10+ Films for Self-Care Days
Sometimes, you just need a self-care day, mental health day, what have you. Sometimes, the best way to accomplish this is to put on a movie! Here are 10 films for self-care days (plus a few extras!) that might just inspire you to take that well-deserved break.
More of a book reader than a movie watcher? Check out the books I’m reading as part of my 101 in 1,001 list!
1. Say Anything
I have this theory of convergence, that good things always happen with bad things. I know you have to deal with them at the same time, but I just donāt know why they happen at the same time.
Thereās just something about a quintessential 80s film that never fails to cheer me up. Say Anything is my go-to because Iām in love with John Cusack Lloyd is one of the most heart-warming characters ever, in the dorkiest, most adorable way. Not going to lie, one of my goals in life is for a guy to hold up a boombox and play “In Your Eyes” for me.
Alternates: Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire
2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
You know those days when you get the mean reds? ā¦the mean reds are horrible. Suddenly youāre afraid and you donāt know what your afraid of.
This is just one of Holly Golightlyās iconic lines in this film, and it definitely applies to most of my self-care days. Unfortunately, I canāt pack up and take a trip to Tiffanyās every time Iām feeling down. Instead, I pop in Breakfast at Tiffanyās. Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard are absolutely amazing as Holly and Fred, er, Paul. The movie isnāt without its problems, but itās remained a classic for a reason.
Alternates: Roman Holiday, Sabrina, The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
3. Frozen
Thereās beauty in it and also a danger. Fear will be your enemy.
Really, Disney movies overall, or any favourite childhood film! Frozen is particularly appropriate if you consider Elsaās struggles with her powers as an allegory for mental health issues. If nothing else, this film will remind you to Let It Go.
Alternates: Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, The Land Before Time
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4. Legally Blonde
If youāre going to let one stupid prick ruin your lifeā¦youāre not the girl I thought you were.
The ultimate girl power movie. This one is particularly effective if youāve been struggling with schoolwork. If Elle Woods got into Harvard, you can finish your assignments!
Alternatives: 10 Things I Hate About You, 13 Going on 30, Sheās the Man
5. Harry Potter
Youāre a little scary sometimes, you know that? Brilliantā¦but scary.
Any of the Harry Potter movies. For me, theyāve got a comfortable familiarity (admittedly, I struggled quite a bit following the author’s controversial opinions earlier this year but, at the end of the day, that nostalgia is still there). Chances are, if you donāt feel warm and fuzzy toward this series, thereās probably another that you do!
Alternatives: Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia
6. Silver Linings Playbook
The world will break your heart ten ways to Sunday. Thatās guaranteed. I canāt begin to explain that. Or the craziness inside myself and everyone else.
Guess what? Nobodyās perfect. Everyoneās a little ācrazy.ā
Alternatives: The Theory of Everything, Black Swan, The Kingās Speech
7. Pride and Prejudice
Believe me. Men are either eaten up with arrogance or stupidity. If they are amiable, they are so easily led they have no minds of their own whatsoever.
Itās a fact universally acknowledged that you canāt be sad when watching a Jane Austen adaptation. Or any adaptation of a famous classic! Pride and Prejudice is my personal favourite, but branch out if you prefer!
Alternatives: Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina
8. Twilight
About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of himāand I didnāt know how dominant that part might beāthat thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
We all have that guilty pleasure movie. Most likely, you got super into it sometime around middle school. For me, thatās Twilight. I recognise it as ridiculous, but can still appreciate the nostalgia.
Alternatives: The Hunger Games, Divergent, Fifty Shades of Grey
9. Mamma Mia!
Did you feel it? The earth moved, darling. Weāre falling apart here.
Musicals make you feel better. Itās a rule. So, when you’re seeking out films for a self-care day? Look no further than your favourite soundtracks!
Alternatives: High School Musical, Chicago, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Grease, Rent, The Greatest Showman
10. Love, Actually
Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinionās starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I donāt see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere.
Have a different favourite holiday film? Grab that one! And itās okay: I give you permission to watch it regardless of the season. Some holiday cheer can prove to be a key ingredient when it comes to films for self-care days.
Alternatives: Elf, A Christmas Story, Jingle All the Way, Deck the Halls
What are your go-to films for self-care days? Let us know in the comments!

I love this list!! I really like the idea of using movies for self-care and these are all really great films. Thanks so much for sharing!
Gladly! I hope you found a few helpful titles along the way! š
These movies are great! I love watching movies for self-care!
It’s one of the best ways to unwind, isn’t it?