Films and Feels: Embracing The Magic of Comfort Watches

Jess on Sept. 23, 2024

It’s Sunday afternoon, the weather’s gloomy, and after a busy week, you’re craving some peace. What go-to comfort film are you putting on?

Maybe it’s the cosy charm of Paddington and his warm, wholesome vibes. Or perhaps Notting Hill is calling your name – who can resist a good rom-com? Then again, you might be in the mood for The Breakfast Club, a timeless classic. If you’re feeling daring, Jaws might be your pick, because although some may think its unusual choice, shark movies are your guilty pleasure.

As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the little things that make us feel good. And movies, for many of us, are one of those things. Whether it’s the comfort of a familiar storyline or the simple joy of escaping into another world for a couple of hours, films can play a big role in our mental well-being. For some, it’s not just films – comfort can come in the form of a beloved TV series too. Shows like Friends, Gilmore Girls, or The Office might become a go-to binge watch when we need a break.

Chief Censor Caroline Flora has a few go-to comfort flicks of her own. She loves The Princess Bride, The Goonies, and Labyrinth – movies that remind her of childhood, taking her on a familiar adventure. My pick is The Amazing Spider-Man. I can’t say why watching someone fight bad guys in a spider suit would make me feel at ease, but something about it just clicks.

And it is worth noting that what comforts one person might not work for someone else. Your movie might be a real tearjerker, while your friend’s could be a thriller. We all have different emotional needs, and that’s what makes comfort movies so personal. What feels like the perfect escape for one might be unsettling for another, and that’s okay. There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to the films that make us feel safe and relaxed. But if you’re planning to watch one of yours with whānau members or friends and it does have some heavy content warnings, it’s always a good idea to check where their line is first.

Comfort films also have this beautiful way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a group of friends gathering for a movie marathon or an online forum of strangers bonding over their favourite scenes, these shared experiences create a sense of community. This perfectly aligns with this year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme: "Community is... what we create together." To give an example, there’s a forum of over 33,000 people who find comfort falling asleep to Futurama. They even share tips on the best episodes to help them drift off! (Apparently Season 4, Episode 17 is a winner).

Movies also have a way of helping us tap into our emotions. Seeing characters face struggles and come out stronger can fill us with hope. Other times, it's the nostalgia of a familiar film that transports us back to simpler moments, offering comfort and security. And let’s face it, there are times when nothing feels better than having a good cry.

Let’s not forget how films can boost our mood. A good laugh from a comedy can reduce stress and lift your spirits. Laughter really is the best medicine (thank you Adam Sandler).

No matter what kind of movie brings you comfort, there’s one out there for everyone – whether it’s a feel-good classic, a thrilling adventure, or a childhood favourite that never gets old. Sit back and embrace the magic of comfort films this Mental Health Awareness Week!

If you’re on the hunt for more comfort movies, there’s no shortage of options. In a previous blog we recommend Studio Ghibli films as their themes of resilience, empathy, and discovery make them especially great for kids. Here’s a an article with 52 perfect comfort films to watch again and again (The Guardian) or you can check out Letterboxd, which has a heap of user-created lists filled with comforting faves – just be sure to check the rating and content warnings on our Find a Rating page first!

Here’s a list of films and series mentioned in this blog: