The term "comfort movie" describes films that viewers return to for its familiarity and feel-good qualities. Comfort movies soothes or uplifts the viewer in some way. These films are usually light in nature, nothing too intense, scary, or overly worrying happens in the film. These kinds of movies are intended to bring warm feelings of contentment and safety. Comfort movies can quiet the everyday quarrels of life, if only for two hours or less.
La La Land (2016)
City of stars, are you shining just for me? La La Land is a contemporary musical that has blown me away.
From the vibrant colours all throughout the film, to the costumes, design, and the dance sequences sprinkled in through an emotional portrayal of a relationship; there are so many elements of the film that I keep coming back to. As for the lead actress, Emma Stone has quickly become one of my favourite performers and this film showcases so much of her unique talent. The design in costumes, shot composition and set are all so fascinating to me as it's very reminiscent of Vincent Minelli (specifically An American In Paris). The visuals are so eye-catching, yet never detract from the story or the acting. Though La La Land takes inspiration from older musicals, the film is quickly becoming a modern classic in its own rite.
The Pirate (1948)
The immensely talented pair - Gene Kelly and Judy Garland, come together for Vincent Minelli's stunning musical, The Pirate. With all of Minelli's film signatures that make his works so special and comforting, this is sure to steal your heart (or hearrrrrrt, get it?). The stylistic choices are so unique, aesthetically pleasing, and are truly something of creative genius. This film offers comedy, romance, high stakes and twists. If you've had a crush on someone, be it celebrity or fiction, you'll likely relate to Garland's character, Manuela, who is enamoured by stories of a pirate, one Molcocco, that Kelly's character Serafin poses as. Without revealing too much, this is but one aspect of the film. The costumes are fabulous, ornate old-world clothing, with voluminous dresses, veils and much more. A great deal of attention was paid to the costume design, and one of the creative team's best ideas was giving Gene Kelly an adorable fake moustache. If that wasn't enough, there's a pirate ballet. That's right, a Pirate Ballet! The Pirate is a masterpiece you didn't know you needed to see, and it will instantly lift your spirits.
Passport to Paris (1999)
Passport to Paris stars the iconic Olsen twins, and if you grew up in the 90s or 2000s, you were likely obsessed with them, their style, and their countless movies. Most of their other movies don't live up to this late 90s masterpiece. A piece of childhood, something light, goofy, girly and filled with adventure. The girls are sent to Paris for spring break to spend time with their grandfather and the two make friends and get up to antics in the city of lights. It has a sweet ending, lots of charm and a solid performance from MK&Ash. Bonus points if you love France, this is perfect for the 2000's baby/francophile.
An American in Paris (1951)
One of my all-time favourite movies, the colours, the choreography, every shot is so stunning, this is easily a comfort movie. Starring Gene Kelly as an American GI-turned-artist living in Paris, who takes a liking to the lovely Leslie Caron, whom he finds out to be in a relationship with his friend, the opera singer. A love story with jovial music, outstanding dance numbers and dynamic set and costume design for all of the numbers, including a powerful ballet. Minelli brilliantly uses contrasting colours to help tell the story visually and create something that is interesting for the viewer to see in every scene. This film is sure to make you wish you were in Paris, with a special appreciation from any artists watching.
Love in the afternoon (1957)
There's something really comforting about Audrey Hepburn's movies, be it her soft voice, the fun storylines, the music, or even her fashion-forward costumes that we love to see onscreen. Hepburn stars opposite Gary Cooper in Love in the Afternoon as the inquisitive young Ariane; a girl who takes interest in her P.I father's cases, particularly the womanizing American, Frank Flannagan (Cooper). The two scheme, sneak, and form ruses without her father's knowledge and much to his disapproval. More than this though, it really is a film about growing up (especially in your parents' eyes). It signifies independence - making choices based on one's own inclinations and desires, rather than what parents or society instruct.
This film represents a young woman exploring her feelings, things that are new and exciting to her, and learning to value her feelings, regardless of practicality or acceptance.
Comfort movies on this list and beyond are often older films, for their softer cinematic qualities. They can be relied on to have sound design that is primarily focused on enhancing the story, so if you are sensitive to jump scares, these films usually won't be an issue. Older cinema is also often softer on the eyes due to the black and white appearance that subdues any harsh colours or patterns, though even in technicolour, there's a softness to the film quality. The films with happy endings are so freeing to watch, relieving the audience of their issues and transporting them to another world where things resolve perfectly and definitively. This is the power movies hold; to make us feel to and uplift audiences, using this artistic medium for good.
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