20 Feel-Good Movies to Survive Social Distancing

It’s extremely important that we all commit to social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. I know this can feel very limiting, but you don’t have to sit at home twiddling your thumbs! There are so many great films to entertain you, and who knows, they might even relieve some of the anxiety you are feeling during this period of uncertainty.

1. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”  (2018) // “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019) 

Doubling down on Mr. Rogers content because he is THE SWEETEST. Watching these films will inspire you to be a better person. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is a documentary about the beloved children’s TV host. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” highlights the impact Mr. Rogers had on the life and career of a cynical journalist.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” available with your HBO or Hulu subscriptions. It is also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video. 

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is available for rent ($2.99) on Amazon Prime Video.

2. “Booksmart” (2019)

A hilarious high school comedy about two friends on the verge of graduation. Lots of high jinks!

Available for free with a Hulu subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime Video or Google Play for $3.99. 

3. “Love Actually” (2003) // “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994) // “Notting Hill” (1999)

A trio of romantic comedies from director, Richard Curtis, featuring the one and only, Hugh Grant. Need I say more?

“Love Actually” is available for free with a Hulu subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime Video or iTunes for $3.99. 

“Four Weddings and a Funeral” is included with a Hulu or Starz subscription. You can also rent it on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

“Notting Hill” is available for free with a Hulu or HBO subscription. You can also rent it on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

4. “Little Women” (2019)

An adaptation of the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott. This coming of age story has it all – love, loss, humor, and hope. It hits on some of the economic and social disparities that women faced during this time, while also showing how they support each other and their community.  It is truly heart warming!

Available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video ($14.99). 

5. “Everybody Wants Some” (2016)

The film is set in 1980, and highlights the lives of college baseball teammates in the weeks leading up to the beginning of the school year. Lots of humor and a dash of romance.

Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video ($3.99).

6. “Singing in the Rain” (1952)

A classic! This romanic musical follows two actors as they transition from silent films to “talkies.”

Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

7. “Toy Story 4” (2019)

The first Toy Story movie is my favorite of the series, but if you’ve already seen the first 3, then hit up the newest Toy Story film on the block! Fun for the whole family!

Available for free with Disney+ subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime Video or Google Play for $3.99. 

8. “Plus One” (2019)

A pair of single friends make a pact to be each other’s plus one for every wedding they attend. Lots of awkward and cringey bits, as you would expect from wedding toasts and the like. Maya Erskine is hilarious in this romantic comedy that lots of post-grad singles will find very relatable.

Available for free with a Hulu subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime Video ($0.99) and Google Play ($3.99). 

9. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)

A day in the life of a charming and popular high schooler (starring Matthew Broderick) as he cuts class and tries to evade his principal.

Available for free with a Netflix subscription. You can also rent it on Amazon Prime Video or iTunes for $3.99. 

10. “Wine Country” 

A comedy about a middle-aged girl gang reuniting in Napa. They quickly discover that they’ve all been leading very different lives and have grown apart. Although the trip brings lots of chaos, it also brings these ladies back together.

Available with a Netflix subscription. 

11. “Oceans 11” (2001)

This is the first installment of the Oceans franchise. It stars a cast of heavy-hitters: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. If you like a good heist movie, this one is for you!

Available on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

12. “She’s The Man” (2006)

Comedy, soccer, romance (check, check, check)! A high schooler poses as her twin brother and tries out for the boarding school soccer team. My friends and I quote this one all the time!

Available for free with a Hulu or Cinemax subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

13. “Always Be My Maybe” 

If you love Ali Wong as much as I do, then you’ll love this romcom. Childhood friends reunite after their lives took very different turns. Follow along as they explore whether or not they are still compatible, despite living in separate worlds. Side note: There is a very funny and bizarre cameo from Keanu Reeves that is not to be missed!

Available with a Netflix subscription. 

14. “Hearts Beat Loud” (2018)

A single father and ex-musician tries to reclaim his glory years by pressuring his daughter to join a band with him. This creates tension in their relationship, as her heart is set on going to medical school. The evolution of this father-daughter relationship is incredibly sweet!

Available for free with a Hulu subscription. You can also rent it on Amazon Prime Video or Google Play for $1.99. 

15. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) 

Filmed in my home town, Tacoma, WA! This story is adapted from Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” It follows two high school sisters. The younger one, Bianca, a popular sophomore that isn’t allowed to date.  The older one, Kat, an alternative and feminist senior. Their single father makes a deal that Bianca can only go to the prom with a date if her sister attends with a date. In an attempt to take out Bianca, a pretty-boy, jerk, pays a mysterious bad-boy to date Kat.

Available for free with Disney+ subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

 16. “Clueless” (1995)

If you’re in need of some mindless comedy, “Clueless” is perfect! This coming of age story features a spoiled Beverly Hills teen who learns the value of a good deed. And…THE FASHION IS MAJOR.

Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99.

17. “Moneyball” (2011)

An all time great sports film! This is a biographical drama based on Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s baseball team in the early 2000s. Beane teams up with a young economics graduate to utilize statistics to scout players. They try to revive the team with minimal funds.

Available for free with a Hulu or Starz subscription. You can also rent it on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

18. “Before Sunrise” (1995)

The first film in the “Before” trilogy. If you’re stuck at home and yearning for a little wanderlust, this film follows young American man who meets a French woman on a European train. They decide to get off together and spend one day in Austria.

Available on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $2.99. 

19. “The Parent Trap” (1998)

A Millennial favorite! Identical twins, separated at birth, are reunited at summer camp. The two troublemakers try to reunite their parents by swapping places.

Available for free with a Disney+ subscription, or you can rent on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

20. “Bridesmaids” (2011)

Featuring an all star cast of female comedians, “Bridesmaids” follows an eclectic bridal party as they make their way down the aisle.

Available for free with a Hulu subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play for $3.99. 

Pop some popcorn, grab a comfy spot of the sofa, and relax tonight with one of these fun-filled movies!

xxoxoxx

Alison

Leave a Reply