What makes a good comfort movie or tv show? Do you like the characters and feel you can relate to their lives? Does it make you laugh and feel good? Does it remind you of your childhood memories? Does it star your favorite actor? These movies that you can’t get enough of are a good way to calm yourself and relax during finals week.

Some of our favorite comfort TV shows from our childhood that never get old are Kickin It, Liv and Maddie, Good Luck Charlie, and Wizards of Waverly Place. These shows comfort us because going back to watch them makes us remember memories when we were younger and times were simpler. The characters in these shows grew up along with us and played a big role in our coming of age. Similarly, movies from our childhood such as Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, and Highschool Musical spark joy for the same reasons. The nostalgia that these movies bring is a perfect way to destress during finals. 

Other TV shows that bring us comfort that are popular today include comedies with lovable characters such as Gilmore Girls, The Office, and Friends. These shows help you escape life as you find yourself captivated by the plot. In the same way, movies such as Mamma Mia, The Princess Bride, and Crazy Rich Asians also bring comfort. Whether you’re drowning in laughter, singing along, or getting a sense of adventure, these movies are highly recommended. 

Around this time of year, watching holiday movies is a great way to get in the spirit. As you anxiously wait for the holidays, a perfect way to get excited is to watch everyone’s favorite classics like Elf and Home Alone. These movies are perfect to watch while drinking a cup of hot cocoa and reminding you of your favorite time of year.  

Check out more of our favorite comfort shows and movies below!

• • Modern Family
  • The Good Place
  • Criminal Minds
  • The Outer Banks 
  • Hannah Montana 
  • Jessie 
  • Bunk’d 
  • Phineas and Ferb 
  • Highschool Musical the Musical the Series 
  • Cupcake Wars 
  • Tom and Jerry
  • Series of Unfortunate Events 
  • The Parent Trap
  • Mary Poppins 
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • The Santa Claus 
  • Christmas Chronicles 
  • The Princess and the Frog
  • The Notebook
  • Polar Express
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • Sleeping Beauty
  • Snow White
  • Cinderella
  • Mulan (animated/live action)
  • Aladdin 
  • Anastasia 
  • Hercules
  • Princess Protection Program 
  • Peter Pan
  • The Little Mermaid 
  • Camp Rock
  • Holes 
  • Marvel 
  • Robin Hood 
  • How to Train a Dragon 
  • Madagascar  
  • Grown Ups