11 comforting movies for when you’re rotting in bed

We’ve all been there—those days when life seems too overwhelming, and all you can do is lay in bed, feeling like you’re slowly turning into a potato.

It's on these days that a comforting movie becomes your saving grace. The right film can be a warm hug, a burst of laughter, or a much-needed escape from reality.

Here are 11 comforting films perfect for those moments when you just need to hit pause on life and let a good story take over. 

1. Past Lives (2023) 

A24 production rarely ever misses, nominated for an Academy Award at this year's Oscars, Past Lives is about childhood friends Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) who are separated when Nora's family moves from South Korea. Years later, a married Nora and single Hae Sung reunite for a pivotal week, facing destiny, love, and the life-defining choices they've made. This film wasn’t one I’d typically choose, but the cult following and a friend's recommendation persuaded me to watch it. The cultural depth and the heartfelt depiction of true love and the sacrifices it requires is captivating. I came out of this movie feeling like a better person. 

2. Before Sunset (2004)

Richard Linklater’s films often feature relaxed yet tightly constructed stories about characters who feel real and familiar. Among these, "Before Sunset" stands out in his romantic trilogy. The film captures the serene reunion of Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke), filled with light and warmth. Though there are awkward moments and unresolved issues, the movie primarily showcases a triumphant and comfortable reunion between the two iconic characters.

3. Booksmart (2019)

Actress Olivia Wilde made her feature film debut in 2019 with Booksmart. The film is a A raunchy high school comedy follows two high-achieving seniors, played by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, who are stunned to learn that their hard-partying classmates have also been accepted to prestigious colleges. It is wildly hilarious and perfect for when you’re lazing around in bed. 

4. Almost Famous (2000)

A high-school boy in the early 1970s is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies them on their concert tour. This feel-good road trip comedy will make you forget about all your problems for a while. 

5. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

Another road trip movie that will definitely make you forget about all the bad things going on in your life. The film revolves around the dysfunctional yet quirky Mitchell family who must save humanity by fighting a robot apocalypse during their long awaited road trip. It is truly one of the best animated movies to come out in the last couple of years and is not nearly as talked about as it should be. 

6. Your Name (2016)

What’s better than watching a romantic fantasy anime while you’re rotting in bed for a lazy day? The film tells the story of high schoolers Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, who start swapping bodies without ever having met, creating havoc in each other's lives. This narrative was inspired by the frequent natural disasters in Japan.

7. Bottoms (2023)

Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edibiri are a match made in comedy heaven. This movie has made me laugh more than any other film I’ve seen recently. Picture this: Unpopular best friends PJ and Josie start a high school fight club to meet girls and lose their virginity. Things quickly spiral out of control when the most popular students join in, leading to chaos as they start fighting each other in the name of self-defense. Bottoms is a riot! 

8. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Hayao Miyazaki has given the world of cinema some of the most comforting movies ever and My Neighbor Totoro is no different. Two sisters move to rural Japan with their father to be closer to their ailing mother. In their new surroundings, they encounter a mythical forest sprite and its woodland friends, leading to numerous magical adventures. It is impossible to smile while watching this movie.

9. Chef (2014)

Jon Favreau delivers an easygoing, crowd-pleasing film. Free from interference, Favreau portrays an artist, both in front of and behind the camera, working without constraints. It's a cathartic, mouth-watering movie filled with delicious food visuals that are handcrafted and personal, unlike typical big studio productions. The film is a heartfelt tribute to both the art of cooking and the bond of fatherhood.

10. School of Rock (2003)

Overly enthusiastic guitarist Dewey Finn, played by Jack Black, gets kicked out of his bar band and desperately needs a job. He ends up posing as a substitute music teacher at a prestigious private elementary school. There, he introduces his students to the hard rock legends he idolises, much to the dismay of the strict principal, portrayed by Joan Cusack. As Dewey helps the privileged kids embrace their inner rock 'n' roll spirits, he envisions redemption by winning a local Battle of the Bands.

11. Amélie (2001)

A warm, colourful film about savouring life's small pleasures and being kind to yourself and your community. The shy yet lively Amélie (Audrey Tatou) works in a café and spends more time in her imagination than in the real world. Initially reluctant to leave her comfort zone, she eventually begins performing the most gratifying act of all: helping others.