As the UK hunkers down to avoid coronavirus, there's never been a better time to indulge in comfort films. From romcoms to fantasy yarns and even a disaster melodrama, here's a ranking of the cosiest cinematic treats to make the most of your time in front of the TV.
Topping the list is 'Babe' (1995), whose adorable talking piglet offers a warm glow. 'Amélie' (2001) follows, with its whimsical Parisian adventures melting in the mouth like a Waitrose pain au chocolat. 'Casablanca' (1942) soothes the soul with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman's wartime romance, while 'Zoolander' (2001) provides a blast of supermodel Derek Zoolander's 'blue steel' face.
For period drama fans, a visit to the Crawley family in 'Downton Abbey' (2019) is as comforting as a glass of sherry. 'Back to the Future' (1985) offers reassuring time-travel adventures, and 'Quiz Show' (1994) presents a weirdly calming morality tale about a rigged TV quiz. 'Guys and Dolls' (1955) delivers cinematic greatness with wonderful songs and comedy.
Romantic comedies shine with 'When Harry Met Sally...' (1989) and 'Dreamgirls' (2006), the latter being an outrageously calorific double-helping of music and romance. 'Love & Basketball' (2000) proves sports movies can be as comforting as romances, while 'Jupiter Ascending' (2015) offers supremely wacky sci-fi cheer, thanks to Eddie Redmayne's scene-stealing turn.
For pure comfort, 'Mary Poppins' (1964) dispenses wisdom and cheer, and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' (1986) celebrates idling with joyous set-pieces. 'Clueless' (1995) is the greatest Jane Austen adaptation, as comforting as a mug of milky tea, and 'The Pursuit of Happyness' (2006) delivers an industrial-strength heartwarmer with Will Smith.
