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 films: 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 favourites I popped into our video player when I was home from school, my mum handing me crackers 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' favourite sick-day flicks, plus more Netflix picks [4] to stream the next time you're feeling under the weather.
Additional reporting by Navi Ahluwalia
Notting Hill
"Notting Hill is one of my mum's favourite movies, so it was basically playing on a loop on our TV growing up. Now that I'm an adult (ugh) and my mum 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 [5]'s floppy '90s hair — always makes me feel better." — Quinn Keaney, editor
"I did go through a period where 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 [6] in zero gravity, with a red blunt-cut bob in a bodycon space suit; Alec Baldwin [7] 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
Watch Notting Hill on Netflix [8].
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
Watch Mrs. Doubtfire on Disney+ [9].
Grease
"Grease! 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
Watch Grease on NOW [10].
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 [11]) sick at a very pivotal point in You've Got Mail, but the feel-good movie also offers some amazing Tom Hanks [12] 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
Watch You've Got Mail on Amazon Prime Video [13].
The Parent Trap
"An informal poll of my coworkers tells me Lindsay Lohan [14]'s The Parent Trap [15] 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
"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
Watch The Parent Trap on Disney+ [16].
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
Watch Big Daddy on Netflix [17].
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 [18] carry Sandra Bullock [19] into a trailer filled with a terrified Midwestern family just because she needs to poop." — Maggie Panos, editor, Voices
Watch Two Weeks Notice on Netflix [20].
Ever After
"Ever After. Being sick is the worst. But you know what's not the worst? Dougrey Scott running around France in the tightest pair of pants imaginable . . . OK and his wonderful love story with Drew Barrymore [21]'s Cinderella character, who is a badass that I still aspire to be, runny nose or not." — QK
Watch Ever After on Disney+ [22].
13 Going on 30
"I love 13 Going on 30 [23]! This is the ideal flick for anyone who has ever dreamed of running a magazine in New York, while emphasising the value of being nice on your rise to the top. I'm not even a huge Jennifer Garner [24] fan, but she plays this role perfectly, and I dare anyone not to fall in love with Mark Ruffalo [25]!" — Cynthia Puleo, copy editor
Watch 13 Going on 30 on Netflix [26].
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
Watch How to Train Your Dragon on Netflix [27].
Pride and Prejudice
"The Keira Knightley [28] 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
Watch Pride and Prejudice on Netflix [29].
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
Watch It Takes Two on Netflix [30].
Harry Potter
"Harry Potter [31]! 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 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
Watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on Amazon Prime Video [32].
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 are thinking, 'Damn, these characters really need a holiday.'" — Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, Beauty
Watch The Devil Wears Prada on Amazon Prime Video [33].
She's the Man
"Shakespeare when I'm sick?! If Amanda Bynes [34] is in it, yes! I've practically memorised the entire script for She's the Man, so if I fall asleep - which happens often when I'm bed-ridden - 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
Watch She's the Man on Amazon Prime Video [35].
10 Things I Hate About You
"As far as teen movies go, 10 Things I Hate About You [36] 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. 10 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 [37]'s onscreen. A forever favourite." — LMM
Watch 10 Things I Hate About You on Disney+ [38].
Chalet Girl
"This movie features Ed Westwick [39] with a British accent, and really, that's all that you need to know about it. Chalet Girl has been my go-to for duvet days and sick days for as long as I can remember, and I don't intend on breaking that tradition!" — Navi Ahluwalia, assistant editor
Watch Chalet Girl on Netflix [40].
Freaky Friday
"Nothing screams 'please cure my ailments' quite like Lindsay Lohan [41] 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
Watch Freaky Friday on Disney+ [42].
Pretty Woman
"When I had the flu in 3rd 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 [43]' iconic '90s fashion and perfectly permed hair." — Macy Williams, assistant editor, Shopping
Watch Pretty Woman on Amazon Prime Video [44].
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 [45]'s breakout film is my cure. It's funny, romantic, and heartwarming — chicken soup for the soul." — CP
Watch Easy A on Netflix [46].
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 [47] at her Kate Hudson-est and Matthew McConaughey [48] at his Matthew McConaughey-est — both so charming — and somehow, years later, it still makes me laugh out loud." — LMM
Watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days on Netflix [49].
Wild Child
"Wild Child is one of those hilarious, easy to watch, and somehow still inspirational films that never get old. I'm a big fan of Emma Roberts too so seeing her on my screen always makes me smile!" — Navi Ahluwalia, assistant editor
Watch Wild Child on Netflix [50].
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
"To All the Boys is a truly magical series of films. Now that there's three, I'm very excited to binge all of them in one day, starting with the OG To All the Boys I've Loved Before [51]. Watching Lara-Jean's relationship with her sisters is so comforting, and I think we can all agree that Noah Centineo isn't difficult to watch either!" — NA
Watch To All the Boys I've Loved Before on Netflix [52].
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
"The next instalment in the To All the Boys franchise, and it does not disappoint. Once again, Centineo and Condor's relationship fills me with so much joy, and there's something weirdly comforting about sunny American high-schools when you're not feeling good" — NA
Watch To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You on Netflix [53].
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 onscreen, 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
Watch The Little Giants on Netflix [54].
Legally Blonde
"Legally Blonde 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
Watch Legally Blonde on Amazon Prime Video [55].
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 make being sick almost worth it." — CP
Watch Bridesmaids on Amazon Prime Video [56].
Dumplin'
"Dumplin is heart-warming and hilarious, and the perfect antidote to any illness. I really mean that. It's one of the easiest films to watch, and I love seeing Jennifer Aniston [57] in a totally different role." — NA
Watch Dumplin' on Netflix [58]
The Notebook
"The Notebook. Ryan Gosling [59] desperate to reunite with the love of his life? Enough said!" — KT
Watch The Notebook on Netflix [60].
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
Watch Bridget Jones' Diary on Netflix [61].
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
"OK, so it's another movie with Noah Centineo but hear me out, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is (almost) a totally different type of film! It's comforting, it's funny, and did I mention it starred Noah Centineo?" — NA
Watch Sierra Burgess Is a Loser on Netflix [62].