Stressful days spare none. Everyone has their share of stressful times when all one wants is to watch a simple movie, relax, and end the day on a good note. The choice of the movie becomes crucial, since watching a movie in this case is more for comfort and less for critical analysis. Movies with a straightforward, feel-good theme work wonders on a tough day. At times, it works when films are not intellectual pursuits but are shortcuts to brighten the day. It is even healthy to have a list meant for self-care for tough times.
Films are a source of escape for many, who would want to enjoy a film without any worries about the world. A film with a simple plot works as it does not challenge and predictability makes one know its eventual outcome, resulting in an effortless viewing. A tub of popcorn and an easy film is enough to loosen up from stress. Here are ten simple films which can be one’s go to on a stressful day.
10When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sallystars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in the titualar roles in the popular romantic comedy-drama that eventually became a cult classic. The story follows the two characters meeting each other after intervals of time over a period of twelve years. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film resonated with the audience very well at the time of its release and went on to become a commercial and critical success. It earned the writer Nora Ephron an Academy Award nomination and both the BAFTA and Writers Guild of America awards.
Rob Reiner got the idea for the film while passing through a low phase after his divorce, and an encounter with Ephron and film producer Andrew Scheinman led to the initial ideas around the film. Harry Connick Jr. also won a Grammy for his soundtrack for the movie.
Related:How When Harry Met Sally… Changed Romantic Comedies
9Little Miss Sunshine
Featuring an ensemble cast,Little Miss Sunshineis the perfect film to unwind from a difficult day! The film follows the members of a family taking their little daughter to participate in a child beauty pageant. Taking a road trip, each member of the family encounters personal battles and difficulties along the way. The movie was directed by the husband-wife duo Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris and written by Michael Arndt.
Little Miss Sunshinewas highly successful commercially and initially opened to a roaring response at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won several big distribution deals.The underlying dark tone of the film with the message won a positive response from critics, who also praised the cast. It won two awards at the 79th Academy Awards.
8The 40-Year-Old Virgin
As the title suggests,The 40-Year-Old Virginexplores the life of Andy Stitzer, who lives a pretty basic life, along with being a virgin. The film has grown to be very popular among comedy movie fans over time, with the stellar cast comprising Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd, and Romany Malco.Judd Apatowdirected the film and decided to cast Steve Carell for the main rolewhen he saw his performance inAnchorman: The Legend of Burgundy.
It turned out to be one of the turnaround films for Carell. It was also Apatow’s first film as a director, who made several comedy films later in his career. The cast received critics' praise, especially Carell sealing his fate in the comedy genre.
7School of Rock
School of Rockis a film anyone would like to watch after a stressful day.Directed by Richard Linklater, the movie, released in 2003, is about its main character Dewey Finn, a struggling musician who ends up being a substitute teacher in a school. Played by Jack Black, Finn decides to teach his students about music and form a band with them to win a contest.
The movie was written by Mike White and was a critical and commercial hit and is continued to be regarded as a top comedy film even today.Jack Black received a nomination for his roleat the Golden Globe Awards. The soundtrack ofSchool of Rockbecame very popular and included some classics composed by top rock bands. The movie also got adapted into a stage production and a TV show for Nickelodeon.
6Notting Hill
Notting Hill,a romantic comedy film released in 1999,starred Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Based in the district of Notting Hill in London, the movie is about William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a bookstore owner in Notting Hill who encounters a big Hollywood star, Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), in his shop. The film follows their journey and how they eventually fall for each other.
Richard Curtis wrote the film inspired by a similar story of his friend who developed a relationship with a famous actress after meeting her at a store. Roger Michell directed the film, which received a successful commercial response on its release. Critics also praisedNotting Hillfor its simple and light story, which ended up gratifying fans of romantic comedies. It also earned three Golden Globe and two BAFTA nominations.
550 First Dates
50 First Datesis a sweet romantic comedy about a veterinarian in Hawaii who falls in love with a woman suffering from amnesia.Adam Sandlerand Drew Barrymore play the lead characters in this popular film, one of their many successful collaborations. George Wing had written the original script titled‘Fifty First Kisses,’ which was bought by Columbia Pictures. Drew Barrymore was onboarded into the project initially and convinced Adam Sandler to join her.
Directed by Peter Segal, who also directed Sandler inAnger Management, 50 First Dates was critically praised for its easygoing and simple storytelling. The chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler earned special positive attention, winning them an MTV award. The film was also remade in several countries owing to its popularity.
4Julie and Julia
Julie and Juliais acomedy-drama film directed by Nora Ephron, about the real-life story of the celebrated Julia Child in the initial stages of her career in the 1950s and the parallel story of Julie Powell in 2002 in New York. The film keeps shifting between the two timelines as Julia Child starts her culinary journey in Paris after she moves to the city as a diplomat’s wife. On the other hand, Julie Powel tries to cook every recipe from Child’s cookbook.
In real life, Julie Powell chronicles her memoirs in the bookJulie and Julia, which forms the foundation for the film along with Julia Child’s autobiography.The film, starring Meryl Streepand Amy Adams, earned praise from critics and was a commercial success.Julie and Juliaalso earned a nomination each at the Academy and BAFTA awards.
3The Holiday
The Holidayincludes a stellar ensemble cast, including Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz. The film, written and directed by Nancy Meyers, portrays two women in the United Kingdom and the US who face unlucky times in love. Both decide to take a trip abroad and end up staying in each other’s homes. One thing leads to another, and they meet interesting people who take the story forward.
With background music by Hans Zimmer,The Holidayis a fun comedy-drama watch with great performances by the cast. The film was shot in Los Angeles and England and released in 2006. Commercially, it was a success, though it received mixed reviews from critics.The film is a light, relaxing watchif one needs to get refreshed after a hard day at work or is in a mood for self-love!
Related:10 Best Romantic Comedies Directed by Women You Shouldn’t Skip
2Definitely, Maybe
A comedy-drama film released in 2008,Definitely, Maybeis the story of a man just about to get divorced and narrates to his daughter the events leading to him meeting her mother. The film has several flashbacks where he chronicles his journey from college to working as a political consultant for Bill Clinton in the 1990s and the women who come into his life on the way.
Though the film’s plot sounds similar to the popular showHow I Met Your Mother, the film is not connected to the show and has a completely different story.Ryan Reynolds stars in the filmwith Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, and Rachel Weisz. Written and directed by Adam Brooks, the film features an unexpected twist at the end, adding to the story’s fun viewing.
1Meet the Parents
Meet The Parentsis a comedy film with acast comprising Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo. The story revolves around a male nurse Greg Focker, who goes to meet the parents of his girlfriend, only to be received by her strict father, Jack. The film turns into a comedy riot, with the clumsy Greg making several faux pas. Jack, played by De Niro, also has secrets, which adds to the film’s hilarity.
The film is now considered an iconic piece of comedic genius which has won several awards, while inspiring a couple of television programs. Directed by Jay Roach, the movie is a remake of a 1992 film with a similar name.Meet The Parentswas followed by two sequels in 2004 and 2010.
