With a lot of us spending so much time at home you’ve probably been watching a lot of TV or having a good Netflix binge. And most of us have an old reliable tv series or film that you’ve seen more times that you can count.
Those of us with mental health issues like anxiety find great comfort in knowing what’s going to happen, being able to control something and that nostalgia that comes with watching something we’ve seen before.
Having an emotional outlet when the world feels so chaotic and out of control has a familiar and comforting feeling about it.
I really enjoy this blanket of safety and comfort that I’ve become very reliant on during lockdown – And I know many can probably relate.
The repetition and the ease of watching something that you don’t have to be fully immersed in and concentrate on is something I enjoy too. It’s like a little vacation for my brain when I can’t focus or I’m in a downward spiral.
In the current state of uncertainty watching something where you know how it ends and that also gives you a feeling of nostalgia can create a sense of optimism and even help with feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
What I’ve been re-watching
Greys Anatomy – I love medical or law tv series and have watched this over and over many times. It’s a great show with a medical and personal story line. I enjoy the back and forth with Derek and Meredith and the trials they go through in their relationship. And I’m a big Sandra Oh fan.
LOTR Trilogy – I’ve watched all 3 films thousands of times, I know all the lines. I am a huge Tolkien fan and I find great comfort in watching my favourite films over and over. When I have the time I love to hunker down with some snacks and watch them all back to back.
Buffy – I very much grew up with this and I am hooked on the cult favourite like many. I’ve seen it so many times and it’s great to have on in the background when I’m working. My only criticism is when they added dawn to the series, I don’t like her character and just found the whole storyline and her very annoying. So sometimes I watch it up until she comes along (the good parts).
Beauty & The Beast (1991 original animated version) – My favourite Disney film and one I have watched a stupid amount of times in the 30 years since it was released. I identify with the main character belle and her being seen as weird and loving books. All the nostalgia of being a kid and the whimsical songs bring me joy and comfort every time.
Gilmore Girls – I am a huge fan of this series and never get bored of watching it again. I find comfort in seeing the seasons change, particularly when autumn is portrayed. America are very big on Autumn and there’s always loads of decorations and things to do, it just looks nice. Plus that time of year is my favourite and when I’m the most happy so seeing autumn and winter in films and tv series always makes me feel good. Like you can fully immerse yourself in it and pretend its the same season outside even when its not.
Friends – Another cult series which I’ve seen tons and I grew up with. Easy to stick on in the background and still makes me laugh. A classic.
Peep Show – Hilarious and still makes me laugh so much. When I’m really down this is the perfect pick me up.
Prison Break – I was so hooked on this when it first came out and still love it now. The first season is really good and Wentworth Miller with all his tattoos is just yum.
Harry Potter Films – I have seen all the films tons of times but they’re always a great watch. I enjoy making sure I have plenty of snacks on hand and cosy blankets and having a good old binge. I tend to do this every Christmas.
Dirty Dancing – I’ve seen this lots too and I love the dancing and storyline. The cast is perfection and I always feel a little sad now every time I see Patrick on the screen, especially when shes like the wind starts playing. *sobs
Jaws – One of my all time favourite films and just so brilliant. They did such a great job with what little they had available at the time effects wise. This film is timeless and will forever be brilliant. I do love shark films as whole, I don’t know why but they’re great.
Jurassic Park (Franchise) – I grew up with these are they’re just great. I much prefer the original films they did really well with them and I think they have stood the test of time. A nice easy watch and something I always come back to.
Kiss The Girls – I love 90s serial killer films and Freeman in his role of Alex Cross is great. If you love this I recommend you watch the sequel along came a spider too.
Dexter – One of my favourite series that I’ve seen a lot. I love the storyline with Rita and Dexter and also his relationship with his sister Deb. You become invested. It’s just a great series for crime doc lovers like me. Was gutted when this ended.
Criminal Minds – I just watched the final season of this and oh was it sad. This series has been a favourite of mine for so long. What will we all do without Dr Spencer Reid!? Well we’ll rewatch him a thousand times but no more new stuff is a big loss. All the characters are great and I was crushed when Morgan and Gideon left the show. I love the crimes and the quotes at the start of each episode, it’s just so good!! I will take comfort in these episodes forever.
Sons Of Anarchy – I love this and have watched it all the way through quite a few times. Easy to get hooked on and just really enjoyable to watch. Love the main love storyline with Jax and the Dr. Love to hate his mother.
Suits – If its a medical or law tv series I am all over it! Love them, can’t get enough of them! This starring my counties own duchess is brilliant. You get very invested in the characters lives. Probably one of my top law tv series to watch along with how to get away with murder.
Bridget Jones’s Diary – the first film was the best but they’re all good. Renee is perfect as Bridget and I love films set in London, there aren’t a lot of good ones imo. It’s a nice easy watch with a great storyline and characters you can relate to.
White Chicks – I still remember when this came out. Full of laughs and great for adults and older kids alike. My niece loves this too and she’s 10. Seen lots, always good.
Shaun Of The Dead – I watched this tons in secondary school at sleepovers at my best friends house. Great film and cast is perfect. Classic, never not funny. Relatable with the current state of affairs.
Step Brothers – Brilliant! This film never fails at making me laugh. The dynamic duo.
Marley & Me – Good family fun. If you didn’t cry when Marley dies you’re dead inside. Love this film! Yes, the ending is sad but in a kind of lovely way, if that makes sense?
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I hope you enjoyed this post.
Have you seen any of these? What have you been watching through the pandemic? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
This is definitely a good list! Almost all of these bring me some comfort in some way or the other. I’m glad you have been enjoying them x
Thank you! I’m so glad you love it. x
Friends is a good one. I can’t not feel entertained no matter how many times I rewatch an episode. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah you can’t go wrong with friends 🙂