January is known for the post-Christmas blues, people often find themselves down in the dumps whether that be over failed new year's resolutions, financial stress after Christmas, or just the cold, dark mornings.
One thing that continues to be there through every post-Christmas emotion is the world of cinema: there are movies that prioritize humor, films that are easy to relate to , and even ones to cry to. These are just a few movies guaranteed to get you through those January blues and fill those dark evenings when it's too cold to leave the house.
Singin' In The Rain (1952)
Stream On HBO Max
January is usually the month for miserable moods and miserable weather but the 1952 musical Singin' In The Rain will have viewers dancing with their umbrellas. The movie highlights the transition in cinema from silent film to the talkies of the 1930s but it isn't just a story of cinematic progress.
The movie follows Don who abandons his onscreen love interest for a real one when a chorus girl sparks his interest. Singin' in the Rain is a wholesome love story with a series of great musical numbers that leave viewers humming along and tapping their feet. It reflects a classic time in Hollywood through a star-studded cast that is guaranteed to wash away those January blues through the power of music, love, and dance.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Stream On Starz & Showtime
Nothing sounds better than a trip to Greece to escape the work that has piled up over the festive period but maybe a trip with less drama than Mamma Mia. The movie follows Sophie as her wedding approaches and guests begin to arrive, however among those guests are three men, all of which have the potential to be Sophie's father much to her mom's surprise.
The delightful musical Mamma Mia contains some of the best ABBA songs to date alongside a great cast but under the amazing dance numbers, there is also an interesting storyline that leaves viewers feeling whole by the end of the movie.
We're The Millers (2013)
Rent On Apple TV
We're The Millers is guaranteed to make viewers laugh off that January stress. The movie centers around four unlikely characters coming together as a family to smuggle drugs but being a fake family isn't as easy as they first think. The four characters each have their quirks which makes for a hilarious watch when their contrasting personalities create wacky scenarios that the foursome have to find their way out of no matter how absurd their solutions are.
Overall the movie leaves viewers laughing at the expense of the main characters whilst simultaneously cheering them on despite their quest being a literal crime. Still, We're The Millers is a feel-good film with its unique storyline and characters.
Instant Family (2018)
Stream On Paramount+
Instant Family is a wholesome watch that strays away from the cutesy vibe seen in all of those Christmas films binge-watched over the festive period. The movie focuses on a couple and their journey into adopting but when they begin fostering three unruly siblings, they soon feel as though they aren't cut out for the role of mum and dad.
Instant Family combines humor, chaotic energy, and heartwarming moments that leave viewers both laughing and holding their hearts. The feel-good movie is based on the director's true story of fostering, making Instant Family even more wholesome.
American Pie (1999)
Stream On Showtime
1999's American Pie continues to be the comedy of all comedies. The first movie in the film series focuses on a group of teenagers who seek to lose their virginity which results in many awkward scenes for both viewers and characters. The movie captures the hilarious yet relatable situations that many teenagers find themselves in, it highlights experimentation and angst.
Ultimately, American Pie has a hilarious but accurate take on teenagers which results in a disturbing scene with a pie that requires a lot of willpower to not laugh out loud. The entire thing is definitely one that will make viewers laugh and cringe at the same time, making it a great movie to combat those January blues.
Planes, Trains And Automobiles(1987)
Stream On Paramount+
Any movie that stars John Candy or Steve Martin is bound to be a funny one: Planes, Trains, And Automobiles is a perfect watch when missing the festive spirit seen around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The movie follows Neal who is trying to make it home in time for Thanksgiving when he meets Del who is also traveling over the holiday period.
The pair couldn't have less in common but continue to work as a duo to find alternative ways of travel after Neal's flight gets canceled. The movie tells a story of an unlikely friendship, adventure and even has a hidden message that reminds viewers to not judge others. It is a feel-good film that has some heartwarming moments alongside some utterly outrageous scenes including Del's smoking habit and lack of concentration that almost sees the pair go up in flames much to viewers amusement.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Stream On Paramount+
Everyone has fantasized about calling in sick to work, school, or even family events and Ferris Bueller did exactly that in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Ferris is determined to make his day off school count, so he rallies up his girlfriend and best friend to fill the day with fun.
However, their adventurous escapades are marred when they constantly have to avoid the school principal and Ferris's sister who seek to catch the group in their lies. Ferris Bueller's Day Off encourages viewers even today to go on their own sick day adventure, the movie advocates for new experiences which is a perfect way to fulfill those ambitious New Year's resolutions.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Stream On HBO Max
Everyone has had a boss that they can't stand but Nick, Dale, and Kurt decide to take that dislike to a new level when they hire a hitman to wipe out all three of their horrible bosses. The movie is another comedy that will have viewers begging to go back to work when they realize their boss isn't nearly as bad as they could be.
It is a hysterically funny comedy that sees a star-studded cast engage in some pretty wacky situations that leave their deserved bosses being hunted by a hitman but not everything goes to plan. Horrible Bosses is an observational comedy that highlights the things many people think but wouldn't actually do, allowing viewers to relate to this somewhat sick comedy, making it a perfect film to watch before returning to work after the festive break.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Rent On Vudu
All those Christmas and new year engagements can make it easy to feel suffocated in wedding plans, bachelorette parties, and feeling alone but Bridesmaids is guaranteed to sum up all those feelings whilst also highlighting how love is not always found in a romantic partner. The movie follows Annie who has recently lost her job and feels like a failure in comparison to her best friend who is busy planning her wedding.
The wedding plans go down in flames when controversy over who will be the better bridesmaid arises. Bridesmaids showcases the ups and downs of wedding prep through hilarious scenes of food poisoning, drug-fuelled plane rides, and jealously. This side-splitting comedy focuses on women and friendships and ultimately has a happy ending which is hoped for by both the bride and viewers.
Game Night (2018)
Stream On TNT, TBS & TruTV
The pandemic has seen the rise of board game purchases and at-home game nights but what happens when a murder mystery game turns into a real kidnapping. Game Night puts an unusual but hilarious twist on something that seems so mundane when the couple are faced with trying to solve a real-life game.
The movie has action, comedy, and suspense with the genius pairing of Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman resulting in some zany situations. The movie provides a refreshing change to the world of action comedies with a stellar cast that leaves fans gritting their teeth and wiping away tears of laughter.