7 Films to Warm Your Heart
Now, like most people, I enjoy a good Netflix binge. But sometimes, it’s so easy to start a series, put life on pause (even when you have too much to do and so little time) and just get stuck in. But other times we just need a bit of a lift and some inspiration, and something to remind us that the world isn’t as bad as we think it is and that good things do happen. So this week, I thought I’d share with you my favourite films to watch to warm your heart. Some of them you’ll expect to see here, others are perhaps a bit more cult or need a bit more explanation. But my hope is that this list can provide you with a bit of hope, or a much needed laugh, inspiration and give you a couple of hours of escapism, without falling into the binging hole (and believe me, I’ve been there…many many times!)
Amelie
This is one of my all time favourite films - it warms my heart like nothing else, reminds me of the good and kindness of strangers and also just makes me so happy that creative people follow their dreams and create masterpieces that make unconventional and sensitive people like me and you feel more understood and give us inspiration.
Watch this when:you feel like the world is going to pieces, if you want to appreciate really good storytelling and if you want to be reminded of the beauty in the world.
Crazy, Stupid Love
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in one film? That’s a winner in my books. But seriously, this is one film that always puts a smile on my face and just makes me happy. It might be a chick flick of some variety, but the story is just so satisfying and it’s nice to get caught up in someone else’s drama for a while instead of your own.
Watch this when:You need a good laugh, when the drama in your own life feels too much and if you think chick flicks are stupid!
Whip It
Okay, maybe I was lying when I said Amelie was my favourite film. Whip It is all about embracing your individuality and rebellious nature, doing things that aren’t expected of you and putting a massive finger up to the status quo and choosing yourself instead. It’s also about female friendship, roller derby and giving yourself permission to follow the path that draws you in.
Watch this when:You’re doubting whether chasing your dreams are worth it, when you feel like you’re on your own and you don’t fit in and when you need a boost to choose yourself and embrace yourself for all your quirks.
The Help
When I think about changing the world, this film comes to mind. (The book is even better). Set in 1960s America, it explore the injustice faced by black Nannies and how owning your story and telling your story can start to change history, and what you have to gain and to lose along the way. /The Help/ reminds me of the bravery and the courage it takes to tell you story even when people won’t listen or don’t want to know, and how women can change the world.
Watch this when: You feel like one person alone can’t make a difference, when you feel like everything around you is falling apart and you can’t change history, and if you feel like you were born to do something much bigger than yourself.
The Perks Of Being a Wallflower
I’m a big believer in crying, for me, if I’m dealing with a lot of things and feel like I need a good cry but I can’t, this is the film I watch. There is something about this film that gives me tingles on my skin from the moment I put it on, and makes me well up every five minutes. Ultimately, it’s a story of incredible friendship and our profound resilience and ability to survive.
Watch this when: You need a good cry, when you believe things won’t get better and when you want to feel alive.
*Trigger warning: mental health/ and mentions of sexual abuse
Harry Potter (any of them but the third is my favourite)
Okay, okay, this one might be a bit cliched, but stick with me on this one. There’s something about the Harry Potter books and films that we all need. It’s about letting the light in, and believing that good does succeed evil.
Watch this when: You feel like the world is doomed, when you’re struggling to overcome your personal demons and dementors and when you feel disappointed that you didn’t get your Hogwarts letter.
Cemetery Junction
Now, I happen to think this is the most under-rated film of all time. I can’t explain it without it sounding shit, so please just watch the trailer *need link*. This film makes me feel alive, reminds me that there are so many paths not taken that we can choose, and that we’re not limited to what’s expected of us.
Watch this when:You want to pack a bag and go on an adventure, when you’re stuck wondering if this is it, and when you feel an urge to follow your crazy dreams but aren’t sure if you can.
I hope you enjoy these films as much as I do. I'd love to hear your favourite go-to films! Let me know in the comments!