I’m a huge believer in the power of movies—I always have been, especially where romantic comedies are concerned (very important side note: if any HC readers out there ever want someone to talk rom-coms with, I’m your girl). I love the way a good movie can reassuringly put your own life into perspective while also sending you into completely new and undiscovered territory. Only once I got to college, though, did I realize just how much movies could serve as the kind of friends you’ve known (or feel like you’ve known) forever; you know, the ones that you can sit in silence with without feeling compelled to make conversation, or the ones that know you inside and out and love you no matter what? Those friends. They are rare and incredibly special, and as a freshman in my first few weeks at Notre Dame, I was certain I would never again find friends like that. I was lucky enough to have found them in high school, and my anxious and home-sick self believed that I wouldn’t get lucky twice. In the three months (and lots of lessons in patience) since then, I can confidently say that I have found those friends here at Notre Dame; that doesn’t mean, however, that I no longer crave the homey and familiar magic of a movie that feels like a hug from a best friend. Sometimes, the one thing you need most after a long, chaotic day is to curl up with a movie that will make you feel seen and loved for who you are (while also proving to you just how perfect British guys really are—see: #2). So, next time you’re in the mood for a hug from a friend (that’s not really a friend), pull up this list. You won’t be disappointed. Happy hugging!
- You’ve Got Mail
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While I normally dread the “what’s your favorite movie?” question for fear of not being able to definitively answer it, a recent re-watch of this movie settles the debate once and for all—there is simply no movie more comforting, reassuring or heartwarming than You’ve Got Mail, the third (and best!) movie Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have starred in together. An ode to New York City, books, golden retrievers and the innocence of online-love in a pre-Tinder world, You’ve Got Mail tells the charming story of two enemy booksellers who start an online courtship, oblivious to the other’s true identity. While the “hating you/dating you” trope may sound cliche today, You’ve Got Mail finds a way to make it the purest and most romantic love story this world has ever seen.
- The Holiday
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Another movie that ranks *ALMOST* as high in cuteness levels as You’ve Got Mail (aka the best movie ever made) is Nancy Meyer’s classic holiday film aptly entitled The Holiday. Set to an incredible soundtrack that also serves as my go-to study playlist, The Holiday follows two very different women on similar paths of heartbreak. Cameron Diaz plays the American who desperately needs to learn how to relax and unwind, while Kate Winslet plays the British journalist in love with her engaged co-worker. Both women are in dire need of a change of scenery, and conveniently find it in a house swap deal with each other. Diaz is sent to the snowy and idyllic suburbs of London where she meets the young and perfect Jude Law, and Winslet arrives in sunny LA, where she forms an unlikely friendship (wink wink) with the unexpectedly charming Jack Black. The movie is warm, adorable, inspiring AND set at Christmas time! What more could anyone want?
- Sex and the City
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A common misconception about Sex and the City: The Movie is that you have to have watched the TV show version before you can watch the movie—I am here to tell you to ignore whoever told you that, because it’s simply not true! I stumbled upon this gem while it was playing on the E! Network with absolutely no prior knowledge of the iconic series, and I haven’t looked back since. The story of Carrie Bradshaw and her sassy, hilarious and inspiringly close-knit trio of friends who take New York City by storm makes for a highly entertaining and surprisingly relatable story of love, romance and the power of friendship.
- About Time
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Written and directed by Richard Curtis, the genius behind Love Actually, About Time tells the compelling story of Tim Lake and his startling discovery of his family’s ability to time travel. A self-conscious and timid college student when his father finally reveals the long-hidden family secret to him, Tim takes his newfound power and uses it in a way that made me swear I would never be afraid of anything ever again (that didn’t last long hahahaha). Tim’s journey with bravery, regret, courage and love (with Rachel McAdams! What could be better?) in London (again, what could be better?) is such a good one, and somehow made time travel feel completely realistic.
- Set It Up
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Another favorite feel-good movie of mine is Set It Up, the Netflix original that shocked the world with how good it was (Netflix movies that are actually good? Never heard of ’em). Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch, two of the most charming people in Hollywood (or maybe in the entire world, who am I kidding) play assistants to two equally demanding and life-ruining bosses. The two assistants meet serendipitously in the shared lobby of their office building, and come up with a hilarious and weirdly effective plan to set their bosses up so that they can, in turn, have a life again. The chemistry and effortless banter between Powell and Deutch is off the charts, and their romantic adventure through New York City in the summertime made me jealous in the best way possible.