Wholesome movies to watch while quarantined

These films will provide an at-home escape. Photo courtesy of IMP Awards

Feel-good films to uplift the soul

It’s easy to lose sight of one’s self during these trying times and being cooped up at home certainly doesn’t help. But this time in solitude doesn’t have to be completely hopeless. One way to distract the mind and nourish the soul is by watching a wholesome movie. The following films are some of the purest, most uplifting films out there.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (available to own on Vudu and Amazon)

Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of the more wholesome films from the Ghibli studio because it’s nearly devoid of conflict (which is not a dig at the film in the slightest). Written and directed by the great Hayao Miyazaki, this animated film tells the story of Kiki, a witch-in-training who works at a bakery. This coming-of-age story is certain to brighten anyone’s day with its stunning animation and charming story. Plus, Kiki has a talking black cat named Jiji that’s sure to bring a smile upon any viewer’s face.

The Princess Bride (available to rent on Amazon)

One of the best ways to distract the mind during times like these is with a storybook, fantasy film. From director Rob Reiner comes the classic film The Princess Bride about a forbidden romance between Buttercup and farmhand Westley. Not only is the film a great example of the fantasy quest narrative, but it is also a delightful comedy. It’s considered a classic these days for a reason, as it is a lighthearted masterpiece in storytelling.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (available to rent on Vudu, Amazon, and Youtube)

Another great animated film to check out is Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. The stop-motion film is an adaptation of the Roald Dahl book about a fox and his animal friends who steal from wealthy farmers. Anderson is known for aesthetically pleasing films, and Fantastic Mr. Fox is no exception. The animation is extraordinary, and the story is beyond satisfying. Any animal lover out there will be delighted by the range of cute characters in this film.

Chef (available to rent on Vudu and Youtube)

Food lovers will rejoice with the film Chef, written and directed by Jon Favreau. Chef tells the story of Carl Casper (played by Favreau himself) who quits his restaurant job to open a Cuban food truck. It’s a sweet comedy-drama film about a family coming together and following their passions. And the shots of food and cooking in this film are superb.

Shaolin Soccer (available to rent on Vudu and Youtube)

Fear not, sports haters, this film is still a blast to watch. Written, directed, and starring Stephen Chow, Shaolin Soccer tells the story of a group of kung fu masters who form a soccer team. The film effortlessly fuses kung fu and soccer together for an immensely entertaining experience. It is worth noting that the 80-minute, U.S. version of the film is the one to watch, as the longer version can be a bit repetitive.

Each of these films are picked because of their lack of conflict and abundance of optimism. There’s a variety of genres to choose from as well so there’s something for everyone. Give one a watch for the ultimate escapism experience!