Almost everyone loves movies. Who wouldn’t? They’re a staple in the entertainment industry. Though, what movie lover’s may not know is that there are some psychological benefits. Here are just a few of the proven effects of movies. 

Relaxation: 

Certain films can give a calming experience. Watching a movie allows people to disconnect from their surroundings and relax. Our minds are focused on the television, allowing the thoughts and worries to mostly fade away. Musicals are an example of relaxing films.

Motivation: 

When there are characters that people can relate to it can help them to better handle their own problems. Viewers can empathize with characters and put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Personally, it’s motivating when I see someone else in a movie go through some of the same struggles I’ve gone through and get through them.

Relationships: 

Familial relationships and friendships in different movies can obviously vary. Watching characters make friends or lose family can affect how someone looks at their own relationships with people. They may look at a fictional family and think, “I don’t want to raise my kids like that,” or, “I would love to have parents as caring as them.” It can be an emotional rollercoaster, but why watch movies if not to feel things.

Cultural Reflection: 

Films can bring awareness to cultural topics that could be thought-provoking and influential. Witnessing other cultures can influence someone to learn more about them. Documentaries or regionally specific movies are ways to expose oneself to many different cultures and lifestyles.  

Emotions: 

Watching movies can have a cathartic effect, which can cause viewers to experience many strong emotions. Some people have trouble showing their emotions on a normal day-to-day basis, so watching a film can help them to release those pent up feelings by laughing or crying. Again, most people watch films to feel things, happy or sad.

Stress Relief: 

Stressful movies, like horror or thriller movies, as scary and adrenaline rushing as they might be, could help out in the long run. Temporary stress actually releases cortisol, which is then immediately met with dopamine, and that stress is erased. 

As the end of the school year approaches, relaxation and stress relief are even more important leading to a fun summer. Taking a quick movie break may be beneficial to anyone. Movies are a great way to take a breather and disconnect from the busy world. Conclusion is: watch more movies. It’s good for you.