movies I'll never get tired of
a curated watch list of stories I return to again and again
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From a young age, I found joy in watching films—whether nestled in solitude or sharing the moment with loved ones. One of my most cherished childhood memories is the ritual of racing home every Friday after school to catch the weekly movie on Disney Channel. This was before the convenience of streaming, when part of the magic lay in the anticipation—waiting for the film to begin, snacks in hand, the television glowing with promise.
That love for cinema has followed me into adulthood. I still find comfort in discovering new stories on screen, but just as often I return to the familiar embrace of films I adored as a child. Whether it’s a way to unwind after a long day or simply pass the time, these films continue to offer a sense of grounding and delight.
With that in mind, I’m sharing a curated list of movies that are on my perennial rewatch list—childhood classics I never tire of, must-see films that leave a lasting impact, and heartfelt recommendations from those of you in my Instagram broadcast channel.
My hope is to turn this into a monthly series, where I highlight media recommendations—both personal and crowd-sourced from this wonderful community. Be sure to vote and let me know what types of films, shows, or other stories you’d love to see featured next.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A witty modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this teen rom-com follows the rebellious Kat Stratford and the charming bad boy paid to date her. Sparks fly unexpectedly, leading to heartache, humour, and high school hijinks.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
After a birthday wish goes awry, awkward 13-year-old Jenna wakes up as her 30-year-old self in New York City. As she navigates adulthood, she realises growing up isn't quite what she imagined.
17 Again (2009)
A man gets a second chance at life when he mysteriously turns back into his 17-year-old self. As a teen, he learns valuable lessons about family, regret, and making things right.
27 Dresses (2008)
Always the bridesmaid, Jane has been in 27 weddings but never her own. When her younger sister gets engaged to the man Jane secretly loves, chaos—and a charming reporter—enter the picture.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
Modern-day Cinderella Sam balances high school, a nasty stepfamily, and an anonymous online romance. When her mystery guy turns out to be the school heartthrob, her secret world begins to unravel.
Anna Karenina (2012)
Set in imperial Russia, this visually striking drama follows Anna as she enters a doomed love affair that challenges societal norms and threatens her social standing. A tragic tale of passion, duty, and consequence.
Bride Wars (2009)
Best friends become bitter rivals when a clerical error books their weddings at the same venue on the same day. What follows is an outrageous battle of sabotage and bridezilla moments.
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
Rebecca Bloomwood is a shopping addict with dreams of writing for a high-end fashion magazine. As her debts pile up, she lands a job at a financial publication and hilariously tries to juggle her double life.
What are some of your favourite comfort movies to watch? Let me know in the comments below.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Frances “Baby” Houseman falls in love with her dance instructor during a summer at a resort. Their dance routines and emotional growth make for an unforgettable coming-of-age story.
Ella Enchanted
Cursed with obedience, Ella sets off on a quest to break her spell and take control of her life. Along the way, she battles ogres, befriends elves, and falls for a prince.
Flipped (2010)
Told from alternating perspectives, this heartwarming story follows Juli and Bryce from childhood to adolescence as their feelings for each other evolve. It's a sweet tale about first love and seeing things from a new point of view.
Grease (1978)
Good girl Sandy and bad boy Danny fall in love during the summer, only to reunite unexpectedly at the same high school. Their love story unfolds with catchy tunes, slick hairstyles, and '50s high school drama.
High School Musical (2006)
When basketball star Troy and shy new student Gabriella discover a shared love for singing, they challenge the status quo at their high school. Their unexpected pairing disrupts cliques and inspires everyone to break free.
Letters to Juliet (2010)
While on a trip to Verona, Sophie discovers a decades-old letter to Juliet and sets off on a romantic adventure to reunite lost lovers. Along the way, she finds her own heart beginning to stir.
Little Italy (2018)
Two young chefs from feuding Italian families in Toronto must navigate love, rivalry, and their dreams. A modern-day Romeo and Juliet with pizza, laughter, and charm.
Matilda (1996)
Matilda is a gifted girl with telekinetic powers and a love of books. She uses her powers to stand up to cruel adults and help her beloved teacher, Miss Honey.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
Tough FBI agent Gracie must go undercover as a beauty queen to prevent a pageant bombing. As she transforms into a pageant contestant, she discovers unexpected friendships and inner sparkle.
One Day (2011)
Emma and Dexter meet on graduation day and reconnect on the same date every year. Their story spans decades of love, missed chances, and emotional growth.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy clash over pride, prejudice, and class in this beautifully shot Jane Austen adaptation. Their verbal sparring masks a growing mutual admiration and affection.
Princess Protection Program (2009)
When a royal teenager is forced into hiding, she learns to live like a normal American teen with the help of her cousin. Together, they find friendship, confidence, and the strength to reclaim her throne.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Naive Andy lands a job at a top fashion magazine under the ruthless editor Miranda Priestly. As Andy transforms to fit the glamorous world, she questions what success truly means.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Identical twins separated at birth meet at summer camp and hatch a plan to reunite their long-lost parents. It’s a delightful story of sibling hijinks and rekindled love.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
Mia Thermopolis discovers she’s the heir to a European kingdom and must learn the ropes of royal life. With the help of her grandmother, she transforms from awkward teen to poised princess.
The Proposal (2009)
Faced with deportation, a Canadian editor convinces her assistant to marry her in exchange for a promotion. Their fake romance gets complicated when they visit his quirky family in Alaska.
Twilight (2008)
Bella Swan moves to Forks and falls in love with Edward Cullen, a mysterious vampire. Their love faces danger, supernatural secrets, and high school drama.
Uptown Girls (2003)
Free-spirited Molly loses her inheritance and becomes the nanny for a serious young girl. As their worlds collide, they teach each other how to grow up and find joy.
Wild Child (2008)
After one too many antics, spoiled teen Poppy is sent to a strict British boarding school. She learns about friendship, humility, and discovering who she really is.
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