10 Best Movies to Fall Asleep to (What, Films Help Sleep Faster?)
Are you someone who struggles to fall asleep at night? Do you find yourself tossing and turning, unable to quiet your mind? Well, watching a movie could actually help you fall asleep faster.
In fact, certain movies are perfect for lulling you into a peaceful slumber. These films have the right combination of soothing visuals, calming music, and pacing to help you drift off into dreamland.
So, if you’re looking for cinematic therapy to help you catch some Z’s, look no further. In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best movies to fall asleep to.
Why Not Listen to Sleep Stories Instead?
While listening to sleep podcasts (bedtime stories, meditations) can be a great way to fall asleep, some people prefer visual stimulation before falling asleep.
Watching a movie before bed can help you unwind and relax, which may make it easier to fall asleep. A film can be a form of “wind-down” time. That can help you transition from the busyness of the day to a more restful state.
A movie playing quietly in the background can provide comfort or familiarity, which can help you fall asleep. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for each individual.
10 Best Movies to Fall Asleep
Notting Hill (1999) – 124 minutes
Notting Hill is a great movie to fall asleep to due to its calming soundtrack and sentimental dialogue. The film has a slow pace which produces an easygoing atmosphere, perfect for winding down in the evening.
Notting Hill’s low-key yet powerful storyline can quickly draw you into the film’s emotions and provide comfort as it helps one relax into slumber.
Interstellar (2014) – 169 minutes
Interstellar is a lengthy and captivating film, making it suitable to wind down. Its slow pace and blue themes encourage relaxing and easing into a peaceful sleep. The meditative soundscape of Hans Zimmer’s score also helps you drift off in deep relaxation.
A dreamlike storyline also gives viewers something interesting to ponder before sleeping. The themes of space exploration and existentialism can provide just enough stimulation for people to fall asleep.
Lost In Translation (2003) – 102 minutes
Lost In Translation has slow, calming music and sentimental undertones that help relax the mind. The storytelling style is also very calming, as it relies on subtle connections of feelings for the audience to interpret. The film features minimal dialogue and does not rely on action or over-the-top effects that could lead to your brain working too hard as you try to follow what’s happening. All in all, this makes it a perfect choice for lulling one into sleep.
Castaway (2000) – 143 minutes
Cast Away is an ideal film to fall asleep to because most of the film has slow pacing after the first dramatic events. Its soundtrack also consists of calming instrumental music, its visuals are tranquil, and its overall atmosphere is relaxing. The story peaks in exciting moments that should be enough to grab your attention but not overwhelm you, which helps lull one’s mind into a relaxed sleep state.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993) – 105 minutes
Sleepless in Seattle combines elements of romance and comedy, which can be both calming and entertaining. The slow-paced narrative also helps to lull you into a relaxed state, allowing them to drift off. The film has a gentle score and pleasant soundtrack that can add to the feeling of calmness. It has one of the most romantic endings in film history, but you should be asleep by then.
Pride and Prejudice (2005) – 129 minutes
Pride and Prejudice is a classic that many can relate to. It has a calm and soothing atmosphere that can help you unwind and relax before bed. The gentle soundtrack and English countryside landscapes can also contribute to the movie’s calming effect. And as it is a classic film, many may be already familiar with the story and the characters, making it easier to follow the plot without focusing too hard. This can be ideal for those who want to nod off while still enjoying the film. It has a leisurely and unhurried pace, which can make it easier to slip into sleep mode.
Groundhog Day (1993) – 101 minutes
Many consider Groundhog Day a great movie to fall asleep because it’s not too stimulating or intense, making it easier to drift off. The quirky yet comforting story and characters make it a great background when trying to wind down before falling asleep. The lighthearted comedy and air of nostalgia evoke a sense of comfort that can be enjoyable when relaxing before bed.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) – 192 minutes
The visual effects of Avatar: The Way of Water are stunning. Throughout the film, viewers are taken on an immersive journey that utilizes vivid colors, majestic landscapes, and dreamlike flight sequences. All elements help you relax and lull into a tranquil state. Themes of nature, family, and spiritual healing help create a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to drift off gently into sleep. The final fight scene is big and loud (well, it always is, isn’t it), so tune down the audio so you don’t wake up (hopefully, you’ve already fallen asleep).
The Holiday (2006) – 136 minutes
The Holiday is a light-hearted romantic comedy with a deep, heartwarming message of friendship. It features plenty of emotional moments, light humor, and funny dialogue. It has a steady and relaxing pace that can lend itself to helping its audience drift off into sleep, making it an ideal choice for winding down after a long day.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – 100 minutes
The Grand Budapest Hotel is a highly acclaimed and award-winning film with a balanced blend of drama and humor. Its narrative follows an intricate storyline filled with interweaving tales, creating a beautiful watch that engages your attention. Its calming and sometimes surreal visuals make it ideal for falling asleep after a long day.
Fargo (1996) – 98 minutes
Fargo has a slow plot that gradually builds suspense while never becoming overly action-packed or intense. The characters all talk in slow, deliberate drawls, and it can’t help but put you in a relaxed and sleepy state. Also, the overall atmosphere of the movie is quite rural and calming. Except that anything can happen, and what can go wrong will go wrong. There is also a TV series Fargo on Netflix inspired by the film.
Are There Other Ways to Wind Down?
Watching a movie to fall asleep is generally not recommended, as the bright lights and stimulating content can make it harder to fall asleep. The light emitted by electronic devices can suppress melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
Instead of watching a movie, relaxing without watching the screen is usually better. Reading a book or listening to calming music or sleep stories might help you unwind. Some prefer listening to ASMR content to fall asleep faster.
These activities can help prepare your mind and body for sleep and create a more conducive environment for restful sleep.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re struggling with insomnia or just looking for a way to unwind after a long day, these best movies to fall asleep to are sure to do the trick.
From soothing soundtracks to familiar storylines, they offer the perfect combination of entertainment and relaxation.
So get cozy, and let the magic of cinema lull you into a peaceful slumber. Sweet dreams!
