We all know that for sound REM sleep, we need to put away our devices at least 30 minutes prior to our bedtime. However, on certain days, especially after hectic work hours, you want to simply shut your brain down and watch something wholesome and soothing that will lull you into sleep.
Plus, watching a film before sleeping can act as a deterrent against certain negative habits like over-thinking and toxic thoughts, ensuring that your mind finally goes to rest on a stressful day with some pleasant ideas and thoughts in the background.
However, when you are so utterly burned out, you really don’t feel like putting your mind through that tough existential question of what to stream. So, here is a list of 69 movies that you can watch to fall asleep when you are completely drained. These films may or may not be cinematic masterpieces, but they will definitely make you smile and think happy thoughts before you go to sleep.
1. In Her Shoes
This Cameron Diaz and Toni Colette starrer looks into the lives of sisters who have nothing in common, except for their shoe size. The pace of this film, along with the heartwarming plot and setting, all make it a perfect watch for when you want to relax with a warm drink.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
2. Sleepless in Seattle
Weirdly enough, unlike its title, this Tom Hanks – Meg Ryan starrer induces some quality sleep. The pace of the film, combined with the slightly blurred print characteristic of 90s films, provide softness to the film which will inevitably make you drowsy.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
3. Twilight
The utterly simple plot involving a teen, a glittery vampire and an oversized dog allows you to relax and the bluish tint of the film, coupled with the constant rain and green surroundings, truly induces immense drowsiness. (Watch only if you can swallow your pride and shame).
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
4. Avatar
This one is a no brainer. While it is a fun movie, the beautiful special effects and the abundance of the colour blue makes it almost impossible for you to not fall asleep to this movie.
Available on – Prime Video, Disney+
5. Wall E
This Pixar masterpiece is beautiful and evocative, and also has very few dialogues. Therefore, this is the perfect dose of non-verbal wholesomeness that you need before you fall asleep.
Available on – Prime Video, Disney+
6. Babe
The heartwarming and familiar story of a pig who aspires to be a sheepdog and its staggering cuteness will definitely make you want to fall asleep with a fluffy blanket.
Available on – Prime Video, Netflix
7. Notting Hill
Wry British humour, the uncomplicated plot, and the beautiful segue from one season to another make this film extremely relaxing.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
8. The Pursuit of Happyness
While this film is a certified tearjerker, the overall pace of the film as well as baby Jaden Smith’s face is quite restful for your soul.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
9. Hook
The fresh concept and great acting make this movie a fun watch, and the rhythms of the fairy tale genre allow you to calm your mind and listen to the story being told and be slowly lulled into a good sleep.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
10. Always Be My Maybe
The plot is simple, the acting is good, and the movie has some surprisingly insightful moments which elevate it from a textbook romantic comedy. Plus, if a film has Keanu Reeves, you go watch it, period.
Available on – Netflix
11. Beautiful Boy
The incredible performance by both Timothee Chalamet and Steve Carell, along with the slow but steady pace and cadences of the film not only make it a great watch, but also a movie you can fall asleep to with ease.
Available on – Prime Video
12. Julie and Julia
When Cam from Modern Family said that Meryl Streep could play Batman and be the right choice, he wasn’t wrong. Plus, apart from Meryl, there is a lot of great food and peaceful home-cooking in the movie, so you can definitely doze off to this one.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
13. Kate and Leopold
This movie has an astonishing number of plot holes, but it’s not a bad watch for when you would like your brain to switch off.
Available on – Prime Video
14. Oceans
Watch this documentary solely for the soporific effect of the blue oceans it captures, as well as the smooth narration by Pierce Brosnan.
Available on – Prime Video
15. War Horse
The plot is straightforward, the human-animal bond heartwarming, and the simple narrative technique is perfect for times when you want an uncomplicated and honest story that you can fall asleep to.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
16. August: Osage County
The pace of the film is perfectly suited for a bedtime watch despite the complex narrative, and the ensemble cast led by Meryl Streep makes it a must-watch.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
17. Matilda
Watch this lovely film about finding your voice and inner strength, fighting bullies and well, telekinesis for positivity and pleasant thoughts before bed.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
18. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – 1 &2
Both films are predictable, sweet, high school romantic comedies that do not make you think too much, and are thus a good watch before bed.
Available on – Netflix
19. Eat, Pray, Love
This film revolves around spirituality, love, and Bali. While the theme is not exceptional, the pace of this film, as well as the tropical ocean setting makes you very sleepy, very soon.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
20. Dumplin’
The killer Dolly Parton soundtrack along with the heartfelt story elevates this coming-of-age film and makes it the fun, relatable and wholesome content you need before going to bed.
Available on – Netflix
21. Lady Bird
While this movie does make you think, there is something restful about Saoirse Ronan’s gradual growth in the film. The humour, friendships and discovery of one’s true self make this film an enjoyable and peaceful watch.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
22. The Farewell
The pace of the film, as well as Billi’s (Awkafina) internal turmoil over her incongruent cultural values as a Chinese-American kid, makes this film an interesting and restful watch before bed.
Available on – Prime Video
23. The Holiday
The plot is very predictable, but the Christmas cheer and ‘gumption’ are quite endearing, making it a great film to fall asleep to.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
24. 27 Dresses
Watch this one solely for the montage of Katherine Heigl trying on 27 bridesmaid dresses. The rest of the film won’t really matter, as you will be fast asleep by then.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
25. Bride Wars
The plot is quite predictable, so watch this film mainly because of the soothing pastels and wedding whites, and you will definitely be asleep before you know it.
Available on – Prime Video
26. Letters to Juliet
While the premise of the film seems quite tired, the story unfolds in Italy and the gorgeous backdrop of the film is the perfect aesthetic view to fall asleep to.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
27. Midnight in Paris
Romance, nostalgia, and Paris in the rain – this film literally creates the most ambient conditions for you to fall asleep.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
28. The Royal Tenenbaums
The absurd humour and eccentricity that underscores this Wes Anderson film will definitely pique your curiosity and the measured pace and ambiguous time setting are bound to lull you into a peaceful slumber.
Available on – Prime Video
29. Did You Hear About The Morgans?
This rom-com is unexpectedly hilarious, and the straightforward plot set in the American countryside is weirdly sweet and also quite restful.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
30. The Meg
Shark movies aren’t supposed to be restful, but the formulaic shark versus man theme is so repetitive, that you are bound to fall asleep before the halfway mark.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
31. No Reservations
Apart from being funny, sweet and poignant, this film also features great food and cooking moments which are very soothing and aesthetic.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
32. The Sound of Music
This musical’s familiar soundtrack puts you at ease immediately, and its exploration of loyalty, love and courage genuinely makes it a great watch.
Available on – Disney+, Prime Video
33. Call Me By Your Name
Apart from being a very nuanced and well-directed coming-of-age film, the Northern Italian setting and measured pace of the narrative provides for a very peaceful watch before bedtime.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
34. Inception
This movie is so utterly complicated that it frustrates you into falling asleep in dismay, and is, therefore, a highly effective sleep tool for the tired mind.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
35. Togo
Based on the 1925 Diphtheria serum run to Nome, Alaska, this story speaks about the heroism of Siberian Husky Togo in the same and is, therefore, the perfect dose of positivity you need before going to bed.
Available on – Disney +
36. Eight Below
A great dog movie which showcases the mettle of stranded huskies, Eight Below is a touching tale that you can watch to feel better about the world; the white expanse in the background is definitely very comforting to tired eyes.
Available on – Prime Video, Disney +
37. A Dog’s Journey
This film brings us a dog’s perspective on life, and frankly, there is nothing more wholesome that you could possibly fall asleep to.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
38. Mamma Mia
Watch this film mainly because of the stunning Greek Isles and ABBA soundtrack, and you’ll surely fall asleep before you know it.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
39. Bend it Like Beckham
Despite the weirdly forced Indian accent, this movie is empowering and funny, making it a great watch for when you want to fall asleep.
Available on – Disney +, Prime Video
40. Bridget Jones’s Diary
One of the best rated romantic comedies of all time, this chaotic and hilarious film is exactly the gooey content you need before finally going to bed.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
41. My Fair Lady
The soundtrack, drama, as well as Eliza Doolittle’s Cockney accent, are all delightful, but at times truly incomprehensible, making this the perfect film to pleasantly doze off to.
Available on – Prime Video
42. Zootopia
With Shakira’s “Try Everything” playing in the background, this film showcases a refreshing take on how people can get over stereotypes, making it the funny, sweet and lovable content you need before bedtime.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
43. Love Actually
In looking at various expressions and forms of love, this British rom-com is surprisingly insightful and different. Watch it before sleeping if you want a simple story and a good laugh.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
44. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
This bizarre movie is every foodie’s dream as huge portions of food fall from the sky, so watch this film if you want to have lovely dreams about fast food.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
45. Pitch Perfect
The film’s soundtrack is good so you can easily rest your tired eyes and just listen to the music for a bit before dozing off.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
46. Love, Simon
While this film is a sweet high-school romantic comedy, the languid rhythms of the film and its overall warmth make it a great, cosy pre-sleep watch.
Available on – Prime Video
47. Up
One of Pixar’s best, this film comforts you like a warm beverage on a cold day, actually teaches you some important life lessons, and is off-the-charts when it comes to its cuteness quotient; watch this film when you feel like you deserve a cuddle-fest.
Available on – Disney +, Prime Video
48. Little Miss Sunshine
Bleak, frustrating and astonishingly hilarious, this film is a perfect bedtime watch, as it looks into a highly dysfunctional family which finally learns to be itself after a long road trip to get their youngest to participate in a junior beauty pageant.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
49. Baby’s Day Out
The adorable baby’s quest, as well as the lack of too many dialogues, ensures that this movie makes you fall asleep very soon.
Available on – Prime Video
50. The Odd Life of Timothy Green
A lesser-known Disney production, this is a bizarre and sweet film that encapsulates the experience of a childless couple, who suddenly have their ideal child materialize in their home. Watch this uplifting film if you want to be filled with warmth before going to sleep.
Available on – Prime Video, Disney +
51. The Half of It
This is a very refreshing take on the high-school romance genre and is very relatable and genuine, so watch it before sleeping if you want something with a straightforward plot and honest emotion.
Available on – Netflix
52. The Bridges of Madison County
This one is a real tearjerker, but the story is beautiful, as are Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood’s performances. Watch this one if you need a cathartic emotional release before sleeping.
Available on – Prime Video
53. What If
This is another sweet and funny romantic comedy you can watch before bedtime if you are tired of the world.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
54. The Blind Side
In looking at themes of family, acceptance and racial tension, this film showcases the true story of NFL player Michael Oher, and it is definitely the inspirational and heartfelt content you need before falling asleep.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
55. Ratatouille
There is France, good food and wine, as well as being your truest self and taking chances. Nothing could possibly be better for your tired soul than this film.
Available on – Disney +, Prime Video
56. Finding Nemo + Finding Dory
This whole Pixar franchise is animation gold, so watch the blue oceans, sea turtles with Kyle personalities, sharks that believe fish are friends and not food, and a blue tang with short-term memory loss, and let them lull you into a restful slumber with pleasant dreams.
Available on – Disney +
57. Coco
The animation is stunning, as is the soundtrack, so watch this film about family, following your dreams, and acceptance that hits you right in the feels before you go to sleep.
Available on – Disney +
58. Enchanted
This one is a really fun twist in the fairytale genre, so please watch this one if you want to see the princess doing all the rescuing and you will definitely feel silly but also empowered before going to bed.
Available on – Prime Video
59. Ella Enchanted
Witty, self-reflexive and fun, this take on the fairytale genre is bound to make you smile and give you a neat happy ending without taxing your brain before you go to sleep.
Available on – Prime Video
60. The Hundred-Foot Journey
Bridging differences with great food in the backdrop of the French countryside, this movie’s measured pace, as well as a simple story, is very soothing and peaceful for an overworked mind.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
61. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – 1&2
Full of dry humour, cultural clashes and some quality soul-searching, both films in this franchise make you think about what is truly important, and also make you smile in the process, so watch this film before sleeping for sweet dreams.
Available on – Prime Video
62. Just Like Heaven
Reese Witherspoon stars as the ghost of an overachieving doctor in this sweet romantic comedy, and the pace of the movie is slow enough for you to doze off in between, so it’s a great bedtime watch.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
63. Sweet Home Alabama
This rom-com features the theme of accepting one’s past rather than running from it, and the Alabama southern drawl and great country music is the perfect background for you to be lulled into a deep sleep.
Available on – Prime Video
64. The Terminal
Tom Hanks is wholesome at all times of the day, so watch this one before sleeping to understand what home and promises truly mean, while smiling and crying throughout this movie.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
65. Runaway Bride
A Julia Roberts-Richard Gere classic, this rom-com is actually really funny plus it is also familiar enough for you to fall asleep in the middle without really missing much.
Available on – Prime Video
66. Mirror Mirror
Forget Snow White; watch it for the sassy Evil Queen played by Julia Roberts who is funny, devious and totally unapologetic. Plus, Snow White is very kind and sweet, so you are bound to feel drowsy pretty soon.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
67. America’s Sweethearts
Watch this romantic comedy which shows a deeply dysfunctional Hollywood star couple and their eventual meltdown to laugh till you cry and have hilarious dreams while you sleep.
Available on – Prime Video
68. Gifted
There is a kid in the film who is a math genius and there are also custody battles, so you’ll definitely fall asleep midway, even though the film is actually nice.
Available on – Netflix, Prime Video
69. Belle
Based on the true-life story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race ward of a British Supreme Court Justice in the 18th century, this period drama is interesting, but the locales and pace of the film will definitely make you quite drowsy.
Available on – Prime Video
Hopefully, this gargantuan list will help you all find something nice to watch on days you feel completely burnt out and want to fall asleep as soon as possible. Most of these are simple and harmless content that doesn’t make you think too much, and with a bit of luck will have you soundly asleep for the night.
FAQs
What are the best bedtime movies for toddlers?
Many films mentioned in the list above are family-friendly animations that toddlers could watch and fall asleep to very easily.
What are some relaxing movies on Netflix?
Most of the films mentioned in the list above are available to stream on Netflix, so it could be a great place to begin.
What are some Christmas movies to fall asleep to?
Apart from the ones already mentioned in the list, The Grinch, A Christmas Carol, Home Alone etc, are some feel-good Christmas films that you can watch before going to bed.
Featured Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels
Written by Visakha Chowdhury
The author tries to walk the treacherous tightrope between 10.00 p.m. and 2.00 a.m. bedtimes, willfully falls to the dark side a bit too often, and miserably tries to claw their way back to an eye bag-less existence.
Find her on Linkedin.