The 6 Best Movies To Watch When You’re Sick At Home In Bed

Sick days exist in an alternate universe. Time slows, to-do lists dissolve, and the only priority becomes to rest, recover, and rewatch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

But why stick to the Greatest Hits when you can broaden your sick day horizons with yet another undemanding, soul-soothing movie? Between your naps, tea refills, and unexpected sneezing fits, you’ll definitely want something comforting to watch. But there’s no reason why you shouldn’t stream something that you’ve never seen before (or, at least, seen fewer than 2,173 times). Whether you’re at home with a cold or just taking a mental health day, here are six films that might help you through the fog. 

1. The Marvels (2023)

Pure spectacle helps the medicine go down. With its quick pace, relatively short runtime, and infectious cast chemistry, The Marvels delivers pure spectacle and more. Watching this movie is like chugging a Gatorade. You feel better afterwards, even though you’ve only ingested sugar. It’s not the most complex or contemplative of Marvel films, and that’s why it goes so well with a head cold. This should be your #1 choice if you love cats!

2. Gosford Park (2001)

If your idea of cinematic comfort food involves period-appropriate attire and whispered gossip, then this is the movie for you. Ambitiously directed by Robert Altman, this non-stop labyrinthine murder mystery may seem like a lot with its multiple concurrent storylines, but it’s easy to follow. Set in England 1930s, this is an upstairs-downstairs fever dream of a drama that deserves all of its Academy Award nominations – and pairs excellently with an actual fever. The tension is never too strong as to overwhelm. Also, a bit of trivia: This movie was written by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downtown Abbey, and Downtown Abbey was originally conceived as a Gosford Park spinoff.

3. About Time (2013)

Directed by Richard Curtis, the mind behind Love Actually and Notting Hill, About Time brings the time-travel goods while delivering emotional depth. Domhnall Gleeson plays Tim Lake, a man “blessed” with the ability of time travel and who uses his great power to travel back and perfect awkward conversations that he had. If that’s not wish fulfillment, then nothing is! Of course, Tim also does more poignant things like improve his relationship with his girlfriend Mary (Rachel McAdams) and discover the meaning of life, but overall, this movie feels like warm chamomile tea. It is best enjoyed from under blankets.

4. Paddington 2 (2017)

Some movies make you laugh; others make you gasp. Then there are those like Paddington 2 – that make you heal. This movie’s optimistic vibes and gentle humor are like a cinematic balm for the senses. Even Hugh Grant doesn’t feel like a grating presence thanks to Paddington 2’s goofy plot involving mistaken identity and marmalade. Plus, the movie has a simple moral, which can be reassuring and reinvigorating when you’re under the weather. Kindness matters!

5. School of Rock (2003)

School of Rock will cure your Sick Day-related lethargy but will never get you too hype for your own good. Jack Black is giving peak Jack Black in this movie without being obnoxious, which means that you can focus on the uplifting underdog story and the mood-rectifying rock classics. School of Rock is loud and funny but in all the right ways. The ending will leave you feeling buoyant and inspired. You may even feel up to going to work tomorrow. Kidding. You’ll definitely still stay in bed.

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

When your energy is nonexistent and your body is rebelling, you need a movie that elicits maximum smiles. That’s why The Princess Bride is a classic Sick Day watch for kids of all ages, even adult ones. This fantasy adventure comedy follows Wesley (Cary Elwes) on his quest to save his true love Princess Buttercup, and it will either warm your heart or put you happily to sleep, depending on where in your Sick Day nap schedule you are. The Princess Bride is a perfect mix of romance, action, and humor, and is often cited as one of the best films from the 1980s. Plus, the plot is easy to follow, even when your brain cells are operating in a medication-induced haze. Oh, and it’s endlessly quotable!

OK, that should be enough movies to fill at least two Sick Days. Now, rest up and get better.