20+ of the Best Cozy Movies to Stay in With!

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If you’re anything like me, the perfect Saturday night might involve a book with some twinkle lights for atmosphere. Or more likely, at least my nights will feature a fun movie playing on the telly. There are a host of the best cozy movies to stay in, sometimes the trick is in the discovery of them.

LIST | This is How I Rank the Hallmark ‘Winterfest’ Romance

Below I’ve collected a list of a few that feel like good “stay in with” titles. Initially, I was going to add the “romance” qualifier since I’m something of a romantic-comedy junkie, but the more I sought out titles, the more I realized that would disqualify some others that might be a good fit. I did disqualify TV productions like shows, and Hallmark originals
because I create lists about the latter quite frequently, but if you want something cozy from Hallmark, check out the January 2020 schedule! There’s plenty of new romance to enjoy there. Since we all enjoy something different, this list is subjective as well; I did do some research as to what others think of as a “cozy film,” but mostly, this is my own work.

Without further ado, here are a few (because I’d bet there are lots!) of the best cozy movies to stay in with.

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20+ of the Best Cozy Movies to Stay in With!

Listed from A-Z

1: About Time

I’m not one to watch R-rated films because to me they (more often than not) speak of a story that doesn’t really have anything to say, but rather their objective is to pack as much into the script as is feasible to ensure an R-rating; this is especially true of comedies. Needless to say, that is not my idea of good comedy. This film is somehow different. Yes, it has content (and I never did finish watching this one!), but it has something more important: heart. The rating is R for [strong] language and some sexual content

2: The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer

A really fun 1940s romcom with Carey Grant and Shirley Temple, although I like I like Grant’s The Philadelphia Story a bit more.

3: Before We Go (2014)

This is one of those Indie dramas that won’t appeal to each viewer, in fact I’m surprised I enjoyed it. It features Chris Evans, and instead of a solid end road map, there is more of an open-ended possibility. Rated PG-13 for innuendo, language, thematic elements

4: Brooklyn

This is one of those infinitely charming period dramas about an Irish immigrant in the 1930s who arrives in New York to find all of her dreams. Turns out, once she returns to Ireland, all of things she left for now await her, but will this affect the life she’s built in America? Rating is PG-13 for some sexual content

5: Carrie Pilby

Saw this one on a whim, and while it is quirky, it’s surprisingly lovely. The story is about a socially awkward woman who sees life in unique ways, and the man she meets who inspires her to enjoy life. PG-13 for suggestive content, profanity

6: Dan in Real Life (2007)

It’s been years since I saw this one, but I thought it was lovely. Perhaps a bit slow moving, but the cast is excellent and I appreciate that it tells a story that feels entertaining and genuine all at once. PG-13

7: Downton Abbey (2019): The Film

Prior to this, of course, the delightful Masterpiece period drama (pre WWI – 1920s) series (TV show) would also fit into a list like this, but since I’m working off the “movie” list premise, I’ll just include this. Also, if you’re a fan of the show, you’ll recognize that this is, quite magical. Rated PG best cozy movies

8: Dumbo (2019)

A little bittersweet, yes, but this live-action Disney re-make is wonderful! Rated PG

9: The Greatest Showman

It took me over a year to finally see this Hugh Jackman musical extravaganza, but golly, it’s quite lovely. Plus, when the fancy strikes, who doesn’t enjoy a musical? PG

10: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I mean, does this really need more praise from this space? It’s charming, and the talent is off the character impressive. Rated PG | Find on Netflix

11: The Holiday

I mean, yes, this is another Christmas title, but it has all of the cozy, “stay in” feels and vibe. Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language

12: I Feel Pretty

Still, but ultimately full of heart and feel-good comedy, this one is pretty darn cute. The film is PG-13 for suggestive humor, sexual content and some language

13: If I Stay

This one is moody and more on the side of bittersweet, but it’s got that winter-y atmosphere, and if you imagine your own eventual end, it’s quite good. In fact, I remember being surprised by how well I liked it. The film’s rating is PG-13 for profanity and some innuendo

14: Instant Family (2018)  

This film about a married couple who take on more than they bargain when they take in three foster children will melt your heart. It’s sweet and bittersweet, and most of all, an inspiring story that makes you cheer (and maybe cry). Rated PG-13 for language and suggestive/thematic content

15: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

I mean, this might not be everyone’s perfect “cozy night in” pick, but for those of us who enjoy adventure, this is where it’s at – plus, the cast are wonderful which leads to great humor, too! PG-13 for suggestive comments and some minor profanity

16: Kate and Leopold (2001)

So many adore this film, and with its pretty picture scenes, and the old-fashioned charm, it feels like the ideal let’s-stay-in pick. PG-13 for some innuendo, and profanity

17: Ladies in Black

This is one of those quiet films that sneaks up on the viewer. It’s a small Australian period drama set in the 60s, and let me tell you, it’s delightful. Rated PG-13 for some suggestive content

18: Let it Snow

I realize this is more of a Christmas movie kind of vibe, but it is called Let It Snow, so…! It follows a group of teenagers whose lives intersect when a snowstorm brings them together to a small town diner. This is also based on the novella collection by Lauren Myracle, Maureen Johnson and John Green. TV-14 (for suggestive content and some language) | Find on Netflix

19: Little Women (1994)

Any version of this classic story would fit lovely on this list – it just depends which is your favorite! There’s versions from the 30s straight through to the most recent Greta Gerwig 2019 version. No matter which you define as THE version of Louisa May Alcott’s story, this has that “cozy” movie vibe. Rated PG best cozy movies

20: Mary Poppins Returns

This may not be the original ‘spoonful of sugar,’ but it’s pure delight if not a little bit bittersweet.

21: Music and Lyrics

It’s been years since I saw this one, but I remember finding it undeniably charming. But then anything with Drew Barrymore is bound to be so. PG-13 for suggestive material and some profanity

22: New in Town

This is one of the last (or the last?) romantic-comedies Renee Zellweger appears in. She co-stars with Harry Connick Jr. as a corporate woman who comes to a small Minnesota town to makes changes to a business. Naturally, there is plenty of snow in this one! Rated PG

23: Not Another Happy Ending

If you like British comedy, this one is all the lovely “quirky” mindset. PG-13 rating for sexual content, innuendo and language

24: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

If a touch of adventure is more your thing, this Disney adaptation just might be your cup of tea. Fun and overflowing with pretty things (sets, costumes) and talented actors, this one makes for a great winter night in entertainment. Rated PG

25: The Prince and Me

Classic! This is the romcom of my teen years, and I adored it. Really, let’s be honest, I still do. It’s about a no-nonsense Wisconsin college student who unknowingly falls in love with a British student who is actually a prince! Rated PG for some suggestive content and innuendo

26: Ramona and Beezus

On the more family-friendly side of things, this family comedy is darling! It features a young Joey Kind and Selena Gomez as sisters and titular characters; the film is based on the best-selling children’s novels.

27: Serendipity

The winter setting and pretty snowfall scenes make this one ideal. It’s a bit of a frustrating romance of missed opportunities, but at the heart, it’s a solid and really lovely story. Plus, I have a soft spot given this was a favorite of my cousin. PG-13 for sensuality, language

28: Set It Up

I mean, I feel as though I’ve [over]gushed about this one quite enough. It’s SO good, witty and filled to its brim with lovely romance. Plus, there’s something about a workplace romcom that adds new “energy” to a story. TV-14 is the rating | Find on Netflix

29: Stepmom (1998)

According to the great know-it-all Google, this is a “cozy movie.” Not sure this is exactly how I’d describe it, but it does have its moments. PG-13 is the rating

30: The Sound of Music

Likely we all about this one about a novice who falls in love, and struggles between her imminent vows and the man [along with his seven children] who has captured her heart, but I’d saw this one is always a must-see.

31: Three Smart Girls

I went through a phase when we rented a lot of classic movies. We had a little video store about 20 minutes away that had a slew of them, and on occasion, we’d run there to rent a stack (yes, I grew up in the VHS era). One of the actresses I met this way was Deanna Durbin; her movies are darling, and I’m pretty sure this is one of the first I saw with her. It’s a kind of Parent Trap concept, only this time, there are three girls.

32: While You Were Sleeping

I mean, this one is a “contemporary” romantic-comedy classic. Who can resist this darling story about a woman who is mistaken for the fiancée of a man who is left in a coma. Needless to say, it’s cute. Rated PG (some suggestive content)

33: You’ve Got Mail

Not sure why, but I’ve never warmed to this one in the way the world has. It’s cute, and of course, I can appreciate all of the bookish charm. Rated, PG

34: Zootopia

Sometimes we all need to see an adorable animated movie, right? This is one of my Disney favorites. PG

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20+ of the Best Cozy Movies to Stay in With! Talking a few of the cozy movies to spend a night in with during winter! #CozyMovies #Movies #MovieList #Romance Share on X

Your turn, how do you define “cozy movies”? Do you have nostalgic – or NEW! – favorite that define your cozy nights in? Do you think that of any I’ve listed? How many have you seen? Comment all of your favorites down below.

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