The Perfect Comfort Movies All Year Round

by Kevin Gardner

Comfort movies provide a break for troubled minds and ease anxiety. Finding solace in movies tends to aid in a much-needed escape from everyday life. Much like a favorite dish, watching a favorite movie can give a person a feeling of security and joy. People often turn to a list of favorite movies around the holidays, and now more than ever, access to movies is found on streaming services and online. Sometimes people need that familiar comfy, cozy feeling, more than just during a holiday. Perhaps it's been a rough day, or you just want to put on a movie you love and watch it over and over again. Instead of trying something new, you reach for what's familiar. Whatever the case, if you’re one of those people who enjoy a good comfort movie, then read on. Below you’ll find movies that are sure to create those happy, nostalgic vibes, and unlike the holiday-themed lists, these movies will be fun to watch all year long.

Best Movie Scenes

Gremlins is a staple semi-spooky eighties classic released in 1984 and directed by Joe Dante. This movie is packed with nostalgic vibes when it comes to the main pet Mogwai who ends up turning into the dreaded but funny, Gremlins. You may not be googling pool builders near me anytime soon after the classic scene where the gremlin jumps into the pool and multiplies. Even with mild scares in the film, there is something sweet and comforting with the Mogwai and plenty to laugh over. 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a 1961 timeless classic, directed by Blake Edwards. If you love the late 1950’s era, there’s something special about this one. Part of the movie’s charm includes the setting with the beautiful opening of Tiffany window shopping with her elegant dress while drinking coffee. The story pulls the audience in, and Tiffany starts out as a mystery everyone wants to know. Of course, you can’t mention this movie without the scene of Tiffany singing Moon River.

Julie and Julia, released in 2009 and directed by Nora Ephron, gives a familiar and comforting atmosphere. The viewer is pulled in by the story that showcases both women in different timelines as they struggle to reach internal goals while making amazing food. You can’t think of this movie without thinking of the scene with Julie in culinary school and finding her calling. This movie pulls you straight in and has you rooting for both women throughout the film.

Comedic Relief

Laughter can rejuvenate the mind and heart. Watching a comfort movie with comedy is a great way to lift the spirits. Below are a couple of humorous movies worth watching time after time, just for the laughs.

Hubie Halloween was released in 2020 and directed by Steven Brill. This Adam Sandler movie is laugh after laugh. Poor Hubie is terrified of nearly everything, and when something dark and sinister starts happening in his town, he takes it upon himself to get to the bottom of it. Of course, he has his handy dandy all-purpose thermos to help him save the day.

Shrek, released in 2001 and directed by Adam Adamson and Vickie Jenson, is a hilarious animated film perfect to watch with the kids. This film’s comedy is both for parents and children and never stops being amusing from the first watch to the hundredth.

Magical Realism

A good comfort movie takes you far away from the present stresses. A little magic is a perfect dose to cure a case of mundane blues. One movie hits the comfort list based not only on its comedy, nostalgic scenes but also on its sprinkling of magic.

Practical Magic was released in 1998 and directed by Griffin Dunne. This film shows the importance of family ties and loving yourself. Of course, the movie’s most memorable scene has to be midnight margaritas.

Comfort viewing relaxes stress during challenging times, and these movies will give you the exact feel you need to perk right up.