We've all been there. Finals get too stressful and you need a break, you've just caught your 3rd cold in the last 2 months, or just had a day where nothing seemed to go right- sometimes you just need to plop down, make a hot beverage, and escape whatever mood you're in with a good movie. Here's a list of the best cozy, feel good movies that will bring you a bit of joy, if only for an hour or two:
1) Roman Holiday (1953)
This old classic has been a favorite of mine ever since I was a kid; it was always the movie I watched when I was sick, and somehow always made me feel better. It has the classic "runaway princess" trope, but its characters are charming and lovable. Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) runs away from her royal duties for the day and meets a journalist (Gregory Peck), who's writing a story on her. The two connect, spend a magical day together, and sparks fly.
2) Big (1988)
It seems that while not everyone has seen this classic Tom Hanks film, almost everyone can recognize the iconic piano dance scene. The movie follows Tom Hank's character as a pre-teen boy makes a wish and somehow turns into a 30-something year old man. It feels oddly relatable watching a young kid learn and try to adapt to being an adult, something many of us can connect with.
3) Dazed and Confused (1993)
Featuring Matthew McConaughey's most impression worthy quote, this movie makes those watching feel nostalgic for a time they may not have even lived through. Taking place over the last day of school in Texas, you meet a wide array of unique and lovable characters, with a lot of "before they were famous" cameos.
4) Legally Blonde (2001)
If you just need a break from studying, or are having one of those days where life just seems too much, this is the movie that will comfort you, make you laugh, and empower and motivate you to be the best version of yourself you can be. There's a bit of Elle Woods in us all, encouraging us to be confident, and not to waste time over people who don't show respect back.
5) The Sandlot (1993)
According to this movie, there's nothing in the world stronger than the friendship of young boys in the 60's and their love of baseball. Watching a ragtag group of friends just having fun is surprisingly relaxing, seeing as though the biggest problems they face are big dogs and retrieving an autographed baseball. Plus, the movie is filled with hilarious one liners, and corny roasts to throw at your friends the next time they mildly annoy you.
6) You've Got Mail (1998)
I'll admit- I'm a total sucker for animosity turned friends turned lovers tropes present in so many romantic comedies. This movie is one of the best examples, and if everyone 90's romantic comedy written by Nora Ephron could star Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan I'd be one happy girl. This movie is one that I never tire of, and it never fails to cheer me up when I've had a rough day.
7) 10 Things I Hate About You
I could write a 10 page paper on how much I love 10 Things I Hate About you, but here are just a few things about this movie that'll cheer you up: Heath Ledger, young Joseph Gordon Levitt, empowered females, a wonderful rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You", late 90's/early 2000's songs and fashion, Mr. Morgan, "What is it, Asshole Day?".
8) Mamma Mia (2008)
Honestly, at this point, who hasn't done their own rendition of "Dancing Queen" with their best friends? It's a staple at parties, birthdays, and sleepovers. The whole movie is catchy, makes you at least bob your head, if not sing along. Plus it stars Meryl Streep and makes you want to sing your heart out on the shores of Greece.
9) Tommy Boy (1995)
Oh yes, it's stupid. It's one of those films that when you watch, there's a mix of laughter, "oh my gods" , and eye-rolling. However, sometimes the crude, Farley/Spade humor is just what you need, and this movie does do its job of making you laugh.
10) Moonstruck (1987)
I honestly don't understand how this movie is not more well-know/well-loved. It's a late 80's rom-com staring Cher and Nicolas Cage. Those two alone should be the reason you see it, but it's a hilarious film about a hilarious Italian family in 80's New York, and all of them trying to deal and understand different types of love. Nicolas Cage makes you laugh at loud at his ridiculous, over-dramatic monologues, and Cher makes you want to be more blunt. It's a wonderful movie, that pokes fun that the drama of life, but still makes you feel better and happy afterwards.
So get that hot coco ready, make that popcorn, and load up your DVDs or Netflix queues, and get ready for a relaxing movie marathon after finals or any other stress!
