Every now and then, we all witness that feeling where we feel like the whole world is collapsing on our shoulders. It can be quite painful, and it can prevent you from enjoying the things you used to find delight in. There are several options you can resort to help you cope with the feeling of nothingness. From taking a walk to enjoying some quality time by yourself, everyone has their own way in which they try to get through tough times. However, one common option many people find efficient is watching movies.
Yet again, you do have to be mindful of the movies you choose to watch during an emotional funk. Some movies have the capability to worsen it, while others will help you get out of it. Here is a carefully curated list of movies that might help you with your "bleh" situation. These movies cater to different genres and different emotions, but since they all carry the common denominator of a happy ending, they will definitely help you feel better.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
With Sandra Bullock taking over the lead role of Gracie Hart, Miss Congeniality focuses on Hart's attempt at overthrowing a terrorist group that plans to bomb the beauty pageant, Miss United States. Hart, who is a tough FBI agent and definitely not a feminine figure, is forced to take part in the pageant. What happens throughout the film is less romantic and more comical.
Even if it is hard to expect women's empowerment from a beauty pageant, this film acts as an exception. That is one simple reason why this film is recommended. You end up having a good laugh and watching a strong female lead win while developing beautiful friendships.
Grown Ups 1 & 2 (2010 & 2013)
You might or might not be an Adam Sandler fan, but these two films are for anyone who just wants to have a chill watch and a good laugh. With comedians like Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider, Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph, and Sandler himself, taking over the lead roles you can only expect peak comedy.
The two films focus on a group of friends and their families. They are all different, except that these grown men act like children who just want to have fun. It definitely reminds you how simple life can be and makes you want to tap into your inner child and do the most childish but playful things.
Harry Potter Series
It doesn't matter if you have watched Harry Potter a million times, every single time you watch the series, you will definitely find solace in watching everybody's favorite young wizard grow up and defeat "he who must not be named". This is the perfect go-to comfort series and if you needed a reminder that it is worth re-watching, this is it. What makes Harry Potter a perfect watch to help you with your emotional funk? The fact that unfortunate things keep happening to Harry and his friends and the fact that they defy all odds, end up almost getting killed each year, but ultimately find some sort of happiness within each other.
Do not be misled, as Harry Potter is not just about Hogwarts and the wizarding world. It is also about finding your self and creating a family, even if you don't have a conventional family. So, here's your reminder to re-watch Harry Potter, but keeping in mind that the series gives you brilliant life lessons.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This classic Tim Burton stop-motion film enters the list because of two key reasons; one is its visuals which have the ability to bring you the much-needed sense of magic and the other reason is Jack Skellington, the protagonist. Jack represents our own selves in many ones.
Jack's boredom or tiredness with the annual routine of Halloween might remind you of your dissatisfaction with the mundane lifestyles, which might also be a reason behind the dispiriting nature. However, the film ends up reminding you that our lifestyles, no matter how "mundane" they seem to be, can actually be interesting and exciting IF we are willing to look at it that way. Moreover, the film will also make you appreciate what you have and be grateful for your life.
The Karate Kid (2010)
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An inspiring film that follows a 12-year-old boy who is disheartened by the sudden transfer of countries and schools which is a result of his widowed mother's job transfer. Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) enters China as a young boy who has no friends. He ends up getting bullied. However, he is taken under the wing by Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) who ends up training Dre and prepping him for a karate tournament.
The film is about Dre figuring out his place in this foreign community and finally forming bonds with the "bullies" who were actually bullies due to their corrupt mentor. This version of The Karate Kid will motivate you and encourage you, as Dre's hardships and the way in which he overcomes them to act as lessons that teach us that anything is possible as long as we are willing to dedicate ourselves.
The Karate Kid (1984)
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The original Karate Kid and the original Cobra Kai is this 1984 film, and it is still the very best version of The Karate Kid franchise. It follows a very similar premise to Jaden Smith's version, since the 2010 film is based on this. But, this film is based in America, and the protagonist, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles, California.
Also, Mr. Miyago (Pat Morita) is much kinder and less harsh. Here too we find a Karate competition and Daniel beating his nemesis Johnny (William Zabka) who ultimately sides with Daniel. Like the previously mentioned film, The Karate Kid will also leave you motivated and inspired. However, if you are looking for something a little bit old-school and nostalgic, this is the film to watch.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
If you want a light-hearted film that will make you smile and warm, this rom-com is the one to watch. With Meryl Streep taking over the lead role, Mamma Mia! is filled with ABBA hits and a great story. The main plot line is based on Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) trying to figure out who her father is out of the three people her mother associated with when she got pregnant with her.
So, yes, the film will make you feel joyful because it is all about positive energy. The fact that the story takes place in Greece is an added bonus, since it makes the cinematography pop-out.
Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
The simple fact that this film is based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir is enough to suggest that it is one relatable story. The protagonist, Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, is introduced as someone who is seemingly successful as she has "everything" a woman "needs". It is then revealed that having a successful career, a good marriage, and a solid life is not enough for one's happiness since these are, in one way or another, material things.
Thus, Gilbert embarks on a journey where she travels to three different countries and each culture exposes her to her inner happiness. Her focus on herself allows her to enjoy the simple things like spaghetti in Italy. Eat, Pray, Love, as the title suggests, is about finding joy by tapping into our senses. Additionally, even if Gilbert is no longer with the man falls in love with, named Felipe (Javier Bardem) in the movie, her story of how they've been together for over 12 years is a hint that Eat, Pray, Love's love is true and beautiful.
Lost in Translation (2003)
A film by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation features Bill Murray as Bob and Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte, two Americans who cross paths while in Tokyo, Japan, and start to bond over their shared issues. Even if the film has a bittersweet ending since these two part ways, it carries a key message on how beautiful, even though temporary, intimate human connections can be.
It might be hard to say whether the bond between Bob and Charlotte carries a romantic layer, but one thing that is obvious is how they are able to find solace in each other while being lost in a foreign country. The simple messages on the importance of connecting to people will definitely bring you a much-needed level of comfort.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
Yet another relatable story that will help you in seeing how this world consists of people with different experiences and pains, in turn, illustrating how subjecting each one's pain is. It's Kind of a Funny Story follows a protagonist, Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who goes to a psychiatric ward seeking help. The fact that Craig is pressured by society and feels incompetent might be something we all relate to.
The story shows how Craig is able to see how he is not alone while getting to know other people and sharing each other's pains. This procedure helps him to understand who he is, what he wants and to forge his pwn path. The story might end with Craig being released and not being able to cure his condition, but that is exactly what makes it relatable. It shows that even if we might not be able to 100% cure our mental health issues, we can still find options that help us cope with it, like human connections and hobbies or passions.
The Truman Show (1998)
Here we have a protagonist going through a massive existential crisis, and for very good reason. Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) grows up "happy" with his uncomplicated life. But, unbeknownst to him, he is being watched 24/7. The whole idea of Truman being a spectacle might remind you of the world we live in, where we voluntarily present ourselves as "spectacles" on social media.
Truman's realization of the genuineness he lacks will allow you to understand the importance of taking a break from this virtuality. The film presents itself as a philosophical subject that helps people realize their own selves apart from the ones created to be present on social media platforms.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a film that carries sensitive topics, but does not shy away from exploring them. The story revolves around the protagonist, Charlie (Logan Lerman), who is going through clinical depression. As he befriends Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller) he is able to slowly explore himself. However, several events disrupt his attempt at trying to be comfortable with his identity and memories.
This allows the film to illustrate how the process of healing is no easy task. Charlie's attempt at coming to terms with his repressed memories acts as a reminder of the importance of healing your inner self and forgiving yourself. The story carries many important messages that allow the audience to realize how we all carry baggage and the importance in addressing this baggage and being kind to our selves.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
If your emotional funk is caused by family tensions, this is the film for you. Little Miss Sunshine is about an unconventional family which contains different kinds of people. They are forced to take a trip to California to help little Olive (Abigail Breslin) participate in a beauty pageant. However, the journey comes with many issues.
Aside from the constant bickering, the family is also forced to overcome challenges like issues with the vehicle and the death of the grandfather, Edwin (Alan Arkin), which is a result of an overdose. Regardless of all these issues, the family makes it to the beauty pageant, but it becomes a "flop". However, in actuality, the journey allowed the family to release their tensions and become closer.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This is a classic feel-good movie that will help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, for decades, it has been everybody's go-to movie to seek support during tough times. So, how does It's a Wonderful Life help you? Well, for one, James Stewart's character, George Bailey, goes through all forms of challenges. In fact, he never seems to be able to catch a break, which is also what brings him to a state where he starts to contemplate suicide. That is until, Clarence, the angel (Henry Travers) reveals an alternate timeline where George doesn't exist.
This revelation proves how important George is, in turn, illustrating the value of human life. The film's beautiful ending shows how endurance can bring you some good at the end, and how we are important to our loved ones. Even though cheesy, the film's key message, "no man is a failure who has friends" carries important value.
Legally Blonde (2001)
If you are tired of serious films and just want something simple, and fun but also inspiring and empowering, Legally Blonde is a safe choice. It has all the necessary elements to bring you comfort and a good smile. Even though Elle (Reese Witherspoon) enters the film as a stereotypical portrayal of a "blonde", she goes on to break this stereotype.
She might have entered law school to win back her ex-boyfriend, but she ends up being a strong female lead who not only wins a trial using her practical knowledge, but also exposes one of her professors for trying to sexually assault her. The film is a motivating piece that might help you to gather yourself up and get back to working while actually enjoying the work.
Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Undeniably, one of the best films by Disney. Lilo and Stitch is popularly known for its message on the importance of family. However, that is not the only thing the film focuses on. For one, our protagonist, Lilo, is introduced as someone who is lonely due to her classmates casting her aside. However, Stitch changes things for her.
Their beautiful friendship allows both of them to grow up together and to accept their unique nature, for which they have constantly been shunned by society. Lilo and Stitch will allow you to see the beauty in not fitting into a frame. It will also make you appreciate your family more.
Inside Out (2015)
This animated film is not your usual cartoon, as it takes a completely different route in trying to tell us about our inner workings. With characters representing core emotions, the film follows Riley as she tries to navigate her life's changes. What makes Inside Out a valuable lesson for everyone, regardless of age, is the way in which it explains the importance of different emotions, including sadness.
It goes on to prove that joy is not the only thing that helps us move along with our life. In fact, sadness is important for us to understand things we value and remember to be grateful. So, it will act as a reminder that this emotional rut you are going through is a part of life's journey.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Yet another inspiring classic. The Breakfast Club is the perfect reminder of how different each of us is and how we should NEVER compare ourselves with others. The film brings five completely different students together as a part of an all-day detention. These students come from different backgrounds, go through different struggles, and have different statuses within the school.
Ultimately, they use the opportunity to get to know each other, in turn, forming some very unlikely bonds. Even if The Breakfast Club carries certain problematic tropes like the conversion of the tomboy to a more feminine girl, it has some important messages that reflect on the individuality of people.
Amélie (2001)
A simple film with brilliant cinematography and a protagonist who will win over any viewer in an instant. Audrey Tautou's character Amélie is introduced as a lost soul struggling to find happiness due to loneliness. However, Amélie finds joy in the simple things in life. She learns that there is a sense of comfort and joy in helping others find happiness and thus, embarks on a journey to do so. Ultimately, she ends up finding her true happiness.
This beautiful story is all about helping others and illustrates how in these simple acts of a good Samaritan can help us find our own happiness. The story might reflect on the idea of karma; what you put out there is what you get. Thus, it will bring you comfort and even help you become a better person.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
A rare film that got nominated for the five big categories at the 85th Academy Awards and brought Jennifer Lawrence the Best Actress award. This film is all about finding love, finding yourself, and healing. With Bradley Cooper taking over the role of the male lead and Lawrence portraying Tiffany, the female lead, the story explores how both these individuals carry their own versions of getting lost, carrying trauma, and losing to love.
However, these negatives are also what connects them together and allows them to fall in love. In this process of falling in love, the viewers are able to witness the ugly side of the journey it takes to heal and find someone who actually understands you. This film will leave you with a lot of hope and will also help you understand that life will not stay at a standstill as things always change over time.
Life of Pi (2012)
Ending this list with Life of Pi simply because this story is one that is open to many interpretations and thus, reaches different viewers with different messages. This award-winning film follows Pi (Suraj Sharma) as he reveals to the viewer how he grew up questioning everything, which made him quite philosophical. He questions religion, God, the universe, and everything in between. The core element of the film lies in Pi's attempt at surviving following a shipwreck that leaves him stranded in the middle of the ocean with a tiger named Richard Parker.
Pi's growing relationship with the tiger as well as his witnessing of nature's beauty as well as nature's toxic elements allow him to understand himself. The story ends up being one which makes the viewer question the world around them and helps them to understand their own stances, perspectives, and identity. So, this film will definitely make you feel a lot better simply because your mind will end up seeing how simple our lives are. It will also remind you to reconnect yourself with nature.
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