We all know that the past few days have been more than stressful for us all for various reasons, and for many of us, it can be difficult to remember anything that isn’t current events and crises. Usually, when life is insistent on forcing me down like this, I turn to movies. However, only a specific kind of movie can usually help me through a time like this, so I’ve compiled a list of some of my personal favorite feel-good movies (light-hearted flicks whose main goal is to make you smile) for you to consider if you need a little distraction from everything going on too.
–The Princess Bride: Watch it. If you haven’t seen this masterpiece already, then watch it. If you have seen it already, watch it again! It’s a beautiful and thrilling tale that includes, “Fencing, Fighting, Torture, Revenge, Giants, Monsters, Chases, Escapes, True love, Miracles,” so it has something for everybody! It is also one of the most iconic and quotable movies of all time, so if you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and take a look. You won’t regret it.
–Christopher Robin (or any Winnie the Pooh movie!): I don’t even think I need to explain this one. It’s Winnie the Pooh! If anyone can bring a smile to your face it’s that yellow, honey-loving teddy bear. Just try to frown when Pooh says “Oh Bother,” I dare you.
-Studio Ghibli movies (specifically My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo): Studio Ghibli practically radiates a calming and fun energy, and the movies where that is positively utilized are My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo. Both movies are centered around quaint families and a positive supernatural presence and the animation style, atmosphere and calming energy that both of these movies exude are like cartoon therapy.
-The How to Train your Dragon movies: A personal favorite of mine, these movies never fail to make me wish desperately that I could have a pet dragon. It may not be a productive thing to wish for, but the atmosphere those movies create is so real that I almost feel like I’m flying along with Hiccup and Toothless.
-Whichever Disney movie you like best: Most people have very strong opinions about their favorite Disney movies, so it would be impossible for me to recommend just one (my favorites are Mary Poppins and Robin Hood, personally), so my recommendation is just for you to watch whichever one makes you feel best, especially if it has songs. Belting out Disney tunes can be very relaxing, trust me.
–Homeward Bound: I used to watch this movie all the time, and it still has a special place in my heart. Another story about animals undertaking a journey to return home with entertaining voice-overs, the ending will probably make you cry, but in a good way.
–Matilda: This is a pretty nostalgic movie for a lot of us, and it’s always worth revisiting, especially since it’s always so fun to see the Trunchbull and Danny Devito get revenge handed to them by a 5-year old kid.
–Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: A fun romp with a magical car and Dick Van Dyke, it’s got some fun songs and a totally zany plot, so good luck trying to make sense of anything. It’s still fun.
–The Little Prince: My sister’s favorite, if you’re familiar with the book then this will tug at your heartstrings all the more. It’s still an emotional watch even if you haven’t read the book. The animation, narration, and message just have a way of getting to you.
I know movies aren’t a perfect solution and that not all of my recommendations will be ideal for everyone, but I sincerely hope you find something that you can relax with, something that makes you happy. I’m sure we could all use the break. Happy watching!