As we’re being told to stay at home and remove ourselves from social settings, desperate times call for some soul-soothing entertainment. And FIB has just the list to get you through…
It’s difficult not to feel drained and emotionally exhausted right now. The world is just slightly chaotic at the moment. While we’re rushing to feel informed and updated regarding what’s happening on a local, national and global level, there are times where we need to press pause and put something else on play to restore sanity. We’re being encouraged to stay home, self-isolate and socially distance ourselves.
While we do this, everyone is reminding us to practice self-care. That looks a little different to each individual. It could be taking time out to meditate, write in your journal, spark a candle, slap on a face mask, eat some chocolate.
My favourite form of self-care? All of the above plus re-watching a cult-classic film to nourish my soul. This is something I’ve done whenever I’m feeling low or have the Sunday/hangover blues. Right now, we’re all feeling a bit overrun with anxiety and uncertainty, so what better way to balance us out then to watch some all-time favourites? At FIB, here’s some of ours:
- Zoolander (2001)
Feeling the blues? This ridiculous spoof film is guaranteed to get you back in a good mood in the first 10 seconds. Centered around intellectually slow, but utterly lovable, male model Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and his younger, new-age, rival model Hansel (Owen Wilson), the two find themselves up against a fashion industry run by evil opportunist designers such as the diabolical weirdo Mugatu (Will Ferrell). Along the bumpy ride of this hero/buddy journey there’s plenty of embarrassment, silly costumes, and scores of cameos by famous people to the tune of David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz, Victoria Beckham, Billy Zane, Mark Ronson, and even current U.S. President Donald Trump. It also happens to be one of the most quotable films in modern movie history, and you can quote us on that.
2. Clueless (1995)
What better way to cure your blues than to watch the infamous Cher Horowitz parade around school and Beverly Hills in her ultra-chic, timeless get-ups and play makeover and match-maker. This epic Jane Austen reboot has been around for a while and aged like a fine wine. Cher’s style has remained classic and is especially “in” these days, meaning you can take note from her wardrobe and plan your outfits to hit the streets with, whenever we can, you know… hit the streets again. Plus, Paul Rudd. Need I say more?
3. Notting Hill (1999)
Even if you’re not a Rom-com fan, odds are you’re a Notting Hill fan. I think I speak for most people when I say: The English do romance and comedy well. Far better than most. What do we love more than an awkward Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts playing a stylish as all hell movie star? Not much, in my opinion. Except maybe for the incredible soundtrack, the hilariously inappropriate roommate, the quirky sister, the clueless friend and the whole Horse & Hound fiasco. If you haven’t seen this one, for whatever insane reason, get amongst it now. If you have? Watch it for the millionth time.
4. Matilda (1996)
A Roald Dahl classic, on the big screen, done exceptionally well. The film of our childhood that never gets too old, no matter how old you continue to get. There’s something special about a genius child who pranks her horrible, unworthy parents and cons her way around the insidious headmaster, The Trunchbull—all while slowly developing magical powers on top of her knowledge-packed brain. The ending *spoiler alert* is warming and so feel-good, you just might shed tears as Miss. Honey adopts the bright Matilda, taking her away from her cruel and crass parents.
5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Bueller? Bueller? Any John Hughes’ film, really, but this one is my all-time favourite. Don’t you watch this movie and think: man, I wish I had the guts to pull off that kind of scheme. Ferris makes you want to be daring and rebellious (while we actually have to stay inside as if we’re sick—in order to not get sick) and back-track to the days of your youth where you might attempt to play as grand a game of “hookey” as his. I don’t know if anyone else could manage to pull their girlfriend out of school, pretending to be their dad who makes out with them after losing their beloved matriarch, or takeover a street parade and lip sing Neil Diamond or The Beatles, but hey, now’s a time for dreaming big.
6. Hot Rod (2007)
If the only thing that can cheer you up is non-stop giggling to clever stupidity, Hot Rod is your go-to. Watching Andy Samberg make an absolute fool of himself as he fails to stunt man his way through life, alongside epic names like Bill Hader, Danny McBride and Isla Fischer, is a delightful treat. There are endless, silly scenes that drag jokes on well past their expiry date: wHiskey? wHere? wHy? and the cool, kewl beans montage scene. What really brings the film home though, is the when the crowd is pumping Rod up for his massive, final stunt and they all sing along to Aussie’s cult-classic John Farnham hit, “You’re the Voice”, fists pumping in the air. Truly inspiring, very motivating.
7. Pulp-Fiction (1994)
Is it okay to call this violent-packed film “nourishing” or “feel-good”? Probably not, given the content of it all, but I’d be lying if I said this movie didn’t make me feel good things. Yes, it’s horrific—lots of blood, lots of swearing, near-deaths and even a horrific rape scene. But the characters, the one liners: “English, motherfucker, do you speak it?”, “They call it a Royale with cheese.”, “Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead.” An unbeatable soundtrack, an all-star cast playing well-rounded, in-depth characters. They all work together in one mismatched, confusing way to create a timeless masterpiece. There’s really not much more you can ask for.
8. Mean Girls (2004)
Regina George. Gretchen Wieners. Karen Smith. Cady Heron. The iconic mean girls, the plastics, authors of The Burn Book. This film was so hysterically accurate and important. Not only did it portray how horrible teenage girls can actually be, for no reason other than their own insecurities, but it presented the absurdity of high school in an accessible and hilarious way. Created by those at Saturday Night Live this film was influential from the get-go, in all the right ways. No one took this movie too seriously and it remains one of the most quotable films amongst my friends until this very day: “You smell like a baby prostitute.” Janice Ian was always the true hero in this narrative. Now that we’re out of high school and away from the toxicity of cliques, it’s imperative to re-watch.
9. Idiocracy (2006)
Way back in 2006, the rather sentient film Idiocracy took the dystopian future concept and stretched it to a point that seems ridiculous but is some how relevant more than 14 years later. Luke Wilson takes part in an American military project that will send him into hibernation for 500 years. He awakes to a future that’s society embraces Unintelligence. The rather average Wilson is now the most intelligent human on the planet, and has to help the President (an ex-wrestling champ) fix the food shortages and economic hardships of the country. This stomach busting comedy’s highly quotable script will have your friends screwing up there face and asking “What the hell are you talking about?”
10. Pineapple Express (2008)
I don’t think you have to be a pot-smoker to relish in the brilliance that is Pineapple Express. An epic, adventure tale of a loser stoner (Seth Rogan) and his brain dead drug dealer (James Franco) on the run from other drug dealers who saw Dale (Rogan) witness a murder. Honestly guys, what a plot line. There’s nothing else like it out on the market. No other film is so blatantly promoting and poking fun at weed like this. Super quotable, like so many of the other classics on this re-watch list and just enough adventure to keep you breaking a sweat in between laughs. Sure, we’re stuck at home, but we could be running for our lives from corrupt cops and drug dealers who want us dead—put it into perspective, I guess.
11. Death to Smoochy (2002)
Truly an overlooked gem, Death to Smoochy follows the children show industry as discredited host Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) attempts to reclaim his show from newcomer and children show purist Smoochy (Edward Norton). Directed by Danny DeVito, this black comedy was heavily dismissed by critics and bombed at the box office, with Roger Ebert saying it, “In all the annals of the movies, few films have been this odd, inexplicable and unpleasant.” Today, Death to Smoochy has found new life and is definitely worth the watch while stuck in isolation.
12. Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future is considered among the most iconic films of the 80s, and that’s not hard to disagree with. The film tells the story of teenaged Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), who gets sent back in time 30 years by accident, and inadvertently finds himself entangled in his parents’ budding romance. With the chance of his own birth gradually diminishing, he seeks out the help of his older scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) to save his parents’ relationship, and himself. With a DeLorean time machine, a badass electric guitar solo, and charming characters, it’s impossible not to love the film. The sequels aren’t too shabby either, so check them out too.
13. Dazed and Confused (1994)
This 1994 classic, is a teen coming-of-age comedy film that follows the last day of high school for a group of misfit teenagers. This film immerses you into the mid-70s with a killer soundtrack and psychedelic clothing, so it’s perfect to just get away for a little while. The film follows football player Randall Floyd the main character and his decision to sign or not to sign a pledge to “not to take drugs during the summer”. Randle and his misfit friends fill their last day with hazing freshmen, indulging in drugs and holding a keg party. This film is full of nostalgia and a must-watch.
14. Shrek (2001)
Shrek is the perfect classic to watch during social isolation, timelessly entertaining and hilarious for both children and adults. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the plot of a grumpy, disgusting but loveable green ogre (Mike Myers) who lives alone until the entire cast of fairytale characters in his world are banished to his beloved swamp. Accompanied by Shrek’s sidekick, a talkative donky (Eddie Murphy), there’s plenty of tension and jokes between the two, in the quest to save the swamp and Princess Fiona from the fairytale-hating Lord Farquaad. A witty, modern spoof that turns the traditional fairy tale conventions on their head, it’s a great movie for all ages and never fails to make you laugh. It also features Hollywood celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, and Vincent Cassel to bring the animated characters to glorious life.
and last but not least…
15. Austin Powers (1997)
Get your groove on and laugh till your pants burst in this hilarious, colourful, musical spoof of that quintessential British institution, the Bond film. Lead British agent Austin Powers, played by the effervescent and extremely entertaining Mike Myers, is a bumbling, embarrassing but insurmountably confident sex-symbol of London’s swinging 60’s, yet finds himself without a map in much more PC modern times after being sent into the future to fight his (also cryogenically frozen) arch nemesis Dr. Evil, also played by Mike Myers. In fact, Myers shows his writing, producing and acting chops in this series, playing a host of crazy characters through the film and it’s equally good sequels, and shining in every role. Supported by a stellar cast with the likes of Michael Caine, Robert Wagner, Elizabeth Hurley, Beyoncé, and with cameos by Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Travolta, The Ousbournes, and Tom Cruise, the list goes on, what’s not to love about this great coming together of like minds, all in the name of a little, harmless, silly fun?
What makes a classic so good? There’s a lot of different elements all competing, making these films the crême de la crême. We love a good cast playing iconic characters. A bit of laughter is key, but make it witty. Throw in some drama or action too. Maybe even a musical scene. Just keep us entertained, remind of us of the good times, nourish our souls and let’s get through this isolation and distancing, one great flick at a time.
Seen these to death? Then check out our Lockdown TV Survival Guide
Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Alchemy Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!
[…] you need further inspiration, check out our Feel Good Films list or TV Survival […]