Blanket movies – the warmth we need

            Blanket movies is a term that describes a film so soft and so comforting that it feels like a fluffy, delicate blanket. You know, the one you use when you need to feel like someone is hugging you. So, buckle up – it’s a different kind of softness! 

Why did you take me?
Because I hears your lonely heart, in all the secret whisperings of the world.

            You know me, Lot – you know how much I like soft movies or comfort movies when I feel anxious. The world and life can be so harsh sometimes… And what is the goal of watching movies? An escape. 

And it can either be a soft retreat or a full on sci-fi adventure – whatever you choose, it gives you a momentary escape to what you need at this moment. Unless you choose something with Tom Cruise – then you need Jesus, honey. I’m kidding. 

Today, I gathered movies that feel a bit different – they feel like a soft, fluffy blanket. How is it different from the”soft movies”? Well, I like to think that blankets give you a sense of coziness and protection. They feel warm, because they make us feel safe. 

Let them say whatever they want. People used to say a lot of nasty things about me. „Oh, this guy’s a lunatic!” „Oh, look at that psycho! He’s gonna get us all killed!”

• The Holdovers (2023), dir. Alexander Payne – ah my obvious inspiration for this list! Beautiful, heartwarming it feels both like a blanket and like a cup of warm tea. 
• The Paddington (2014), dir. Paul King – is there anything better than an adorable teddy bear and his adventures in London? No, Lot, I firmly believe that this is simply “blanket deluxe”.
• Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), dir. Taika Waititi – one of my absolute favorites, a story of two worlds colliding so eventually they can realize that they are each other’s worlds. 

• Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), dir. Hayao Miyazaki – I am still a newbie in the world of Ghibli, but this can easily be the blanket we all need. A lot of Studio Ghibli films can actually be labeled as “blankets”. 
• Wall-E (2008), dir. Andrew Stanton – what a beautiful pearl in the sea of “kid’s movies”. Even my mum loved it and shared a tear. Showcases the importance of so many things and yet feels so comforting. 
• The Goonies (1985), dir. Richard Donner – apart from being a blanket-like film, The Goonies give me the “Sunday afternoon tea with parents and watching a movie” kind of vibe. One of my absolute favorites – kids on a mission to find a long-lost treasure? Always a yes from me.

• Driving Miss Daisy (1989), dir. Bruce Beresford – winner of 4 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Leading Actor and Actress, it’s my heart’s second choice after Green Book. Similar yet so different vibe, that always warms my heart and covers me with a protective cocoon of growth and understanding. 
• Cloud Atlas (2012), dir. Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski – have you ever wondered how your soul is shaped in another reality? At first sight, Cloud Atlas can seem messy and all over the place, but everything is connected. Plus it’s just wonderful science-fiction. 
• Anything from Wes Anderson – literally, ANYTHING. Name any film and I will give you a reason why I consider it a blanket movie. Each one of them leaves me with a warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart and a smile on my face. 

• Predator (1989), dir. John McTiernan – none of you saw that coming, right? What can I say, I loved it so much! And yes, Predator as in the sense of a character is scary as heck, but the film itself is amazing. (LINK)
• Chef (2014), dir. Jon Favreau – heard about it so much but only watched it recently and oh boy, what an amazing story. Piecing back together an estranged family while being on a career crossroad… Loved it. 
• Jojo Rabbit (2019), dir. Taika Waititi – probably one of the most emotional and important films ever made, but with such a beautiful and hopeful ending, there is no way you didn’t smile. Be the rabbit!

• La La Land (2016), dir. Damien Chazelle – City of stars, are you shining just for me? Everything in this film works as a blanket – aesthetics, colors, symmetry, cast, music and plot. And mind you, I am not a big fan of musicals! 
• The BFG (2016), dir. Steven Spielberg – ah, I feel that anything that is based on Roald Dahl’s books is like a blanket, because his writing is just so cozy and hopeful. And to pair it with Spielberg’s direction? Amazing.

 I guess I’ll see you in the movies.

            Truth be told, there are many more films that I could consider as “blanket movies”, but that wouldn’t be fun at all, now would it? But this is the beauty of the world we live in – our outlook and perception is so different and that is why I love subjectivity when it comes to cinema.

These differences in our tastes is what makes us unique in this beautiful, endless universe. I want to hear what would be on your “blanket movies” list! <3