It's now been about two weeks since the election, and though the initial shock has worn off, the president-elect's transition process has filled the news, adding a new layer of anxiety for many across the country. So here are some movies to distract yourself with in the midst of the political mess.
1. When Harry Met Sally
Released in 1989, this movie is my go to when I need to feel better in pretty much any situation. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal play a couple with genuine chemistry in a romantic comedy that's actually charming and funny without being cliché.
2. The Princes Bride
This 1987 movie is always worth rewatching, whether it's to see Westley and Buttercup's love story or Inigo Montoya's quest to find the man who killed his father. This movie is witty fantasy at its best, and its guaranteed to boost your mood.
3. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Aside from this particular line summing up the election results, the Last Crusade is unquestionably the best of the series, from Sean Connery playing Indiana Jones' father to River Phoenix as young Indy himself. Watch it to be swept away by the one of the best action heroes of all time.
4. Finding Nemo
I believe Finding Nemo is a perfect movie with its beautiful animation, phenomenal voice acting, and touching storyline. It's also funny even if you're not a kid, so if you're looking for a movie that will make you feel better but also cry, this is it.
5. The Godfather
This movie isn't exactly a pick me up, but it is one of the best of all time, and the Corleone family is always worth watching.
6. Raising Arizona
The 1990 Coen brothers movie is the story of an ex-con and ex-cop couple who steal a baby. It's ridiculous and hilarious, and will definitely make you feel better.
7. The Bourne movies
I'm specifically referring to the first three Bourne movies, which won't make you feel any better about the state of the American government but will give you a secondhand adrenaline rush while watching Matt Damon race through the streets of Paris in an old Mini Cooper.
8. Scrooged
It's definitely close enough to Christmas to watch this movie, a 1988 Bill Murray A Christmas Carol modernization that might be the funniest and most quotable film of all time.
9. Joe Versus the Volcano
An underrated Tom Hanks movie from 1990, it was introduced to me by my parents when I was little, and is one of my mom's favorite mood-boosting movies. Tom Hanks plays an everyday man who is diagnosed with a terminal brain cloud and sets out on a journey where he meets three different women, who are all played by Meg Ryan.
10. O Brother Where Art Thou
Another Coen brothers' film, O Brother Where Art Thou is based on Homer's The Odyssey and will make you feel better just based on the amazing music throughout the movie.
And, after watching these movies, make sure you take real action by contributing to those who most likely be affected by potential policy changes in the next four years. To find organizations to which you can donate time and money, look here.
