comfort movies for overwhelmed students… lights, camera, action!
Hi everyone! Lately i’ve been feeling super locked out and unproductive (binging movies haha) so I thought i’d share some of my favorites from my winter break slump. Most of these are slightly nostalgic, feel good movies that remind me of a simpler time. Also, for days when my brain is fried and I cannot think or analyze anything at all. Plus it helps me do my homework while I have a predictable, nostalgic movie in the background (more study habits in study).
the ones that make me feel younger
1. the original descendants trilogy
Firstly, these movies are TIMELESS. I binge them almost every single month because I strive for the sense of security it gives me when i’m feeling down. If you didn’t already know, these movies follow four children of classic Disney villains as they are given a chance to leave their isolated tragic island and attend a prep school with the heroes kids, ultimately forcing them to choose who they want to be. It’s so fun and heartbreaking at the same time, plus all that added in Disney movie nostalgia… with a twist.
2. alice in wonderland
This is actually of my top 2 comfort movies EVER, because I love the illusions and the disconnection from reality. Alice gives me a break from all the troubles facing life and reality, and she reminds me to just take a deep breath before going down a rabbit hole. In this movie, a curious girl (Alice) falls into a whimsical world where nothing follows the rules. Throughout the movie, she has to learn to trust herself in the midst of chaos.
3. frozen
Ah yes, a classic. When I turned five years old, I had a frozen themed birthday party. Thats how influential this movie was to me. I wanted to BE Elsa (I would also tell my sister I would freeze her if she made me mad). This movie follows two sisters navigating fear, love, and identity while realizing that true connection (not perfection) is what saved them. This movie is so so cute and Olaf is my baby. I remember wanting to tear Hans’ face off for a couple years as well.
4. tangled
I jumped at the news when I heard this was to become a live action. Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft? Heck yes. I love this movie and the vibes (my favorite color being purple). This movies about a sheltered girl (Rapunzel) with magical hair who escapes her tower and discovers freedom, love, and who she’s meant to be. I feel so deeply connected to this movie as a girl with LOTS of hobbies and a loose sense of identity (any college essay ideas would be great…).
5. zombies
I usually don’t applaud sequels with different actors but I’ll have to say, zombies 4 was one of the best movies of 2025. However, the originals will always be the best. The original is about a community where zombies and humans collide, and a human girl (Addison) and zombie boy (Zed) teach everyone what acceptance really looks like. I love the songs and predictable storyline (plus Milo Manheim). This movie just gives such cute flashback vibes. I remember my family friend and I choreographed a dance to “BAMM” in elementary school (thankfully, there are no recordings).
and the ones that’ll never get old
1. bring it on
Oh my gosh. Cliff and Torrance and my Roman Empire. I love them so much it’s actually hard to put into words. This movie is just so funny and feels so comforting wherever and whenever. It’s about a competitive cheerleader (Torrance) who finds out that all her teams routines have been stolen from another team by the past captain. Torrance has to navigate the rivalry and her team, while finding out what confidence and integrity really mean. Also, the friendships and side plot love story in this movie just warm my heart.
2. pride & prejudice
I know you were expecting more classics on here (don’t get me wrong- I love love love the books) but they just don’t get the movies right. Except for this one (and perhaps Wuthering Heights if my prayers work). This is a beautiful love story between two strong willed people who have to confront pride, vulnerability and the ability to understand one another. It’s truly heartbreaking and healing at the same time. I’m tearing up just writing this.
3. clueless
Cher is a spoiled rich brat who doesn’t think of anyone but herself. WRONG! Cher is amazing and beautiful and she is so incredibly smart, but people look right through her. This love story is perhaps less obvious but still adorable and the yearning, oh em gee. She’s learning that growing up isn’t about figuring it all out (quite like me in this blog) and realizes its about kindness and change. She is my fictional (but very real) inspiration.
4. the devil wears prada
As you can probably tell by the name, this movie makes me laugh every time, and Anne Hathaway does an amazing job. Andy has to question how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice to make it in the cutthroat fashion world (again, quite like me in school). She learns resilience and a lot about identity which makes her such a role model to me.
5. legally blonde
Last but never least, this movie gave so many women the courage to take on responsibilities and roles that no one could think they could do. Elle Woods is an underestimated woman who follows her own path into Harvard Law school and discovers that intelligence and femininity do not have to exist separately. My idol in sparkly pink heels solving cases left and right.
Thats the end of my list! Just a reminder, rest isn’t a reward, comfort isn’t laziness and sometimes a movie running in the background is just what you need.
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