My go-to Cozy Season Comfort Movies

Early 2000 romcoms love to see me coming :)

A comfort film loves to see me coming! Last week’s newsletter was a bit of a doozy, so I wanted to do something fun and share some of my favorite comfort movies for cozy season (or year round, really!)

My definition of a comfort film is something really ridiculously easy to watch, that makes you want to curl up under some blankets. It feels like a cup of tea or hot chocolate on a brisk night. It makes you feel like you’re in one of those Youtube “ambience” videos, the ones with the fake fireplace roaring, and the lo-fi music gently playing as a fresh cup of tea steams in the background. I’m invested and curious about the story, but I’m by no means on the edge of my seat and am able to completely relax.

For me, these movies mostly fall into the following categories- Fall in NY, grew up watching/know every word, and/or feels like a giant hug and a forehead kiss.

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

 When Harry Met Sally (1989)- I first watched this movie about two weeks before the bar exam. I was in the basement of the library in a windowless room, driving myself crazy after studying for 12-16 hours everyday all summer. For some reason, it was up for free on Youtube. I was transported away from the silence and the blank, soulless walls of the tiny study room, and transported into a world with romcom queen Meg Ryan. The fun dialogue, and beautiful Fall/Winter NY backdrop sealed the deal and made this movie an instant favorite.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)- This is one of the first movies I watched when I first started getting into film and I’m pretty sure I had a huge grin on my face the whole time. Gene Kelly is such a charming leading man, the cinemategrophy is wonderful, we get to see a young Debbie Reynolds and the music is unmatched. There’s a reason why it’s so widely referenced and considered a classic!

When I want comfort, but want to watch something new, turning to Studio Ghibli is a pretty sure bet. Spirited Away (2001) and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) both feel like a warm hug. They’re both coming of age stories that feel so warm and nostalgic, and upon first watch, feel like I’ve already watched them a million times. The next Studio Ghibli movies on my list are Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo.

As soon as I feel the slightest breeze, I’m ready to throw on a Christmas movie. Every October to break the seal of the Christmas watch season, I throw on While You Were Sleeping (1995) and watch it a few days in a row. I didn’t even realize I did this until the photos started popping up on my Google photos memories. I am indeed a creature of habit. Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullham’s chemistry, a slightly unrealistic plot, Christmas, and a big family is a recipe for a fun and easy rewatch for me. Some other cozy Christmas watches are Meet me in St. Louis (1944) and The Family Stone (2005).

Photo by Katie Azi on Unsplash

I always think of The Proposal (2009) as the last great romcom of the early 00’s. More Sandra Bullock + a great supporting cast. Feels like such a specific moment in time. Fun, easy, and very early 2000s.

I was a pre-teen/teenage girl during Lindsay Lohan’s rise to fame and something about her movies will always give me the comfort I’m looking for. I can pretty much recite all of the dialogue from The Parent Trap (1998) and Freaky Friday (2003). Comfort watches for sure!

Rounding out the list is another Fall in NY classic, Brown Sugar (2002). I completely wore this DVD out when it first came out. The music, the colors, the outfits, all very New York and VERY early 00’s. I find myself quoting Taye Diggs’s “Myyy divvoOoOrce” way too often and thought I’ve seen it a million times, the ending always brings some extra joy to my heart.

This is by no means an exhaustive list (I have a million of these!), but I hope I gave you at least one comfort watch to add to your watchlist. Let me know if you have any recommendations for me in the comments! <3

Love,

Renee