After a long day of work, watching a comforting, feel-good movie is one of the best ways to unwind. Whether you are looking for a quiet evening or a lighthearted comedy to lift your spirits, relaxing movies to watch can provide the perfect escape.
Think of watching relaxing movies as part of your corporate wellness program that helps you stay sane amidst the chaos. It can become overwhelming from time to time, especially if we think of the responsibilities modern employees shoulder.
Such movies help melt away stress, allowing you to relax and wash away the day’s tiring work. This enables you to relax both physically and mentally. From soothing dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, here are the 25 best relaxing movies you can enjoy to de-stress after work!
Why Relaxing Movies are Essential for Stress Relief
Before we dive into the comprehensive list, it is essential to understand why watching stress-relieving movies can be an effective way to calm down. After a hectic day (Which is quite frequent), you may feel work-life balance is a myth – but that’s far from the truth.
Your mind feels overloaded with thoughts, worries, and tasks that you cannot shake away no matter how much you try. That’s when you need to chill!
Movies come in as the hero offering you escapism, allowing you to take a break from reality and focus on something engaging, simple, and usually heartwarming.
Some movies use humor, while others trigger nostalgic emotions. Moreover, some have gentle storylines and beautiful visuals to create a serene atmosphere. The point of such movies is to let you see your work as the ideal work environment as you eliminate stress.
Nevertheless, they all are movies for stress relief that can help reset the mood, making it easier to relax, sleep better, and feel refreshed the next day.
Let’s look at the top relaxing movies that can help you unwind at the end of a stressful day or week.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This 2013 movie is a visually stunning movie about self-discovery and adventure. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is both soothing and inspiring.
With its beautiful cinematography and heartfelt story, the movie is one of the best picks when you want to relax and escape the harsh reality that is corporate life.
Julie and Julia
At number 2 is the 2009 movie about life lessons and cooking intertwined. It tells parallel stories of a modern-day blogger and Julia’s child.
The blogger attempts to cook her way through Julia Child’s famous recipes. It falls as a combination of humor, food, and heart, which makes it a perfect relaxing movie.
Forrest Gump
One of the classics, this movie from 1994 is an iconic film full of heartwarming moments and beautiful life lessons. Watching Forrest Gump’s journey is soothing where you find yourself teary-eyed in some places and shaking your head in disbelief in some.
His profound journey through life is uplifting and coming at the same time, which makes it an ideal stress-relief movie.
Amélie
This 2001 French classic takes you on a whimsical journey through the life of Emily, a young woman in Paris. In addition, she dedicates herself to spreading happiness.
The movie has dreamy cinematography that charms you with the beautiful and classic life of Paris. The plot makes for one of the best relaxing movies that you can watch to de-stress.
The Holiday
This 2006 romantic comedy about two women who swap homes during the holidays is light, funny, and heartwarming. Each cast member plays a beautiful role that makes you appreciate the small things in life.
The holiday has a charming cast and a beautiful setting. That makes it an ideal choice when looking for relaxing movies to watch after work.
Eat Pray Love
One of my favorite movies, this 2010 classic, is based on a best-selling memoir. It follows a woman’s journey to find herself through food travel and self-reflection.
Eat Pray Love has an inspiring story and beautiful locales that make for an excellent stress-relief movie. Precisely because it makes you appreciate life and see it from a different perspective.
The Hundred-Foot Journey
This 2014 movie is set in the French countryside and is a feast for all the senses. The Hundred-Foot Journey revolves around a clash of culinary cultures and how they come together in a heartwarming way.
It does not just make for a relaxing movie but also one that will quickly become your pick for comfort and warmth.
Paddington
The early 2000s nailed making comforting movies. I mean, who doesn’t love a bear in a duffle coat? Paddington is a family-friendly movie that is full of innocence, charm, and humor.
The lightheartedness makes it one of the best relaxing movies for a peaceful evening at home to unwind.
La La Land
I cannot believe it’s almost going to be a decade since this movie was released. This romantic musical set in The City of Angels tells the story of two dreamers who fall in Love. La is where they pursue their passions and their Love with an ending that will make your eyes well up.
The beautiful cast and the cinematography have a nostalgic feel that leaves you teary-eyed in some places and makes You groove to the uplifting music elsewhere.
Pick this perfect relaxing movie to slow down after a hectic day at work.
A romantic musical set in Los Angeles, “La La Land” tells the story of two dreamers falling in Love while pursuing their passions. The beautiful cinematography, nostalgic feel, and uplifting music make it a perfect relaxing movie for after work.
The Pursuit of Happyness
This 2006 movie with one of the top actors of that time is the best pic if you are looking for inspiration with A touching story. The Pursuit Of Happyness has Will Smith giving an unforgettable performance that can be called his career best.
It has a perfect balance of heartache and hope and provides both relaxation and motivation to fight for what we truly believe in.
A Good Year
This 2006 movie, starting with Russell Crowe, takes place in the peaceful vineyards of Provence. Its low pace and beautiful scenery make it an excellent option for those seeking stress relief movies.
The Intouchables
Another one of the classics, this French film, tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a quadriplegic aristocrat and his caregiver.
This 2011 movie mix is humorous, charming, and touching moments, making it one of the most relaxing movies to watch and forget about worries.
Up
One of the best-animated movies from Pixar Up is a classic movie with touching moments, beautiful animation, and lighthearted humor. If you are someone who unwinds with Pixar movies, this will become your favorite movie from the production house.
It has both emotionally complete feelings and humorous characters, which makes it a great option when you want to wash away the stress from the week that was.
Little Miss Sunshine
Another one of the classics from 2006, this cookie road trip film follows a dysfunctional family and their journey to support their young daughter’s dream.
She wants to enter a beauty pageant but is just a little girl, which is what makes it an oddball humor filled with touching moments that make it a relaxing movie to unwind.
Coco
This 2017 Pixar gem celebrates tradition and family and the importance of remembering those we love. The vibrant colors and the heartfelt story make it one of the best relaxing movies to unwind after a stressful day at work.
What color is the sky is something that you will keep humming again and again after watching it.
Mamma Mia!
This 2008 musical set on a Greek Island is complete with ABBA hits, lighthearted fun, and romance. If you are looking for a feel-good movie with creative music and a story set in a beautiful location – it’s this one!
The Princess Bride
Princess Bride from 1987 is the perfect blend of romance, comedy, and adventure. This classic stress relief movie appeals to all ages because of its lighthearted tone, which makes it one of the perfect relaxing movies.
Notting Hill
This 1999 classic has two of the most famous actors of their time. The chemistry makes the movie a classic. Set in the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill in London, this romantic comedy pairs Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in a love story.
The comforting romance makes it one of the classic relaxing movies to watch at the end of a tiring day.
About Time
This time travel movie from 2013 emphasizes the importance of appreciating life’s small moments. A romance with a sweet message and a gentle tone Is why it’s on the list of relaxing movies for a cozy night in.
Groundhog Day
Do I really need to explain why you need to watch the movie? Bill Murray’s comedy is about a man stuck reliving the same day.
This classic from the late 1900s is both humorous and introspective, with an uplifting message. The witty humor of Groundhog Day makes it an ideal stress relief movie for you.
Ratatouille
Can you tell I love Pixar movies? This film is about a rat who dreams of becoming a chef and Paris following in the footsteps of his idol.
This is one of the most charming movies from the production house, which has beautiful animation and a heartwarming storyline. It is an excellent pick for those seeking relaxing movies after a stressful day or week.
The Sound of Music
An evergreen classic that inspired Ariana Grande’s famous single, this movie is filled with beautiful songs and stunning Austrian landscapes in the backdrop.
This heartwarming story is a timeless choice for anyone looking for relaxing movies for a cozy weekend.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
This is classic, and it follows high school students on an adventurous day off from school. The carefree spirit and humor make it one of the best relaxing movies for anyone looking to let go and chill.
Moonrise Kingdom
Quirky characters and whimsical visual style make this Wes Anderson movie a charming pick perfect for skipping into another world. The late-back tone makes it a stress-relief film worth watching.
Big Fish
This visually beautiful and emotionally rich story about the relationship between a father and son had to be on our list. The fantastical elements and poignant narrative make it one of the best relaxing movies to watch when you want to calm down.
Grab Your Popcorn & Snuggle Up!
It is easy to get overwhelmed in this hectic era where corporate life can sometimes throw too many responsibilities. When life feels overwhelming, you sometimes need relaxing movies to reset your mood and energy.
These feel-good movies of various tones, genres, and stories help you escape the stresses of everyday life. Whether you are in the mood for a lighthearted comedy or a visually soothing drama, the list has some of the best relaxing movies.
Pick anyone from the list, and we guarantee de-stressing after work and finding some much-needed peace.
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