25 Go-To Movies to Watch When You're Depressed

When you’re feeling depressed, sometimes all you want to do is crawl into bed and watch a movie.

Maybe you’re craving a childhood movie you hold near and dear to your heart even after all these years. Maybe you want to take a break from your own reality and get lost in a fantasy or action film. Or maybe you love certain movies for the relatable characters that can validate your experiences, make you feel less alone and more understood. 

Whatever kind of movie you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. We asked our Mighty community to share their “go-to” movie they watch when they are feeling depressed. Did your go-to make the list? Tell us in the comments.

Here’s what our community shared with us:

1. “Pitch Perfect”

“With the music, they are funny, uplifting and empowering. They always lift my mood and make me smile.” — Emma H.

2. “Harry Potter” 

“[The movies] transport me to a completely different world and I get to take a time out from my life.” — Hannah P.

3. “Moulin Rouge”

“The costumes, set, songs, dances — all help to take my mind off things for a bit. Plus, who doesn’t love Ewan McGregor?” — Hope G.

4. “Finding Dory”

“Finding Dory shows me that someone with mental illness can still do great things all while having a great support system.” — Alicia C.

5. “Bridesmaids”

“Annie sums up what it is like to feel alone [and] how it can hurt someone. She also [has] depression and her life crumbles while her friends all flourish. Annie is basically the hero, she comes through at the end and I always like to believe that’s how life is.” — Xavier A.

6. “The Hunger Games”

“The lead is a powerful female who fights to the death to survive, just to go back to hardship in the districts. Kinda reminds me that things could be so much worse and there is always hope. Bipolar depression is my ‘Hunger Games’ and I am the victor every day I choose to fight.” — Danielle S.

7. “Ratatouille”

“No matter how many times I watch it, it just makes me feel so much better and cozy. Not really sure why I like it so much, but it’s gotten me through some tough times.” — Tasha B.

8. “Elizabethtown”

“The movie starts off with the main character being fired, dumped by his girlfriend, finding [out] his father died and contemplating/planning suicide… Then as the story unfolds, he begins to find small things that are worth living for, including love of family members that he never met and romantic love! It’s a nice reminder that no matter how far down you fall, there is always hope and things can and will get better!” — Kimberly E.

9. “Princess Bride”

“It is the greatest story ever told. Love, laughter, kindness, murder, mystery, and sword fights. Don’t forget the giant rats! It has it all. It just takes me back to a simpler time and keeps me calm.” — Jennifer T.

10. “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation”

“Because no matter how hard life gets, at least it’s better than the many crappy things that happen to Clark in that movie.” — Kim G. 

11. “Freedom Writers”

“It makes me feel like you can truly make something from nothing and rise against your circumstances.” — Daisy T.

12. “Walk the Line”

“My go-to movie when I’m feeling like crap is ‘Walk the Line.’ I have always been a huge fan of Johnny Cash, and this movie does such a wonderful job at telling his story of his battles with depression, addiction and then redemption. It’s so beautiful and inspiring.” — Kristi S.

13. “Pride and Prejudice”

“I love the actors, and of course, the writing. It’s the perfect amount of calming music matched with plot, and it always makes me feel so happy. I think the fact that it takes place in a much simpler time helps as well.” — Tiff K.

14. “Moana”

“I love the story of the strong woman who learns to rely on herself. Plus it’s so colorful and the songs are so catchy. It always cheers me up.” — Rachel S.

15. “The Sound of Music”

“I’ve seen it 1,000 times and know every word. It’s also so nostalgic because I used to watch it on repeat with my mom and grandma. It’s a beautiful story that touches my soul.” — Kaitlin R.

16. “Twilight”

“I like to watch the whole Twilight saga when I’m depressed. Regardless of how weird and unbelievable the love story in it is, it cheers me up a bit.” — Lacie J.

17. “Girl, Interrupted”

“’Girl, Interrupted’ is my favorite go-to movie. It reassures me what I am feeling is real and I am not alone.” — Amie L.

18. “Harold and Maude”

“I was really depressed in high school and my Ma rented it for me. I fell in love with it.” — Emily S.

19. “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”

“It transports you to another world. It allows you to see that the characters aren’t perfect but that’s OK, and also to never give up hope. I watch it when I get really low and it always helps bring me back up.” — Amy B.

20. “The Fault In Our Stars”

“It’s sad but I think it’s tragically beautiful and it reminds me of a simpler time.” — Jessica S.

21. “8 Mile”

“Eminem has helped me in so many ways. The story is amazing and the freestyles get my blood racing and make me feel like I’m actually alive.” — Elise L.

22. “Silver Linings Playbook”

“It teaches me that we can always overcome whatever we’re going through and even find true love if we keep a positive attitude and see the silver lining.” –Mary J.

23. “Mamma Mia”

“All the love, the songs, it just lifts my mood. You can’t not sing along to Dancing Queen at the top of your lungs!” — Courtney B.

24. “The Emperor’s New Groove”

“It’s light-hearted enough that it doesn’t propagate negative feelings. Plus, it’s familiar, and familiarity is what I tend toward the most when depressed.” — Kristy H.

25. “Remember Me”

“It gives me the cry I need to let it all out… then continue with being a boss lol.” — Erica L.

What movie would you add?