One of life’s simplest pleasures—and, for those of us who are lucky enough, one of the most accessible—is taking some time to unwind and watch a good movie. We watch films together to generate dialogue and a shared interest; we watch alone to immerse ourselves completely in whatever it is that captures our attention, whether it be of this world or of a completely imaginary one. Movies are a tried-and-true form of entertainment for us as we lose ourselves in stunning visuals, gripping stories, or even just some hilariously bad comedy that diverts us from the important business for an hour and a half. We can now easily and comfortably experience these moments from the comfort of our homes with the rise of streaming platforms as a major player in movie production and distribution. You already know this, yet it’s a basic luxury that many of us take for granted. We should consider this the next time we consider it a vice.
The convenience of these streaming services allows audiences to enjoy content that spans a variety of genres, cultures, ideas, contexts, emotions, and information without having to look far and wide for it. This vast source of information might transport us far from our world or provide us with a brand-new perspective on it.
Perhaps a rainy day is the ideal occasion to completely lose yourself in this contemporary magic. If you’re going to spend the entire day indoors, you might as well listen to something that precisely matches the environment you’re in. This will turn a wet day into an experience rather than an inconvenience. Naturally, “rainy day” isn’t exactly a Netflix category, but don’t worry! Here are 20 Netflix films that are ideal for the next rainy day when the rainfall is too intense to venture outside and get active or when the sound of a light drizzle is enough to make you melt into the couch.
Chupa (2023)
The Chupacabra is a legendary and terrifying creature that was reportedly first seen in Puerto Rico as farmers fed their livestock preyed upon by a mysterious beast. This adorable film reimagines the Latin American folklore of the Chupacabra. Chupa’s take on the mythical monster is far more compassionate, with the titular creature making for a devoted and undeniably cute little buddy for our hero, Alex.
Grease (1978)
There isn’t much of an introduction needed for this enduring musical masterpiece. What could cheer you up more on a gloomy day than the well-known romance of Sandy and Danny? Allow the students of Rydell High to transport you from a dimly lit TV room into a vibrant world of song and dance.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
It’s possible that seeing Hachi: A Dog’s Story can cause your eyes to mist up like it’s raining outdoors. The movie is based on the true account of an Akita dog named Hachiko who lived in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s and became accustomed to waiting for his master to return from work each day at the train station. After the owner died, the devoted dog waited for him every afternoon for the next nine years, right up until the day he passed away. The movie is remade in a contemporary American context, but it pays tribute to the real narrative by incorporating references to Japanese culture and language into the plot and characters.
Happy as Lazzaro (2018)
With themes of wealth disparity, greed, and special politics, it’s no wonder that Bong Joon-ho, the acclaimed director of Parasite, praised this movie as one that “probes the rift between agrarian and modern life, and contains one of the most dazzling twists – and tracking shots – in recent memory.” The movie takes place in Italy in 1977 on an illegal sharecropping farm called Inviolata.
Lazzaro unintentionally suffers a nearly fatal fall in the wilderness during this action, mysteriously waking up years later with no signs of ageing, and reconnects with the destitute former workers of Inviolata, finding his former friend fully lost to the excesses of wealth. Innocently, Lazzaro continues to fight for the rights of the underprivileged former workers of Inviolata.
Kiss the Ground (2020)
Now for something a little different, non-fiction readers can unwind with a soggy day-appropriate environmental documentary. Rain is nature’s way of embracing us, so what better time to consider the state of the environment and how to best respect the world we call home? The climate change documentary Kiss the Ground, which offers workable answers to world problems, is narrated by Woody Harrelson. Kiss the Ground looks into the science of regenerative agricultural approaches that can undo the significant harm that unsustainable farming produces rather than merely alerting the viewer to approaching disaster without offering alternatives or outlining what activities we can all support.
La La Land (2016)
La La Land is a visually stunning film with some wonderful original musical numbers. The beautiful images convert the location outside of the contemporary hustle and bustle of Los Angeles into a dreamlike representation of the myriad ambitions and dreams the city generates. This movie recounts a timeless tale of young love and the quest of achievement. It will take you from the gloom to a world of inspiration since it is a vibrant love letter to life, love, luck, and Los Angeles itself. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the movie’s stars, won awards for their performances, and the cast and crew won numerous Oscars and Golden Globes.
Monster House (2006)
There are many other childhood favourites to rewatch when you’re cooped up indoors, just as the Harry Potter film series provides for a delightfully cosy and sentimental rainy day binge (not included in this list because it is almost an almost obvious pick). In addition to providing a gloomy atmosphere and macabre aesthetics to fit the day’s gloom, Monster House offers the ideal balance of tension, nostalgia, and positive lessons to keep you entertained as the rain drums on.
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018)
This beautifully crafted children’s movie has a lush jungle atmosphere, and the sound of the rain outside will mix well in. The courageous Mowgli is reared by wolves in the Indian jungle in the modernised Jungle Book adventure-drama. The youngster eventually serves as a link between the human and animal worlds through a series of life-altering adventures to promote a joyful shared environment.
My Girl (1991)
Before the tragic Bridge to Terabithia left a lifelong mark on the newborns of the 2000s, there was My Girl. Similar in structure, the universe is explored by two young toddlers as they process changes in their own lives and the world around them. They are pulled together by sensations of otherness. My Girl does address some subjects that are more mature, but it does so while keeping the innocent perspective of children. The tragic loss of a kid also marks the sorrowful conclusion of this sentimental film, but the death also serves as a catalyst for numerous resolves and even healing.
Over the Moon (2020)
Over the Moon is a charming tale with beautiful imagery that will cheer up a grey day, much like The Magician’s Elephant and La La Land. Before the upcoming Moon Festival, the characters interact with a number of Chinese legends and myths in the story, which is set in what is almost certainly China. Two brave young people go out to meet the moon goddess on a trek to the moon itself. The main character, Fei Fei, clings to an idolatry of this moon goddess that few others appear to genuinely believe in—dwelling more deeply on this preoccupation when upheavals in her home life make her feel unhappily and insecure.
The adventure teaches Fei Fei important truths about life, pulls her closer to her future stepbrother, and even helps the moon realm as a whole find restoration and health. The universal themes of change, sadness, and growing up are the foundation of the heartfelt tribute to Chinese culture known as Over the Moon.
Paddington (2014)
Paddington bear, a cherished icon of classic British literature, is actually a member of a unique type of Peruvian bears that enjoy marmalade. A young bear flees his home in South America after a horrific earthquake and seeks safety in London. His new family gives him the name Paddington after the Paddington train station. There are several challenges on Paddington’s journey and upon his arrival in London, including the evil taxidermist Millicent Clyde. Paddington’s remarkable tale naturally has a happy conclusion in his new home in the end. It’s the ideal movie to watch while curled up on the couch with a warm beverage—perhaps some marmalade sandwiches for a snack.
Pinocchio (2022)
Here are two recent Pinocchio adaptations. The 2022 Disney live-action remake will be highlighted on this list even if Guillermo del Toro’s version received good accolades. This rendition, which stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto, brings the narrative to life with a welcomingly warm colour tone and cosy fairytale settings. The well-known characters from this cherished children’s classic embark on adventures that are much more challenging and terrifying than in the animated original, but the plot is still appropriate for young children.
Viewers are left to speculate as to whether or not Pinocchio ever has the chance to grow up and become a genuine boy in this minor but considerate modification to the original ending. The movie makes a point of showing how much more important his love for others and for himself is than his physical appearance.
Someone Great (2019)
Someone Wonderful will provide the ideal balance of heartbreak and inspiration if you’re the kind to use a rainy day for reflection and emotional release. When Jenny’s nearly ten-year relationship ends, she will experience a devastating breakup, as portrayed by Gina Rodriguez. She receives an offer for her ideal job across the nation, but her boyfriend later admits he is not prepared or willing to follow her there. Together with her two closest friends, who also have troubled romantic relationships in need of change and healing, Jenny manages the intense emotions and change that are about to enter her life.
With flashbacks to what was once a happy and healthy relationship, the film does a good job of validating Jenny’s feelings without having to demonise her ex-partner, making the reality of the necessary breakup all the more painful. Viewers have the opportunity to watch what may be a similar situation, or at least familiar feelings, unfold with bittersweet and constructive resolutions in Someone Amazing.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
The Age of Adaline has great romantic protagonists and an excellent script, but what makes the movie so reassuring to watch is the way it is presented. The film draws inspiration from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire for the visual style of scenes set in the past. Gorgeously stylized images of 20th-century eras mix well into the colourful vision of the present.
While the ageless Adaline is shown blending in with modern society in the story, star Blake Lively exudes a distinctively mature air that sells the idea of her immortality without crossing the line into caricature. The Age of Adaline will set the mood for a comfortable, satisfying experience if spending the day curled up in the den with a cup of tea sounds perfect.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
The harrowing true story of William Kamkwamba, a native of Malawi who ingeniously builds a windmill for his small village, is yet another example of incredible will and perseverance in a story that will break your heart and then renew your hope for the future in turn. The Boy who Harnessed the Wind is a British drama film based on the memoir of William Kamkwamba.
The Bridget Jones Trilogy
Since its release in 2001, the trilogy with Renée Zellweger as the titular character has been a favourite among rom-coms. With recognisable characters and a comforting tale of epic passion sweeping away an ordinary and undoubtedly somewhat imperfect woman, it’s the ideal marathon to pass the time. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth make endearing love leads, and Bridget Jones has evolved into a pillar of British popular culture because to her catchy phrases and sympathetic challenges.
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
The original Lord of the Rings trilogy has a total run time of over eight and a half hours, so you have plenty of entertainment for the rest of the day. Normally, a day-long, one-sitting binge of LOTR might seem like an intolerably sluggish way to spend the day, but a rainy day might just be the excuse you need to escape into this thrilling world of fantasy.
The Magician’s Elephant (2023)
This tiny hidden gem is a warm and wonderful watch for your upcoming inside rainy day. When Peter comes across a fortune-teller who claims that an elephant would take him to his sister, he is on a mission to locate his lost sister. A magician summoned the elephant, and now Peter must guide the terrified and homesick beast back to his place.
A fanciful adventure where the characters discover the value of trusting in themselves, The Magician’s Elephant. When the weather isn’t so nice, this emotional trip, which is appropriate for both kids and adults, is sure to brighten your spirits.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
This true story of a father and son struggling to launch his medical technology innovations is starring real-life father and son Will and Jaden Smith. Chris Gardner and his son faced extreme poverty, a broken home, homelessness, unending rejection, and much more. In the end, Gardner perseveres as a true testament to the power of dedication and hard work.
While hard work is important, the small family unit took huge risks and faced traumatising levels of poverty that many Americans would rather not risk— nor would they likely be rewarded with a multimillion dollar success story in the end. Through the lens of the modern cost of living crisis and surrounding dialogue, an interesting perspective with which to watch the movie is to acknowledge Gardner as the exception rather than the rule.
It is genuinely uplifting and even nourishing for the soul to see our fellow humans win, and we can indulge in that optimism with The Pursuit of Happiness. However, it is truly uplifting and even nourishing for the soul to see our fellow humans win, and we can indulge in that optimism with The Pursuit of Happyness. This isn’t to lay a pessimistic filter on an otherwise positive movie, but rather an important disclaimer to make during times of great wealth gaps worldwide.
The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)
The wife of a Warsaw zookeeper recounted the genuine account of the Nazi invasion of Poland in this moving movie. The original non-fiction book by Diane Ackerman was based on the diaries of Antonia abiska, who, along with her husband, assisted in the escape of more than 300 Jews from the Warsaw ghetto when Nazi zoologist Lutz Heck was conducting animal experiments. The three protagonists in the movie had a far more intimate relationship, with Heck’s portrayal in particular representing the real cruelty and inhumanity of Nazi authority. In the events shown in the movie, Heck ruthlessly orders the execution of every animal in the Warsaw Zoo except from the most prized and endangered species.
Despite being inconsolable, Antonia and her husband Jan use the deserted zoo as cover to smuggle Jews out of the ghetto. Heck’s obsession with Antonia keeps him directly involved in her affairs, making it harder to keep the mission secret, however Antonia can also take advantage of this. After the Nazis surrender, the couple manages to survive their arduous and heroic efforts and rebuild the zoo. The realities of Nazi cruelty, genocide, and animal abuse are big topics that are presented with adequately compelling writing and moving acting; it is not a movie for the faint of heart.
Even the worst of humanity will always succumb to the efforts of the good, it is assured in the story’s darkest moments. Despite the fact that we may never completely forget the pain of our past mistakes, we can always remain committed to bringing about good in the world. This kind of movie enables the audience to completely engage with the narrative and to continue reflecting long after the end credits have rolled, making it the ideal choice for a day of slowing down and reflecting on oneself.
