40 Hygge Movies to Help You Get Through the Long, Dark Winter
There is comfortable viewing, and there are films in which the characters are comfortable. It’s not always the same thing. Some of these films make for comfortable, cozy watches, although tastes vary widely. For some, a Hallmark holiday movie is the gold standard for relaxation. For others, the movie Scream will serve the same function. Even though I’m not religious at all, I’ve seen The Last Temptation of Christ more times than I can count. Taste doesn’t count, but it doesn’t make much sense to judge someone else’s viewing comfort. However, this entire list is filled with vibes, and all of these films are about characters who find themselves in warm and comfortable places and situations: hanging out in cozy houses, looking at gorgeous autumn leaves, eating hot and delicious food, etc. These vibes can or may not continue throughout the film: a rural country house may become the scene of romantic events or murders. Or a lot of murders.
Leave Her to Heaven (1945)
Gene Tierney and Cornel Wilde begin a whirlwind romance in which Tierney leaves her fiancé Vincent Price to marry a hot writer. The two begin married life in a gorgeous technicolor house in Maine – only for Wilde to discover that his new bride is less a happy housewife than a noir femme fatale.
Where to stream: Hoopla, Plex
The Princess Bride (1987)
The picturesque setting here feels much cozier than any real-life medieval counterpart, and the poignant, silly romance is deeply comforting.
Where to watch: Disney+.
Last Holiday (2006)
When shy Georgie Bird (Queen Latifah) receives a terminal diagnosis (the movie isn’t as hard as it sounds), she decides to throw caution to the wind, empty her bank account and head to a luxury hotel in a resort town in the Czech Republic.
Where to watch: Paramount+
On Golden Pond (1981)
Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Joan Fonda discuss their family affairs in the idyllic location where the title originates.
Where to watch: Peacock, Tubi, Crackle, Vudu, Shout Factory TV, Freevee
Far from Heaven (2002)
Todd Haynes’ contemporary riff (though set in the 1950s) on Douglas Sirk’s classic melodramas explores race, alcoholism, class and conversion therapy in the story of Julianne Moore’s Katie Whitaker, who strikes up a friendship with black gardener Raymond (Dennis Haysbert). ) as it becomes increasingly clear that her husband (Dennis Quaid) is only attracted to men. Like the films Haynes pays homage to, the film is beautifully shot in the full spectrum of autumnal hues.
Where to watch: Starz
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Among the brutal murders that Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) and Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) take on to investigate, there are moments that resemble the cosiness one might find in chilly Stockholm: quiet and remote houses, extravagant country houses and sun-drenched countryside. The game of cat and mouse with the killer seems almost comfortable.
Where to watch: Starz
The Whales of August (1987)
Screen legends Lillian Gish, Bette Davis, Vincent Prince and Oscar-nominated Ann Sothern meet in the story of a pair of elderly sisters living in a coastal cabin in Maine: one has given up on life completely, while the other still has life to live.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi, MGM+.
Beaches (1988)
A lifelong friendship and sometimes rivalry between two very different women (played by Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey) begins under the Atlantic City boardwalk and ends in a quaint but comfortable Newport cottage ( go see it! ) that definitely won’t deliver success. You scream.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Food for the Soul (1997)
The Joseph family gathers every Sunday night for dinner, a tradition that continues after the death of Big Mama, the family matriarch, except without her moderating influence, cracks emerge between the very different siblings. Despite the family drama, family get-togethers are enhanced by comforting dishes.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Keira Knightley/Matthew Macfadyen’s 2005 version of Austen’s novel is particularly beloved, partly because it deals with romance, but also for the gorgeous cinematography depicting all those beautiful country houses dotted across the English countryside.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Little Women (2019)
There are several beloved adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s classic book, but Greta Gerwig’s recent version is one of the best, staying true to the author’s vision while still managing to surprise.
Where to watch: Starz
Mama Mia (2008)
On the completely fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, everyone looks warm and well-fed, and everything that happens is an excuse to sing Abba songs. What’s not to love?
Where to watch: digital rental.
The Trouble with Harry (1955)
In Alfred Hitchcock’s dark comedy, the residents of an idyllic Vermont village try to figure out what to do with a recently discovered corpse. The scuffle of corpses contrasts sharply with the film’s sunny, pastoral autumn countryside; looks very cozy if you don’t mind tripping over your body.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Guernsey Literary and Peel Pie Society (2018)
Although I had never heard of Guernsey before, this historical novel, set during the German occupation of the rustic Channel Island in 1946, immediately made me want to visit.
Where to watch: Netflix
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
The coming-of-age story starring young, energetic Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and older Oliver (Armie Hammer) in Call Me by Your Name takes place largely over one hot summer in northern Italy. Long days spent reading, playing the piano, taking long walks and tasting local foods are all activities Elio undertakes in this coming-of-age story set in 1983.
Where to watch: Netflix
Knives Out (2019)
Yes, there’s a murder of race and class going on in and around the star-studded cast, but the film also features a gorgeous house, cups of hot tea and some of the coziest knit sweaters in cinema.
Where to watch: Pluto TV.
The Addams Family (1991)
Sure, they’re obsessed with death and can’t be bothered to clean up the cobwebs or simply renovate their elaborate gothic family home, but it’s eternal autumn in the Addams house, and besides, there are several other loving families in the films. .
Where to watch: Netflix
How Stella got her groove back (1998)
Successful middle-aged stockbroker Stella (Angela Bassett) throws caution to the wind when she travels to Montego Bay, Jamaica. And when she spots Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs) on her first day there, it occurs to her that the island’s appeal lies in more than just its natural scenery.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
Amid the airy drama of this witty Howard Hawks film, its centerpiece is a Central American port city on the edge of the Andes. The port/bar/hangout that becomes a second home for the characters played by Cary Grant, Jean Arthur and Rita Hayworth is small, but looks and feels like a comfortable respite from the dangerous world outside.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Tampopo (1985)
Tampopo’s delightfully quirky “ramen western” centers around the search for the perfect noodle restaurant and then, ultimately, the effort required to create it. While the film is a lot of fun, it spends a lot of time exploring the actual craft and philosophy of Japanese noodle making – even more so than in the opening scene, in which the noodle master demonstrates the proper reverence with which he consumes a bowl of traditionally prepared ramen.
Where to watch: Max, The Criterion Channel
Big Night (1996)
Calabrian brothers Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) emigrate to America in the 1950s and open a restaurant called Paradise on the Jersey Shore. Problem? Their real Italian is too authentic for American tastes and they are having trouble doing business. Their hopes come down to one big night when real-life Italian-American singer Louis Prima is convinced to stop by. There’s a lot of delicious and impressive food photography here, especially if you like Italian.
Where to watch: Hoopla, Pluto TV.
And that mother too (2001)
Amidst all this very insightful coming-of-age drama (featuring two young men and an older woman they travel with) there is a superb and very engaging road movie that follows us from Mexico City to the beach in Oaxaca.
Where to stream: AMC+
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Barry Jenkins’ sequel to Moonlight , Beale Street (from the novel by James Baldwin) follows a young woman (Kiki Layne) seeking to prove the innocence of her wrongly accused love (Stephan James). There’s heavy drama here, but also a beautifully shot love story set against the backdrop of the changing seasons in New York City.
Where to stream: Max
The Shining (1980)
I’m probably in the minority here, but even after all this, I still like the Overlook. A cozy hotel where no one bothers you and all the canned food you can eat? Honestly, it might be worth it.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Misery (1990)
Likewise, another Stephen King adaptation where everything looks pretty cozy (in this case Annie Wilkes’ isolated house) – until it actually isn’t. If you weren’t recovering from a car accident and only had a danger-obsessed fan looking after you, this would be a pretty good place to wait out the Colorado winter.
Where to watch: Max, Tubi
Dirty Dancing (1987)
The cute Catskills resort that serves as the setting for the entire film is absolutely delightful, although potentially boring if you’re just a guest and not directly involved in any of the plot. Even though it takes place in the summer, it feels very much like autumn.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Psycho II (1983)
Another horror movie that’s all cozy and cozy… until it’s not. Here we spend a lot more time at the Bates House than in the first film, and frankly, it’s a pretty charming place with a surprisingly well-kept interior – if you can get past the body count. But! There is a very nice diner just down the road, and the convenience makes up for a lot. Considering the amount of stuff Norman gets away with there, it’s safe to say that this place offers privacy.
Where to stream: IndieFlix
Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)
The food photography is impressive in future Oscar winner Ang Lee’s groundbreaking film, filled with lingering, mouth-watering scenes of authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
Where to watch: Tubi, Hoopla, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Freevee.
What’s Cooking (2000)
Four interconnected families from different cultures (Hispanic, Jewish, Vietnamese and African American) gather each year, with each family bringing their unique perspective to both traditional elements of Thanksgiving dinner while adding special additions. The cast includes Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick, Joan Chen, Lainie Kazan, Julianna Margulies, Alfre Woodard and Dennis Haysbert.
Where to watch: Tubi, Starz, Freevee, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV.
Really Love (2020)
A timeless romance featuring a struggling artist (Kofi Siriboe) and an ambitious law student (Utah Wong-Loi-Sing), Angel Christy Williams’ feature-length directorial debut features sumptuous shots of key scenes set in the fall in Washington, D.C., and the film’s palette highlights the season perfectly.
Where to watch: Netflix
Moonlight (1987)
November in New York is no picnic, but the cozy ambiance of Castorini’s luxurious townhouse, where hot Italian food is always either prepared or served, makes it worth devouring. If that’s not enough, Ronnie Cammareri’s bakery looks super stuffy (or is it just sexual tension between Cher and Nicolas Cage?), so there’s always a place to grab a glass of wine and beat the cold.
Where to watch: Paramount+, Showtime, The Roku Channel, Fubo.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
In this sweet, less popular Christmas movie, writer Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) pretends to be a farm wife for a story and then kind of falls in love with the whole scene. The rural, snow-covered farmhouse that serves as the film’s main setting looks like the perfect place to escape for the holidays.
Where to stream: Max
Black Christmas (1974)
Starring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin and John Saxon, this holiday classic works in part because the festive, cozy sorority atmosphere contrasts sharply with the creepy, murderous atmosphere. The tight frames and dark wood paneling of a house during the Christmas holidays give it a cozy feel until it starts to feel claustrophobic and immersive.
Where to watch: Peacock, Tubi, Crackle, Shout Factory TV, Freevee
Enchanted April (1991)
After the First World War, four women, none of whom have much in common, decide to abandon rainy England for Portofino. Renting a medieval castle on the Mediterranean coast, women find hope, love and, last but not least, sunshine in their stay.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Burning (1981)
The killer in the witty but little-known slasher film The Burn was burned to death in a cabin fire at Camp Blackfoot and, perhaps for this reason, almost always pursues his victims only in the woods. Good news for those hoping for a summer getaway: stay in the comfortable cabins at this well-appointed camp and you’ll likely be safe. Holly Hunter, Jason Alexander and Fisher Stevens were on stage.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi, MGM+.
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (1988)
A cash-strapped scream queen sets off from decidedly bleak Las Vegas to claim her inheritance: a mansion, a recipe book, and a poodle, all located in the fictional, deeply conservative Fallwell, Massachusetts. From her gorgeous and creepy new home, she quickly turns the town upside down and convinces the townspeople to relax—or else. Even without the mansion, Elvira’s presence remains very calming.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex.
Days of Heaven (1978)
In and around the story of Bill and Abby hunting a dying farmer and a plague of locusts, the quiet fields of Texas countryside are so peaceful and beautiful that they look like they came out of a painting. There are few better cinematic visual stylists than director Terence Malick, and even given the dark subject matter, it would still be tempting to delve into his world here.
Where to watch: Pluto TV, Hoopla, Kanopy.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
This beautifully animated Hayao Miyazaki favorite follows sisters Satsuka and Mei as they move into an old country house with their father to await their mother’s long-awaited recovery from illness. In the house they find playful spirits who lead them on an adventure. Like many Ghibli films, there is a feeling of a world in which you don’t mind getting lost.
Where to stream: Max
Lunchbox (2013)
Tiffin delivery is big business in metros in India. Instead of folding up a sandwich in the morning and throwing it in your bag, lunches are often prepared at home and delivered to the office just in time. Hoping to revive her crumbling marriage, Ila Singh (Nimrat Kaur) dreams that her culinary skills can attract her husband’s attention. But one day, lunch goes to the wrong person – lonely Saajan (Irrfan Khan). They start exchanging notes and the flirting changes their lives. What could be better than a hot home-cooked meal?
Where to watch: digital rental.
God’s Country (2017)
Josh O’Connor ( Crown Prince Charles) and Alec Secareanu play Yorkshire farmer Johnny and Romanian migrant worker Gheorghe. Their initially turbulent relationship develops into something much more romantic, all against the backdrop of cold Yorkshire. Of course, it’s cold and a little gloomy – all the better for cozying up together in cozy cottages and charmingly bustling pubs.
Where to watch: AMC+ , Kanopy, Hoopla.