45 Hygge Movies to Help You Survive 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 is not taken into account, and there is little point in judging anyone’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 delicious food, etc. These vibes can be, and there may not be. However, this is the latter throughout the film: a pastoral country house can become the scene of romantic events or murders. Or a lot of murders.
Fly Home (1996)
In these troubled times, who among us does not dream of going to Canada and devoting our lives to teaching geese to fly? Anna Paquin plays a teenager who inadvertently becomes the mother of a flock of geese, and Jeff Daniels plays her slightly eccentric father. You can rent Fly Away Home from Prime Video .
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. You can stream Leave Her to Heaven on Flix Fling and 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. You can stream The Princess Bride on Hulu and Disney+, or buy it on Prime Video .
Last Holiday (2006)
When shy Georgie Bird (Queen Latifah) is diagnosed with a terminal illness (the film 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. You can stream Last Holiday on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video .
On Golden Pond (1981)
Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Joan Fonda discuss their family affairs in the idyllic setting of the title. You can stream On Golden Pond on Peacock , Tubi, Freevee and Prime Video .
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 befriends 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. You can rent Far From Heaven from Prime Video .
Village (2004)
Sure, there are nameless creatures roaming the surrounding woods (or so we’re told), but honestly, M. Night Shyamalan’s 19th-century village still looks cozy even today. I’m not one to ever have trouble being out of the woods, so I’d be quite content tending the fire and staying out of trouble. You can rent The Village from Prime Video .
Practical Magic (1998)
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play Sally and Gillian, a pair of sisters who grew up as witches, but not like the witches from Hocus Pocus . They’re just a couple of normal women who use their powers for, shall we say, practical purposes, until they have to use their powers to instill some sense in Gillian’s abusive boyfriend. You can rent Practical Magic from Prime Video .
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. You can stream The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Max or rent it on Prime Video .
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. You can stream “The Whales of August” on Prime Video .
Beaches (1988)
The 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 appeal to you. will leave you indifferent. cry. You can rent beaches from Prime Video .
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. In the midst of family drama, family gatherings are fueled by comforting dishes. You can stream Soul Food on Tubi and Peacock or rent it on Prime Video .
Dead Poets Society (1989)
It’s without a doubt poignant – and Robin Williams gives one of his best performances in this autumnal tale of a 1959 boys’ school. For our modern STEM-obsessed educational system, it’s a reminder that maybe a little poetry isn’t such a waste of time. You can stream Dead Poets Society on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video .
Hint (1985)
The star-studded cast (Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull and Lesley Ann Warren) form a suspect list in this twisty and very funny murder comedy that clearly inspired the likes of Knives Out . If the thought of getting killed isn’t too upsetting to you, you can actually imagine yourself settling into a cozy fall in the New England mansion where the film was filmed. You can stream Clue on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video .
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen’s 2005 version of Austen’s novel is particularly beloved, partly because it gets to the heart of romance, but also for the gorgeous cinematography depicting all those beautiful country houses dotted across the English countryside. You can stream Pride and Prejudice on Starz or rent it on Prime Video .
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. You can stream Little Women on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video .
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? You can stream Mamma Mia! on Max or rent it from Prime Video .
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. You can rent The Trouble with Harry from Prime Video .
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. You can stream The Guernsey Literary Society and the Potato Peel Pie Society on Netflix .
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
The coming-of-age story starring a young, energetic Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and an 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. You can stream Call Me by Your Name on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video .
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. You can stream Knives Out on Tubi or rent it on Prime Video .
The Addams Family (1991)
Sure, they’re obsessed with death and aren’t in the mood to clean up cobwebs or do simple maintenance of their elaborate gothic family home, but it’s eternal autumn in the Addams house, and there are a few other loving families in the movies, too. . You can stream The Addams Family on Paramount+ or rent it on Prime Video .
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. You can rent How Stella Got Her Groove Back on Prime Video .
Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
Amid the airy drama of this witty Howard Hawks film, it takes center stage in 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. You can watch Only Angels Have Wings on Prime Video .
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 true craft and philosophy of Japanese noodle making—most notably, as in the opening scene, in which the noodle master demonstrates the proper reverence with which he consumes a bowl of traditionally prepared ramen. You can stream Tampopo on Max and 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. You can stream Big Night on Prime Video .
And that mother too (2001)
Amidst all this insightful coming-of-age drama (featuring two young men and an older woman they travel with), there’s a superb and very engaging road movie that follows us from Mexico City to the beach in Oaxaca. You can stream Y Tu Mamá También on Hulu .
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. You can rent If Beale Street Could Talk on Prime Video .
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. You can rent The Shining from Prime Video .
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 dangerously obsessed fan looking after you, this would be a pretty good place to wait out the Colorado winter. You can buy misery from Prime Video .
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. You can stream Dirty Dancing on Peacock or rent it on Prime Video .
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’s a really 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. You can watch Psycho II on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video .
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. You can stream What’s Cooking on Freevee and Starz.
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 beautifully photographed key scenes set in the fall in Washington, D.C., and the film’s palette highlights the season perfectly. You can rent Really Love from Prime Video .
Moonstruck (1987)
November in New York is no picnic, but the cozy ambience of Castorini’s luxurious townhouse, where hot Italian food is always being prepared or served, makes it seem worth taking a breath of air. 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. You can stream Moonstruck on Tubi or rent it on Prime Video .
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
In this sweet, less popular Christmas movie, writer Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) pretends to be a farmer’s 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. You can rent A Connecticut Christmas from Prime Video .
Black Christmas (1974)
Starring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin and John Saxon, this 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. You can stream Black Christmas on Peacock , Tubi, Shudder, and Prime Video .
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 during their stay. You can rent Enchanted April from Prime Video .
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 therefore, 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. You can stream The Burning on Prime Video and 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. You can stream Elvira, Mistress of the Dark on Prime Video , Tubi and AMC+.
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 straight out of a painting. There are few better cinematic visual stylists than director Terence Malick; even given the dark theme, it would still be tempting to delve into his world here. You can stream Days of Heaven on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video .
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, it feels like a world in which you can get lost. You can stream My Neighbor Totoro on Max or rent it on Prime Video .
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 of her culinary skills catching 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? You can rent The Lunchbox from Prime Video .
October Sky (1999)
Baby Jake Gyllenhaal is expected to stay close to his home in West Virginia and become a miner with his brother, following in the footsteps of his father (Chris Cooper). After all, it’s 1957, and what other options are there? In this true story, he is inspired by news of Sputnik and begins experimenting with rockets on his own, hoping for a college scholarship. You can stream October Sky on Prime Video .
God’s Country (2017)
Josh O’Connor ( Crown Prince Charles) and Alec Secareanu play Yorkshire farmer Johnny and Romanian migrant worker Gheorghe. Their initially very 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. You can stream God’s Own Country on AMC+ or rent it on Prime Video .