The perfect sick-day movie is familiar and lighthearted — you know every word, and you feel happy-nostalgic when you watch it. There's just something to be said for the soothing effects of a movie you've seen 85-ish times, you know? Without fail, if I'm not feeling well, I end up in bed watching one of three movies: 10 Things I Hate About You [1], The Little Giants, or The Parent Trap [2]. (The Lindsay Lohan [3] version, of course.) The fact that they're all '90s movies isn't a coincidence; those are the favorites I popped into the VCR when I was home from school, my mom handing me sleeves of saltines and Sprite poured into one of those cups with a handle that's also a straw. Earlier this year, dealing with a particularly bad flu, I even found myself buying one of those cups. At 31, sipping chicken broth out of a neon cup for kids, I felt pretty ridiculous, but that's the thing — when you're feeling pitiful, every little bit of comfort counts, right? Check out some of our editors' favorite sick-day flicks, plus more Netflix picks [4] to stream the next time you're feeling under the weather.
Notting Hill
"Notting Hill is one of my mom's favorite movies, so it was basically playing on a loop on our TV growing up. Now that I'm an adult (ugh) and my mom isn't always around when I get a cold or the flu, watching a movie that reminds me so much of her — especially one that has plenty of Hugh Grant [6]'s floppy '90s hair — always makes me feel better." — Quinn Keaney, editor, Entertainment
"I did go through a period when I would almost look forward to the first signs of a cold, just to curl up in bed — with a whole pizza — and watch Notting Hill, guilt-free. This movie has it all: a bespectacled bookshop babe; Julia Roberts [7] in zero gravity with a red blunt-cut bob in a bodycon spacesuit; Alec Baldwin [8] with five-o'clock shadow. When Hugh Grant splashes orange juice all over his to-be crush, I can practically feel the vitamin C seep into my sore throat." — Chris Roney, copy editor
Mrs. Doubtfire
"Mrs. Doubtfire! It makes me laugh no matter how crappy I'm feeling (despite knowing every line from start to finish)." — Alessia Santoro, editor, Moms
Grease
"Grease [9]! Because I love the fashion mostly and the songs. I used to sing them all, and I still love to. When I'm sick, I probably wouldn't sing, but nevertheless . . . nostalgia." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion
You've Got Mail
"When I'm sick, I personally enjoy watching movies in which the characters are sick as well so that we can kind of commiserate together. Not only is Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan [10]) sick at a very pivotal point in You've Got Mail, but the feel-good movie also offers some amazing Tom Hanks [11] chemistry, a hilariously outdated depiction of the internet, glorious shots of New York, and one of the best damn endings ever. 'I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be you so badly.' I'm done." — Kelsey Garcia, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features
The Parent Trap
"An informal poll of my coworkers tells me Lindsay Lohan [12]'s The Parent Trap [13] is a VERY popular sick-day pick. It's fun and insanely quotable, and Dennis Quaid is a stud, you know? Back in the day, I started adding 'Napa vineyard' to my ideal M.A.S.H. home picks during sleepovers because of this movie." — Laura Marie Meyers, senior editor, Trending and Viral Features
"Another vote for The Parent Trap — mostly because I can recite every line. I just love the idea of camp . . . maybe it's because my mom sent me off the same way she did when she was younger and it feels nostalgic to me. I always like a little nostalgia when I'm sick or, let's be real, the reminder and comfort of my mom." — SW
Big Daddy
"Big Daddy was the first movie I ever owned on DVD when they were $40 each or something nuts, so my dad made me promise I'd watch it often. And that I did! I've seen it so many times now that no matter what's going on in my life, if I pop it on, I am immediately put in a good mood, which is handy on sick days." — AS
Two Weeks Notice
"Two Weeks Notice is my go-to sick-day boo. Initially I thought I was the only one who loved this underrated rom-com gem, but I've found a steady cult of followers over the years. Nothing makes me feel better than watching Hugh Grant [14] carry Sandra Bullock [15] into a trailer filled with a terrified Miswesterm family just because she needs to poop." — Maggie Panos, editor, Voices
Ever After
"Ever After. Being sick is the worst. But you know what's not the worst? Dougray Scott running around France in the tightest pair of pants imaginable . . . OK and his wonderful love story with Drew Barrymore [16]'s Cinderella character, who is a badass that I still aspire to be, runny nose or not." — QK
13 Going on 30
"I love 13 Going on 30 [17]! This is the ideal flick for anyone who has ever dreamed of running a magazine in New York, while emphasizing the value of being nice on your rise to the top. I'm not even a huge Jennifer Garner [18] fan, but she plays this role perfectly, and I dare anyone not to fall in love with Mark Ruffalo [19]!" — Cynthia Puleo, copy editor
How to Train Your Dragon
"I honestly love to watch How to Train Your Dragon on sick days. It's such a cute, feel-good movie with a great score, and I know it so well; I can always get back into it if I fall asleep in front of it." — Rachel Crowley, senior copy editor
Pride and Prejudice
"The Keira Knightley [20] version of Pride and Prejudice. Maybe it's because there's that extended plot in the film where Jane Bennet is sick and forced to stay with the Bingleys, but there's something about watching a love story unfold with a beautiful soundtrack that's almost as comforting as my mom rubbing my back while I'm sick." — Brinton Parker, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features
"I put on Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 version with Keira Knightley) because the music is so beautiful and it's such a pretty film. Even if I have a fever and can't really focus on things, it's a simple, pretty movie that I've also seen way too much." — RC
The Holiday
"The Holiday feels like a giant hug! You just know everything's going to be as it should be in the end." — Kim Timlick, senior director, International Partnerships
It Takes Two
"I have a Summer tradition of sitting down with half a watermelon (don't judge me) and a copy of It Takes Two, but now I just watch it whenever I need a burst of nostalgia. It's the ideal 'can't think; just give me some meds, Sprite, and the Olsen twins' movie." — MP
Harry Potter
"Harry Potter [21]! Literally any of them. So perfect for a sick day because you can have a marathon binge-sesh for hours on the couch!" — Caroline Parkinson, editorial intern
"The entire Harry Potter [22] series. Nothing makes me feel more comforted than staging my own Harry Potter movie weekend from the comfort of my couch with a mug of soup or hot tea in hand." — BP
The Devil Wears Prada
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Devil Wears Prada — both essentially remind me of my days as a magazine editor and make me feel infinitely better about taking a day off from work when the whole time you're watching the movies, you're thinking, 'Damn, these characters really need a vacation.'" — Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, Beauty
The Notebook
"The Notebook. Ryan Gosling [23] desperate to reunite with the love of his life? Enough said!" — KT
She's the Man
"Shakespeare when I'm sick?! If Amanda Bynes [24] is in it, yes! I've practically memorized the entire script for She's the Man, so if I fall asleep — which happens often when I'm bedridden — I still know exactly what is going on when I regain consciousness. I've literally never laughed harder than the first time I saw it, and it's my immediate go-to when I need a pick-me-up." — Charisandra Perez, social media intern
10 Things I Hate About You
"As far as teen movies go, 10 Things I Hate About You [25] has it ALL: Shakespearean-inspired storylines, an ill-advised bet, an over-the-top musical serenade, and a dramatic prom scene. Don't even get me started on the cast! Perfect. Ten out of 10. I still get embarrassingly choked up when Julia Stiles delivers that "I don't hate you" poem, and I swoon like crazy every time Heath Ledger [26]'s on screen. A forever favorite." — LMM
My Girl
"My Girl is one of those '90s movies that evokes nostalgia in me like no other. I watched it countless times as a kid, and I love revisiting it when I just want to feel cheesy and emotional! Vada and Thomas J. for life." — Erin Cullum, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features
Bridget Jones's Diary
"I will never get tired of rooting for Bridget Jones. Her light makes even the sickest days so enjoyable from the couch." — KT
Freaky Friday
"Nothing screams 'please cure my ailments' quite like Lindsay Lohan [27] as an angsty teen. I'm not sure what's better: Jamie Lee Curtis crushing on Chad Michael Murray and his middle part or the adorable grandpa screaming, 'Earthquakeeeeee!' in his bathrobe. And just like that, I'm feeling better!" — Perri Konecky, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features
Pretty Woman
"When I had the flu in third grade, my mom put on Pretty Woman for me — controversial, I know, but I was a mature 9-year-old. I swear. Now I always put it on when I'm sick. You can never get sick of Julia Roberts [28]'s iconic '90s fashion and perfectly permed hair." — Macy Williams, assistant editor, Shopping
Easy A
"'I've got a pocket, I've got a pocket, I've got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine!' That Easy A scene never fails me. When I've got a bout of the sniffles, Emma Stone [29]'s breakout film is my cure. It's funny, romantic, and heartwarming — chicken soup for the soul." — CP
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
"There are some movies you'll just never, ever get sick of, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is one of them. In the best way, it's Kate Hudson [30] at her Kate Hudson-est and Matthew McConaughey [31] at his Matthew McConaughey-est — both so charming — and somehow, years later, it still makes me laugh out loud." — LMM
The Little Giants
"In the very best way, The Little Giants captures every single cliché of a '90s Disney movie. Underdogs! A tomboy! Rick Moranis! Becky "The Icebox" O'Shea was one of the first characters I really identified with on screen, and as a tween, you better believe I fell hard and fast for Devon Sawa and that parted bowl cut. I still know every line, and they're all so cheesy. It's perfect." — LMM
Legally Blonde
"Legally Blonde [32] is the lighthearted rom-com I can count on during a sick day. The second that 'Perfect Day' song starts, I instantly feel like I'm on the road to recovery." — PK
Bridesmaids
"When I'm feeling sick, I need a good laugh. Bridesmaids, no matter how many times I've seen it, brings me to tears every time. There's something so comforting about seeing a group of women suffer from the worst food poisoning that makes my ailment pale in comparison. This modern classic instantly raises my spirits and makes being sick almost worth it." — CP
Cinderella
"Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella with Brandy and Whitney Houston! There's nothing like a little Disney magic to lift your spirits. Not only is the film nostalgic, but I'm a sucker for a good musical. It's impossible to feel sad when Whitney Houston and Brandy belt out their iconic number." — Kelsie Gibson, assistant editor, Celebrity and Entertainment
Big
"Big, The Princess Pride, The BFG, Moana, Elf . . . mine are all kid-friendly since we're usually watching (and sick) together!" — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness
