Shortly after introducing my new series of classic movie recommendations, 2 things happened: a global pandemic was announced, and then we had to migrate my site to a new host. With many of us under self-quarantine, I thought this would be a good opportunity to give you a full week’s worth (plus an extra, if you want to watch two in one day!) of classic, feel good movies to watch from home. I labeled this a list for newbies, since they’re all wildly popular, but that doesn’t make them any less worthy. They’re popular for a reason; they’re all fantastic! But if you’re new to classic movies and want to dip your toe in the pond, this is a great list to start with. I’ll have more for you next week!

8 Feel Good Classic Movies for Newbies

Some Like It Hot (1959, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe) 

Watch it free with Amazon prime. When two struggling musicians witness a massacre, they don disguises and join an all girl band in an effort to evade the mob. Jack Lemmon is an absolute treasure in this film. His first date and subsequent engagement with a wealthy bachelor never fail to have me laughing out loud, and Marilyn Monroe’s stunning, scandalous (for the time!) costumes will have you fanning yourself. Also, Tony Curtis looks amazing in drag. It has to be said.

Easter Parade (1948, Judy Garland and Fred Astaire) 

Rent for $2.99 on Amazon Prime. Look: Judy and Fred, enough said. Did you know Gene Kelly was originally slated for this role? It went to Fred Astaire on his suggestion, after Gene had a foot injury that left him unable to perform. Ann Miller (you know I love Ann Miller) danced through her own injuries, bless her, and Judy Garland gives a beautiful performance with some semi-autobiographical moments — like the makeover scene that leaves her looking almost unrecognizable. I adore Fred Astaire. My heart belongs to Gene (like, truly, he’s my biggest crush even though he’s dead) but Fred has all the magic in the world in those feet. He floats on air, and the chemistry between him and Judy makes her feel lighter, too.

My Man Godfrey (1936, Carole Lombard and William Powell)

Watch it free with Amazon Prime. Despite her real life tragic ending (of which I’ll spare you at the moment, because I put a real damper on things for Kim after she watched this movie), Carole Lombard is one of the ultimate screwball comedy actresses. In this movie set during The Great Depression, she plays a wealthy socialite who hires a man who is down on his luck to be her butler. It’s a love story played by a real life ex husband and wife. You will love it, just watch it! It’s also public domain, so watch it freeeeee!

An American in Paris – (1951, Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron)

Rent for $2.99 on Amazon Prime. One of my favorite movie musical scenes is Leslie Caron dancing to different personality descriptors with all the monochromatic backdrops. And the 17-minute ballet sequence is unlike anything else. Honestly, I should just put “Watch every Gene Kelly movie ever” under this list because he’s my boyfriend and I’m a loyal girl, but I’ll try and keep it to a minimum. For now, because you know they’ll all make the list at some point. Leslie Caron is a darling, supremely talented ballet dancer and she really shines in this movie.

Singin’ in the rain – (1952, Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagan, Donald O’Connor)

Rent for $3.99 on Amazon Prime. This will surprise no one, since my main Halloween costume was based on the famous scene where Kathy Selden jumps out of the cake in front of Don Lockwood. A 1950s movie musical about the talkies killing silent films = Old Hollywood gold. Jean Hagan is perfection as Lina Lamont, a silent film star whose grating voice doesn’t lend itself well to the talkies. Debbie Reynolds shines as Kathy Selden, a young actress who is unimpressed by Hollywood and silent film legend Don Lockwood’s stardom, but begrudgingly lends her voice to ease the transition. Honestly, I’ve seen this movie a million times (give or take a few) and it never gets old for me.

Kiss me Kate (1953, Kathryn Grayson, Ann miller)

Rent for $2.99 on Amazon Prime  Ex husband and wife team up for a musical version of taming of the Shrew” — and life imitates art! I’m a huge fan of both Kathryn Grayson, who bears a striking resemblance to my grandma when she was young. And Ann Miller, who is electric in every number. Her “Too Darn Hot” (that costume! The tap dancing with Grayson’s icy stares!!) and “Always True to You in My Fashion” performances are major standouts. I’m dying to watch this in 3-D!

Funny Face (1957, Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire)

Watch free on Amazon Prime. Fred Astaire plays Dick Avery, a top fashion photographer who sees something fresh and new in a local bookshop assistant Jo Stockton, played by Audrey Hepburn. Seemingly unaware of her striking beauty — because WHO LOOKS LIKE THAT, it’s not fair! — Jo finds the fashion industry to be silly nonsense but agrees to go to Paris, since it’s a dream of hers. Philosophy, beauty, iconic fashion moments, amazing song and dance numbers, and L-O-V-E make this an ultimate feel good movie. Oh, and did you know that Kay Thompson (who plays Maggie Prescott) was the author of the Eloise books?! I just learned that from a follower. Wow!

Blithe Spirit (1945, Kay Hammond, Constance Cummings, Sir Rex Harrison)

Rent on Amazon prime for $3.99. Have you ever joked with your significant other that you’ll come back and haunt them if you die first? No, just me? Well, that’s exactly what happens in this movie and it’s hilarious. Elvira is a very glamorous ghost and deceased wife of Charles, who is now living with his second wife. She wants her husband back at any cost, and she’s going to wreak havoc until she gets her way.