Need a break from holiday stress? Watch one of these feel-good ’90s movies
The holidays can be a magical time, but for many, overwhelming as well. Between tense family gatherings, the stress of gift shopping, and chaotic travel plans, stress tends to accumulate. Alleviating some of that holiday burnout can be as simple as curling up on the couch and putting on a cozy, nostalgic movie. The 90s gave us plenty of heartwarming, hilarious, and feel-good films, making them a great escape from holiday stress. Here are some classic ‘90s movies to lift your mood and bring the magic back to the festive season.
It’s no surprise that childhood nostalgia just feels good. 90s movies especially serve as a time capsule for a simpler era. It was a pre-digital world where payphones replaced always-on cell phones, and handwritten notes replaced instant messaging. The tone of these movies blends sincere optimism and lighthearted, witty humor, a blend seen in a wide array of films from the decade. They’re also meaningful enough to offer emotional comfort through strong, relatable characters and heartfelt stories. All these factors combined make them perfect for unwinding during the holidays.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This teen rom-com is inspired by Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew. It primarily follows the story of bad-boy Patrick (played by Heath Ledger) pursuing the hyperindependent, feminist Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles). The movie is full of iconic scenes, such as Patrick singing a rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” By Frankie Valli and Kat reciting the titular poem to the class, eyes full of emotion. 10 Things has been praised as a romantic comedy, ranking in lists from Teen Vogue, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Home Alone (1990)
This Christmas comedy is one that you can laugh through from beginning to end. When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left home alone, he is forced to defend his home from robbers using a plethora of creative antics. Kevin’s excitement at being without adult supervision is contagious. The film turned multiple Illinois locations into movie history gems, including a home in Winnetka and the hall at O’Hare International Airport. In 2023, Home Alone earned a spot on the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Another romantic film, this story follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) as they pursue a whirlwind romance in Vienna. The film is dominated by minimalist dialogue and monologue centered on self-fulfillment and self-discovery. The themes of life and love give it a cozy feel that’s perfect for the holiday season. Before Sunrise has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, as all critics gave the film a positive review. It was praised for an intelligent and romantic perspective on modern love, complete with stellar performances.
Toy Story (1995)
Despite being an animated film for children, this adventure comedy is full of humor, making it fun for all ages. The movie features well-loved actors of the 90s, such as Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear. Buzz’s cheerful energy is contagious throughout the story, and the presence of childhood toys invokes plenty of nostalgia. The film was successful enough to become a franchise, complete with three sequels — including one to be released in 2026 — and two spin-offs.
Clueless (1995)
It’s nearly impossible to stay stressed while watching Cher Horowitz give makeovers and life advice. This movie is full of lighthearted humor, fashionable outfits, and heartfelt themes of friendship and self-discovery. Writer Amy Heckerling intentionally set out to write a movie with a happy, positive female lead. Alicia Silverstone executed the role, tying herself to the iconic phrase “Ugh, as if!” Not only did Entertainment Weekly name it a “New Classic,” but the movie’s costumes continue to inspire fashion collections and pop culture decades later.
The Lion King (1994)
This Academy Award-winning Disney film is filled with adorable cartoon animals and playful energy, making it a great way to unwind and de-stress. The animation was intentionally designed to evoke a nature documentary feel, featuring shots that resemble epic landscapes. Team members made intense efforts to realistically animate the animals by working with wildlife experts and visiting a national park in Kenya. If that’s not enough, the soundtrack and score are the work of Hans Zimmer, Elton John, and Tim Rice, so the movie is full of upbeat tunes.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Despite being a gothic Tim Burton film, Edward Scissorhands is still a sweet, heartfelt romantic fantasy full of whimsy. It tells the tale of Scissorhands, an unfinished, yet adorably gentle humanoid who is taken under the wing of a traditional suburban family. The sets, both indoor and outdoor, are wonderfully surrealist, using bright colors that bring a joyful energy. Thanks to Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder’s real-life romance, the film drew in many teenage moviegoers, and it grossed four times its budget.
Notting Hill (1999)
Named after the London district where it was filmed, this rom-com follows the love story between a British bookstore owner (Hugh Grant) and an American actress (Julia Roberts). The setting is cozy, and viewers get the happy ending that they root for. The feel-good factor extends into the filmmaking process behind the film, too. To win the cooperation of local residents and business owners, the location scouting team offered to donate to their favorite charities. As a result, more than 200 charities received funds.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Similar to Notting Hill, this film is full of bookstore charm, but with a competitive edge. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks play owners of an indie bookstore and a larger chain, respectively. Unknowingly, the rival pair falls in love through anonymous online conversations. The themes of love and second chances are bound to wash away holiday stress, with the dramatic irony of the situation making the ending extra satisfying. Even the title brings a sense of nostalgia, as it comes from the old AOL greeting.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
The majority of this film’s charm comes from Robin Williams, arguably one of the greatest comedians of all time. After a divorce, Daniel Hillard (Williams) disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper named Mrs. Doubtfire to spend more time with his children. The plot is full of classic comedic antics, such as one character trying to be in two places at once. The moral that love and humor can fix even the most challenging situations is great for the stressful holiday season.
The Parent Trap (1998)
This family rom-com tells the story of identical twins who were separated at birth. When they meet by chance at a summer camp, the pair stirs up trouble to reunite their parents. The film marked Lindsey Lohan’s film debut and breakthrough role, with some claiming that she played a significant role in the film’s success. The themes of family and lighthearted chaos make it a feel-good watch. It’s also full of references to the original 1961 version of the same name, adding more nostalgia.
The Sandlot (1993)
This cult classic brings all the best of coming-of-age movies, comedy, and sporty competitiveness. With a child-heavy cast, the film easily takes you back to the easier days of your own childhood. The plot follows a group of preteen baseball players, including newcomer Scotty Smalls, over the course of a summer. Critics have called it a genuinely sweet adventure story, with Variety praising its cinematography and score. Lead child actors Tom Guiry and Mike Vitar maintained a long-lasting friendship thanks to the extra weeks they spent together on set.
Wrapping it up
Take a break from the chaos of the holiday season by grabbing a cozy blanket, making your favorite warm drink, and putting on one of these feel-good movies. Whether it’s a family movie night or a solo screening, try to enjoy it guilt-free and put everything else out of mind. Let yourself laugh, cry some tears of joy, and escape into worlds of laughter and nostalgia. It’s a good way to pause the stress and press play on comfort.
Related:
- Holiday habits from the ’70s that would wreck your well-being today
- Vintage Christmas photos that’ll put you in the holiday spirit
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