Entertainment
24 Movies To Watch When You're Feeling Lonely
With the rise of the novel coronavirus, many of us are working from home, quarantining, or practicing social distancing. While staying inside is the quickest way to help flatten the curve, it can also contribute to feelings of boredom, anxiety, and loneliness. When experiencing such emotions, entertainment can often be a source of comfort. So Bustle has compiled a list of 24 movies to watch when you're feeling lonely, which include both those that spotlight characters in similar situations, as well as those that will make you feel part of the gang.
If you're looking for a heightened version of your own reality, check out I Am Legend, in which Will Smith's character is the last man left on earth. Or there's the cartoon, Frozen, whose protagonist is socially ostracized due to her magical powers. And of course we couldn't forget Castaway, the Tom Hanks film about a man stuck on a remote, desert island. But if you're looking for a movie to pump you up, we've also included classic comedies like Romy and Michele's High School Reunion to all you to escape into their girl gang for at least an hour and a half.
Read on for the best movies to keep you company in times of solitude.
'I Am Legend'
This Will Smith movie follows a man who actually is alone in New York City (save for his dog) for the first three quarters of the film. If you have a pet, grab him or her to watch this movie with you.
'Castaway'
Want to indulge in loneliness? Remember Tom Hanks as a castaway on an island who struggled to survive while hanging out with Wilson… a volleyball.
'Frozen'
Yeah, yeah — you’re totally sick of it — but Elsa is super isolated and lonely, too. Her solution? Belting out the now-ubiquitous power ballad, “Let It Go.”
'My Girl'
Want to bawl your eyes out? When Veda (Anna Chlumsky) realizes that Thomas (Macaulay Culkin) isn’t wearing glasses anymore after he’s been stung to death by bees… gah. You’ll need tissues.
'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'
OK, so maybe you wanna get a good ol’ cheer-up. You won’t feel alone anymore when Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino kill it with their interpretative dance to “Time After Time.”
'Gravity'
Sandra Bullock’s solo journey in space will remind you that you’re not that alone — but that even if you feel so alone in the vastness of the universe, you still can find your own way.
'Lost in Translation'
ScarJo and Bill Murray are two Americans journeying through Tokyo. This movie will totally sync up with your emotions if you’re feeling totally out of place.
'Bridesmaids'
This one’s solid for a good ol’ pick-me-up. Get a glass of wine and be a part of this party with Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph.
'Melancholia'
Lars von Trier’s depressing movie about the end of the world will hit the emotional nail on the head if you’re feeling super alone. Sometimes, it’s necessary to bask in your loneliness.
'The Fountain'
Need to have a good cry about death? Darren Aronofsky’s epically sad film will help you with that.
'Beauty and The Beast'
This might not seem obvious, but a Disney musical — specifically one about a girl who feels misunderstood and wants more than “this provincial life” — will cheer you up and give you all of those warm and fuzzy nostalgic feelings from your childhood.
'Children of Men'
What happens when people can no longer reproduce? This movie will give you chills when you find out the answer… and you’ll know it ain’t so bad in real life, either.
'Wet Hot American Summer'
Want a hilarious pick-me-up about summer camp with some of your favorite comic actors? This will do the trick. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll snort — and you’ll have plenty of new hilarious quotes to add to your rolodex. Fondle your sweaters — er, fondue your cheddars, anyone?
'Stepmom'
You’ll sob, but you’ll want to call your mom. (And your stepmom, if you have one!)
'Never Been Kissed'
You probably don’t feel half as awkward as Drew Barrymore’s out-of-place Josie Grosie. Plus, this is the ultimate late ‘90 chick flick — so bust it out and indulge.
'Harold and Kumar Go to Whitecastle'
If you’re the type of person who wants to forget everything and just think about high times, hilarious antics, and burgers when you’re feeling down… then this is the movie for you.
'Frank'
This offbeat movie stars Michael Fassbender as a rocker in an alternative band who hides from the world by wearing an enormous plaster head.
'Garden State'
When in doubt, turn to Zach Braff + New Jersey + Natalie Portman + that soundtrack.
'Frozen II'
Disney surprised fans in March, announcing that Frozen II would be releasing on their streaming platform, Disney+, earlier than anticipated. It's available to subscribers after March 17, 2020 — perfect timing for you to belt out those showstoppers when you're alone in your apartment.
'The Invisible Man'
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NBCUniversal dropped a bunch new releases for streaming, with The Invisible Man being one of the biggest. It's a good reminder that even if we might feel lonely, we're never really alone.
Available on on-demand streaming services March 20.
'Emma.'
Along with The Invisible Man, NBCUniversal announced that the period piece based on Jane Austen's story about a meddlesome matchmaker, Emma, would be coming to streaming services. It should be good for a couple of laughs, and the romantic hijinks should make anybody feel at least a little better about being alone.
Available on on-demand streaming services March 20.
'WALL-E'
Disney-Pixar's flick about a scavenger recycling robot patrolling Earth after a massive natural disaster drives humans from its surface might hit a little too close to home, but dig a little deeper (just like the little robot himself), and you might just be reminded that the loneliness will pass, in time, and that friends can surprise you when you least expect it.
'Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made'
Timmy's a kid who happens to own his own detective agency. He's confident in his weirdness, thanks to his single mother, who constantly reminds him that "normal is for normal people," which is a good lesson to take home if that weirdness happens to be the source of your own loneliness.
'Into the Wild'
This adventure drama is based on the life of Christopher McCandless, a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp (Emile Hirsch), a hiker who hiked across North America and up into Alaska in the 1990s. Along his journey, he copes with being alone, and towards its culmination, he details the lessons he's learned surviving all alone on the road, the most important being his newfound appreciation for other people.
