a guide to comfort movies
for girlies and their boyfriends (because they're eventually going to watch it too)
there’s something about comfort movies, especially the girly ones, that feels like a warm hug after a long day. these are the films we turn to when the world feels a little too much or when we just want to indulge in a little nostalgia. familiar plots, dreamy aesthetics, and characters that feel like old friends—that’s the charm.
whether it’s with a glass of wine or hot tea, these comfort movies bring a sense of calm, a little joy, and a lot of heart. it's less about cinematic genius and more about the feelings they evoke. they're like slipping into your favorite pair of pajamas—soft, familiar, and just right.
1. legally blonde
starting off with the ultimate comfort queen, elle woods. people underestimated her, but that’s exactly what makes this movie so satisfying. it's not just a fashion-forward romp through harvard law—it’s about staying true to yourself when everyone thinks you’re not capable. elle’s pink everything, her killer attitude, and the way she calmly shuts down anyone who questions her intelligence—iconic every single time. a reminder that you don’t have to choose between being girly and being smart. you can be both, unapologetically.
2. the devil wears prada
meryl streep and anne hathaway in a movie about high fashion, ambition, and life choices. it’s the ultimate “what if my job was this fabulous” daydream, but with just enough real-world heartache and tough decisions to keep you grounded. whether it’s the fashion, the witty banter, or miranda priestly’s withering looks, the devil wears prada always delivers. glamorous, even if you're watching it in your oldest sweatpants.
3. clueless
a jane austen classic set in 90s beverly hills? yes, please. cher horowitz is totally in her own world, but kind of a genius. colorful wardrobe, iconic catchphrases, and a heroine who’s as charming as she is clueless (pun intended). this movie takes us back to simpler times—before iphones but after mom jeans. pure fun.
4. 13 going on 30
jenna rink’s journey from awkward teen to adult makes you feel all the feelings. 13 going on 30 is all about wishing for adulthood, getting it, and realizing that maybe childhood wasn’t so bad after all. it's sweet, funny, and overflowing with early 2000s nostalgia. you can’t help but want to join jenna in her "thriller" dance, figuring out life in the most awkward, adorable way possible.
5. mamma mia!
sometimes you just need to escape to a greek island, where your biggest worry is figuring out who your dad is. mamma mia! is joy wrapped up in abba songs. meryl streep and amanda seyfried take us on this vibrant, sun-drenched musical romp, and it’s impossible not to feel uplifted. singing along to “dancing queen” just makes everything better. and the scenery alone is enough to spark daydreams of a carefree island life.
6. mean girls
mean girls sits perfectly between hilarious and real, with its take on high school drama and the weird social hierarchies we’ve all dealt with. it makes you laugh while reminding you of your own school days. lindsey lohan as cady heron captures the awkwardness of fitting in, and who could ever forget the iconic one-liners? the movie feels like a universal truth for anyone who's ever had to navigate the wild world of high school.
7. the princess diaries
from awkward mia thermopolis to princess of genovia, this is a glow-up story that feels like a dream come true. the princess diaries gives us the ultimate makeover moment, with tiaras, royal etiquette, and julie andrews as the coolest grandma ever. it’s a reminder that even when you feel like the least likely candidate for greatness, you’re still capable of becoming your own kind of royalty.
8. confessions of a shopaholic
this one is like retail therapy come to life. isla fisher as rebecca bloomwood nails the highs and lows of shopping a little too much. it's all the excitement of retail without the actual credit card debt—what’s not to love? we've all had moments where buying something makes us feel better, even for just a second, and confessions of a shopaholic captures that rush in a way that’s both hilarious and all too relatable.
This is truly a top tier list :) My comfort movie is Dead Poets Society. The fall, light academia vibes are just perfect.
i love this list! devil wears prada is my #1