HERE IS A LIST OF MOVIES THAT I RECOMMEND THAT YOU WATCH WHILE IN QUARANTINE! (these are all of my personal favorites;)

For when you’re in the mood to cry:

1. Terms of Endearment

This tear jerking movie follows a relationship between a mother (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter (Debra Winger). It’s simple and classic. Shirley MacLaine’s amazing portrayal as a concerned mother is realistic and heartwarming. This movie is definitely one that will leave you sobbing uncontrollably. (Can be found on Amazon Prime)

2. Beaches

Who doesn’t absolutely adore Bette Midler? You liked her in Hocus Pocus, now you will love her in this soapy drama. The movie follows two women who meet in their childhood, but remain in touch with each other over the years and ultimately develop a lifelong friendship. There is singing, heartbreak, and laughter. Although a tad cliche at times, this movie is fascinating and will make you reach for the phone and call your best friend the moment you’re done.

3. Steel Magnolias

The cast of this movie is one that can’t be topped: Sally Fields, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, and Daryl Hannah. This incredible cast accurately portrays a close knit, southern community that sticks together through the ups and downs of life. The friendship between these women will warm your heart and will leave you talking in a sweet southern accent. Just keep the tissues close by when Shelby (Julia Roberts) comes home from work…

Movies guaranteed to make you laugh:

1. Bridesmaids

The cast of female comedians in this movie is unmatched: Kirsten Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Wendy McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, and Rebel Wilson all appear in this hilarious film. The scenes in this movie are absolutely iconic and you will laugh out loud every time you watch it. Romance, heartbreak, laughter, friendship, it’s all here. This is one you won’t want to miss.

2. Step Brothers

This movie stars the one and only Will Ferrell accompanied by his on screen step brother, John C. Reilly.  This power duo play two middle aged men who move in together when their parents decide to get married, but instantly form a rivalry because of their hilariously narcissistic and immature personalities. This movie is an absolute CLASSIC. If you want an extra laugh or two, make sure to rent the unrated version- you won’t regret it! (Can be found on Netflix)

3. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan 

There is no doubt that Sacha Baron Cohen has outdone himself with this one. The movie follows Cohen, playing a popular reporter from the country of Kazakhstan, who travels to the United States to film a documentary on the amazing nation. As he makes his way across the country he seems to offend just about everyone he meets and finds himself in some of the most outrageous situations that will make you laugh so hard, you won’t be able to see straight. 

Good Movie-Musicals:

1. Mamma Mia

Do you like the Swedish 70’s pop band ABBA? Do you like love triangles and mystery? Do you like Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep dancing in a series of fun flash mobs? Then this movie is for you! This adaptation of the award-winning broadway musical follows a young girl named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) as she gets herself into a difficult situation in an attempt to find her father. The music and dance numbers are so catchy that it is near impossible to watch this movie without dancing or singing along. It’s extremely cheesy, but heartwarming nonetheless. If you are feeling down, this movie is perfect to lift you back up.

2. The Sound of Music

This movie has something for everyone. Romance, Nazis, Julie Andrews, and singing children all within the scenic views of Salzburg, Austria. What more could you ask for? The movie, based on a true story, follows Maria as she leaves the Abbey and becomes a governess for a large family of seven children all during the World War II era in Europe. This movie is unquestionably iconic and you will be singing the songs for days after watching. If you have not seen this movie yet, you MUST watch it now. If it leaves you with nothing, at least you will have a couple more songs to whip out at karaoke night at the bar. (Can be found on Disneyplus)

3. Les Misérables

Watch Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and many others perform songs in this stunning adaptation of the award winning broadway musical, Les Miserables. Set during the French Revolution, the movie follows the trials and tribulations of 18th century France. This one is somewhat depressing, but the musical numbers are incredible and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Movies with a little romance:

1. The Way We Were

This movie is completely underrated. Barbra Streisand (yes, the woman that annoying song on Just Dance is about) shares the screen with Robert Redford playing two young college students who meet in the wake of World War II. However, their polarizing characteristics challenge the popular idea of opposites attracting. This movie has complex characters and is able to achieve the portrayal of a realistic love story without being corny. The ending scene accompanied by Barbra Streisand’s singing will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking for days later.

2. Pretty Woman 

Julia Roberts stars in her most iconic role as a hooker named Vivian who works the mean streets of Hollywood Boulevard. Richard Gere plays a wealthy businessman who meets Vivian while on a business trip to Los Angeles. The two fall in love and form an unlikely pairing. Many would consider this a modern day Cinderella story. At the end, I promise you will find yourself rooting for the hooker and their completely unrealistic relationship together.

3. Dirty Dancing

This movie stars Jennifer Grey playing Baby, a young girl on vacation with her family, and Patrick Swayze playing a heartthrob dance instructor. The two meet at the resort when Swayze’s dance partner is out of commision and he enlists Baby to fill in. Then, you guessed it, they fall in love. This movie is cheesy beyond all get out but it is an absolute classic full of quotable lines. Nobody can put this movie in a corner.

Movies from the good ole days:

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

This movie is based on the popular novel by renowned author, Truman Capote. It follows the stunningly gorgeous Audrey Hepburn who plays a lively New York resident named Holly Golightly as she attempts to find a wealthy man in the city, but gets distracted by a new neighbor who moves into her building. There is not much going on in the movie and many criticize it for not explicitly portraying the character Holly Golightly as a prostitute like in the book, but the beautiful Audrey Hepburn makes up for all of it. If I haven’t convinced you yet, watch just to witness Mickey Rooney’s incredibly racist performance as Holly’s grouchy upstairs neighbor. It’s so bad it’ll make you laugh.

2. Gone With the Wind

An absolute CLASSIC! Based on the famous American novel by Margaret Mitchell, this tragic love story follows the infamous Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) as she faces the many hardships that follow the Civil War and Reconstruction in the South while also sorting through her love affairs with Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) and Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). It is four hours (there is an intermission) of non stop historical drama that’ll keep you engaged until the last minute. You will not want to miss this tragic tale of the iconic Scarlett O’Hara.

3. Meet me in St. Louis

Many remember Judy Garland for her role as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, but I remember her for her role as one of the four Smith sisters alongside Margaret O’Brien in this classic film. It follows the girls’ experiences leading up to the opening of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, not to mention Judy Garland’s attempt at love with the boy next door. It is one of those classic MGM romantic musicals that you don’t see much of these days. Watch it and you’ll be singing for hours after. 

Coming-of-age movies:

1. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Yes I know, this movie is incredibly cheesy and super girly, but I had to include it. I mean, just look at this fantastic casting: Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, and Amber Tamblyn. They play a group of best friends who spend all of their time together, until one fateful summer when the four venture out on their separate ways. The girls stay connected during their travels because of a magical pair of jeans shared amongst them throughout the summer. It’s heartwarming, uplifting, and engaging. It may be completely corny, but it is sure to make your heart smile.

2. Now and Then

This movie is vastly underrated and it is unheard of by most, but it is one that I have loved since I was young. With big Hollywood stars such as Rosie O’Donnell, Christina Ricci, and Demi Moore (yes she is Ashton Kutcher’s ex-wife) the movie follows a group of four women who reconnect in their childhood hometown and relive the events of their unforgettable summer in 1970. This movie is incredibly nostalgic and will make you reflect on your own childhood summer memories as you ache to go back to those simpler times. (Can be found on Netflix)

3. Dazed and Confused

Many A-list celebrities got their start on the big screen in this classic coming-of-age film: Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, and Adam Goldberg. Watch a group of teenagers celebrate their last day of school in a mid-70s smalltown. The movie follows them on their youthful escapades throughout the night. What the movie lacks in plot and an overall storyline makes up for with the charming and relatable characters throughout. It is simple, but will still make you and your friends want to drive around aimlessly all night with the windows down. But remember, hazing is bad, wrong, and morally unethical.