The films we’re watching on repeat while coronavirus keeps us home

In theory, social distancing is the perfect opportunity to finally clear out your Netflix queue. You’re home all the time, your schedule’s empty because everything’s been canceled, and you need something to do lest you go stir crazy. 

But in practice, it’s not always the films we’ve been meaning to watch that we gravitate toward. It’s just as frequently the ones we’ve already seen that we want to watch again and again — whether because they provide the perfect combination of escapism and familiarity, or because they’re the ideal background track for whatever else we’re up to.

Here are the films that Mashable’s entertainment team is watching on repeat as we hunker down at home to avoid the pandemic.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Image: Pierre Vinet / New Line / Saul Zaentz / Wing Nut / Kobal / Shutterstock

As I isolate myself from the outside world, I feel there’s no better way to feel in tune with nature and at peace with the world. The Lord of the Rings is a simple tale of good vs. evil wherein adventure and kinship take precedent over things like bureaucracy, the global economy, and healthcare. In fact, these things basically don’t exist. No one really gets sick in The Lord of the Rings, certainly not in the films. It’s all mountains, forests, goblin-slaying, and incredible music. The perfect panacea set outside of reality, in which the good people always win. — Kellen Beck, Entertainment Reporter 

Where to watch: The Fellowship of the Ring on Amazon Prime Video, The Two Towers and The Return of the King on Netflix

The Muppet Movie 

Image: Filmstore / Shutterstock

Escapism should always include at least five sets of googly eyes. Thankfully, with The Muppet Movie, you get about 247 pairs. The 1979 film is part musical, part road trip, part game of “name that celebrity cameo of a person who was famous 40 years ago.” It’s the perfect nostalgia family watch for mid-30s millennials and Gen Xers who want to sing “Movin’ Right Along” and “Rainbow Connection” at full volume from their sofas. It’s also meta in a way that feels modern, even if Piggy and Kermit’s relationship is totally toxic. — Annie Colbert, Executive Editor 

Where to watch: Disney+

Cats 

It’s hard to find something to watch in such times of trouble. Anything dark becomes downright depressing; anything too sunny feels out of sync with the times; anything remotely relatable just gets you thinking again about the very things you’re trying to avoid. So I’m sticking with a film that has a 100% chance of engrossing me, and a 0% chance of making me think about anything relevant. It’s Cats. 

If you’ve never seen it before, Cats may seem bizarre at first. But strap in, because it only gets weirder from there. That’s the magic of Cats, and it’s particularly useful during days like these. For 110 minutes, you won’t be able to think about anything but the sheer WTFery of these singing, dancing jellicles. — Angie Han, Deputy Entertainment Editor 

Where to watch: iTunes starting Tuesday, March 17

The Secret Life of Pets

Image: Illumination / Universal

With a cat on my lap and a dog by my side, there’s never been a better time to watch Secret Life of Pets. The charming NYC adventure of Max, Duke, Gidget, and the gang features stellar voice acting, vibrant animation, and a surprisingly engaging plot fit for all ages. 

This feature-length pet joke is the comfort I need in a world where everything’s changing. Not only does it reinforce what home really means, it also reminds me that while transitions can be scary, that doesn’t make them bad. 

The cinematic equivalent of a fierce belly rub, Secret Life of Pets is the warm cuddle me and my pets need right now. And hey, if I’m really interrupting their flourishing social lives by being home all the time, the least I can do is put on a movie. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Little Manhattan 

Image: K C Bailey / New Regency / 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

I haven’t shut up about the movie Little Manhattan since I saw it on a plane shortly after its 2005 release. Starring Josh Hutcherson as a literal child (to parents Bradley Whitford and Cynthia Nixon), this sweet indie tells the story of 11-year-old Gabe (Hutcherson) as he navigates the “ugly, terrible business” of his first love, Rosemary (Charlie Ray). 

Set against the backdrop of New York’s Upper West Side (nine square blocks of it, to be exact), the film explores all the pain and anxiety of a crush — at any age, let’s be real — and those fleeting moments of invincibility that make it all worth it. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter 

Where to watch: iTunes

The Marvel Cinematic Universe

I’m a nervous cleaner. When I’m anxious, bored, or unsettled, I clean my apartment until the bad feelings go away. I’m actually feeling pretty good about working from home since being alone and indoors is my preferred environment, but I give it about two days until I come down with another case of the scrubbies. 

That said, my favorite films to clean to are Marvel films, specifically Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Thor: Ragnarok, and Black Panther. I’ve seen them so many times I basically have them memorized, and I can happily listen along while I’m bleaching surfaces in another room. I tune back in during my favorite scenes — the Captain America elevator fight, any time “Immigrant Song” plays in Thor, and whenever Shuri shows up — and keep on scrubbing when they’re over. 

I don’t know what it is about Marvel films that makes them so easy to pick up and put down, but they’re officially part of my ritual now. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter 

Where to watch: Disney+

Little Women

Image: Wilson Webb / Columbia Pictures

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women just became available to watch at home, so if you missed the Oscar-nominee in theaters, now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about. This adaptation of the much-beloved book is great for many reasons: It’s romantic and cozy and sad and comforting, so it lends itself to burying oneself under blankets and tuning out the world for a few hours. 

It’s also a great opportunity to admire the wonder that is Florence Pugh’s inspired turn as the oft-maligned Amy. I know if I’m cooped up in my apartment for several weeks, it’s only a matter of time before I start repeating her perfect line delivery to anyone who will listen. “I have lovely small feet, the best in the family!” Queen. — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Editor 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video