Sometimes, when we’re feeling low, all we can think to do is curl up on the couch and turn on the TV. Well, that instinct just might be right—some research shows that it’s actually possible to significantly alter your mood by doing nothing more than flipping on the right TV show or movie. Here are some ideas for common moods we experience.
The Mood: Feeling old
May we suggest? The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Effect: Brad Pitt at any age is easy on the eyes, but this film also contains the very sweet, uplifting lesson that we all leave this world as we entered it, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The Mood: Feeling confused about love
May we suggest? Vicky Cristina Barcelona
The Effect: Watching the different approaches to love (and men) taken by these three women in this Woody Allen drama-comedy just might give you some answers.
The Mood: Feeling angry
May we suggest? Tomb Raider
The Effect: Planets exploding, a tidal wave cresting, debris falling…sound similar to your day? Then watch Angelina Jolie play Lara Croft, a kind of female Indiana Jones, and butt-kick it all.
The Mood: Feeling dissatisfied with your looks
May we suggest? Nip/Tuck, Seasons 1–6
The Effect: After watching this popular TV series, which involves two South Beach plastic surgeons and their obsessive clients, you’ll realize that nobody is really satisfied with how they look and maybe you should put your money in stocks rather than Botox.
The Mood: Feeling like you want to run away from it all
May we suggest? Into the Wild
The Effect: This is the fascinating story of one young man who did—all the way to Alaska, in fact. When you see what happens, you may decide to stay put.
The Mood: Feeling like you need a good cry
May we suggest? Life Is Beautiful
The Effect: Tears are guaranteed as you watch the lengths that a father goes to protect innocence and hope in his young son, even within a Nazi concentration camp.
The Mood: Feeling that work stinks
May we suggest? Clockwatchers
The Effect: Four women working as temps for a big company bond, battle, and bitch. But it’s more than just the usual office shtick. There are some lessons here about opportunity.
The Mood: Feeling stressed out
May we suggest? Dumb and Dumber
The Effect: When your brain just can’t process one iota more of information, a stupid movie is what’s called for. Nothing gets more stupid (and entertaining) than this.
OR
May we suggest? The Princess Bride
The Effect: Who can resist this not-quite-classic fairy tale? With romance, adventure, comedy, it’s the perfect feel-good movie that even older kids can enjoy.
The Mood: Feeling unlucky
May we suggest? Sliding Doors
The Effect: You barely catch your train and make it home in time to find your guy fooling around. Or, you miss the train and you never know. This romantic fantasy starring Gwyneth Paltrow explores alternate realities. Maybe your karma isn’t so bad.
Looking for more movies? Jinni.com is a cool website that matches movies to your mood. It’s still in trial stages but fun to check out.
WHAT GETS ME GOING ARE HORROR MOVIES AND WATCHING THE LIFETIME MOVIE NETWORK. SEPTEMBER IS GOING TO BE A GOOD MONTH FOR LIFETIME. MAKE SURE TO CHECK IT OUT.
She can cheer anyone up! 
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
