20 Gorgeous Films To Help You Escape the Quarantine/Winter Blues

Kate and I were talking on FaceTime the other day and she asked me for some recommendations of aesthetic "vibe-y" films, and since she's not the only one who needs a little escapism right now, I thought I'd share my picks with everyone! I apologize for the length of the list (lol) but I watch a lot of movies and I had trouble narrowing it down!

1. The Red Shoes (1948)

I saw this movie for the first time last year and it immediately became one of my all time favorites, I really cannot recommend this film highly enough. It's absolutely stunning. 

2. Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain / Amelie (2001)

Amelie very well might be my favorite movie, it's a masterpiece of whimsical charm. I just moved into a new place and Amelie's apartment is a huge home decor inspiration (hello, red walls!)

3. Les Demoiselles de Rochefort / The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)

If you love musicals and eye-candy colors, you've gotta check this one out! Catherine Deneuve and her real life sister Françoise Dorléac play sisters with big dreams, this movie was so much fun!  

4. Emma (2020)

The most recent adaptation of one of my favorite novels is a like dessert for your eyeballs. It's absolutely stunning and I love the quirkiness. It's like Jane Austen meets Wes Anderson, a dream come true.

5. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Speaking of Wes Anderson, I honestly could've put pretty much any of his films on this list, so I figured I'd choose my favorite one! I've seen this movie so many times and it totally charms me every time. I'll never get sick of it. 

6. A Room With A View (1985)

Another film based on one of my favorite novels! Gorgeous, romantic, set in the Edwardian era, and starring Helena Bonham Carter and Maggie Smith, this movie was practically made for me. 

7. Gilda (1946)

If old Hollywood glamour and film-noir is your thing, this one's for you! This is the peak of Rita Hayworth as 1940s sex-goddess. 

8. All That Heaven Allows (1955)

This might be the most underrated romance of all time. Between the sincerity of the love story and the palpable sexual tension, this one really should be on your watch list 

9. To Catch A Thief (1955)

Hitchcock+Cary Grant+Grace Kelly in one of the best dresses of all time (pictured above), need I say more? 

10. Peau d'âne / Donkey Skin (1970)

If fantasy is more your thing, Donkey Skin is a dreamy fairy tale with gorgeous costumes! 

11. Dinner At Eight (1933)

The 1930s was full of ultra glamorous films to serve as escapism for movie goers suffering though the Great Depression, and let me tell ya, they still do the trick! 

12. Portrait de la jeune fille de feu / Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Okay I'm not gonna lie, this one will make you cry. But it's also stunningly beautiful, both aesthetically and emotionally. 

13. Babettes gæstebud / Babette's Feast (1987)

My mom has been telling me to watch this movie for years, so when I saw it was streaming on the Criterion Channel I finally did, and I was not disappointed! A really heartwarming story, I highly recommend you all take my mom's advice and check this one out! 

14. Giulietta degli spiriti / Juliet of the Spirits (1965)

Watching this movie is like having a vivid dream. If you're into surrealism, you'll definitely want to watch this one! 

15. Cléo de 5 à 7 / Cleo from 5 to 7 

I've gotten really into the French new wave and this might be my favorite one I've seen yet. 

16. Big Fish (2003)

I saw this one in theaters when I was 12 and it's been one of my favorites ever since. I love to revisit it because it captures my heart every time. 

17. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

This is the film that made me first fall in love with Marilyn Monroe when I was a kid. Glamour, catchy songs, and a great comedic performance from the queen of sex symbols. 

18. The Importance of Being Ernest (2002)

Oscar Wilde's words coming out of Colin Firth's mouth? Yes please!! This movie is hilarious, charming, and beautiful. 

19. Marie Antoinette (2006)

Can you tell I have a thing for eye-candy period pieces? I'm always in the mood for this movie, it's just so stunning. 

20. Gigi (1958)

Another inspiration for my soon to be red living room walls! Based on a short story by Colette (which I also recommend), I'm a sucker for glamour and the Edwardian era so this one had to be on the list! 

xo Kirsten 

P.S. as you can tell from this list, I'm a big fan of foreign and older films, if you're the same way I highly recommend subscribing to the Criterion Channel streaming service! (not sponsored, just a genuine tip!)