Since professors seem to schedule all of their exams, projects and papers to be due the week before a holiday break, I decided to compile a list of suggestions for movies you should watch while you snuggle under a blanket and mentally recover from the brutality of the week you conquered before a holiday break.

1. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Not only is young Matt Damon adorable, Good Will Hunting also features some of late actor Robin Williams’ best work. In this film, Damon plays the role of a troubled young adult who is filled with angst and defiance. Damon’s character, Will Hunting, is a mathematical genius with a knack for undermining authority figures. Hunting assaults a police officer, and in an attempt to defer prosecution, he is required to attend psychotherapy sessions. After a series of comical failures at various therapy sessions, Hunting is introduced to Robin Williams’ character, Dr. Sean McGuire. Good Will Hunting is known for its actors’ best improvised moments, and I highly recommend this movie to anyone seeking a “feel-good” flick.

2. Big Fish (2003)

Big Fish, directed by Tim Burton, is about a son seeking reconciliation with his dying father. This is the movie adaptation for the 1988 novel, written by Daniel Wallace. From his deathbed, the father tells his estranged son, who is a journalist, about the exciting events that happened in the father’s youth. Although this movie is a bit eccentric, as is the case with any movie directed by Tim Burton, the result is heartbreakingly beautiful. I recommend this film for anyone who likes semi-Gothic style fairy tales.

3. Interstellar (2014)

Renowned as being one of the best science fiction movies of its time, Interstellar features an A-list cast, including Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. The film set an IMAX opening record worldwide with $20.5 million from 574 IMAX theaters, surpassing the $17.1 million record held by The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and is also the best opening for an IMAX 2D, non-sequel and November IMAX release,” according to a Nov. 10, 2014 IMAX press release. McConaughey’s character, Joe Cooper, is a farmer and former NASA pilot, who has two children: a daughter named Murphy and a son named Tom. Murphy believes that her bedroom is haunted by a ghost, and in the presence of Murphy and Joe, the ghost uses dust to reveal a set of coordinates that lead to a secret NASA installation. This is where the two meet Hathaway’s character, Dr. Amelia Brand. This film seeks to explain how wormholes and black holes work through the Cooper family’s complex adventure. This film is a must-see for any science fiction lovers.

4. Chappie (2015)

Another film for science fiction fans is Chappie. This film features actors Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver. Chappie is an artificially intelligent law enforcement robot that is captured by gangsters and trained to fight for the gang. Tension arises when one gang member views Chappie as a child who needs to be nurtured while other gang members heartlessly push Chappie even though it has a limited, irreplaceable battery. The gang and Chappie attempt to destroy a project by weapons manufacturer Tretravaal, but Chappie’s intelligence includes that of a human, with emotions and opinions. As a result, Chappie flees to the gang hideout. This movie is full of science fiction, action and some adorable moments.

5. Dirty Dancing (1987)

This classic film explores the love affair between Jennifer Grey’s character, affectionately nicknamed “Baby,” and Patrick Swayze’s character, Johnny Castle. Baby’s family goes on vacation at a resort where Johnny works as a dance instructor. Johnny’s regular dance partner is pregnant by the resort’s womanizing waiter, who is also dating Baby’s older sister. Through a series of twists and turns, the drama and romance in Dirty Dancing is ideal for those in the mood for a chick flick.

6. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

If you are into musicals, Moulin Rouge! should be on your list. The story is about a deeply depressed writer named Christian who moves to Paris around the year 1900 and finds himself living under a group of actors who perform at the Moulin Rouge. The actors are struggling to produce a show called “Spectacular Spectacular” and enlist Christian’s help since he is an experienced writer. Satine, an actress who is being promised to the owner of the Moulin Rouge, the Duke of Monrath, confuses Christian with the Duke and tries to talk to him privately. In the meantime, Satine falls in love with Christian, but the two keep their love affair a secret, disguised by the story of only running lines together. This film is beautifully performed and is one of the most well-loved classic musicals of all time.

7. V for Vendetta (2006)

For the political crowd and for those who love the thriller genre, the movie V for Vendetta is a must-see. This film is centered on a man who wears a creepy mask and calls himself “V.” V is an anarchist freedom fighter who tries to start a revolution in a dystopian version of the United Kingdom taken over by a cruel neo-fascist government. This political thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat as you watch Evey, portrayed by actress Natalie Portman, get entangled in V’s devious plans.

8. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

This adorable Christmas film is a classic but it is worth re-watching every winter season. The film follows the Grinch who lives in Whoville and is a notorious hater of Christmas. The Grinch tries to steal away the happiness the Whoville residents have during Christmastime by trying to set the city’s Christmas tree on fire with a flamethrower. The Grinch meets a cute little girl named Cindy Lou, portrayed by a young Taylor Momsen, who warms everyone’s hearts by spreading the idea that Christmas is for loving each other, not just for giving and receiving gifts. For those of you eager to jump into the Christmas spirit, give this movie another view.

9. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

It’s a Wonderful Life is another classic Christmas film about a man named George Bailey who wants to commit suicide on Christmas Eve in 1945. George prays and Heaven receives his prayers. Second Class Angel Clarence has to save George’s life in order to receive his wings and a superior angel named Joseph helps Clarence by showing him a series of flashbacks from George’s life. This endearing movie shows that Christmas can be lonely for a lot of people, but if people think back on all of their accomplishments in life, depression and thoughts of suicide can be overcome with just a little faith.

10. Clueless (1995)

The story of Clueless follows a superficial, wealthy girl named Cher through the trying times of high school drama. Cher is an entitled brat for the most part, but she has the best of intentions. She tries to play matchmaker for two girls at school who are socially inept and in need of some social guidance. Cher takes these two girls under her wing while also facing the struggles of having a high school crush. This film is a great way to reflect on how far you have come since high school and to realize how good you have it in college, even though college is extremely demanding.

11. Mamma Mia! (2008)

The last movie on this list is another musical, and even if musicals aren’t for you, this film is more like a movie that just has an extensive soundtrack, but it also has some hilarious dialogue and complex character development. Mamma Mia! follows characters Donna Sheridan, portrayed by the illustrious Meryl Streep, and her daughter Sophie, played by the lovely Amanda Seyfried. Donna was risqué in her younger years, to say the least, and she begins to question who Sophie’s father could be when Sophie wishes that her father could give her away at her wedding. Somehow *wink, wink* all three of Sophie’s possible fathers show up, all willing to give Sophie away as her father, and the story unfolds as Donna runs into each former flame unexpectedly.

No matter how your grades turn out, relax and watch some, or even all, of the movies on this list during the next holiday break. You will feel so much better to be able to recharge before you have to go back to class and you will have seen some great movies!