Movies to watch when you don’t want to think.
I live a lot of the day in my head, and some days, it gets a little nutty up there from sheer exhaustion.
I love movies as an escape, but sometimes the subject matter just pulls me into a different endless pit of thought. Some days, I want to escape the buzz of my mind—but only for approximately 90 minutes plus some credit roll time. Then it’s back to work.
When I properly want to turn the brain off, here are my comfort comedies:
OH, HELLO ON BROADWAY
Chock-full of geriatric phrases delivered with the robustness of a New York accent, this is one of me and my best friend’s most quoted shows.
LIAR LIAR
I would equate my love for Jim Carrey to the love Adam Sandler's fans have for him. He’s one of those actors you either love or are deeply annoyed by. But for me, the bloopers in Liar Liar alone bring me immense joy. My deep love for Jim Carrey only adds to it.
HITCH
Definition of a feel-good movie with a heartwarming message at the end. Will Smith can do both comedy and drama in his sleep, but I love him in a humorous role best. Also, this movie is 20 years old. How did I see this in the theater as an 11-year-old girl and think I could relate to it??
MISS CONGENIALITY
Sandra Bullock basically plays this character 90% of the time, but I eat it up—probably because I also fantasize about being able to kick someone’s ass should they try to attack me in an alleyway.
FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Having delved into professional wedding coordinating in my adult life, it’s funny to watch this movie now and know it definitely informed my idea of what a wedding coordinator does. I would’ve never guessed then that I’d one day do it. Franck Eggelhoffer played by Martin Short is the type of person I dream about coming across in real life. He and Steve Martin are the golden duo in everything they’re in together.
YOU’VE GOT MAIL / SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE / WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
All interchangeable to me for the most part. Nora Ephron, you were a dazzling gift.
BIG
Tom Hanks had a blast playing this part, you can tell.
SHREK
When I was little, my family would have me recite word-for-word the dating game show scene when Lord Farquad was choosing between princesses, pronouncing “bachelorettes” incorrectly every time because I was 8 and under performative pressure. Would send the family roaring. Some of my best work.
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
Something about the tone of this line delivery makes it my favorite in the whole film: “Well Brian, this is a very nutritious lunch. All the food groups are represented.”
13 GOING ON 30
I wasn’t a big fan of pink when I was a kid, but this movie made me NEED bubblegum pink, low-top Converse.
What are your go-to, turn-the-brain-off flicks?