Everyone experiences stressful times, and 2020 has been a year of almost constant stressors. As a result, self-care and disconnecting from everyday life is essential for maintaining one's mental health. One of the best ways to de-stress is to get into comfy clothes, get one's beverage of choice, and curl up in front of a movie.
Whether a movie helps with stress is subjective: some people need feel-good, fluffy movies and others need the cathartic release of a horror movie jump scare. Whatever one's preference, watching a good movie is a great form of escapism from the stressors of everyday life.
Pitch Perfect
Pitch Perfect is the perfect movie for those who don't want a straight musical. It follows Becca Mitchell as she reluctantly attends Barden University. When the Barden Bellas, the university's acapella group, recruit her after realizing her talent, her world is thrown into a flurry of singing battles, new friends, and a new outlook on life.
This movie has hilarious characters (including the endearing Fat Amy) and amazing musical numbers that will have viewers bopping along and forgetting any stress in their lives.
Love, Simon
Love, Simon is a great addition to the LGBTQ+ movie roster. It follows Simon, a closeted gay teenager who begins communicating with the anonymous person known as "Blue" online, a fellow closeted high schooler who posted an anonymous confession. Throughout the movie, Simon tries to discover Blue's identity, balance his everyday life, and keeping his sexuality under wraps.
This movie is a funny and heartwarming story about a high school student trying to figure out his identity. It's a great movie for anyone struggling with their sexuality since it does a great job of normalizing Simon's relationship.
Back To The Future
This 1980s classic follows Marty Macfly, a teenager who comes from a less than functional family. He meets Emmett "Doc" Brown who has created a time machine out of a DeLorean. When Marty accidentally ends up in 1955, he meets the two people who will become his parents and has to ensure that they end up together, lest he ceases to exist.
This entertaining and heartwarming story is the perfect mix of action, comedy, and musical numbers that make it a great movie to de-stress in front of.
Amélie
This quirky French film follows the everyday life of Amélie, an eccentric and lonely girl who has dreams of achieving more in life than her paranoid and disillusioned father. When she comes across a photo album, she creates an elaborate treasure hunt to return it, finding romance and being a positive influence on everyone she meets.
This movie is a love letter to film that uses amazing dialogue and sympathetic characters that most viewers can relate to. It's also charming and very funny.
Forrest Gump
This movie follows the life of one of cinema's most beloved characters, Forrest Gump. Born with both physical and mental disabilities, Gump is a kind and gentle soul who accomplishes a lot in his life: from saving his entire team in the army to running a three-year cross-country marathon. It also covers his romance with childhood friend, Jenny.
Tom Hanks does a stellar job of portraying a character who embodies heartwarming innocence and kindness, which is guaranteed to put viewers in a good mood.
Toy Story
This classic Pixar movie answers the age-old question: what do toys do when their owner is not in the room? Sheriff Woody is young Andy's favorite toy, as well as the head of the toy society in Andy's bedroom. But when the new toy, Buzz Lightyear, comes in and changes the room's dynamic, a heartwarming adventure ensues.
With witty dialogue, amazingly written characters, and enough adult humor to keep parents invested, Toy Story is guaranteed to put you in a great mood.
The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada follows Andrea "Andy" Sachs, a recent journalism graduate who lands a job as the junior personal assistance to Miranda Priestly, the cutthroat editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. As Andy learns the ropes of the company, she begins to lose herself, as well as hurt those around her.
This movie is full of memorable characters (and the acting to match), as well as relatable themes and quotable dialogues. It provides the perfect dopamine boost that can help anybody destress from a hard week at work (or worldwide pandemic).
Home Alone
If ever there was a movie to watch where it's time to "deck the halls", it's Home Alone. Kevin McAllister is the mischievous, black sheep of his family struggling with his extended family preparing for a holiday vacation. But when he accidentally gets left behind, he has to protect his home from two burglars who are targeting it.
Not only is this McCauley Caulkey's "pièce de résistance", but it's also a beautiful movie about family, loneliness, and the beauty of the holidays. And John William'ss beautiful score only adds to the emotional moments.
The Breakfast Club
When five high school students (each with their own unique personalities) get Saturday detention, the result is a feel-good movie full of relatable characters, great dialogue, and an insight into the teenage psyche.
This movie delves into friendship, and the importance of human connections, despite one's differences. Claire, Brian, Andrew, John, and Allison each have their individual struggles, as well as stories to tell. Viewers are guaranteed to be smiling and/or in tears as they realize the positive influence the five have had on each other.
The Proposal
Romantic comedies are the easiest ways to de-stress during trying times. When publishing executive Margaret Tate faces deportation after violating her work visa, she talks her assistant, Andrew Paxton into marrying her. Shenanigans ensue as she meets his family and both parties start developing feelings for each other.
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have amazing chemistry and excellent comedic chops. The movie also does a great job of delving into the themes of being alone and wanting a family.