We all have those go-to movies to watch when we're in a particular mood—comedies and chick flicks for when we're sad, romantic dramas for when we're in love, horror and action films for when we're feeling particularly daring. Although we don't really realize it, movies can often be a form of therapy, eliciting different complex emotions and making us feel a certain way—whether it's to improve our mood or to amplify and deepen our understanding of how we feel. I myself have a personal list of favorite go-to films to watch depending on how I'm feeling—and I've shared it with you below: 10 amazing, all-time greatest movies to watch for every specific mood you're in.
"Lost in Translation" (2003)
If you're ever at a point where you feel like you’re stuck or lost in life, "Lost in Translation" is your go-to indie movie. Exploring themes like loneliness and isolation with masterful subtlety and insightful pathos, its story centers around a faded movie star (Bill Murray) and a neglected young woman (Scarlett Johansson) who form an unlikely connection after crossing paths in Tokyo. It's an exceptionally written film that showcases a delicate exploration of relationships and communication—all with a deft balance of humor and poignancy.
2. The Thrill-Seeking, Mystery-And-Action-Craving Mood:
"Source Code" (2011)
This intense science fiction thriller film follows U.S. Army pilot Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) as he is sent into a computed reality to find the identity of a commuter-train bomber. It’s an inventive, fast-paced tale that’s both mind-bending and captivating, and its emotional arcs and time-ticking-bomb plot work together to make "Source Code" is an unforgettable film for both action seekers and sci-fi lovers.
3. The Bittersweet, Stuck-In-A-Heartache Mood:
"(500) Days of Summer" (2009)
Probably one of the truest and most honest movies about relationships and romance you’ll ever find in Hollywood, "(500) Days of Summer" tells the story of hopeless romantic Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his memories of a failed relationship with Summer (Zooey Deschanel). It’s a clever, offbeat romantic comedy that’s refreshingly honest and charming—not to mention also has one of the most timeless movie soundtracks.
4. The Nostalgic, Shamelessly-Optimistic Mood:
"Clueless" (1995)
A timeless 90’s classic for every girl, "Clueless" is the iconic retelling of Jane Austen’s "Emma"—a perfect film for anyone in the mood to watch a light-hearted, feel-good movie. Cher’s (Alicia Silverstone) steely self-determination and sweet, wide-eyed innocence make her one of the most lovable and endearing characters in film, and the movie’s overall witty humor and fresh charm gives it an enduring legacy.
5. The Thoughtfully-Philosophical, Tenderly-Romantic Mood:
"Before Sunrise" (1999)
The first film in the trilogy by Richard Linklater, "Before Sunrise" follows the story of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) as they meet on a train and get to know one another while walking the streets of Vienna. Albeit having a very minimalistic plot, the film is impressionably carried by its intimate, natural dialogue and thought-provoking themes, and showcases a beautifully-filmed encounter between two people that is wonderfully honest and intimate.
6. The Emotional and Dramatically-Musical, Give-Me-All-The-Feels Mood:
"Les Misérables" (2012)
A truly epic tale set against the backdrop of 19th century France, this film adaptation of the timeless musical production (based on the novel by Victor Hugo) epitomizes everything simultaneously wonderful and terrible about the experiences of human life: passion and sacrifice, redemption and morality, broken dreams and unrequited love. It's a guaranteed musical tear-jerker that's full of powerful, emotionally-stirring moments and spectacular performances by an all-star cast.
7. The Adventurous, Daring, Tell-Me-A-Mind-Blowing-Story Mood:
"Life of Pi" (2012)
A breathtaking adaptation of the novel by Yann Martel, "Life of Pi" is a must-watch survival drama film that spectacularly revolutionizes the art of cinematography and storytelling. The plot revolves around Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma), who tells the story of surviving a shipwreck and becoming stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. It's an enchanting masterpiece of a film—an epic journey of adventure and discovery, complete with gorgeous, mesmerizing visuals and a mind-boggling twist.
8. The Sentimental, Poignant, I-Feel-Infinite Mood:
"The Perks of Being A Wallflower" (2012)
Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, this heartfelt coming-of-age film tells the story of a "wallflower" named Charlie (Logan Lerman) who discovers the joys of friendship, first love, music and life with the help of his new friends Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). It's a modern classic that powerfully captures the comedy, tragedy, angst and exuberance of growing up—all with an overarching sense of genuine sentimentality and brilliant honesty.
9. The Teenage-Angst, Constantly-Misunderstood-Misfit Mood:
"The Breakfast Club" (1985)
An all-time classic that frankly belongs on every movie rec list, "The Breakfast Club" is one of the most authentic films about high school stereotypes, teenage identity, and growing up. Its storyline centers around five high school students, all of different stereotypes and backgrounds, who form an unlikely bond when they meet in Saturday detention. It's sincere, witty, and impactful—everything you'd ever want (or need) in a definitive 80's teen movie.
10. The Contemplative, Hauntingly-Emotional, Wistful-Yet-Hopeful Mood:
"Her" (2013)
If there's any film that succeeds in being an unconventional love story, a witty comedy, and a futuristic sci-fi all in one, it's this one—"Her" is both haunting and comforting, unsettling and serene, somber and hopeful. Revolving around the story of a writer (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with his computer's highly advanced operating system (Scarlett Johansson), this intriguing, thought-provoking romance explores the universality of love and the nature of human connections with effortless subtlety and originality.
