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Best easy to watch movies for a relaxing time

Sometimes you just need a movie that's easy on the brain and perfect for unwinding. This list features films designed for comfort and enjoyment, requiring minimal effort from the viewer.

The Princess Diaries
Pitch Perfect
The Proposal

We all have those moments when we just want to curl up on the couch and put on a movie that feels like a warm hug. These aren't necessarily challenging arthouse films or intense thrillers; they are the cinematic equivalent of comfort food.

Often falling into the romantic comedy or feel-good drama genres, these movies excel at delivering engaging stories with relatable characters and satisfying resolutions. Think charming meet-cutes, witty banter, and emotional moments that resonate without being overly heavy.

Many of the most beloved "easy watch" movies are adaptations of popular books, like "The Princess Diaries," "10 Things I Hate About You" (a clever take on Shakespeare), "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," and "The Fault in Our Stars." This often means they come with pre-existing fanbases and well-developed source material, contributing to their watchability.

Others rely on the undeniable chemistry of their leads, like the pairings in "Crazy, Stupid, Love." or "The Proposal," or the sheer charisma of stars like Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada." These films often blend humor, heart, and just enough conflict to keep you invested without causing stress.

Putting on one of these movies is less about being challenged and more about being entertained and uplifted. They are perfect for rewatching, background viewing while multitasking, or simply when you need a reliable mood boost. So, settle in and enjoy some cinematic comfort.

14. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Based on John Green's bestselling novel, The Fault in Our Stars is a poignant teenage romance about two teenagers, Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort), who meet and fall in love in a cancer support group. While the subject matter is inherently sad, the film focuses on their witty banter, their deep connection, and their journey of living life to the fullest despite their circumstances. Woodley and Elgort deliver heartfelt performances, capturing the unique blend of innocence and maturity of their characters. It's a film that will definitely bring tears, but it's also full of warmth, humor, and a powerful message about finding love and meaning.

The Fault in Our Stars

13. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Based on the beloved novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a touching and insightful coming-of-age story about a shy and introverted teenager named Charlie (Logan Lerman) who finds friendship and acceptance with two charismatic seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). Set in the early 1990s, the film captures the awkwardness and intensity of high school life, exploring themes of friendship, love, and trauma with sensitivity. Stephen Chbosky, the author of the book, also wrote and directed the film, giving it a faithful and personal touch. It's a film that resonates deeply with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

12. La La Land (2016)

A modern musical that pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood, La La Land follows the dreams and romance of an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) in Los Angeles. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film is a visually stunning and beautifully scored journey through the struggles and sacrifices of pursuing art and love. The songs are catchy, the choreography is captivating, and the chemistry between Gosling and Stone is electric. While it has a poignant ending, the journey there is utterly captivating and a joy to watch.

La La Land

11. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

From director David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy-drama that tackles mental health with humor and sensitivity. Bradley Cooper plays Pat, a man with bipolar disorder trying to get his life back on track after a stay in a psychiatric hospital. He meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow dealing with her own issues. Their complex relationship, centered around a dance competition, is the heart of the film. Lawrence won an Oscar for her performance. It's a film about finding hope and connection in unexpected places, balancing heavier themes with genuine warmth and wit.

Silver Linings Playbook

10. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

This is not a love story. It's a story about love. (500) Days of Summer is a quirky and unconventional look at a relationship told out of chronological order. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Tom, a hopeless romantic, who falls for Summer (Zooey Deschanel), a woman who doesn't believe in true love. The film uses creative visual storytelling and a killer soundtrack to explore the highs and lows of a relationship from Tom's perspective. It's funny, relatable, and a little melancholic, offering a realistic portrayal of modern romance that resonates with many.

(500) Days of Summer

9. The Intern (2015)

What happens when a 70-year-old widower becomes an intern at an online fashion company? You get The Intern, a warm and gentle comedy-drama starring Robert De Niro as Ben Whittaker and Anne Hathaway as the company's busy founder, Jules Ostin. De Niro brings a quiet wisdom and charm to his role, offering life lessons and support to the overwhelmed Jules. The film explores themes of ageism, work-life balance, and the value of experience with a light touch. It's a pleasant and uplifting watch, showcasing a sweet intergenerational friendship.

The Intern

8. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

This ensemble romantic comedy juggles multiple storylines about love, relationships, and finding yourself. Steve Carell plays a man whose wife asks for a divorce, leading him to seek dating advice from a suave playboy (Ryan Gosling). The film is packed with witty dialogue, unexpected twists, and genuine heart. Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, and Marisa Tomei round out the incredible cast. It manages to be both incredibly funny and surprisingly moving, exploring different facets of modern romance. The chemistry between Gosling and Stone is undeniable, paving the way for future collaborations.

Crazy, Stupid, Love.

7. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Step into the cutthroat world of high fashion! The Devil Wears Prada is a stylish and incredibly entertaining look at the life of an aspiring journalist (Anne Hathaway) who lands a job as the assistant to a notoriously demanding fashion magazine editor (Meryl Streep). Streep's performance as Miranda Priestly is legendary, earning her an Oscar nomination and inspiring countless imitators. The fashion is incredible, the one-liners are sharp, and the story, while dealing with the pressures of a demanding job, is surprisingly accessible and engaging. Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt are also fantastic in supporting roles.

The Devil Wears Prada

6. The Holiday (2006)

Fancy a change of scenery? The Holiday is a cozy and delightful romantic comedy from Nancy Meyers about two women, one from England (Kate Winslet) and one from Los Angeles (Cameron Diaz), who swap homes for the holidays to escape their relationship troubles. What follows are two parallel love stories, one featuring Jude Law and the other Jack Black in a surprisingly charming role. The film is beautifully shot, showcasing both the quaint English countryside and the sunny California vibe. It's a warm, feel-good movie that's perfect for curling up on the couch.

The Holiday

5. The Proposal (2009)

Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds star in this hilarious and charming romantic comedy. Bullock plays a high-powered book editor facing deportation who convinces her assistant (Reynolds) to marry her. Their forced proximity in Alaska, dealing with his quirky family, leads to all sorts of comedic chaos and unexpected romance. Betty White is a scene-stealer as Reynolds' grandmother. The movie thrives on the fantastic chemistry between the leads and its blend of physical comedy and genuine sweetness. It's a perfect example of a classic, easy-to-watch rom-com.

The Proposal

4. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Get ready to be aca-amazed! Pitch Perfect took the world by storm with its infectious energy and hilarious take on competitive collegiate a cappella. Anna Kendrick leads the charge as Beca, the aspiring DJ who reluctantly joins the Barden Bellas. Rebel Wilson's Fat Amy is a comedic powerhouse, stealing every scene she's in. The musical arrangements are fantastic, and the blend of humor, underdog story, and fantastic performances makes it incredibly rewatchable. Did you know the Riff-Off scene was largely improvised? That spontaneity adds so much fun!

Pitch Perfect

3. The Princess Diaries (2001)

Prepare for a delightful transformation! The Princess Diaries is the ultimate feel-good movie about finding yourself, even if you didn't know you were royalty. Anne Hathaway is incredibly charming as Mia Thermopolis, the awkward teenager who discovers she's the heir to the throne of Genovia. Julie Andrews is simply magnificent as her regal grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi. Director Garry Marshall brought such warmth and humor to this story. It's a fairy tale with a modern twist, full of heart and hilarious moments. Watching Mia navigate princess lessons and teenage life is pure cinematic comfort food.

The Princess Diaries

2. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

This late '90s gem is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew set in an American high school, and it's pure joy! Heath Ledger shines in his breakout role as Patrick Verona, delivering that famous stadium serenade scene that still gives us chills. Julia Stiles is fantastic as the whip-smart Kat Stratford. The chemistry between the cast is off the charts, and the witty dialogue keeps you smiling. It launched the careers of several stars and remains a beloved classic for a reason – it's smart, funny, and genuinely romantic without being sappy. A perfect movie to just relax and enjoy.

10 Things I Hate About You

1. Mean Girls (2004)

Get in, loser, we're watching Mean Girls! This movie is an absolute cultural touchstone, a hilarious and surprisingly sharp look at the social hierarchy of high school. Written by Tina Fey, based on a parenting book, it perfectly captures the absurdity and drama of teenage cliques. Did you know Lindsay Lohan initially auditioned for the role of Regina George? It's wild to think how different the film would be! Rachel McAdams as Regina is iconic, and the entire cast, including Amanda Seyfried in her film debut, is pitch-perfect. It's endlessly quotable and holds up beautifully, making it the ultimate easy-watch comfort movie.

Mean Girls

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