5 Netflix films to help you get over the January blues

More often than not, the start of a new year can often be depressing. While we are expected to start off January with renewed energy and enthusiasm, the worries of the past year often depress us and bog down our spirits. 

Standing in the first week of January of 2022, it is perfectly alright to feel low. After all, we are still going through a rolling pandemic! If you are indeed feeling blue, watching films might help add a dash of yellow to your mundane and despairing life.

As we’re approaching the final moments of our first foray into the new year, we’ve got a ream of perfect, soul-nourishing films to get your teeth into. Uplifting and feel-good films often help mute away our worries and serve as an escape from reality. 

If you are trying to wonder how to beat your January blues, here are five Netflix films that will help you on this journey: 

5 Netflix films to help you get over the January blues

5. Dumplin’ (Anne Fletcher, 2018)

In this heartwarming tale of self-acceptance, self-love and realising one’s self-worth, Jennifer Aniston, Danielle Macdonald and Odeya Rush deliver some of their best performances. Wonderful musical scores, especially the soundtracks by Dolly Parton, add to the overall uplifting and motivational narrative that is as warm and comforting as a film can get. 

Tired of the constant comparisons and body shaming, Willowdean decides to participate in a beauty pageant contest being helmed by her beauty queen mother. Although she initially does it to spite her mother, Willowdean gradually learns to deal better with her insecurities and gradually learns to love and accept herself for being her own unique self.    

4. Set It Up (Claire Scanlon, 2018)

Starring the millennial version of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan aka Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, Set It Up sees two young New Yorkers and corporate assistants trying to make their lives a tad bit easier by setting up their workaholic bosses on a date. However, as they try and make this endeavour successful, feelings evolve and the two of them find themselves in a romantic coup altogether. 

Charming and adorable, the film feels refreshing despite the cliches. The premise is funny, the leads have brilliant chemistry and the overall breezy narrative makes it a fun watch for those who absolutely adore rom-com films.  

3. Chef (Jon Favreau, 2014)

After Jon Favreau became a household name among Marvel fans as Happy Hogan, Iron Man’s right-hand man, he made an incredibly personal and beautiful film that goes down as one of his best creations.

Written, directed and produced by Favreau – who also stars as the lead chef who loses his job at a well-paying Los Angeles restaurant for fighting with a critic – he spins a tale of love, passion, hope and family. 

With compelling and nuanced chemistry between them, Favreau and his young son, played by Emjay Anthony, buy a food truck and the chef is compelled to go back to his roots to sustain himself and his son. With a biting reflection of reality, this touching film is quirky, thought-provoking and heartfelt, which makes it a perfect and emotional watch. 

2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Phil Lord, Chris Miller, 2009)

With a brilliant ensemble voice cast comprising Bill Hader, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Anna Faris, Neil Patrick Harris, Bruce Campbell and more, this slapstick family comedy has been a huge fan favourite ever since its release.

Quirky, crazy and hilarious, the brilliant visuals synthesise well with the umpteen goofs, jokes and the underlying kind and compassionate tone. 

A treat for all ages, the film features a local scientist named Flint Lockwood who thinks of himself as a genius but is disregarded by all and considered an utter failure. However, when he ends up creating an invention that makes food rain down from the sky, he is lauded by all. However, much to his chagrin, chaos ensues and Flint is forced to make difficult choices.    

1. Over the Moon (Glen Keane, 2020)

With the onset of a new year, it is often difficult to let go of the past year’s baggage. In a beautiful burst of colours and vibrance, this heartwarming film masks the heavyweight message about moving on within a cheerful, light-hearted exterior.

With voice-overs from a talented cast, including Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, John Cho, Ken Jeong and others, the film was nominated at the Golden Globe and the Academy Awards. 

In this delightful tale of adventure, thirteen-year-old Fei Fei, who is mourning the death of her mother, is met with an unwelcome announcement from her father. Enamoured by the moon goddess Chang’e and her celestial love story, Fei Fei decides to prove a point to her father and take a magical journey among the stars.