In weird times such as these, you might be tempted to turn to your TV screen/Netflix queue as a sense of comfort. That's totally understandable. But your movie choice is incredibly important, because you don't want to stumble into something that's going to make you more stressed than you were before. (I'm looking at all of you who are actively watching Contagion right now.) That's where this list comes in. We've curated the best cozy/chill movies that, after you watch, you'll think to yourself, "Wow, that was lovely."
From sweeping scenes of places other than your bedroom, to rom-coms that'll make you laugh/cry, here's what we're dealing with when it comes to your personal relaxation effort.
1. Under The Tuscan Sun
Travel isn't really on the table right now, and rightfully so, so feel free to take a journey with Diane Lane from the comfort of your own couch. She plays a recently divorced woman who spontaneously buys a house in Italy. It's like Eat, Pray, Love, but less problematic.
2. Lady Bird
There's something oddly comforting about spending two hours with high school kids who are desperately trying to figure out who they are (with mixed results, TBH). Alanis Morissette is featured on the soundtrack, which will put you into a much-needed nostalgia zone. Also, it's funny!
3. The Holiday
No, it's not Christmas, but this movie will make you smile nonetheless. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz star as two women who swap houses. It's real estate porn at its finest, and Jack Black is shockingly charming (as is Jude Law, obviously).
4. It's Complicated
Sorry, Meryl! F*cking! Streep! That's all you need to know. The Queen of Cinema is the person to get you through this trying time.
I mean, literally any Nancy Meyers movie will treat you right. They're heartfelt, but funny, and also incredibly aesthetically pleasing. Come for the love stories, stay for the kitchens, emerge two hours later feeling totally refreshed.
5. Call Me By Your Name
Another dose of much-needed escapism. Watching Elio and Oliver fall in love in 1980s Italy will do things for you, trust me. And the music in this film is practically yoga-class-levels of calming. Grab the tissues, though.
6. Portrait Of A Lady On Fire
This movie is maybe the prettiest thing you'll ever watch. Each frame looks like it could be a renaissance painting, and it'll help you pretend you're not, hypothetically, sitting in your bedroom with potato chip crumbs on your sweatshirt. (Anyone else?)
7. Sleeping With Other People
This rom-com is so underrated. Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie are downright charming in this movie, which captures dating in such a specifically accurate way. There's a whole scene where they're rolling on Molly and it will make you laugh so hard you might cry.
8. Late Night
It might seem weird to watch a workplace comedy right now, but this will make you, dare I say, excited to return to a place of work that is not your house (if that's your situation). Plus, Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling are onscreen magic.
9. Plus One
Ugh, I'm sorry that this is, like, the fifth rom-com on this list, but you have to agree they are very soothing! This one stars Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid, and their chemistry is a perfect distraction.
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