There will come a time, and it might be right now, when you want to watch a movie that fits your mood, not necessarily the best ever made, but something that feels right in the moment.
You start by browsing movie lists by year on Google, but you then realise most of the top recommendations are simply hyped-high-budget films you’ve probably already watched. You scroll further into IMDB, watch a few trailers on YouTube, and read mixed comments that leave you even more confused on what to watch. At some point, still hoping for something different, you check Reddit, and on the wits’ end, land on blogs like this one, except this one actually helps. The struggle of finding a suitable movie for the night or a long trip ends here.
Whenever you’re looking for a movie, whether on Netflix, Showmax or anywhere else, depending on your mood, start by thinking of a film you’ve ever enjoyed when in a similar mood or situation. The context doesn’t always have to match perfectly, for example, feeling homesick while studying abroad and missing an old friend back home are different moments, but both might call for something nostalgic like Good Will Hunting (1997) or A Beautiful Mind (2001). Once you have a title in mind, search it online and look for similar films listed under ‘See Also.’
However, since internet searches today are influenced by budgets and PR, which can push mediocre high-budget films into top recommendations, narrow your search by looking up the film’s director. You’ll usually find this below the release date on Google’s movie panel (or somewhere nearby on Bing, if you’re using that).
Exploring other movies by the same director or writer can be incredibly useful when trying to find the right movie for your current mood. Some directors work across different genres, but their unique style keeps all audiences engaged. This is why many film lovers and YouTube critics pick movies based on the director or screenwriters, not just the cast.
Take, for instance, those who watched and enjoyed The Father (2021), directed by Florian Zeller. Many of them looked forward to and spoke highly of his 2022 follow-up, The Son. If you’ve enjoyed two or three films by a director, chances are the rest will resonate with you. Think of Christopher Nolan, whose fans understand the right mindset and timing for watching his films. Those who enjoyed Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise also appreciated Bad Boys or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Sure, some films by the same director might fall short, but in most cases, this approach helps you find something that works. And if it doesn’t, try following actors instead.
Are you a fan of Rosamund Pike, Ryan Reynolds, Morgan Freeman or any other actor? Looking through their filmography can lead you to the right movie for a given mood, no matter when it came out. Still, even if the director or the overall film isn’t all that good, a familiar cast can strengthen your experience. I remember a time when all I watched were Leonardo DiCaprio’s and later Ben Affleck’s films, until I’d seen everything and had to wait for their next releases.
Okay, let’s assume you don’t have a favourite film, director, or actor. Here’s the quickest guide. Look at the budget; ask yourself what you enjoy most in a movie. If it’s the story, small-budget films with lesser-known actors are often better, even though they’re buried beneath big-budget titles and get fewer views and comments on YouTube. Why?
“…it’s movies like the larger scale movies, big huge movies that keep theatres alive, that keep people going to the theatres in a way to see movies like Nightcrawler (Small-budget movie); they work in tandem, and I think one doesn’t work without the other. – Jake Gyllenhaal
If you’re into flashy CGI action scene movies like most of Marvel’s catalogue, go for movies with $100 million+ budgets. These usually feature familiar names across the cast and crew.
Another factor people consider is the film studio. I tend to disagree with this and prefer narrowing things down using the points above. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels can also be misleading. They often highlight just a few impressive seconds, only for the full movie to turn out dull or disappointing.
In the end, choosing the right movie for your current mood is personal. No search engine, rating site or trending list can fully get it right. Your best bet is to go with similar genres, directors, or actors you already trust.
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