I am the type of person who is always watching something—and although that might not be the healthiest habit, it often helps me regulate emotions. I am a big overthinker, and being a university student is stressful on its own. So when I need to escape reality and relax, movies are my go-to.
According to the 2021 research article, “How the Entertaining Effects of Movies Help People to Reduce Chronic Stress and Increase Happiness,” movies are an effective way to reduce stress and increase happiness. That “crying is a means to restore psychological and physiological balance, so it makes sense why tearjerkers often give us a sense of stability.Â
The article also suggests that movies offer potential moments of flow—when we are completely absorbed—and act as a positive distraction that pulls us out of our worries and rumination. Even intense, unpredictable films can trigger the release of dopamine from pleasure pathways.
Through my constant watching, I have made a list of movies that I feel pull you into their world and help you indulge in some escapism, which is one of the most fun aspects of film and books for me. Some of these films may seem more emotionally taxing, but I find them relaxing because of how well the worlds are built and how thought-provoking some of them are.Â
- Superbad
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Superbad is a classic comedy from the 2000s. It follows extremely awkward teenagers, played by a star-studded cast, as they embark on adventures during the last days of high school. It’s incredibly chaotic, silly, and almost nonsensical, and that is why it works so well. All the jokes are unhinged, every plan is stupid, and everything that can go wrong does go wrong. It’s fun because it’s unserious. So when you don’t want to think at all and need a laugh, this is definitely the one to go for.Â
- Bob Trevino Likes It
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Inspired by director Tracie Laymon’s personal life, Bob Trevino Likes It takes us on a path of healing. The existence of Bob’s character momentarily renewed my belief in humanity—I cried so much while watching it. We find that healing your inner child is so important. The protagonist, Lily, is lovable and brave. She befriends a stranger online with the same name as her negligent and narcissistic father. This movie is so funny and heartwarming, showcasing the value of a chosen family. Bob provides Lily (and us!) with this cathartic support.Â
- Polite Society
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This South Asian-British action/comedy is a breath of fresh air and extremely funny. Polite Society follows Ria, a teenager who aspires to be a stuntwoman. The action scenes and stunts are very well choreographed and genuinely impressive. Ria’s sister, Lena, has been depressed for a while until she meets someone and decides to get married. Ria is very unhappy with this because she wants Lena to follow her dreams of becoming an artist.Â
Everything in this movie is immensely exaggerated, and it clicks in a way that feels effortless. Ria tries to sabotage the wedding at every opportunity, including a heist on the day of the wedding. The villain is charismatic and as villainous as one can be. The social commentary on arranged marriages and cultural issues is also portrayed interestingly. This is a film about sisterhood, freedom, and passion.Â
- Challengers
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Desire and power are the core of Challengers. It is so well-directed that it is impossible to take your eyes off it for a second. Every time I rewatch this, I notice something new. The music is unique, and the characters’ complexity is so captivating. It depicts sexuality and gender in a very distinct manner that is unlike most mainstream films.
Tashi Duncan is a femme fatale who redefines what power looks like. Art seeks Tashi’s approval, and Patrick wants success and stability. Tashi is ambitious, desires control, and the version of tennis she can no longer play. This movie is unpredictable and thought-provoking, letting you escape into the world of tennis, ego, and power.
- Love in the Big City
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Although this story is more realistic, it allows an emotional escape into the characters’ lives. Love in the Big City follows best friends and roommates Heung-soo and Jae-hee as they navigate messy relationships, judgment, and prejudice while discovering who they are.Â
Heung-soo is gay and fears being outed in a society that refuses to conform, while Jae-hee is bold, carefree, and experiences societal judgment because of that. We experience the ups and downs of their friendship and see their relationship develop through the years. This movie will make you miss your best friend. It brings comfort in its display of vulnerabilities. It will hold your attention from beginning to end, and you will come out loving the characters despite their flaws. The portrayal of loneliness and the importance of strong platonic relationships is depicted spectacularly.Â