1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories
In this classic children’s animated short we see the protagonist, a very hungry caterpillar, gorge himself on various fruits and treats for one whole week.
I won’t spoil what is on his menu because that’s the most comforting part, but this is very relatable content for anyone with a hangover.
The other stories are equally as calming for anyone trying to drown out The Fear. One is about a spoiled little girl who makes her da get up on a ladder and take the moon down for her. The other is about a cricket that is embarrassed because he’s unable to make noise like the rest of the bugs around the place.
Comfort: 9.5/10
2. The Rugrats in Paris
This one might be better for people who are sick than people with hangovers, because if you are feeling a little bit fragile, that scene with Chuckie in the beginning will destroy you.
However, it’s worth sticking through to see how Chucky’s father, Chas Finster, eventually finds love, a stepsister for Chuckie and a little girlfriend for Tommy’s dog Spike.
Comfort: 8.5/10
3. Shrek 2
At the time of release, Shrek 2 did extremely well and it’s still the 9th highest grossing animated film of all time. The DVD bonus features included a game called Far Far Away Idol that was basically American Idol but with the characters from the movie competing and you get to pick the winner.
I remember playing this game, which is quite strange because who even uses the DVD bonus features? Anyway within three days of the DVD release, 750,000 people voted online for who they wanted to win the real Far Far Away Idol.
I don’t remember people having such strong feelings about this movie back in 2004, but after watching Shrek 2 recently I can understand it. This film is so much funnier than I remember it being as a child.
Comfort: 9.5/10
4. Labyrinth
This one is the first one on this list that isn’t listed under the ‘Kids’ section on Netflix. Despite the fact we all know it’s a children’s film, if you watch this again as an adult you’ll understand why.
They used to play this on Nickelodeon all of the time during the summer 10-15 years ago, but the last time I watched it I was really freaked out. Don’t get me wrong it’s a really comfy film because of it’s familiarity, but you just wouldn’t get away with marketing this to kids today.
Comfort: 7.5/10 if you can overlook how weird the whole film is.
5. Pokémon Indigo League
The episodes of this are nice and short so you can just stick one on for a few minutes for something to do between when Dominos sends you the confirmation email and when you answer the door to get your pizza.
They’re also nice for if you watch something too violent or action-packed before bed and want to calm your brain down so you don’t have weird dreams for the whole night.
Comfort: 8/10
6. Any Louis Theroux Documentary
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There’s plenty to choose from but if you need any help deciding which episode to watch, some interesting ones to start from are Extreme Love: Autism, UFOs and Swingers. The UFO one in particular is guaranteed to make you laugh if that’s what you need to ease your hangover.
Comfort: 9/10
7. Spongebob Squarepants
Seasons 6 and 7 of Spongebob Squarepants are on Netflix. This means that one of the best episodes of all time, the one where Spongebob becomes normal (illustrated above) is available for you to watch at any time. I cannot think of any better time to watch it than when hungover or sick.
Comfort: 9/10
8. Bee Movie
Everyone has to watch this weird children’s film about a woman leaving her husband for a bee at least once. That’s all I have to say about it.
Comfort: 8.5/10
9. Paris is Burning
It’s not a children’s film like most of the films on this list, but it’s very relaxing and easy to watch. The ending is quite sad so if you are feeling emotionally fragile it may not be the best choice. If you have not already seen it, Paris is Burning is a very interesting and important film about LGBTQ history.
This documentary shows the lives of a number of African American and Latino gays and drag queens in the 1980s. It looks at the ways in which people who were shunned by their families and communities came together and started their own community. Specifically, it looks at the elaborately structured balls that they took part in and how they competed against each other within them.
This film shows real marginalized individuals supporting each other and having fun while dealing with issues like racism, homophobia and poverty.
Comfort: 9/10
10. Rugrats (Season 3)
This season of Rugrats has so many classic episodes that will bring you back to your childhood and comfort you through the worst of hangovers. You can watch the one where Chuckie is scared of germs:
Or look back on the terrifying clown doll that Tommy’s dad made him:
Or Boppo, the inflatable toy Stu made for the kids to push around as much as they wanted, that Chuckie becomes obsessed with.
Regardless of which episode you choose, you’ll find something from your childhood memory that you forgot all about that will instantly make you feel better.
Comfort: 10/10
