Archmere’s highly academic environment requires students to take their work seriously. Depending on their course load and extracurriculars, Auks often find their schedules packed. On the weekend or during occasional free time, most Auks scroll on TikTok or read a book (if that’s their thing). However, studies from Medium and Psych Central have shown that watching a movie from start to finish can significantly reduce stress. So we asked the students themselves for movie recommendations they would give to their peers.
Many students are drawn to nostalgic movies to relieve stress, something they used to watch growing up. Current Auks were born between 2007 and 2011. According to a recent survey conducted by the Green Arch, “The Parent Trap” and “Teen Beach Movie” are among the most popular recommendations. Nostalgia releases stress by triggering dopamine, which counters negative emotions, such as anxiety. Feelings of social connection, optimism, and resilience (possibly to complete a CER for chemistry or IRR for AP Seminar) are known to increase when watching movies that you saw growing up.
Movies set during holiday seasons can have similar dopamine-boosting effects as nostalgic movies (especially if they’re nostalgic holiday movies). Archmere students recommend “Elf,” “Home Alone,” or “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Holiday movies can remind you of winter break and times after semester 1 exams. Finally, animations such as “Cars,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” and ‘How to Train Your Dragon” were popular among Auk recommendations. Movies with a simple plot, but a moral lesson, and familiar voices can help students decompress from their workload.
Parents of Archmere students may be excited to see that classics, from 1965 to 1994, “Forrest Gump,” “The Dead Poets Society,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Star Wars” made the list of recommendations. Watching movies your parents introduced you to, especially with them, is worth a try! Even if you think your parents have “bad taste,” we promise that you will eventually appreciate at least one of their favorite films.
Next time you’re “Home Alone,” take a break with one of these movies!
