Undeniably, there are many benefits to spending a good few hours watching a movie, whether you happen to watch it alone, with friends, or in the company of family. A variety of reasons may be behind the decision to sit down and watch something new (or something old, for the 50th time that year). We compiled this list to summarise the top reasons to click ‘play’ on that film you’ve been putting off watching for a while or to re-watch your favourite for the hundredth time!
Relaxation
There’s no doubt that sometimes, after a long day, you just want to chill out with a truly calming movie. Everyone has that one movie that truly helps them unwind when things get a little overwhelming – but if you haven’t found a film that relaxes you beyond belief, we’ve included a few suggestions below!
Amélie (2001)
Before Sunset (2004)
Chef (2014)
Paddington (2014)
Some characters and directors have the power to brighten anyone’s day with the opposite of an action-packed plotline and a zen-themed soundtrack. Movies that are reliant on kindness and heart-warming character interactions are key for calming your mind when you need it most. It’s perfect for your mental state to find a relaxing film you can really rely on. The stress relief that some productions can provide is quintessential for maintaining a tension-free lifestyle.
Relationship Reinforcement
There’s a reason why cinemas deem some movies “perfect for families” – perhaps because they’re suitable for people of any age, whilst also being enjoyable in group situations. Cast your mind back to school parties at the age of 8 or 9, where the perfect party idea was to watch a movie at the local cinema! That concept doesn’t change whatever age you may be.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Spirited Away (2001)
Mary Poppins (1964)
Inside Out (2015)
Sitting down with a close friend, family member, or partner to watch a film together is the best way to strengthen your relationship. Laughing, crying, or hiding behind the couch in fear with someone assimilates your emotions to the other person, allowing you to express similar emotions and get to know one another in a reformed sense.
Personal Inspiration
One of the most powerful things a cinema trip can make you feel is the inspiration to make your life just like that of the main character, or the motivation to make that huge decision you’ve been putting off for months. It can even act as a nostalgia-inducer to rewatch a movie you hadn’t seen in years, and that can then lead to inspiration.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Booksmart (2019)
The Greatest Showman (2017)
Hidden Figures (2016)
The empowerment that a film can invoke is stronger than many could expect – take for example movies that retell the story of key historical figures and display the most dramatic moments in perfect detail. The greater good within people is something that only a great film can truly show to an audience. If you’re looking to inspire yourself with a feel-good, confidence-building film, why not test out one of those listed above?
Emotional Expression
Using a movie to express your deeper emotions is a great way to get through a difficult time in your life or a time where your feelings may be heightened. Sometimes, a tear-jerking movie may be all you need, or perhaps you need something to make you laugh so hard you cry in a different way!
P.S. I Love You (2007)
Five Feet Apart (2017)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Sideways (2004)
Your emotions don’t have to be down-in-the-dumps to embrace your inner sentiment – some of these movies we’ve suggested are apt for a belly-aching laugh session. Investing your time in an emotional film is a great way to reach into your subconscious and display how you’re truly feeling, even though you may not know what those feelings are at the time. It can be challenging to let all those big feelings out into the world, but a film may be the perfect way to do so when the world gets too much.
