16 Best Rainy Day Movies

After discussing the best mind bending thrillers, we recently looked at the most uplifting movies. Now, we look at a hybrid of the two lists with the best movies to watch on a rainy day.

There’s something about the sound of the rain outside that makes watching movies ideal. Cuddling up on the sofa or in bed with your partner and a movie is the best way to spend a rainy day. The movies we have chosen range from heart-pounding thrillers and classic anime to heartbreaking stories and touching musical comedies.

Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and watch a fun fantasy franchise or an iconic cult film that’ll make you laugh and cry. So, grab the popcorn, a warm blanket, and your favorite person and watch one of these perfect rainy day movies.

16 Best Rainy Day Movies 

1. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Regarded as the greatest musical of all time, Singin’ in the Rain is the ultimate rainy day movie. Starring Gene Kelly, the romantic musical comedy revolves around three actors working in Hollywood during the 1920s. Each has a different experience as the industry transitions from the silent film era to talkies.

At the time of its release, Singin’ in the Rain did poorly at the box office but made a roaring comeback to become one of the best movies ever. The whimsical story and phenomenal soundtrack really make you want to start singing in the rain. 

Watch on Prime

2. Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The critically acclaimed Shawshank Redemption is heartbreaking, tear-jerking, and uplifting all at the same time. It’s the perfect movie to deal with those rainy day blues.

Despite claiming his innocence, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) receives a life sentence for the murder of his wife and her lover. He serves his time at the Shawshank State Penitentiary, where he befriends Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman). Andy spends his time in prison forming a friendship with Red, laundering money for the evil warden, and digging a tunnel to escape.

It initially did poorly at the box office before gaining cult status and recognition as one of the greatest movies of all time. 

Watch on Netflix

3. Jurassic Park (1993)

Directed by Steve Spielberg, the critically acclaimed Jurassic Park once held the record for the highest-grossing film of all time. The first film in the series was such a huge hit it spawned several sequels and a media franchise that’s still roaring today.

The plot follows wealthy entrepreneur John Hammond and his team of scientists who create a wildlife park featuring extinct dinosaurs on Isla Nublar island off the Pacific Coast. After a catastrophe locks down the park, a group of visitors fights for their lives against the monstrous dinosaurs. The nail-biting thriller will have you hiding under the covers on a rainy day. 

Watch on Netflix

4. Mary Poppins (1964)

As the pitter-patter of rain hits the window, the Disney classic Mary Poppins will keep the family warm and cozy. In 1964, audiences flocked to the theatre, making Mary Poppins one of the year’s highest-grossing movies. After all these years, it’s still a classic movie that’s a must-see.

The story arc centers on the magical and whimsical Mary Poppins, who visits a dysfunctional family in London to help improve their deteriorating lifestyle. The musical comedy will entertain the entire family until the sun shines through the clouds. 

Watch on Disney+

5. Harry Potter Franchise (2001-2011)

There’s nothing better than wizards, a game of Quidditch, and invisible cloaks on a rainy day. The Harry Potter film series is one of the highest-grossing franchises, with the first film in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the go-to movie when the rain starts pouring down.

What’s even better is the longer it rains, the more time to watch the other seven films in the franchise, notably the final film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

The plot follows Harry Potter and his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as they attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the looming threat of the evil Lord Voldemort that hangs over Potter’s head. 

Watch on HBOMax

6. Groundhog Day (1993)

Often cited as one of the greatest movies of the 1990s, Groundhog Day blends comedy with drama and a profound complex message. The critically acclaimed film stars Bill Murray as pessimistic weatherman Phil Connors, covering the Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Connors soon finds himself stuck in a time loop on the cold, bitter Groundhog Day that he can’t escape from. The popular movie was one of the highest-grossing in 1993, cementing its legacy as an all-time classic. 

Watch on Netflix

7. Scream (1996)

It’s hard to escape that dark and gloomy feeling that often hits when it begins to rain. So why not embrace it and pop in a horror movie to match that unsettling feeling? Our suggestion is the classic slasher Scream.

Starring Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette, and Drew Barrymore, the plot follows the infamous Ghostface hunting Sidney Prescott and her friends in the town of Woodsboro. The twisted story contains plenty of thrills and spills and has led to six sequels which you can easily knock off in one sitting if the rain doesn’t let up. 

Watch on Paramount+

8. Star Wars Franchise (1997-Present)

The Star Wars franchise provides a wealth of classic movies and TV shows to fill up every rainy day until the end of time. If you’re unsure where to start, there’s no better place than the first film, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

The first film in the series revolves around Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo joining the rebel alliance to battle the evil Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire. The subsequent sequels comprise the famous Skywalker Saga, although the franchise includes stand-alone films exploring the galaxy as well as a raft of TV shows. 

Watch on Disney+

 

9. The Notebook (2004)

While some love horror or science fiction on a rainy day, nothing is better than a touching romantic movie that leaves you bawling your eyes out. The beloved film The Notebook is an epic romantic movie ideal for a day stuck indoors.

Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, the story follows an elderly couple remembering their love story that begins in the 1940s while they read a notebook. The sweet and touching movie will have you raining tears by the time the credits begin to roll. 

Watch on Netflix

10. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Step back into the 1980s with another fantastic flick, Dirty Dancing. Set in the 1960s at a summer vacation resort, Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) falls madly in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) when Baby becomes his dance partner.

The film follows the couple from different worlds as they fall in love despite the protests of Baby’s father, ending with an iconic dance number that has been recreated in clubs around the world. Fans and critics praised Grey and Swayze’s performances and the stellar soundtrack that includes Bill Medley’s hit song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”  

Watch on Netflix

11. Spirited Away (2001)

Animated movies are perfect for all occasions, from rainy days to Christmas Eve. When it comes to the best, nothing compares with the critically and commercially acclaimed Japanese animated classic Spirited Away.

The evil witch, Yubaba, sends ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino to the spirit world of Kami while turning her parents into pigs. Ogino takes a job working at Yubaba’s bathhouse to free herself and her parents. The beloved flick became the highest-grossing movie in Japan and is considered by many to be not only one of the best anime movies but one of the great films of all time. 

Watch on Netflix

12. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams star in the critically acclaimed Good Will Hunting. The gut-wrenching modern great will have you in tears by the time it ends. The plot follows a self-taught genius, Will Hunting (Damon), after his parole from jail.

Set in South Boston, Hunting begins working at MIT as a janitor but his life changes after solving a complex math equation left on the board for students to complete. The school wants to help Hunting harness his talent, but part of the deal is he must attend therapy sessions with Dr. Sean Maguire (Williams).

With Maguire’s help, Hunting learns to let go of his painful past and embrace falling in love. Good Will Hunting received universal praise when released in 1997 and won several Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Supporting Actor for Williams. 

Watch on PlutoTV

13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the golden ticket on a rainy day. Based on the Ronald Dahl novel of the same name, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a wacky and wild adventure ideal for the entire family when stuck inside.

Everything changes for young Charlie when he finds a golden ticket to join four other kids on a tour of the famous Wonka Chocolate Factory led by none other than Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) himself. So grab some snacks, get cozy, and travel down the rabbit hole of Willy Wonka with this great adaptation of Dahl’s book. 

Watch on Netflix

13. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You is a modern version of the classic William Shakespeare play, The Taming of The Shrew. Set in a high school in the late 90s, new student Cameron falls in love with Bianca. Unfortunately, Bianca’s father has strict rules when it comes to dating, forcing Cameron to convince school rebel Patrick to date Bianca’s sister Kat.

The film was a hit with fans and at the box office. It also launched the careers of Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It’s the perfect movie for those dreary days. 

Watch on Disney+

14. Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a simple and kind Alabama man reminiscing about his life while waiting for a bus. The Academy Award-winning Forrest Gump follows Gump as he navigates life through the 20th century United States. Gump fights in Vietnam, runs across America, meets several presidents, and falls in love. The beloved film is an uplifting movie perfect for those rainy and gloomy days. 

Watch on Netflix

15. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Few films compare with the critically acclaimed flick The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Directed by David Fincher, Brad Pitt stars as the title character, Benjamin Button, a man who is aging in reverse. He experiences his life, the world, and love in a way nobody can understand. It dives deep into the human mind and the experiences we encounter in life and how we perceive things. The sweet and touching film has some sad moments but is ultimately a feel-good movie with a wonderful support cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson, Mahershala Ali, Tilda Swinton, and Jason Flemyng. 

Watch on Netflix

16. The Neverending Story (1984)

The Neverending Story hit theatres in the mid-80s to rave reviews. It quickly became the most popular fantasy adventure of 1984. The plot follows shy ten-year-old Bastian Bux who finds a magical book about a warrior who must stop an evil force from destroying the world of Fantasia. It’s the ideal movie for surviving a rainstorm with plenty of action and drama and a giant dragon that looks like a dog. 

Watch on Prime