This Reddit thread reveals the movies people turn to on their toughest days

When times get tough, many of us turn to the fictional world—books, shows, and films. They offer an escape from the weight of reality, providing a sense of comfort that feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cosy night, having a bowl of your mum’s soup when you’re ill, or hearing your favourite song at a restaurant after a hard day at work. While we were scrolling through Reddit, we stumbled upon a thread where people spoke about the movies that comforted them on their toughest days. And well, you might just find your next comfort watch here.

Here are the top recommendations

500 Days reassures you that there are other fish in the sea, and maybe the good times weren't so good after all. American Beauty teaches you to leave your shell and try things you'd never picture yourself doing. Unfortunately, Kevin Spacey's character doesn't have the best ending, but it’s still the best ending for the story. —u/Daft_Crunked

Lost In Translation

I was going through mild depression and couldn’t find my place in life. This movie (now my second favourite of all time) had a huge impact on me. —u/isarge123

The World's End

I had just dealt with a bad breakup and lost my job when that movie came out. I had been a self-righteous, reckless teenager, only to lose both my relationship and job in the same week. Watching Gary King's character resonated with me. I was adopting the same old behaviour to shield my depression from my friends. The scene where Gary opens up to Andy about his suicide attempt hit hard, as I was also considering ending my life. Later, I opened up to my own friends. That moment was my first real step toward maturity. Now, I'm in a better relationship and have a much better job. —unknown

Metropolis

Its message is that at the core of humanity, there isn't much evil, just a few bad people taking advantage of our inability to unite. But in the end, we do unite and can do amazing things. —unknown

Blue Valentine

I went through a rough breakup, and it taught me how to let go. As everyone says, 500 Days of Summer is also a great post-breakup movie. Movies help me like that all the time. —u/babyman21

Sense and Sensibility

I’ve watched it through different stages of my life, from puberty to my mid-30s. Every time, I learn something new about myself. Other movies like Playing By Heart and How to Make an American Quilt are also great for reflecting on life and loss. —u/theoriginalemmy

Hot Rod

One of my favourite movies ever—silly and fun from start to finish. Another comfort movie of mine is That Thing You Do! It’s just a charming, easy-to-watch film. —u/MightyxMeta

The French Dispatch

I just watched it, and it’s delightful—made me feel happy but sad at the same time. It really lifted my mood. —u/clwestbr

Lion

I had a rough week and watched Lion. While it's sad, it was cathartic to cry a bit, and then the optimism of the ending made me feel better. —u/bobdebicker

Punch-Drunk Love

When I’m depressed, I watch Punch-Drunk Love. The sensory assault of the story, cinematography, music, and hopeful ending lifts my spirits. The confrontation between Sandler and PSH is also laugh-out-loud funny. —u/HotelFoxtrot87

Air

After my dog died, I found myself rewatching Air. It's such an easy watch—plain entertaining, scene after scene. —u/FistsOfMcCluskey

Billy Madison

I have to go with Billy Madison! Comedy always brightens me up. One of my favourite quotes to remember when I have a hard day: "The hardest day of your life is almost over." —u/tshaw1869

Free Guy

If you want to see a recent movie that distracted me from ruminating on negative thoughts, it was Free Guy with Ryan Reynolds. As an actor, Ryan Reynolds is hit-or-miss with me, but I really loved Free Guy. My favourite movie of 2021 since it was actually original—not part of Marvel, DC, or a remake, and not going to have a prequel or sequel. —u/Panda_monium_927

Orange County

This movie has always been my favourite to watch when I need to be put in a good mood. —u/TheElderElder

Raising Arizona

It acknowledges that you're a screwup, but it holds out a little hope that things might turn out okay anyway. —u/Opus-thePenguin

Ordinary People

Feeling not necessarily suicidal, but still pretty depressed? Living with parents who are cold and distant and really don't get you? Believe it or not, Ordinary People can help you feel better! Yes, it's mostly a sad film about a deteriorating family, but the teen in the story is actually fighting really hard to move forward with his life, and it's kind of inspiring. —u/False-Librarian-2240

Pay It Forward

Or maybe Pay It Forward can inspire you to be a better person. —u/False-Librarian-2240

Lead image credit: Pexels 

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