When life gets stressful, there’s nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with snacks, maybe a friend (human or animal), and a movie you can get lost in. The following movies will help transport you to a more peaceful place. Just like real life, these movies do have moments where things don’t go as planned, but exactly as we always hope for (spoiler alert)….things turn out ok in the end!
Almost Famous (2000)
“This song explains why I’m leaving home to become a stewardess.” The words spoken by young William’s (Patrick Fugit) sister before Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” washes over the whole scene. This is a movie I will watch no matter what else is on or how recently I saw it. To me it is a perfect movie, it takes me out of the world and into a glamorous story about rock and roll.
The Holiday (2006)
Two women Iris (Kate Winslet) & Amanda (Cameron Diaz) with guy-problems swap homes from the English countryside to Los Angeles, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. It’s a Christmas-themed romantic comedy with two captivating storylines. There are many connections between the characters which makes for some funny misunderstandings. This movie offers great acting and really smart dialogue. This is one that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Back to the Future (1985)
This classic is about a young man, Marty McFly who accidentally travels into the past and inadvertently jeopardizes his own future existence. Small town California teen Marty (Michael J. Fox) is taken back into the ’50s when an experiment by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) goes wrong. Stuck in the ‘50s, Marty meets young versions of his parents, and must ensure they fall in love to solidify his future existence. At the same time, he and Doc have to figure out how to get him back to 1985!
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
Who can resist a movie with Madonna? She stars with Rosanna Arquette in this classic New York City comedy. Throw in memory loss, a killer on the loose, a love triangle and vintage New York nightlife and this movie will completely draw you in. The ’80s fashion makes this fantastic time capsule well worth digging up for the nostalgia alone.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
This movie begins with beautiful scenes of Paris, like a slide show…making you long to be there. The story is about a man Gil (Owen Wilson) and his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams) vacationing in Paris with her parents. On a late-night walk, Gil happens upon a group of strange carousers, who invite him to join them on their night on the town. To Gil’s amazement, he finds himself in another time with some art and literature icons. The story continues to deepen as Gil experiences more of these strange and wonderful nights.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Londoner Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) is turning 32 and has decided it’s time to take control of her life — and start keeping a diary. She is relatable in so many ways to young single women learning about life and dealing with the hilarity and the agony of work, exercise, food, sex and especially complicated relationships! Bridget loves a good adventure, and we are along for the ride with her as she moves ahead in her new life.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
“I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight”, says Emily (Emily Blunt), Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) FIRST assistant until smart, new grad Andy (Anne Hathaway) becomes her competition. Andy is at first an unlikely fit to work for the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine who carries the nickname of Dragon Lady, but over time, Andy becomes more interested in her job, in fashion and in meeting the challenges the Dragon Lady throws her way. We watch her transformation and see her emerge as a strong, confident beautiful woman who is ready to conquer the world.
Sleepless In Seattle (1991)
This tried and true ’90s romantic comedy about unlikely love that begins through a radio talk show is charming and irresistible. One of many Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks classics, this one will calm you, fill your heart and restore your faith in the power of love.
