5 Comfort Movies for When You’re Just Too Tired to Think

Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes you just need to take a break from it all. On those days when your brain is fried and your energy is low, there's nothing better than curling up on the couch and turning on a movie that just “feels good.”

But not just any movie will do, right? You want something lighthearted yet meaningful, something that doesn't demand too much emotional investment but still leaves you smiling after credits roll. Well, look no further, because we have the list of 5 best movies if you need something like that.

1. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty has 52% from critics and 71% from viewers.
• On IMDb, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty has 7.3/10.

Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty tells the story of a shy photo archivist who escapes his mundane life through vivid daydreams. When a real-life adventure comes calling, he's forced to step out of his comfort zone and travel the globe.

This movie is the definition of feel-good escapism, simply because of its core message of embracing life no matter what. And the stunning visuals and amazing soundtrack make it even better, despite the not-so-flattering score from critics.

2. Rat Race (2001)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Rat Race has 45% from critics and 64% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Rat Race has 6.4/10.

Need to turn your brain off and just laugh? The good old movie Rat Race is your answer. This chaotic ensemble comedy features a cast of misfits racing across the country to win a $2 million prize, with ridiculous obstacles and hijinks at every turn. It’s over-the-top, silly, and totally unapologetic in its humor, which is exactly what you need after a long day at work where everybody pisses you off.

“In every movie there are usually 1 or 2 scenes that stand out as the representative highlight, but in this case tho, the only highlight is the movie itself as a whole! Each scene makes you forget about the previous one, just laughter after laughter. This is definitely the movie I'd recommend you to watch when feeling down.” Redditor Thomas_Brunkle said.

3. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Peanut Butter Falcon has 95% from critics and 95% from viewers.
• On IMDb, The Peanut Butter Falcon has 7.6/10.

This indie gem is a heartfelt modern-day adventure that follows Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, as he escapes his foster home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler. Along the way, he strikes up a touching friendship with a down-on-his-luck fisherman played by Shia LaBeouf. It's honest, funny, and quietly inspiring.

4. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On has 98% from critics and 91% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On has 7.7/10.

A delightful stop-motion mockumentary, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On follows a tiny shell who lives a quiet life with his grandmother. With wide-eyed wonder and gentle humor, Marcel's journey is filled with warmth and unexpected wisdom. It's a soothing, thoughtful movie that feels like a warm hug for the soul.

“There are many adjectives to describe it, yet "beautiful" is the word that kept coming to mind while watching it. The movie manages to be bittersweet for so much of the runtime. There were several parts that hit an emotional note, then something cute and/or funny would sweeten the moment,” Redditor ChooseCorrectAnswer said.

5. Amélie (2001)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Amélie has 90% from critics and 95% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Amélie has 8.3/10.

Set in the dreamy streets of Paris, Amélie tells the story of a shy but very imaginative young woman who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better. It's a whimsical, beautifully crafted film full of small pleasures and quirky characters. And the sweet romantic thread adds just the right amount of naivety to a story that feels like a little girl's daydream.