There are certain days for me when the anxiety just manages to creep in. You know one of those bad days when you can just feel your chest become a little too tight, your thoughts seem too cluttered and you just don’t know what to do. For me, I can just feel everything become so sharp and disjoined and I just need a corner that feels safe and a distraction.
And that’s where these calming movies come in. No intensity or emotional whiplash or heartbreaks. Only soft colors, a story that’s not only gentle but is also a warm reminder that there’s still some good left in this world. You can call these movies my emotional blankets because that’s exactly what they feel like: something that wraps you around in warmth and trust me when I say that it feels like a warm hug when I need it the most.
I’ve tried to categorize them according to how I view them, but trust me when I say that you can’t go wrong with any of them. Also don’t forget to get yourself a cup of hot chocolate while you’re at it because honestly, we deserve it.
Disclaimer: Streaming availability may change over time. I’ve listed the titles based on US availability at the time of writing.
⭐Wholesome and Heartwarming Movies
1. Paddington (2014)
Where to watch:
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
✅ Apple TV / Google Play / Vudu (rent/buy)
🔁 Occasionally rotates onto Netflix
There are very few films that just radiate goodness and Paddington is one of them. You look at this bear that just manages to bring kindness to every room he walks into, and wish that you had him in your life. The story is light, the humor soft and you see even the most tense moments get resolved so very quickly. I wish that real life was like that.
The visuals are also very soothing and the pastel tones just manages to help your mind calm down rather than overwhelm it.
Perfect for: When you need something gentle, funny, and reassuring.
2. Chef (2014)
Where to watch:
✅ Netflix (US)
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
I’ve often wondered about what makes Chef so good. The story isn’t anything new, there’s no drama or even a lot of funny moments. But maybe that’s what makes it so special. In fact, I would call it comfort food in movie form.
It’s a feel-good movie about a road trip story where Carl, a fancy head chef manages to rediscover his passion for cooking and repairs his relationships with the people around him. There’s something so grounded and human when you see Carl finally finds joy through cooking.
Perfect for: When you’re looking for a feel-good movie with low stress and plenty of amazing food vibes. And trust me, it doesn’t feel cheesy.
3. Sing Street (2016)
Where to watch:
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
✅ Apple TV / Google Play
This is one of the few coming-of-age gems that I could rewatch again and again. You have Conor who starts a band just to impress a girl, accidently creating a musical journey that’s so full of heart and joy. The stakes never get too overwhelming and even tough moments get handled with optimism.
And the songs? They’re such a serotonin boost and watching these small kids form a band hits the right spot because they’re just so authentic and sweet.
Perfect for: When you’re looking for a boost of serotonin that comes wrapped in 80s pop
4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Where to watch:
✅ Disney+ (US)
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
If there’s one word to describe this movie, it would be dreamy. Walter Mitty is a daydreaming photo manager who goes on an unexpected real adventure to recover a missing film negative and the landscapes that he travels through are so pretty.
I never thought that you could have a calming ‘adventure’ movie but this manages to do just that. It’s not preachy about its message about stepping out of your comfort zone and I appreciate that.
Perfect for: When you want a gentle nudge towards wonder, and not a command from a movie that you need to change your life
🌿 Quiet and Slow-Paced Movies
5. Our Little Sister (2015)
Where to watch:
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
✅ Apple TV / Criterion Channel (often available)
Japan makes some of the best slice-of-life movies, and this is a hill that I’ll die on. And Our Little Sister is no different. Three adult sisters welcome their super shy, teenage half-sister to move in with them after their father died. And that’s it. That’s the entire movie.
You get to experience their daily life, the meals that they share (and the food always looks good), and how they slowly manage to create this small slice of heaven away from everyone else. Trust me, when I say that it’s one of the best comfort movies for anxiety.
Perfect for: When you want only peace, no problems or plot
6. Columbus (2017)
Where to watch:
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
✅ Apple TV / Google Play
When I first watched Columbus, I was struck by the slow pace and gentle visuals. It’s about a Korean man Jin, who comes to Columbus because his dad falls into a coma. There, he meets a local woman Casey who’s taking care of her mother but loves architecture. They form this connection while they explore the city’s stunning architecture. There’s so much emotional depth but it never feels heavy. If I had to compare this movie to something, it would a quiet morning walk after a night of rain. Exactly what you need after a turmoil-filled time.
Perfect for: When your brains needs stillness and minimalism; also perfect if you love architecture
7. Paterson (2016)
Where to watch:
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
✅ Apple TV / Google Play
While some people might find repetition boring, there are times when you just yearn for it. Repetition also means familiarity and that thought can be comforting and this film represents just that. The film follows a week in the life of Paterson. He’s a bus driver and a poet who has a super whimsical partner and the most adorable bulldog.
There’s almost no conflict and plenty of repetition along with quiet moments. Maybe life doesn’t have to be something new everyday, you know?
Perfect for: When you feel super stimulated and need something to relax your mind
🌸 Nostalgic and Cozy Movies
8. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Where to watch:
✅ Disney+ (US)
✅ Hulu (via Disney bundle)
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
I’m in love with pastels and symmetry so you’ll see why I just love this movie but that’s not all that it has to offer. There’s a legendary concierge having to team up with his lobby boy (not willingly) when they end up in an adventure involving a wealthy family feud and a stolen painting. It’s got this quirky and whimsical charm to it and the story doesn’t let you down with the comedy either.
Perfect for: When you need some lovely colors in your life with an added touch of quirky escapism
9. Amélie (2001)
Where to watch:
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
✅ Apple TV / Google Play
🔁 Sometimes available on Criterion Channel
Even if you haven’t seen the movie Amélie, trust me when I say that you’ve probably seen it. Especially if you’re a gamer because she’s the woman on FitGirl’s profile. And just like FitGirl helps out gamers, similarly you have the wonderful story of Amélie who decides to help brighten other people’s lives is super subtle ways.
She’s so shy but that doesn’t hold her back and the yellow-red palette is such a comforting aesthetic. It’s a tender reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can create magical ripples.
Perfect for: When you want a reminder that there’s still some good in the world
10. The Princess Bride (1987)
Where to watch:
✅ Disney+ (US)
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
This movie maybe old but it’s a classic comfort movie that never fails. It’s got everything that you could want; it’s funny, sweet, full of adventure without any of the ‘Oh No!’ moments, and it has the best quotes. A simple farm boy has to rescue his true love and sets off an a fairy-tale adventure when he encounters pirates, and even giants!
Perfect for: When you want a storybook in a movie form. Pure wholesome nostalgia.
11. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Where to watch:
✅ Max (HBO)
✅ Netflix (US)
You can’t have a list of comfort movies without Studio Ghibli, can you? They’re so cozy-vibe coded and Kiki’s Delivery Service has to be one of the more cozier ones out there. It’s the gentle tale of Kiki who’s a young witch and moves to a seaside town to begin her training as a witch. She starts a delivery service and we get delivered a gentle story about growing up into yourself, finding balance and becoming independent.
Perfect for: When you want comfort animation
🌞 Hopeful and Lighthearted Movies
12. About Time (2013)
Where to watch:
✅ Netflix (US)
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
Have you ever come across those ‘Choose A Superpower’ posts where you could choose the ability to time travel? Well, all the male members in Tim’s family have this ability where they can time travel within his own life. He uses this ability to cherish ordinary moments, deepen his relationships and find joy in the mundane every day. This movie is all about appreciating the small moments in life which is a sentiment that I’m sure most of us can relate to.
Content Note: There are a few brief emotional moments so if you want something that’s totally relaxing, maybe check this one out later.
Perfect for: When you want a soft cry that doesn’t leave you sad, but hopeful
13. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Where to watch:
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
✅ Apple TV / Google Play
🔁 Sometimes appears on Hulu
Although a lot of films on this list manage to portray family dynamics in a good way, there’s nothing that does it as well as Little Miss Sunshine. The acting is perfect and it’s so difficult to remind yourself that it’s just a film because this movie feels so real.
You have this family that’s so very dysfunctional yet lovable travelling across the country in a yellow van (that looks like it could give up any moment now) to make sure that their daughter gets to take part in a children’s pageant. The ending has to be on my Top 10 list of purest feel-good moments in cinema. Trust me, this is one of the best comfort movies for anxiety.
Perfect for: When you want laughs and wholesome chaos
14. Singin’ in The Rain (1952)
Where to watch:
✅ Max (HBO)
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
I know that the most of us will have only heard about this through Tom Holland’s iconic Lip Sync Battle but in case you already knew about it, congratulations! You have golden taste. For the rest of us, we’ve just found another bucket-list movie because this is just that good.
This film navigates Hollywood’s shift from the silent era to the talkies and guess what? It’s got some solid musical numbers (stating the obvious), but what stole my heart were the colorful sets, this infectious sense of warmth, and the dance numbers!
Perfect for: When you want old-school musicals filled with happiness
15. Enchanted (2007)
Where to watch:
✅ Disney+ (US)
✅ Prime Video (rent/buy)
We’re ending this list with a banger. What’s better than a fairytale? I’d say a self-aware one. A fairytale princess falls into modern-day New York and the rest is history. She’s got charm, wide-eyed optimism and honestly we all deserve a Giselle in our lives because she’s honestly bestie material. So if you like Disney but for adults, you should definitely check out this movie. It’s silly, sweet, self-aware and 100% emotionally safe from start to finish.
Perfect for: If you’re looking for realistic Disney (sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s true)
What Next?
I know that most people might think that finding comfort in movies is escapism, but it’s not. Sometimes life can get so overwhelming that choosing something that is warm and safe just helps to get your mind settled, you know. So if you ever feel that seeking comfort in movies is selfish and childish, it’s not. You deserve a getaway till the world feels manageable again. A warm meal and a good movie should be made essential for everyone.
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