If you're anything like me, when life starts to get a little too hectic and school has you feeling down, you turn to movies as the ultimate form of comfort. Take yourself to the theater for the afternoon, or hunker down with your favorite trilogy and some snacks on the couch, either way, there's something undeniably therapeutic about falling into the cinematic universe. Watching a favorite movie can feel like coming home. All the characters just the same as when you last saw them, ready for their story to unwind. So without further ado, here's a list of movies to watch when you need a little pick-me-up.
1. Harry Potter
Harry Potter was such an integral part of growing up, re-watching his adventures Hogwarts always feels like catching up with an old friend.
2. Star Wars: A New Hope
A young Han Solo fighting space Nazis? Carrie Fisher being a badass? Chewie? The ultimate recipe for cheering you up.
3. Amelie
It's cute, it's quirky, it's fun, and it's undeniably original. Have a hot cup of tea and settle in.
4. (500) Days of Summer
The ultimate break-up movie. Or cheer-you-up movie. Or first-date movie. (500) Days of Summer can do it all, with a killer soundtrack too.
5. Juno
Ellen Page is a sass-master, and Michael Cera is guaranteed to warm your cold, cold heart. Witty dialogue and a fun music score make this a quality Sunday flick.
6. Little Miss Sunshine
A geniuine family comedy, that promises to make you laugh, and pull your heartstrings just a little.
7. Scott Pilgrim VS The World
It's completely wild, and completely perfect. A hilarious band of characters and a video-game vibe throws this movie into my "all time favorite" category. Also, Michael Cera.
8. Lady and The Tramp
It's Disney, it's dogs, it's adorable in every way.
9. Moonrise Kingdom
It's undeniably weird, but Wes Anderson never fails to make movies that are odd in all the best ways.
10. The Adventures of Milo and Otis
Literally just an adorable movie about a puppy and a kitten getting into misadventures.
11. Hot Fuzz
The most ridiculous buddy-cop film to ever grace your TV screen, it'll have you laughing in no time.
12. Wall-E
Stunning visuals and adorable robots, with a message we could all stand to remember. Wall-E will make you laugh, and then cry, and then laugh.
13. My Neighbor Totoro
Channel your inner forest spirit on a rainy day by napping and watching this.
14. Indiana Jones
Harrison Ford fights Earth Nazis!
15. Jurassic Park
The first one is the best, but any of them will do. Just as long as you sing along with the iconic theme.
16. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Once again, let Wes Anderson take you on a journey that will completely engross you, and get you feeling better.
17. Swiss Army Man
Pair disgusting bodily humor with a weirdly life-affirming message, and you've got a winning film.
18. Billy Elliot
Get yourself dancing again, with a genuine movie about how hard it can be to figure out who you are.
19. Dead Poets Society
Let Robin Williams inspire you, then have a good cry.
20. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Watching other people's romantic misadventures will make you feel much better about your own.
