Monty Python, either Life of Brian or Holy Grail
3 Likes
My favourites are usually either Star Wars (any of them, really, but with a slight preference given to the newer ones), Scott Pilgrim vs the World, or, if I’m in the mood for a good cry, Moana or Encanto.
And anything from the Ghibli collection. Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service are personal favourites, but yeah, any of them.
2 Likes
It has always been The Empire Strikes Back, but I can watch anything from the OT and be satisfied. I’d also put Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Trek: First Contact/The Undiscovered Country, The Road Warrior, Princess Mononoke, Ghost in the Shell, Blade Runner (either), Fellowship of the ring, Amelie, and Cleo From 5 to 7 in there. I can really put on any Ghibli movie like a lot of folks and be happy. I also will generally have Star Trek: TNG/DS9 or Star Wars: Rebels on in the background when I’m stressed and really trying to meet a deadline or get some serious writing done.
2 Likes
I should just +1 the list.
Undiscovered country always works even though it’s a mystery film at it’s heart.
No wrath of Khan though?
4 Likes
I could add a lot of the mentioned movies to my own list. Definitely, Big Lebowski and Fifth Element. Thor Ragnarok.
Also the new Dune and the old Blade Runner. Old Western movies especially Once upon a time in the West. Highlander. Possibly Braveheart. Likely a lot of Tarantino and Rodriguez movies. Definitely Drunken Master. A lot of martial arts movies. OG Ghost in the Shell.
Main requirement seems to be: good visuals, good soundtrack, no cringe, a certain directness and the type of tension that goes away after first watching.
Edit: completely forgot a really important one: Good Omens.
3 Likes
I don’t know why, but Wrath of Khan doesn’t quite fit in the comfort zone. I think probably because I have a deep primal fear of bugs entering orifices, and I get irrationally anxious just knowing that ceti eel is in there. 
5 Likes
Totally understand
3 Likes
Ouch, that list could be very long for me.
-Any of the original Star Wars trilogy.
-Conan the Barbarian.
-Any bit of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. And like with Star Wars, it does not matter if the movie has started already, I’d happily watch on from any point.
-Enemy at the Gates, Saving Private Ryan.
-Shawshank Redemption.
-Braveheart, Gladiator.
-The Princess Bride, Shrek or Shrek 2.
-A fair few Disney movies, namely Jungle Book, Brave, Moana, Peter Pan, Mulan, Lion King.
-The Matrix, Blade Runner (although being my favourite movies of all time, I tend to make them more of an special event when watching them).
-The Last Crusade, and to a lesser degree, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
-Highlander, Willow (which I haven’t seen for ages, actually), and plenty of other 80s adventure movies, like Golden Boy, Big Trouble in Little China, Beverly Hills Cop.
-And strangely, American Gigolo. I love that movie style.
I am pretty sure there are plenty more, but I sort of went by genre, and that’s what I can remember now.
EDIT:
I can’t believe I did not include any comedy: Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Life of Brian, Top Secret, Zoolander, Wayne’s World, and any of the Naked Gun or Austin Powers movies with my OH, she loves those silly ones, and I love laughing along with her.
5 Likes
Can’t believe I forgot Conan or rather the Conan soundtrack…. This was the theme for our 17 year fantasy rpg campaign.
3 Likes
Ooh, Big Trouble in Little China definitely qualifies as comfort viewing! I missed that one in my list.
5 Likes
Oh, and as a genre of its own, Tarantino movies that are comfort viewing are definitely Kill Bill vol.1, Pulp Fiction and Inglorious Basterds
1 Like
And it’s not a bad game either (I don’t own it, but I’ve played it a couple of times)
4 Likes
Good to see some love for The Big Lebowski, that movie still slays me. One of the funnier stories about it is the changes they made for language for tv. One of the lines became “This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps!”
5 Likes
I think that scene may be even funnier with that dialogue.
2 Likes
That is… horrendous.
2 Likes
It’s up there with the classic “Now, that’s a real badge, I’m a real cop and this is a real firing gun…” edit from Lethal Weapon (original scene linked below). Oh, a real firing gun. I see.
As for comfort movies, I can always watch Casablanca, The Princess Bride or Blazing Saddles but I don’t think I ever turn to a movie if I’m feeling down or stressed.
3 Likes
I have to admit, as much as I can usually separate the artist from the art, I struggle to watch Mel Gibson these days…
And it is a shame cos I used to love Lethal Weapon. Maybe he was so good at playing crazy because he’s completely nuts himself.
5 Likes
Damn, I can’t believe I didn’t include most of these too. Also, it’s nice to see someone else appreciates Top Secret. I find most people don’t even know about it. That also reminded me of one more that’s definitely on my list Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
3 Likes
Wow, I also can’t believe I forgot this one. And really pretty much any/all Mel Brooks. But especially this one and Men in Tights.
2 Likes