Comfort films are heartwarming, magical, they fill your body with nostalgia. They keep me going on a somber day. They have to be easy to watch, maybe a bit sad, but overall light and happy and can fill you with warmth. I composed this list based on the film’s rewatchability, ability to establish sentimentality and the comfort it could bring to watch on a rainy day.
- “Coraline” – Now I know this movie might be an odd choice to add to this list, but when I think of my list of comfort films, this is my number one. I’ve rewatched this movie countless times and it never fails to remind me of being nine years old and how scared this movie could make me feel. This isn’t necessarily a horror film, but if you’re torn between watching something eerie and something easy, I definitely recommend “Coraline.” Besides, I had to have a children’s movie on this list, otherwise it would be incomplete. Plus, this movie is very Tim Burton-esque so I think it’s the perfect children’s movie to be on this list.
- “Say Anything” – This 1989 romantic classic is so heartwarming to watch. I used to be obsessed with this movie when I was younger because of the expectations it created in me to get a boyfriend just like Lloyd Dobler. Lloyd Dobler is the perfect nice guy of every young girl’s dreams.
- “Little Miss Sunshine” – This movie is extremely fun to watch. I love seeing this dysfunctional, yet funny family, all coming together to support Olive, the youngest of the family, in her journey to confidence and stardom. The film is serious but lighthearted at the same time, and it’s quirkiness makes it a joy to watch every time. It’s empowering to watch a family embrace their true selves.
- “Pretty in Pink” – Of course a John Hughes movie has to be on this list and “Pretty in Pink” is my all time favorite of his. I love Molly Ringwald’s character in this film, as she is comfortable, but definitely does struggle at times with being an outsider. Plus, who couldn’t love the pink, sort of ugly, very 80’s dress her character makes at the end of the film?
- “Twilight” – I love to turn this movie on when it’s a rainy, gloomy day outside. The vampire, werewolf, human love affair is quality entertainment and needs to be revisited every now and then.
- “Little Women” – Both the 1994 and 2019 version of this movie are great films, but the 2019 remake is by far my favorite. The transitions between the sisters life’s growing up together and their lives as they’re growing out of their childhood home brings me so much nostalgia, especially with the altering color schemes used to show these time jumps. I had to include a period piece in this list and I thought an empowering, feminine movie such as this one would do just the trick.
- “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – Really any movie from the Harry Potter series would do the trick to bring me comfort. Honestly, I think a movie series of any kind revolves around familiarity with the series’ world and characters, therefore being inherently nostalgic and heartwarming. So, whatever film series brings you joy and reminds you of your childhood, I encourage you to do a marathon of those movies on a quiet, long, rainy day.
- “Juno” – This movie is cute and hilarious and I couldn’t help but include it in my list. The song that Juno and Paulie sing at the end of the film is adorable and one of my favorite parts. Juno is naive and unique and her hamburger phone makes her an even better character. Seriously, if you still haven’t seen this movie yet, I highly encourage you to do so.
- “School of Rock” – With an ending like the one at the end of this movie, how could I not include it in my personal list of comfort films? Jack Black’s character’s transition is awesome to watch and the ending performance is even more entertaining.
- “The Perks of being a Wallflower” – I’m closing out my list with this somber film from 2012. It brings me great happiness to see Sam and Patrick accept Charlie into their friend group and welcome him with open arms. The dance scene to the song “Come on Eileen” is a classic as well as the many quotable, cheesy, yet heart aching lines in this film. If you’re looking for a good cry, this is your movie.