Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
There’s just no way around it, being sick is the pits. But if you’re a glass half full type of person, you already know that the unwelcome invasion of pesky germs is the perfect opportunity to take a respite from the headaches of the day to day and embrace the comfort and serenity of your cozy couch.
You obviously don’t want to watch anything too intricate when you’re ill, (we’re looking at you, Game of Thrones), so we’ve compiled a list of comfort food titles. This carefully cultivated assortment of films and TV shows can’t cure your cough, but they will help you relax and forget about your aches and pains for a little while.
No worries, no stress, just pure streaming bliss.
Tissues? Check. Cough drops? Within arm’s length! Grab your coziest blanket and a hot cup of tea while you enjoy these 10 titles to watch when you’re sick.
'The Cutting Edge'
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since we were first introduced to the term “toe pick.”
Moira Kelly and D.B. Sweeney star as an acerbic figure skater and former hockey phenom who reluctantly become a figure skating tandem in hopes of capturing Olympic gold. The Cutting Edge is a punk rock rom-com — well, as punk rock as a ’90s movie about tandem figure skating gets — elevated by the scorching opposites attract chemistry between Kelly and Sweeney.
'MasterChef Junior'
There’s just something so warm and cozy about MasterChef Junior.
In the face of adversary, these future culinary maestros are unflappable, tackling their latest challenge with an infectious amount of joy and energy. As Decider’s Jade Budowski points out, watching kids cook on MasterChef Junior is the ultimate therapy.
'Unsolved Mysteries'
We can’t explain why true-crime shows that routinely end with phrases like, “And the Shoestring Strangler is still on the loose” are so freaking comforting, but here we are. From unexplained deaths to paranormal tales of intrigue, Robert Stack did his best to help solve a medley of mysteries that plagued the ’90s.
65 episodes of this spooky, inexplicably relaxing favorite are available on Amazon Prime. If you’ve already devoured the first three seasons of Unsolved Mysteries, we have five additional true-crime shows you can stream.
'Superstore'
When you’re lying in bed with tissues stuffed up your nose, a complicated story is impossible to follow. You’re looking for sweet and simple, which is why Superstore is the perfect sick day binge. NBC’s offbeat comedy combines relatable characters, sharp writing, and a comedically gifted ensemble cast to craft a 22-minute delight.
Plus, it’s impossible to resist the enchanting allure of one of the most charming twosomes on television: Jonah and Amy.
'Safe Haven'
Are you a long-time admirer of the “two emotionally-damaged yet ridiculously hot people fall in love near a large body of water” genre? If so, we have the perfect movie for you: Safe Haven!
This underrated Josh Duhamel And Julianne Hough rom-com is a “turn your brain off” favorite. The plot is simple: A young woman travels to the small town of Southport, North Carolina to escape her psychotic husband. While there, she bonds with a handsome widower and slowly begins to rebuild her life until, naturally, her dark past catches up with her.
It’s the exact kind of silly, stupid fun you need when you’re sick.
'The Grinder'
Once upon a time, I loathed FOX’s The Grinder, but now I enthusiastically recommend streaming this one season gem.
Rob Lowe and Fred Savage are a tag team of pure charm in this cancelled way too soon sitcom about a TV lawyer who tries to practice law in real life. It’s breezy, entertaining, and super funny, which is the perfect remedy for a crummy mood.
'Adventureland'
Anyone who’s ever slogged their way through a summer job will appreciate the quaint, relatable appeal of the 2009 comedy Adventureland.
Set in the summer of 1987, Jesse Eisenberg’s James Brennan takes a job at an amusement park and ends up having the summer of a lifetime. As fun as it is rewatchable, this coming-of-age indie is cool enough to drop that fever of yours down to a manageable 99.5 degrees.
Season 2 of 'The Office'
You don’t want to expend any additional mental energy when you’re under the weather, which is why it’s always nice to spend a sick day with reruns of one of your favorite shows. Friends, New Girl, Parks and Rec, these are all fantastic options, but it doesn’t get much better than the second season of The Office.
The sophomore season is an A to Z delight featuring classic episodes like “The Dundies,” “Booze Cruise,” “Conflict Resolution,” “Christmas Party,” and “The Injury.”
'Top Gun'
Let a young Tom Cruise help take you out of the medical danger zone with his 1986 classic Top Gun! An enthralling mix of action, comedy, and romance, this quotable movie has been a sick day favorite for over 30 years.
“That’s right, Ice… Man. I am dangerous.”
'The O.C.'
In the teen drama genre (rhyming intentional), it doesn’t get much better than the first season of The O.C.
Josh Schwartz’s game-changing dramedy cycled through a dizzying amount of story in Season 1 — love triangles, Tijuana, fistfights, the fall of Jimmy Cooper, the Oliver Trask of it all — but the Seth/Summer coffee cart moment remains of the most iconic scenes in the history of the genre.
Relive all the sexual tension and brooding on Hulu!
