father sitting me and my siblings down to watch through this nearly three hour movie as a 12 year old child. While I fell asleep a couple of times, rewatching this as an adult made me appreciate the movie even more. With the setting of World War II, the movie touches on various themes from family to war, and hence its long showtime. It’s also part musical, and lots of iconic songs like My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Sixteen Going On Seventeen give a nostalgic feeling. The countryside setting, large lawns and old-school architecture add on to the historical genre of this film, and any person who loves history would enjoy this film immensely.
[*Spoilers ahead!] For me, the character of Maria, who became a governess after her unsuccessful attempt of being a zen nun, hits home the most. With a boisterous and extroverted nature, her bubbly and optimistic attitude towards life turns the gray house of the von Trapp family upside down. She defies any type of rigidity, especially the gender norms of women at the time, which is to be subversive and obedient. While she eventually fills in the usual role of a mother as the film progresses, her independent thinking and strong personality never fade. If you have the time and want to binge through something that is thought-provoking and yet light-hearted (a balance many films fail to strike), head over to find this show on Disney+ or other streaming sites.
- Wall-E (2008)
Wall-E is a cute animation film about a robot that cleans up the Earth’s trash. It was made to raise awareness about climate change. The character of the unforgettable robot, coupled with the shocking scenes (well, at least shocking as a child) of the progression of humanity makes the film light-hearted with a more serious undertone and message. There are definitely moments of emotion, and it’s thought-provoking in the sense that while the film may not necessarily depict the reality of our future (like living on another planet), it is worthwhile to think about how this film from 2008 can still be relevant today.
I hope these recommendations can help you bring some joy on days that feel absolutely miserable, and they would instead turn your day into a warm, cozy one instead.