69 Movies To Watch Before Going To Bed

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

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

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’

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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding Nemo and 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

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

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

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

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

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.


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