22 Movies People With Chronic Illnesses Watch on Rough Days

It’s a time-honored tradition: Curling up on the couch with a good movie when you’re not feeling well. For people with chronic illnesses, though, “not feeling well” is often a way of life. So they know exactly which movies will help keep your mind distracted on particularly rough days.

We asked our Mighty readers with chronic illnesses what movie they love to watch on tough days. Consider adding these to your Netflix queue.

Here’s what they told us:

1. “Kill Bill”

“Makes me feel powerful to see a woman close to my age function and move so well.” — Amber Wandmaker

2. “Guardians of the Galaxy”

“Something about a group of misfits saving the universe makes me feel better.” — Sarah Wright

3.  –>

“Because dragons are awesome.” —  –>

4. –>

“I figure if she could save China, I can deal with this.” —  –>

5. –>

“No matter how many times I have seen it and can recite it verbatim, it still makes me laugh.” —  –>

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“There’s so much energy played by the characters that it’s motivating and makes me look forward to the next day or two when I know I will feel great for a little while. I know of no other way to explain it other than, for some reason, this movie gives me and my body inspiration, something to look forward to in the not too distant future.” —  –>

7. –>

“The song ‘Let It Go’ is my reminder to let go of my frustration when things don’t go the way I want.” —  –>

8. –>

“The songs in this movie make me happy. Which in turn send out positive endorphins. I have fibromyalgia, and when it flairs I love anything that helps me think about something else.” —  –>

9. –>

“Jennifer Aniston portrays a chronic pain sufferer very well. When I watch that I don’t feel alone.” —  –>

10. –>

“It makes me want to keep on pushing through the pain for myself and my family. I keep the DVD behind the TV when I need it.” —  –>

11. –>

“I have the whole DVD set so it’s marathon time when I’m a little down or have a rough day. I think it’s a childhood thing for me, plus sometimes I feel like the odd one out of my friends (like Harry) but in different ways. But no matter what, the wizarding world is where I escape and at the end of the movie I feel a lot better!” —  –>

12. –>

“My illness is genetic, so watching a bunch of awesome mutants makes me feel a little bit happier and more comfortable in my skin.” —  –>

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“I love seeing him hoisted into the air after putting in so much hard work and heart into being an athlete, even if he wasn’t built like one.” —  –>

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“Although I don’t have them same diagnosis as Shelby did in the movie, my family and I have had similar discussions as the family did in the movie. I’m a bawling mess all the way through it, but it comforts me by reminding me that my family cares and will do anything for me.” —  –>

15. –>

“Because it’s a good reminder that life gets stormy at times but there will always be clear days again.” —  –>

16. –> –>

“My bad days are bad after a craniectomy. This lets me focus on something besides how bad everything hurts.” —  –>

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“The theme that rings true in the trilogy is teamwork. They all had roles to play and in the end, being supportive of each other won the day.” —  –>

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“I’ve always watched it when I was a kid and not feeling well. It’s one of the reasons I have a Simba tattoo!” —  –>

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“Robin Williams always makes me laugh!” —  –>

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“I’m a firm believer that you can’t be sad while looking at Chris Pratt.” —  –>

21. “Cinderella Man”

“To see what love and human spirit can overcome. Great movie!” — Gayla Joe-Huckaby

22. “What About Bob?”

“It makes me laugh and get perspective — remember ‘tiny steps.’” — Amy Sue Inskeep

Do you have a favorite movie to watch when you’re having a rough day? Let us know in the comments.