It’s that time of year, folks! The holidays are all wrapped up and now we commence the slog to spring. It’s cold outside, you’re cooped up, you can’t shake that sore throat. Truthfully, all you want to do is hibernate. And why not! If you’re getting plummeted with snow and ice this weekend or you’re nursing a cold or you just need a bit of HYGGE–I say Hibernation Station, baby!! You’ve got nothing to do, nowhere to go, so cuddle up and throw on a film. Here’s a list of movies I recommend for your hibernation. Happy watching!
1. Groundhog Day, 1993
Why you should watch it: If you find yourself hunkering down to weather a blizzard you can count yourself lucky. You wouldn’t want to be out and about, like Phil, and get stuck in a time warp, now would you? Plus, nothing will perk up your hibernation quite like getting Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” stuck in your head (the song Phil is doomed to hear every single morning as his alarm goes off).
2. Drinking Buddies, 2013
Why you should watch it: This movie is quintessential mumblecore and, since it mainly takes place in a brewery and at bars, pairs rather nicely with that 6-pack of craft beer you have stowed away. All of the characters feel painfully relatable and the entire film was IMPROVISED…which still kinda blows my mind.
3. The Proposal, 2009
Why you should watch it: If you’re more in the mood for a feel good, rom-com flick than you can’t go wrong with a little Ryan Reynolds. Is it just me or does he not just have a super comforting presence on screen? He just seems like one of the good ones. Like the marry your boss to keep her from getting deported to Canada kind of “good ones.”
4. Mona Lisa Smile, 2003
Why you should watch it: I mean all the lady-greats from the early 2000’s at one all-girls college…what’s not to love? Very much a rom-com masquerading as a girl-power flick but I still think it’s a lovely watch. Plus, all the 1950’s costumes will brighten your day!
5. Katy Perry: Part of Me, 2012
Why you should watch it: This documentary film offers a glimpse into what it’s like to be a hugely famous pop star. I’m not even really a Katy Perry fan and I still thought this movie was a delight. It’s basically like reading a really revealing People mag article but with more singing.
6. The Breakfast Club, 1985
Why you should watch it: I’ve watched this movie approximately 1 billion times and it still never gets old. Like with all of these selections, if you’ve seen something enough times you can nap through parts and still have a wonderful viewing experience. You might also find entertainment in saying your favorite lines along with the actors. (Or right before they say it if you’re watching with someone else and want to be extra obnoxious/prove how many times you’ve seen it.)
7. Kiss the Girls, 1997
Why you should watch it: If a thriller is more your speed for a night of cozying up under a pile of blankets, you need my girl Ashley Judd starring opposite Morgan Freeman in Kiss the Girls. A good enough plot to keep you on the edge of your seat but just enough 90’s flavor to keep you from getting TOO scared (just in case you’re home alone!).
8. A League of Their Own, 1992
Why you should watch it: Nothing makes me feel better like a good ol’ fashioned sports movie (my 3rd favorite film genre if I’m being honest). I’ve watched this one on plenty of lazy afternoons and it really has something for everyone. Baseball, WWII, love stories, feuding sisters, Rosie O’Donnel, MADONNA. Plus, super under-rated Tom Hanks role if you ask me.
9. Almost Famous, 2000
Why you should watch it: Set in 1973, it chronicles the coming of age of 15-year-old William, an unabashed music fan. When he lands an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview the up-and-coming band Stillwater he embarks on an eye-opening journey led by the one and only Penny Lane (Kate Hudson). You’ll feel like you’re on tour with the band and, just like William, you won’t want it to end…trust me.
10. Elizabeth, 1998
Why you should watch it: One time I was sick with strep AND recovering from a torn MCL and a friend of mine brought me a large fountain soda from Sonic and a copy of this movie from the Redbox. Both really hit the spot. (The copious amounts of prescription medication I was taking may have enhanced my viewing experience…so keep that in mind.)
11. Closer, 2004
Why you should watch it: If you’ve never seen this movie, your hibernation is the perfect time to do so! You don’t need the drama of the outside world when you can spend the evening with Julia, Natalie, Clive, Jude and their various love triangles.
12. Pleasantville, 1998
Why you should watch it: Impressed by high school student David’s (Tobey Maguire) devotion to a 1950s family TV show, a mysterious television repairman provides him with a means to escape into the black-and-white program with his sister, Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon). The siblings take to the surreal landscape in very different ways. Even if you’re not that into fantastical movie plots, this one is too adorable to pass up.
13. Elizabethtown, 2005
Why you should watch it: Because it’s adorable and it was filmed in Kentucky. DUH! Oh and the soundtrack will make you happy.
14. Pearl Harbor, 2001
Why you should watch it: My first college roommate and I had little to nothing in common. But when she found out I had the box-set VHS of Pearl Harbor (aging myself) she said, “Pop it in!” We laughed, we cried, we didn’t have to make small talk!!! Sweeping dramas based on real historical events have a way of bringing people together, I guess. So if you’re holed up with someone you don’t know too well…maybe this could be your jam. If nothing else, it’s 3 hours long so you won’t have to talk to each other for a long-ass time.
15. Heathers, 1988
Why you should watch it: I LOVE Winona Ryder and her performance of an exasperated teen is just as pitch perfect as her performance of an exasperated mom in Stranger Things. But, spoiler alert, I also love Shannen Doherty (I’ve watched a LOT of Beverly Hills 90210 during various hibernations). She’s the OG mean girl. If you’ve never seen this movie do yourself a damn favor. It is hilarious.
16. Boiler Room, 2000
Why you should watch it: Honestly, I don’t know. I just really like Giovanni Ribisi (although not in love with the idea that he’s a scientologist). Ben Affleck and Vin Diesel are added bonuses. If you liked The Wolf of Wall Street this fast-paced crime drama is for you.
17. Pineapple Express, 2008
Why you should watch it: I can always count on Seth Rogen movies to pull me out of a funk and this one is especially hilarious. Is it ridiculous? Yes. But will you love it? Also yes.
18. Little Women, 1994
Why you should watch it: There’s a lot of winter and illness in this one so it’s very on theme. (And scarlet fever will no doubt put your sniffles in perspective.) Watching this movie just gives me a cozy feeling and there’s nothing I want more from a hibernation viewing.
What movies give YOU a cozy feeling? Do you have any favorite films you would add to this list? Share below!
Finding delight. 
I absolutely love The Breakfast Club, it’s such a classic! I’m going to have to put some of these to my to-watch list :-F
This is a great post! Will definitely be on this during our travels
This is a great list. I have a few to watch from here! Katy Perry’s movie is one of my favourites ever!
Aw! This is very timely since I’m on a school break! Gonna watch some of the movies you suggested.
I loved the proposal…..that’s the only one I can vividly remember….I feel like I’ve seen close too….I love movies so will bookmark this post….
Ahaha, the Groundhog Day was hilarious! I haven’t seen the rest so thanks for sharing, I should probably add this to my watch-if-ever-having-sparetime list haha. 😂
This is such a great list of classics! Love the 80s and 90s selection 😉 xx