We love winding down at the end of a long week with a pile of cozy blankets and a delightful movie. Today we’re sharing 27 Bella-esque movies recommended by our readers. See below for a selection of inspiring films and let us know what your top picks are in the comment section!
1. I try to watch “North & South” at least once a year. It is a book written by Elizabeth Gaskell that was turned into a BBC mini-series. It’s a period peace about the Industrial Revolution in England. It’s a romantic, educational, and feel-good movie that is best enjoyed wrapped up in a blanket on a comfy chair. Those who are a fan of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy will adore Margaret Hale and John Thornton. — Donna Wagner
2. “City of Angels” with Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan makes me remember that there is so much more to life than what is seen. Being willing to see with my heart and spirit opens realms of extraordinary experiences that expose the unexplored parts of me. — Sharon Miller
3. “Under the Tuscan Sun” is a wonderful story of the beauty of a strong woman, a beautiful country, and the heart-stopping realization that prayers are answered in unexpected ways. — Brandi J. Meyers
4. When I need a reminder that great things can come in the middle of sad times, I turn on “You’ve Got Mail.” — Tara Burrell
5. The story and music of “August Rush” touched my soul — a little boy whisked away from his mother at birth knows and feels that she is out there somewhere, which begins his journey. As he searches for his parents, he sees music everywhere and he is awestruck by the beauty of it. It is a powerful movie in which love really does conquer all. — Roban Johnson
6. One of my very favorite films is “Anna and the King.” Anna’s strength, determination, and fierce belief in freedom, good, love, and family inspire me. Her willingness to do what is necessary to protect the people who have become her family — her world — challenges me to the same fierce love for my own dear ones. For many reasons, it is one of the most magical films I have ever seen. — Melissa Gibson Snyder
7. One movie I watch over and over again is “The Wizard of Oz.” There is so much joy and magic to be found right at home. There is truly no place like home. — Donna Roberts Bell
8. There are so many wonderful, inspiring movies, but recently “Room” is my number one. It is based off the book by Emma Donoghue and is the story of a young boy and his mother who are held captive in a tiny shed with no windows or doors for seven years. Through it all, it shows how much we take for granted. This little boy finds appreciation in everything. He gets up every day and says, “Good morning, lamp. Thank you for giving us light.” Good morning, bed. Good morning, chair.” It’s a movie that really made me think, and it made me stand outside, sun on my face, with my bare feet in the grass, and breathe in deeply, just because I can. It is one of the most uplifting out of the darkness and into the light movies I’ve watched. » — Anna Marie Dalfonzo-Ortiz
9. “Steel Magnolias” is about strong women with beautiful hearts enjoying life, love, family, and friendships. The most poignant part of the movie comes when Shelby, Julia Roberts’ character, remarks: “I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” — Cherie Perry
10. In “Barefoot in the Park” Jane Fonda teaches Robert Redford how to take things in stride. — instagram.com/lexieleedesigns
11. “The Count of Monte Cristo” taught me that when the life you know falls apart and you experience extreme pain, you need to keep the faith and work to be something the enemy never thought you’d be. — Brooke Bullock
12. “Ever After.” Danielle is strong and not afraid to use that strength to fight for what’s right. She believes that every person has their worth. — Emily Lewis
13. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved “Edward Scissorhands.” I think we all feel a little bit like Edward at times — different and unusual, but we each have special, unique talents to share with the world. Everything about this movie is truly beautiful. — Heather Taylor
14. “The Princess Bride” reminds that I want my life to always have elements of humor, adventure, courage, and love. — instagram.com/littlemisscrista
15. “A Good Year” reminds me to slow down, savor life, cherish relationships, and live surrounded by natural beauty. — Kirsten Becker
16. “The Secret Garden” touches my heart and kindles that want of nature and wonder in my day to day. — Jessica Rogers
17. “Under the Tuscan Sun” is the epitome of magic and inspiration for me. The character displays the courage to start her life over again in a foreign country, embracing new friends and experiences, and relishing in the simple life of the Italian countryside. This script was written for Bella Grace. — Kimberly Renai
18. “Serendipity” is an absolute favorite of mine. Not only do I love the word and meaning, but the movie is about the magic of coincidence and fortunate events that can change the path of your life. You just have to be willing to follow your heart and see the good that can come out of just about anything. — Kim Pettengill
19. “The Good Witch” movies are a little cheesy, but they are so magical. Love and hope being common themes, they remind me that the little moments, especially with friends and family, are what life is all about. — Courtney Learnahan Johnson
20. “About Time” does it for me. This line is especially inspiring: “The truth is I now don’t travel back at all, not even for the day, I just try to live every day as if I’ve deliberately come back to this one day, to enjoy it, as if it was the full final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life.” — Sylvia Stefanova
21. I always fall back on “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Almost Famous.” Both ignire different parts of my being — one the lonely but brave woman, and the other the adventurous, music-loving writer. — Kaitlin Coghill
22. “Amelie.” It’s so beautiful with lots of tiny details that focus on the little things: skipping rocks, traveling gnomes, steaming cups of coffee, photo booths, and love. — instagram.com/mlg930
23. “Emma,” especially the Gwyneth Paltrow version, speaks to me. It’s so romantic and so funny. It’s witty and the casting is perfect. There are dreamy locations and days filled with cozy fireplaces, candlelight, archery, sewing, painting, dancing, berry picking, riddle writing, and more. It doesn’t get any better than watching two best friends fall in love. — Bonnie Utley
24. “Tuck Everlasting” reminds me to take time to play, to imagine, and to enjoy nature and youth. It reminds me to be still and be grateful for the time you have on this planet and to never take a day for granted. “Do not fear death but the unlived life. You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.” — instagram.com/la_dolcevita
25. “Babette’s Feast” reminds me how lovingly preparing and serving food can change lives. — Brenda Nuland
26. “A Walk in the Clouds” is such a lush, beautiful movie that makes you stop and appreciate beauty in nature, song, family, and love. It’s such an utterly lovely movie from start to finish that is also a delight for the senses. — instagram.com/the_elegant_leopard
27. There is nothing quite like “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” to inspire me to light up my own life. It’s all about childlike wonder, finding and embracing your true self, and of course, just plain magic. It is a movie I watch again and again with my kids so they don’t lose the magic and so I can regain it. — Christine Hiester
“Under the Tuscan Sun” was used twice. But I’d have to add “It’s Complicated,” because even when life does get complicated, and we sometimes make choices we wish we hadn’t, we can learn from our mistakes and come back stronger and happier.
For me it is the Proposal with Sandra Bullock. Its business meets romance mixed in with great scenery. Its the perfect combination for a relaxing evening with my honey.
Thank you so much for this list. It came in my email today. I am a regular subscriber to Bella Grace and believe it to be the most beautiful magazine ever created. And this list! I was amazed that I have seen most of these movies and they are my favorites too, and I was also sad to see that so many wonderful movies of Maggie Smith were not listed. They would have fit the category so well…
* Ladies in Lavender
* A Room With A View
* Tea With Mussolini
* The 2 “Best Exotic Hotel” movies
* Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
and one of my all-time favorite movies, “My House In Umbria” and there are so many more. Her movies are so Bella Grace-esque. Just wanted to share!
“Something’s Gotta Give” with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, “Pride and Prejudice” and “It’s Complicated” would round out your great list. I never get tired of the beautiful dream home setting for “Something’s Gotta Give”.
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