Top 10 Ultimate Comfort Movies
#10: “Back to the Future” (1985)
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We’ve all fantasized about being able to travel through time, and the next best thing is being able to watch Marty McFly do it in Doc Brown’s DeLorean. “Back to the Future” is a classic comfort movie that’s been enjoyed for generations and totally stands the test of time (get it??). And luckily, if you’ve watched the first one so many times that you can recite every line of dialogue, there are a couple of sequels to keep you busy as well. Some may argue that they may not quite stand up to the original, but the franchise’s place in pop culture is something that certainly can’t be argued.
#9: "Clueless" (1995)
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Despite the fact that it was released in 1995, “Clueless” has a timeless quality that makes it one of the most beloved teen movies of all time. Following the self-centered yet lovable antics of Cher Horowitz as she navigates life in Beverly Hills, this movie brought Valley Girl style and lingo to the mainstream. Every scene in “Clueless” is a pleasure to watch, thanks to the snappy dialogue, enviable outfits, and lovable characters. Part romantic comedy, part coming of age story, and partially based on Jane Austen’s “Emma,” this is one of those movies that gets better every time you watch it.
#8: “13 Going on 30” (2004)
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In this fantasy rom-com, 13-year-old Jenna Rink gets everything she thinks she wants when she finds herself suddenly in a grown-up body living the life she always dreamed of. The problem is, the person she grew up to be doesn’t exactly make her proud. Watching Jenna come to terms with what her life has become at age 30 and subsequently trying to fix it, all while making decisions like a teenager, is just a ton of fun. As is Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo in the main roles. Oh, and that “Thriller” dance number has got to be one of the best musical moments that we can remember!
#7: “Never Been Kissed” (1999)
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There’s something so satisfying about watching a grownup relive their high school experience. Josie didn’t have the best time in high school, but she gets to give it another shot when she’s assigned to go undercover and pretend to be a student for a news report on teenage behavior. As Josie, Drew Barrymore is really able to capture what it’s like feeling like your own teenage self again. However, things start to take a turn when she develops a serious crush on one of her teachers, who unfortunately thinks she’s really a student. Plenty of antics take place, but as with any good comfort movie, everything is resolved by the film’s conclusion.
#6: “Paddington” (2014)
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Sure, 2014’s “Paddington” is family-friendly, but it may be just as enjoyable for grown-ups as it is for the little ones. Paddington himself is one of the most adorable and sympathetic characters ever created, making the audience immediately emotionally invested in his story. The bear also has the uncanny ability to get himself into lots of hilarious situations, which is what makes following along on his adventures through London a true treat. Based on the Michael Bond character from children’s literature, this is the type of movie where you know everything will turn out alright in the end. But that’s a-okay with us. The sequel is amazing, too - but if that’s still not enough Paddington, then you’ll be happy to know that a 3rd film started pre-production in 2021.
#5: “The Sound of Music” (1965)
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“The Sound of Music” is considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time, and because of its lovable protagonist and memorable songs, it’s also one of the most beloved. Despite the fact that this musical drama has nothing to do with Christmas, watching it has become a holiday tradition for many families. Maria and the von Trapp family captured the hearts of movie audiences in the ‘60s and the infatuation hasn’t abated over the generations. Oh, and if you are looking for the most comforting experience possible, you might want to consider turning it off before the whole Nazi storyline becomes the focus later in the film.
#4: “Mean Girls” (2004)
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This 2004 movie basically became an instant classic upon its release, and has only developed a more dedicated following since. Sure, the teen comedy deals with plenty of issues that high schoolers face, including cliques, stereotyping, and antagonistic students. But these are all handled in a tongue and cheek manner that makes “Mean Girls” a delight to watch, even if it does dredge up some memories of the mean girls from your own past. The early aughts style and cool kid lingo are now delightfully dated, but the iconic lines and memorable scenes from this film will never go out of fashion.
#3: “Miss Congeniality” (2000)
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Why don’t they make movies like this anymore? “Miss Congeniality” stars Sandra Bullock as an FBI special agent who goes undercover at a beauty pageant to investigate a major threat. Bullock’s character, Grace, is not exactly graceful, so she struggles to fit in among the other glamorous and image-conscious women. This fish out of water story is fun all the way through, with Grace coming to identify with the other contestants. Of course, she also saves the day in the end, all while she - and her partner, Eric! - get more and more familiar with a new side of herself that no one ever could have anticipated.
#2: “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
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Beautiful Greek landscapes, ABBA music, Meryl Streep… what more could you want from a movie? “Mamma Mia!”, based on the jukebox musical, is frothy fun all the way through. It focuses on the soon-to-be married Sophie, her mother Donna and what happens when the former invites the 3 men who are most likely to be her dad to her wedding. Every moment of this multigenerational romantic comedy is a delight to behold and the entire movie can be treated as a singalong, with every song seemingly better than the last., It’s the perfect pick for a little escapism, as the scenery of the fictional island of Kalokairi will make you feel like you’ve been swept away on a dreamy vacation. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) Follow the Yellow Brick Road on This Technicolor Adventure “She's the Man” (2006) This Modern Day Shakespeare Adaptation Is a Ton of Fun “Last Holiday” (2006) A Woman Learns She Only Has a Few Weeks to Live & Goes on an Epic Trip “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” (2003) Lizzie & Her Classmates Go to Rome in This Fun-Filled Romp “Mary Poppins” (1964) This Movie Is Practically Perfect in Every Way
#1: “The Princess Bride” (1987)
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As you wish! It’s hard to find a movie as universally beloved as this one. Part romantic comedy, part adventure tale, and part satire, this story within a story is truly fun for the whole family. It pretty much has everything that you could want from a flick: sword fights, battles of wits, heroes in disguise, rodents of unusual size, and at least a little bit of kissing. Westley and Buttercup’s quest to be together makes this modern day fantasy fairy tale one of the greatest movies ever made, and it never ceases to put a smile on our faces. While it’s “inconceivable” that “The Princess Bride” didn’t make a splash at the box office in the late ‘80s, its cult classic status today is certainly more than well-deserved.