By The Keystone Newspaper Discover the shows and films that help students recharge, refocus, and escape the stress.
By Katelynn Humbles
Finals week is upon us, and for students everywhere, the stress level is at an all-time high. Still, in the chaos of cramming and caffeine-fueled nights, there’s one surefire way to find a little peace of mind: escaping into a favorite TV show or movie. Everyone has their go-to comfort media, whether it’s a nostalgic childhood classic, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a thought-provoking drama leaving them inspired. These stories have a way of soothing the nerves, lifting the spirit, or simply diverting your mind away from the heap of work ahead.
To explore this vast realm of de-stress options, KU students share their top film and television picks that helped them. From nostalgic animations to sci-fi adventures, from heartfelt dramas to quirky comedies, this list is complete with recommendations as unique as the student authors who contributed to them. So take a break, grab some popcorn, and let these suggestions remind you that a little bit of escapism might just be what you need to conquer finals week.
“Legally Blonde”
By Kara Armstrong
“Legally Blonde” (2001) is a feel-good film that follows Elle Woods, a Gemini vegetarian, on her quest to prove to her ex-boyfriend that she’s more than “a dumb blonde.” Her plan to accomplish this? Oh, just Harvard Law. Viewers can’t help but fall in love with Reese Witherspoon’s quick-witted, kind-hearted character. Unfortunately for Elle, not all her on-screen foils share the same opinion. After quickly realizing that her Harvard peers aren’t quite as welcoming as her Delta Nu sisters, Elle sets out to find success in the cutthroat, male-dominated legal field her way. Pet chihuahua, scented pink resumes, and all.
Unapologetically herself, Elle is a bubbly vessel through which powerful themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and breaking stereotypes are conveyed. She shows viewers that femininity and strength aren’t mutually exclusive. You can ace your classes and win your legal cases, all while wearing shiny pink pumps. Equally effective for inspiration and procrastination, “Legally Blonde” is the perfect escape from your exam-induced stress—one that will leave you feeling motivated and uplifted when you switch off the TV and crack open those notes. Heading into finals week, we could all use a little Elle Woods energy.
“A Goofy Movie”
By J.P. Lee
I don’t care what anybody says… “A Goofy Movie” (1995) is a black film classic! And yes, I’ll be defending it till the end of time. There were so many references to the culture of that time that it feels nostalgic, even if you weren’t a 90s kid. My relationship with the film began when I was seven years old. I’d push the “A Goofy Movie” VHS tape into my VCR and sit parked in front of the television for an hour and eighteen minutes.
To this day, it helps me de-stress. The moment the dream sequence between Max and Roxanne plays, I turn back into a kid again, belting out every song off-key, belly laughing, snotty crying, feeling every emotion capable. If there were going to be a physical representation of my inner child, it’d be this film. Now don’t get it twisted; the film isn’t perfect by any means, but it’s enjoyable enough to ignore the corny jokes and convenient references to other Disney characters and movies. If you like musicals, low-stakes, and buddy comedies, this film is for you.
“La La Land”
By Lauryn Fosbenner
“La La Land” (2016) is my ultimate go-to movie for escapism, as it combines vivid, dreamy music numbers and a heartbreakingly honest romance in a succinct and two-hour frame. Its opening number, “Another Day of Sun,” pulls you headfirst into the movie’s melodious world, perfect to forget the stresses of reality. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, who portray Mia and Sebastian respectfully, deliver magical performances, waltzing across the screen in scenes such as the planetarium or their infamous “A Lovely Night” duet. The pair share incredible chemistry on screen as they portray young aspiring entertainers going through the trials of success and love in their young adult years.
Aside from the musical and romantic aspects, the visuals and cinematography of the movie never fail to stun me. Each scene is full of gorgeous colors and impressive camera work, making it even easier to immerse yourself in the world. Whether I am settling down for a movie night or in need of some background noise while I work on papers, “La La Land’s” swoon-worthy romance, catchy soundtrack, and appealing visuals make it my number one choice.
“Futurama”
By Timothy Noll
Created by Matt Groening of “The Simpsons” fame, “Futurama” (1999–present) is a sci-fi show where the main character and perpetual bum, Fry, gets transported to the far future: the 3000s. He becomes part of a delivery crew run by his great-grandnephew, Dr. Farnsworth. The company, Planet Express, pilots their spaceship into many humorous misadventures. Fry’s fellow crew members include a humanoid lobster named Zoidberg, a robot named Bender, a mutated human named Leela, a proudly Jamaican accountant named Hermes, and a rambunctious intern named Amy.
“Futurama” is a lighthearted show overall, but it still pulls at the viewer’s emotions. Still, nothing is off the table for the show’s unique brand of humor. It pokes fun at religion, science, gender roles, social statuses, humankind, and the networks that dropped the show. It’s been revived three times, but the show always came back swinging. The show also enhances pop culture references with a variety of great cameos. This is one of the few shows I’ve actually finished watching, and it’s still worth watching over and over! “Futurama” is currently available on Hulu and Prime.
“Sherlock Holmes”
By Lynda Feustel
Granada Studios adaptation of “Sherlock Holmes” (1984) is arguably one of the best versions ever put to screen. The goal of this show was to adapt the original stories as faithfully as possible, leading to forty episodes over 4 seasons and 5 TV movies. Jeremy Brett puts on a masterclass in acting as Holmes, completely embodying the character and singlehandedly making the show worth watching. David Burke and Edward Hardwicke take Watson from being a buffoon into being a capable friend and partner for Holmes.
The different guests for each story helped bring the world to life and they contributed fun, dramatic, and at times slightly campy performances. The show’s intricate production design helped ground the series in the 1890s setting, even though increasingly strange adaptation decisions were made as the show went on. At its peak, “Sherlock Holmes” presented fun and thrilling adaptations of the stories, and the atmosphere and structure of the episodes make for a relaxing watch despite the often gruesome mysteries playing out onscreen.
“Thor”
By Kristina Hartz
The first “Thor” (2011) movie is arguably the worst one out of its trilogy, but it’s what I watch for comfort. Watching Thor try and fail to figure out how Earth works is comical. It’s heartfelt how he matures over time after getting banned there. Most of all, who doesn’t love a buff Australian saving the day? It’s cheesy and easily takes the mind off pressing things like finals. For even more comical relief is the character Darcy Lewis, who never fails to crack me up with her one-liners. Thor is the go-to movie when you don’t want to think too hard but instead get to watch a struggling, tall, blonde male find his way back to Asgard.
“Real Steel”
By Jannis Oehler
“Real Steel” (2011), directed by Shawn Levy is one of my favorite movies. With intense fight scenes and good character writing, it does a great job of balancing action and drama. The story is set in near-futuristic America, where conventional boxing has been replaced by the new stars of the sport—robots. The plot revolves around the rise of the underdog Max, who fights his way to the top of the sport with his robot Atom, which he finds in a junkyard. Max is the son of the main character, Charlie Kent, who is deeply engaged in the sport but has big money problems. When suddenly his son Max shows up, he has new responsibilities, and together they go on a life-changing journey.
Throughout the movie, Max and Charlie strengthen their relationship and fight and win multiple enemies along their journey. Eventually, they fight their way into the WRB (World Robo Boxing), where they challenge the reigning world champion ZEUS to a fight. I especially like the movie because of the amazing fight animations and because of the underdog story of Atom, which has fascinated me since the first time I saw “Real Steel” and anybody who likes a captivating story will have fun with the movie.
“Supernatural”
By Beau deForest
In times of trouble, I return to season one of the CW’s “Supernatural” (2005). Supernatural ran for 15 seasons, which most viewers agree is approximately ten seasons too many. Though its many flaws would become more obvious with each subsequent season, “Supernatural” begins as a relatively simple “monster of the week” show about the Winchesters, two brothers raised to hunt monsters.
While later seasons struggled under the pressure of world-ending stakes that seemed to grow every episode, the stakes in season one are small and personal: Sam and Dean Winchester crisscross the U.S. in search of their missing father, blasting classic rock from Dean’s 1967 Chevy Impala, and hunting any vengeful spirits, living scarecrows, and other small town monsters they can find. Though “Supernatural” is nominally an action-horror series—most episodes feature a “cold open” that involves at least one gruesome death—season one’s focus on the Winchesters’ mission, summarized by Dean as “saving people, hunting things—the family business,” makes the monsters and mayhem feel as comforting as a brotherly hug.
“Signs”
By Grant Rambo
For me, I don’t necessarily require my de-stress movie to be all fuzzy and lighthearted. Sure, those elements can be present, but I would rather have one that brings a tear to my eye and a firm line of philosophical contemplation along with it. (I know I must sound pretentious.) Believe me, I’m not one to get lost in the sea of Socrates or Descartes, but what I’m talking about are the questions that arise regarding what matters to a man’s soul. Maybe questions that revolve around whether or not such spiritually oriented things even exist to begin with? That is where the film “Signs” (2002) comes in.
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the thriller film is focused not only on the concepts of faith vs chance, or even the intimidating presence that is extraterrestrial life but also on what it means to be a father in a family that has suffered a great loss. Again, this film touches my heart in a way that very few films actually do. And knowing that it takes place in Bucks County, Pa, that alone adds a bit more of a personal touch to a film that has been ringing in my mind ever since I can remember.
“Perks of Being a Wallflower”
By Bethany McDonald
During finals, I tend to feel isolated and alone in my mind. Every grade I earn matters; every word I speak can make or break me; and every comment from family is continually analyzed. The film “Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012), directed by Stephen Chbosky, is my escape from those tendencies. The coming-of-age film depicts the story of awkward Charlie, a student starting his freshman year of high school while struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. Charlie tends to speak through his typewriter about his struggles until he meets Patrick and Sam.
Patrick and Sam expose Charlie to the art of high school: going to parties, experiencing love, and genuine connection. Charlie learns how to live outside of the voice in his mind, bringing him to experience the beauty and complexity of living. During the famous tunnel scene as Charlie, Sam, and Patrick drive through an underground tunnel with David Bowie’s “Heroes” blasting, Charlie experiences a deep sense of what it means to feel “infinite.” To embrace every moment of struggle, love, possibility, or uncertainty. Watching this movie during finals weeks provides perspective. Regardless of the outcome, there is still so much more life to live outside of your mind.
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”
By Katelynn Humbles
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010) is my ultimate “feel-good” movie, one that any student should turn to during the hustle and bustle of finals. In this quirky, high-energy film, Scott Pilgrim, a 22-year-old bass player for unsuccessful Toronto indie garage band Sex Bob-Omb, is dating Knives Chau, a 17-year-old high school student. He feels his life is going rather well; he moves through his days in a nice, even rhythm until Ramona Flowers roller-blades into his life. But winning her heart isn’t so simple—Scott has to defeat her seven “evil exes,” each more eccentric and challenging than the last.
This is more than just a quirky, action-packed comedy; it’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in a graphic novel-inspired package. From the ingeniously choreographed fight scenes to the sharp humor, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” sucks you into a world both zany and weirdly relevant. This escapist media gives everyone the chance to root for an underdog as he learns about self-respect and responsibility amid chaotic encounters. It’s my go-to for a lighthearted escape that leaves me feeling oddly inspired to take on my own “evil exes”—or at least my next exam.
“The Walking Dead”
By Kayla Schmalzle
In a world where Rick Grimes and his community rarely ever get a moment to relax, I somehow find the iconic TV show “The Walking Dead” (2010–2022) to be my “go-to” watch to de-stress during finals week, and really any other week, too. Although the show constantly contains aggressive and gory scenes, the overarching themes of the show are finding community, creating family, and surviving together, which is why this show comforts me.
Through the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the apocalypse, Rick Grimes and his community always seem to come out of hardships stronger and closer as a group. “The Walking Dead” is full of action-packed scenes that help me take my mind off of the struggles in my daily life and fully immerse me into the post-apocalyptic story.
“American Psycho”
By Collin Brede
Overly critiqued and classed as a failure at the Box Office, “American Psycho” (2000) ascended into pop culture mainly through its popularity among internet meme pages, mostly led by adolescents of Generation Z. Whenever I feel down or need a distraction from daily life, I can open Netflix and have an absolute blast for one and a half hours. Not because the movie is perfect in itself, but because of its significance to meme culture on the internet. There is basically no second in the movie that wasn’t put into a meme or is used to tell a story in the ‘Sigma’ community, a group of men feeling the need to express that they are ‘just like him frfr’ every day on the internet.
The soulless character of Patrick Bateman seems so abstract and overly confident in his manhood that a whole generation of men (and mostly boys) seem to resonate and wish to be just like him. No emotions, no feelings, just the will to grind and dress well. This very contradiction to our modern society is just as funny as the infamous business card scene, making me wholeheartedly laugh every time I watch this masterpiece.
“Daddy’s Home 2”
By Byron Mantoan
As the metaphorical and literal darkness of finals week sets in, nothing soothes the soul like a feel-good Christmas movie or a hilarious buddy comedy. “Daddy’s Home 2” (2017) is both. Brad (Will Ferrell) and Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) return as co-dads trying to raise their families, with the added trouble of their own dads, Kurt (Mel Gibson) and Don (John Lithgow), being thrown on top. The massive family goes to celebrate Christmas in a luxury cabin together, but petty vendettas and over-the-top mishaps threaten the peace and quiet of the holidays.
“Daddy’s Home 2” is a classic case of the sequel surpassing the original. It’s a fast-paced story that’s packed with laughs thanks to the complicated and funny tangle of characters. It wraps up with a feel-good ending that might just make those four impending exams feel not so bad.