It’s that time of year where the weather gets warmer and the clouds get gloomier. “April showers bring May flowers” rings true as the snow begins to melt and the rainy days amplify. What better way to spend those days locked up by the gloom than by watching a movie that mirrors the weather? Curl up on the coach, pour yourself a cup of tea, and turn on any of these films to get yourself cozy as the raindrops hit your window.
Twilight (2008)
How could I not start with what I believe to be the best film to watch during a rainy day? Twilight follows 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves in with her dad and meets a mysteriously handsome classmate, Edward Cullen. He’s tall, pale, and very reserved. Oh, and he’s also a vampire.
The film’s intense blue filter and the characters’ moody attitudes pair perfectly with a rainy day. There’s a strange sense of comfort as you watch Edward and Bella fall in love in the gloomy town of Forks. The infamous scene where the Cullen family plays baseball in a thunderstorm reaches peak enjoyment when there’s grey fog outside your window. It should honestly be considered a crime NOT to watch Twilight when it’s raining.
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Where to Watch: Peacock, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV
Before I Fall (2017)
Moving on to a film that might get you stuck in an existential crisis rather than contemplating if you too could fall in love with a hundred-year-old vampire, try Before I Fall. Think Groundhog Day meets Mean Girls. After an explosive party, high schooler Samantha Kingston gets into a massive car wreck. Instead of waking up in a hospital, she wakes up in bed, totally fine. She then comes to realize that she’s reliving the same day over and over, and must find a way out.
The film is gloomy, its tone solemn and contemplative. It’s a good choice if you’re looking to reflect on life, and what better backdrop to have than a rainy day? I find it’s better to watch this movie during a nighttime April shower, so you can fall asleep to the sound of raindrops and your deepest thoughts.
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Where to Watch: Tubi, Prime Video, Pluto TV, Apple TV, YouTube
Gone Girl (2014)
Now, cozy is not the first word I’d use to describe Gone Girl, (although Ben Affleck getting humbled does bring me joy) but it is a great option if your looking for something dark and moody. Gone Girl follows Nick Dunne, who’s wife Amy goes missing, and soon her disappearance becomes a national phenomena. There’s a lot of great commentary on the way media sensationalizes white woman women who go missing, and it’s also a gripping thriller that will have your jaw on the floor.
The film’s atmosphere is gritty and grim, so it’s the perfect movie to watch during a really heavy rainstorm. You’ll forget all about weather as you’re watching this mystery unfold, and you can stare out into the gloom in shocked bewilderment after you’ve finished the film.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to Watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Prime Video
The Notebook (2004)
If you’re not looking for something dark and depressing, here’s something sweet and depressing. The Notebook follows Noah and Allie as they fall in love, are torn apart, and try to find their way back to each other. Make sure to grab some tissues on your way to the couch and prepare to have your heart stomped on and put back together.
What makes this the perfect rainy day film is its most iconic scene. Noah and Allie share a passionate kiss as it pours, so it only makes sense to immerse yourself and watch with a rainy backdrop. Nothing like a great romance to get you cozy in the spring.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video
Knives Out (2019)
Shifting gears again to something more sinister, Knives Out is the perfect happy medium between a lighthearted comedy and a thrilling mystery. The film follows Detective Benoit Blanc as he is called to investigate the death of Harlan Thrombey, a famous crime writer. Benoit finds himself investigating an incredibly dysfunctional family who all feel entitled to Thrombey’s estate.
The film has a very moody atmosphere and gothic undertones. Harlan’s home is a towering mansion that house plenty of secrets and mysteries. If you’re looking to laugh and gasp and jump up from under your blanket, this cozy mystery is a great option.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)
Another great mix of comedy and thrills comes from A24’s film Bodies, Bodies, Bodies. The film follows a group of “friends” who stay at one of their homes and party during a thunderstorm. They decide to play “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies,” which is basically real life Among Us. One person is randomly assigned as the murderer, while everyone else has to hide. The murderer can kill somebody and the rest of the players have to try and snuff out the killer.
You can probably tell where the plot goes. Game that involves fake murder turns into game that involves real murder. Secrets are revealed within the group as they try to figure out what is happening.
This is a great movie to watch during a heavy, rainy day with friends. You might start to question where your friendships stand after you’re done, but you’ll also get a lot of entertainment out of this goofy, over-the-top masterpiece. Just makes sure it’s not raining too hard if you need to escape.
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
If you’re in the mood for romantic kisses in the rain and you’ve already seen The Notebook a hundred times, try Four Weddings and a Funeral. The title lays it all out for you, a man falls in love with a woman as he attends four weddings and a funeral over the course of several months. Hugh Grant plays the lead role, and he’s just as charming and endearing as ever.
Again, I find it’s best to immerse yourself fully while watching a romantic rain kiss, so queue this Richard Curtis gem up next time the April showers come.
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Last but certainly not least, you MUST watch Pride and Prejudice on a rainy day. While this film is perfect for more sunny spring days, I think it reaches its full emotional power during a heavy rain shower. The film adapts Jane Austen’s classic novel and does so with just as much heart and angst as the book. Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Darcy, and the two immediately dislike each other. After a few more meetings, both start to realize that maybe their first impressions weren’t exactly accurate.
When I think of this film, I can’t help but think of the scene where Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth fight about their feelings in the rain. There’s love, passion, anger, tension — all against the backdrop of a heavy storm. Once again, immerse yourself by watching as it rains, and I promise you, you’ll feel all the emotions with extra force.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to Watch: Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video
April Showers Bring Couch Time For Hours
No matter if you’re looking for something spooky or comforting, nothing beats cozying up on the coach and queuing up the TV during a rainstorm. I know I’m looking forward to those spring days where I can just stay home and relax. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas on what to watch, hopefully this list gave you some good options!
Emily Pearce
April 8, 2025 at 8:42 pm
I loved this article! Knives Out is such a good recommendation- I adore a cosy murder mystery