Most days, a weight hangs heavy on me, not from any single emotion—no sadness, no anger, just numbness. Life drains you until you're running on empty, making it hard to keep moving forward.

With internship and academics occupying most of my time, finding balance feels impossible. I’ve been fluctuating on the edge of burnout as if the gears in my mind are slowing down, grinding to a halt, rusting from the inside out.

Lately, Billy Joel’s Vienna has become my personal anthem. That one line—“Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about? You better cool it off before you burn it out”—plays on a loop in my head whenever I feel myself nearing breaking point. It's a reminder that it’s so easy to get lost in the rush of everything and forget to breathe.

In moments like these, finding a way to cope is essential. You need something to escape into—a way to press pause on reality. For me, that escape has always been movies. As a cinephile at heart, I know I rely can on these films to pull me out of my head, even if just for a while.

1. The Holdovers (2023)

(Photo from The Holdovers (2023))

If you’re in the mood for a cozy escape, The Holdovers (2023) is a perfect choice.

The Holdovers is a touching, coming-of-age dramedy, perfect for anyone craving a dialogue-driven film that feels like a quiet, introspective escape. It follows the grumpy teacher Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) at a snowy 1970s New England prep school, stuck in campus over Christmas break to watch over students who remained for the holidays. He eventually forms an unlikely bond with one of them, a brainy troublemaker named Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), along with Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), the school’s cook.

For those who found themselves captivated by Dead Poets Society (1989), this film is bound to strike a familiar chord, blending humor and heartache in a way that feels both timeless and deeply moving.

2. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

(Photo from Little Miss Sunshine (2006))

If you're looking to turn a bad day into something more colorful, Little Miss Sunshine (2006) is the classic dramedy to do just that.

The film centers around a dysfunctional family, each member grappling with their own struggles. Yet, they band together for the sake of 11-year-old Olive Hoover (Abigail Breslin), who dreams of competing in a Little Miss Sunshine pageant. What follows is a quirky and heartwarming road trip to California, where the real adventure begins.

At its core, Little Miss Sunshine is a warm-hearted film that has the ability to mend even the most broken of hearts. It transcends a typical feel-good story, offering a message of acceptance and communication, reminding viewers that no family is perfect, but through understanding, they can still find unity.

3. Are you there God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023)

(Photo from Are you there God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023))

If a warm hug could be captured on film, it would look like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023).

The film offers an intimate and heartfelt adaptation of Judy Blume's classic novel. The film beautifully captures the awkward, tender moments of adolescence as it follows 11-year-old Margaret Simon’s journey through puberty, family changes, and a search for spiritual identity.

Set in the 1970s, Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) moves from New York City to suburban New Jersey, where she navigates new friendships and the looming pressures of growing up. The supporting cast—including Kathy Bates as Margaret’s doting grandmother and Rachel McAdams as her mother—provides nuance and depth, adding to the film's emotional weight​.

Far from being just a coming-of-age film, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a touching exploration of the universal struggles of adolescence. It's an introspective and often humorous meditation on the complexities of faith, family, and personal growth.

4. Swing Girls (2004)

(Photo from Swing Girls (2004))

Swing Girls (2004) is a delightful, offbeat Japanese film that breathes fresh life into the world of high school comedies. It is a riotous celebration of music and friendship that proves that sometimes the best discoveries come from unexpected places.

The plot kicks off with delinquent and lazy schoolgirls. In their quest to avoid remedial summer math, they inadvertently dismantle and take over the school's brass band. Initially clueless and disorganized, the girls slowly discover their rhythm, both in music and in their own lives.

The film beautifully captures their transformation from an unkempt group to a cohesive and spirited band, all while delivering plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. With its infectious energy and lively soundtrack, the film not only celebrates the charm of swing music but also highlights the power of friendship and harmony.

5. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

(Photo from Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009))

“I don't want to live in a hole anymore, and I'm going to do something about it.”

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) is a whimsical adventure that blends sharp wit and heartfelt moments, showcasing Wes Anderson’s unique flair for storytelling.

As Mr. Fox (George Clooney) plots to outwit three greedy farmers, he not only faces external challenges but also navigates the complexities of family and identity. The film’s stop-motion animation and quirky characters bring to life a story about bravery, loyalty, and the enduring spirit of adventure.

With its distinct visual style and clever dialogue, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful celebration of cleverness and familial bonds. Anderson’s film is a charming reminder that the most extraordinary adventures sometimes come from the most familiar places.

6. Julie & Julia (2009)

(Photo from Julie & Julia (2009))

In a world where culinary dreams intertwine, two women’s journeys to find themselves become a deliciously inspiring tale. Julie & Julia (2009) serves up a heartwarming blend of passion and perseverance as it follows the intertwined stories of Julia Child (Amy Adams) and Julie Powell (Meryl Streep).

The film follows Julie Powell, a young blogger who embarks on a year-long quest to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child’s cookbook. Though separated by time, their shared passion for food creates a poignant connection that weaves their lives together. Powell navigates the highs and lows of her own life, discovering new depths of resilience and joy.

Julie & Julia presents a warm and genuine depiction of how cooking and the courage to embrace one's ambitions can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

7. About Time (2013)

(Photo from About Time (2013))

In the quiet moments of life, the chance to relive our most cherished memories can reveal what truly matters. About Time (2013) is a touching exploration of time travel that delves into the beauty of everyday moments and the impact of living fully in the present.

At 21, Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel through time and change events in his life. He first uses his new power to improve his life, beginning with his quest to find a girlfriend, whom he eventually meets, Mary (Rachel McAdams).

Through his journey, Tim learns that the true value of his gift lies in appreciating the simple joys and deep connections with those he loves. With its blend of romance, humor, and introspection, About Time offers a crucial reminder to cherish each moment and embrace the ordinary.

8. The Intern (2015)

(Photo from The Intern (2015))

Age is just a number when it comes to pursuing new opportunities and finding fresh perspectives. The Intern (2015) proves just that. It is a heartwarming film that explores the unlikely friendship between a seasoned retiree and a driven young entrepreneur.

When 70-year-old Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) joins an online fashion site as a senior intern, he quickly becomes a mentor and friend to the company's young CEO, Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). Despite their generational differences, Ben’s life experience proves invaluable, as he helps Jules navigate both professional and personal challenges.

Through its gentle humor and heartfelt performances, The Intern feels like a warm embrace that highlights the beauty of unexpected friendships. The film invites us to reflect on how different generations can learn from one another, showing that wisdom and experience have a timeless value.

In the midst of relentless pressure and mounting responsibilities, finding moments of solace and inspiration can be both vital and transformative. And these films evoke the feeling that there is always room for reflection and rejuvenation. They serve as gentle reminders to embrace the present, find humor in our struggles, and cherish the connections that bring meaning to our lives.

As we navigate the complexities of balancing internships, academics, and personal well-being, these movies offer not just a break from reality but also a giant embrace, providing valuable insights into living fully and finding joy in the mundane moments.