In moments of stress and anxiety, comfort movies can solve everything.
A comfort movie is not like any other movie – it’s one we know we’ll feel good at the end no matter what, feels like a warm hug.
Everyone has different comfort movies they automatically jump to. It may be the amazing plot, breathtaking cinematography, the outstanding performance, or just pure nostalgia that people go back to.
These are the BB’s team comfort movie choices:
BB Founder Renae’s Comfort Movie Is: ‘Notting Hill’ (1999)
Directed by: Robert Michell
Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville, and Emma Chambers
This film is an oldie but a goodie.
Who doesn’t love Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts on screen? And in one of London’s most beautiful areas in high summer full of colour and life.
A famous actor walks into a bookstore and the two fall in love
Who doesn’t love a romance that turns tradition in its head? Love it.
BB Beauty Writer Rebecca’s Comfort Movie Is: ‘Things Heard and Seen’ (2021)
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton, Natalia Dyer and Alex Neustaedter
Based on a female artist, her husband and young child, who move to a cute country home. Once moving to the new home however things start to take a dark twist, as she learns things about her husband linked to the dark past of the new home, they now live in.
I’ve taken a liking to ‘Things Heard and Seen’ as it’s twisty and unexpected. I had to watch it twice as the first time I didn’t really get it. Once I got it the second time, I then watched it a third time to appreciate it. I probably won’t watch it again, but such a good film.
Though the movie didn’t rate well, to be honest I hardly ever look at review and whether a movie has received any awards etc. I like to make the decision for myself. Mostly due to bad experiences of critics raving about movies and then me having a different opinion and being let down afterwards. So, I go with storylines and if I think it’s up my alley, I check it out and hope for the best.
BB Writer Phoebe’s Comfort Movie Is: ‘Clueless’ (1995)
Directed by Amy Heckerling
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and Brittany Murphy.
Inspired by the classic novel ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen, Clueless is a classic example of a teen romance comedy film that was originally rejected by Fox Studios. This cult classic has gone on to won numerous awards such as the Funniest Lead Role in a Motion Picture at the American Comedy Awards USA in 1996, and even nominated for Best Movie at the MTV Movie and TV Awards in 1996.
Shot in the picturesque Beverly Hills, the film follows the character of Cher around – the rich, confident, and extremely shallow girl at the top of the school’s social ladder. On her journey through adolescence throughout the film she meets new girl, Tai who she makes popular as well, giving her makeovers and eventually changing her personality to one that is shallow and snobby. But the situation ultimately backfires on her and she is found in an interesting yet complex situation.
This is the ultimate comfort movie as it is an iconic chick flick, whether watching alone, with a partner or even with friends.
BB Writer Claudia’s Comfort Movie Is: ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Minnie Driver, Stellan Skarsgard, Casey Affleck
‘Good Will Hunting’ received major academic responses including winning an Academy Award (1998) for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ and Robin William’s excellent performance earned him an Academy Award also for ‘Best Supporting Actor’.
The film follows 20-year-old janitor Will Hunting (Damon), an unrecognized mathematical genius who, as part of a prosecution agreement after assaulting a police officer, becomes a patient of a therapist and studies advanced mathematics with a renowned professor.
The best thing about ‘Good Will Hunting’ is not in its well-crafted, psychological symmetries but in the rawness that the characters bring to life.
There are moments in movies where the plot intensifies and the dialogue steps it up a notch and carries serious impact to viewers, I found this feeling of awe in almost every single scene throughout the entire movie. Every scene seems to be a critical and touching moment in the film. The plot was completely different at the beginning – it was originally about a math genius and his buddy outsmarting the government.
BB Writer Maddy’s Comfort Movie Is: ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (2012)
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Paul Rudd, Ezra Miller
The original book was formatted as letters to a pen pal and the story was loosely based on Chbosky’s experience growing up in Pittsburgh.
Charlie is an awkward and lost freshman starting high school, who is taken under the wings of two seniors. The movie follows the joys and challenges he faces in a classic coming-of-age story.
I like that it can make you cringe, laugh and cry all at the same time. I think this is because we can all relate to having an awkward stage as a teenager – like the lame high school dances. I also appreciate the exploration of taboo subjects of depression, sexual assault, and homosexuality from the perspective of high school students – something that isn’t discussed enough. My favourite quote is “We accept the love we think we deserve”.
BB Writer Maya’s Comfort Movie Is: ‘Bridesmaids’ (2011)
Directed by: Paul Feig
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Mellissa McCarthy, and Wendie McLendon-Covey.
This movie was acclaimed for proving that a female cast could do just as well and be just as humorous as their male counterpart. It shows women realistically, that they aren’t just there to look good, woman can be crude and get drunk and they can do it all in a fancy dress. The movie in two words has been described as a ‘feminist sensation’.
Annie is a single woman who is struggling to find a stable relationship, hates her job and her room mates. At the same time her lifelong best friend Liliana is also getting engaged and she must become the maid of honour. She is also surprised to see that Liliana has made a new friend who is everything she is not. They quickly become rivals at completing duties that a maid of honour must perform to give Liliana the best engagement possible.
This is of the funniest yet heart-warming comedies about women, their friendships, and the struggle to get back on one’s feet. The movie always motivates me when I’ve hit a road bump and has taught me that you can’t blame the world for your problems. It’s a great movie to watch with friends and with family because it so relatable and has a joke in it for everyone
BB Writer Czelene’s Comfort Movie Is: ‘Flipped’ (2010)
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Starring: Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards, and John Mahoney.
Directed by the acclaimed Director, Rob Reiner, Flipped is a romantic, comedy-drama exploring teenage romance. Based on a novel by, the Stand By Me director portrays another coming-of-age story.
Juli Baker developed feelings for her neighbour, Bryce Loski, when he first moved into town. Four years later, Juli still crushes on him until something in her flipped. Bryce on the other hand, for years wanted nothing to do with Juli, often finding ways to ignore her, despite being neighbours and classmates. However, something flipped in him too, surprising him and his friend. Set in 1957, this film follows innocent puppy love as well as themes of family, courage, and transformation.
This film will always have a special place in my heart. Although the plot is cute and romantic, it tackles issues such as family struggles well. I also love how it’s set in the 50’s. with the absence of modern technology, the film portrays the pure and intimate innocence the characters have– and their outfits are also beautiful. It’s a feel- good movie for anyone wanting to smile at the end.
