10 Relaxing Movies To Watch After A Massage
From NYT Readers’ 100 Best Movies Of the 21st Century
Pulled from The New York Times readers’ list: “The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century: The Top Movies According to Times Readers.”
The New York Times just shared it’s readers’ list of the The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. (If you don’t have access to NYT website, IMDB has the list here.) We took a slow lap through it and picked the titles that pair beautifully with that loose-limbed, post-massage feeling. After a session your body is already shifting into rest, your breathing eases, and cortisol, the stress hormone, starts drifting down. Let’s keep it there.
Think unhurried pacing, warm color, kind music, and stories that let you sink deeper into the couch. Minimal peril, maximum exhale. The only thing you should be gripping after a massage is the remote, and even that is optional.
10 Relaxing Movies To Watch After A Massage
1. O Brother, Where Art Thou? – A sunlit road trip set to soothing folk and gospel. The sepia look and easy banter keep everything light. It’s the cinematic equivalent of front-porch rocking.
2. Spirited Away – A gentle, imaginative journey with soft piano and lilting strings. Scenes flow like water instead of jolting from beat to beat. You’ll drift, not brace.
3. Amélie – Paris glows, the jokes land softly, and kindness leads the plot. The pacing invites smiles rather than spikes. It’s cozy without being sleepy.
4. Call Me by Your Name – Languid summer days, bicycles, and stone fruit eaten in the shade. The camera lingers on sunlight and conversation. It feels like a warm evening breeze.
5. Roma – Long, lyrical takes that let your breathing slow. Everyday moments unfold with quiet dignity. The hush of the film matches the calm in your body.
6. Her – Muted tones, gentle music, and thoughtful conversations. Nothing chases you; the film invites you to sit with feelings. Soft on the eyes and the nervous system.
7. WALL-E – A nearly wordless first act that’s pure tenderness. The humor is kind, never loud. You’ll finish with a softer heart and relaxed shoulders.
8. Ratatouille – Comfort-food storytelling served with warmth and charm. The kitchen bustle stays playful instead of hectic. It’s joy with a low pulse.
9. The Tree of Life – A visual poem of nature, memory, and grace. Choral music and lingering images encourage deep breaths. You can let your thoughts wander without missing the point.
10. Little Miss Sunshine – A sweet family road trip with gentle laughs. Stakes are small, compassion is big. You end lighter than you started.
Three from the list you should skip tonight
• Uncut Gems – Brilliant, but it is 135 minutes of pure adrenaline.
• Gravity – Gorgeous yet relentless, and your shoulders will climb back to your ears.
• No Country for Old Men – A masterpiece with tension that never loosens its grip.
Zach Stahlecker, CMT, CAMTC #41331
E-RYT 200, RYT 500,
Zach Stahlecker is a seasoned massage therapist and owner of Sacramento Massage Studio, where he’s spent over two decades helping clients release tension, recover from injuries, and feel at ease in their bodies. His work is informed by more than 500 hours of yoga training, bringing a deep understanding of movement, breath, and anatomy to every session. In providing a therapeutic massage or leading a Vinyasa class, Zach’s goal is the same. Create a supportive and restorative experience that fosters both physical relief and lasting well-being.
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