Tag: films

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, we check out research into the best films to fall asleep to based on research into film cataloguing service Letterboxd.

Tossing and turning all night? Counting sheep just not doing it for you anymore? Well, fret no more! A new study by bed furnishing experts at Bed Kingdom dives into the world of film cataloguing service Letterboxd to uncover the movies that will lull you into a peaceful slumber. They analysed more than 1,700 user generated lists which featured sleep-related terms such as ‘bedtime’, ‘fall asleep to’, ‘sleepy’ and ‘unwind’, to find which movies people most commonly watch to help them drift off. 

We’re talking calming visuals, soothing soundtracks, and narratives that are guaranteed to gently nudge you off to dreamland. So, ditch the melatonin and pop in a movie instead – but not just any movie! Buckle up as we explore the research and unveil the surprising titles that reign supreme in the realm of cinematic sleep aids.

Best Films To Fall Asleep To

Rank	Movie title	Number of ‘sleep related’ user lists featured in
1.	Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)	109
2.	My Neighbor Totoro (1988)	108
3.	Spirited Away (2001)	107
4.	Little Women (2019)	98
5.	Before Sunrise (1995)	94
6.	Call Me by Your Name (2017)	92
7.	Pride & Prejudice (2005)	84
8.(=)	Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)	83
8.(=)	The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)	83
9.	10 Things I Hate About You (1999)	81
10.	Amélie (2001)	79

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Taking the top spot as the most popular film to fall asleep to was Fantastic Mr. Fox, with the movie featuring on 109 sleep-related lists. 

Adapted from the cherished Roald Dahl novel, the movie combines Wes Anderson’s signature deadpan humour, distinctive stop-motion animation visuals and a whimsy score.

Fantastic Mr. Fox follows the cunning Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney) who, after years of stealing chickens and turkeys, tries to go straight for his family. But his wild instincts take over, leading him to raid the farms of three grumpy farmers. When the farmers retaliate, Mr. Fox and his animal friends must band together to survive.

The stop-motion animation creates a calming visual style, and the folksy soundtrack has a gentle, lulling quality. The film’s slower moments, especially when the burrowing animals tunnel underground, could easily lull you into a peaceful snooze.

DVD: https://amzn.to/3zbu7yP

Prime Video: https://amzn.to/4c8u7Oy

My Neighbor Totoro

In second place was My Neighbor Totoro, which appeared on 108 sleep-related lists in total. 

The Studio Ghibli animation My Neighbor Totoro tells the story of Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mom. The sisters explore their new home and befriend friendly forest spirits, the most prominent being the giant, cuddly Totoro.

This whimsical film is a perfect bedtime companion for several reasons. The animation is hand-drawn and beautifully calming, with lush landscapes and soft colors. The story itself is gentle and lacks intense moments, focusing on the wonder of discovery and the power of imagination. The film’s score by Joe Hisaishi is light and soothing, with whimsical melodies that lull rather than excite. So, cuddle up with My Neighbor Totoro, and you might just find yourself drifting off to a peaceful sleep alongside Satsuki and Mei.

DVD: https://amzn.to/4b4b1I8

Spirited Away

Following in third was another Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away, with appearances on 107 sleep-related lists.  

Often considered Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, Spirited Away follows Chihiro, a stubborn ten-year-old, who stumbles upon a magical world of spirits with her parents. After her parents are transformed into pigs for indulging in a mysterious feast, Chihiro must work in a bathhouse for temperamental spirits to free them and return to the human world.

While a visually stunning film, Spirited Away might not be the best choice for a sleep aid. The fantastical creatures and fast-paced moments in the bathhouse could be stimulating for a drowsy mind. The film also features some peril and suspenseful encounters that could jolt you awake if you’re close to sleep.

However, if you’re someone who finds comfort in strong narratives, there are lulls in the film’s pacing. The quiet moments with characters like the boiler man Kamaji might be calming. Additionally, the film’s score can be serene at times, featuring gentle melodies. Ultimately, whether Spirited Away sends you off to dreamland depends on your individual sleep preferences.

DVD: https://amzn.to/3VLTTTa

Little Women 

Coming in fourth was Greta Gerwig’s 2019 Little Women adaptation, which was included on a total of 98 lists.  

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, the period drama Little Women weaves a heartwarming tale of the March sisters – Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth – during the American Civil War. The film jumps between their childhood and adulthood, showcasing their dreams, ambitions, and the challenges they face as women of the time. Jo yearns to be a writer, Meg longs for a comfortable life, Amy desires artistic recognition, and Beth brings music and warmth to their family.

While the film explores themes of loss, love, and growing up, it does so in a gentle and nostalgic way. The period setting with its cozy interiors and warm color palette creates a calming atmosphere. The film’s score is also soft and sentimental, adding to the soothing effect.

However, there are moments of emotional intensity, particularly surrounding Beth’s health, which could potentially disrupt sleep. On the whole, though, Little Women’s blend of heartwarming story, calming visuals, and soothing music makes it a decent contender for a bedtime movie, especially if you’re already familiar with the story and its emotional beats.

DVD: https://amzn.to/4ewSnLO

Prime Video: https://amzn.to/4cmKdnm

Before Sunrise

Rounding out the top five was the first of the Before trilogy, Before Sunrise. The film featured on 94 lists, making it a popular choice for falling asleep to. 

Before Sunrise follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), two young travelers who meet on a train ride through Europe. Inspired by a chance encounter, Jesse convinces Celine to disembark with him in Vienna for a night of exploration. The film unfolds entirely through their conversations as they wander the city, discussing life, love, and their dreams. While their connection is undeniable, the looming reality of their impending separation hangs over the night.

The film relies heavily on conversation between the two leads, with long stretches of walking and talking through the city. While their conversations are engaging, the slow, introspective nature can be quite lulling. The film’s setting – the charming city of Vienna at night – adds a touch of romantic ambiance. The soft lighting and gentle music contribute to a calming atmosphere.

DVD: https://amzn.to/3KUJvC4

Prime Video: https://amzn.to/3KQYX2a

Films To Fall Asleep To

Films are a popular choice for winding down. Most films air on TV in the evening, and the introduction of streaming services has made it easy for anyone to switch on a film when they want to fall asleep, so it’s no surprise that there are so many people documenting their favourite films to fall asleep to. 

Most films on the list have very distinct features in common. A delicate, relaxing, or otherwise pleasant score is one of the most popular elements to a lot of these movies. Soft instrumental music can easily lull someone into sleep. 

Stunning visuals or striking animation also seem to frequently occur among the films featured on the list. These can be mesmerising and easy to get lost in or find yourself nodding off to. 

Interestingly, a lot of the films featured on the list are very dialogue heavy. This is probably because it produces a low hum that makes comforting background noise and is easy to tune out of. 

There are also specific genres that dominate the list. Romance, coming-of-age and animation films appear a lot throughout the ranking, likely due to their light-hearted or tender themes. Films that spotlight character, mood and theme take prominence over films that are plot or action heavy.  

While films are clearly a popular choice for bedtime viewing, it is up for debate as to whether looking at screens before sleep is a good idea. Watching films, or any form of TV, before bed can typically have a negative impact on the quality of, and the speed in which, you fall asleep. 

This is because the bright blue-light can keep you awake, and loud, inconsistent sounds can disrupt your sleep. Watching TV before bed can potentially interfere with your circadian rhythm and impair your ability to function normally throughout the day, following a poor night of sleep. 

However, it can be down to the individual, and some films – such as many of the ones featured on this list – make a better choice to watch before sleep than others. If you really want to watch a film before bed, turning down the brightness and the volume can reduce the chances of it interfering with your sleep.

– Ashley Hainsworth, founder of Bed Kingdom

Sources: Letterboxd 

Methodology: A total of 31,786 movies entries were scraped from 1,718 user-generated lists from Letterboxd that included sleep-related terms in the list name. The total number of times each film appeared across these lists was recorded and compiled into a ranking of the films that featured most across the lists. The lists scraped included the following terms: ‘relaxing’ ‘bedtime’ ‘sleeptime’ ‘sleepy’ ‘fall asleep to’ ‘tranquil’ ‘calming’ ‘peaceful’ ‘serene’ ‘restful’ ‘unwind’ ‘cozy’ ‘lull to sleep’ ‘drift off’ ‘slumber’ ‘nap time’ ‘doze off’ ‘bedtime routine’ ‘dreamy’ and ‘wind down’.  

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, we check out the most popular rom-com actors and their movies you should be watching this Valentines Day.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and while roses and chocolates are always appreciated, what truly sets the mood for a romantic evening? Why, a good old-fashioned rom-com, of course! But with countless actors and movies to choose from, where do you even begin? Fear not, lovebirds and movie buffs! This post is your cinematic cupid, guiding you through the enchanting world of rom-coms and highlighting the most beloved actors and their must-watch movies for your Valentine’s Day celebration.

So, grab your popcorn, cuddle up with your loved one (or indulge in a solo self-love session!), and get ready to be swept away by the magic of rom-coms. From timeless classics to hidden gems, this guide is your ticket to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day filled with laughter, romance, and the power of a good rom-com. Let’s celebrate love, one charming movie at a time!

The Most Popular Rom-Com Actors

Research, conducted by experts at Venture Smarter, examined the social media profiles of 121 of the most notable romantic comedy actors. An influencer marketing calculator was used to establish which star is the most influential on social media and how much they can earn per sponsored post.   

Rank	Leading Actor	Per sponsored post (£)
1	Jennifer Lopez	428,200
2	Justin Timberlake	163,000
3	Leonardo DiCaprio	145,500
4	Ryan Reynolds	124,500
5	Chris Pratt	115,100
6	Jennifer Aniston	114,000
7	Anne Hathaway	86,800
8	Reese Witherspoon	83,100
9	Emilia Clarke	79,500
10	Hilary Duff	76,400

Jennifer Lopez

The data revealed that Jennifer Lopez is the most popular rom-com actor. JLo, as she is most famously known, has 253.5 million followers on Instagram and can earn up to a staggering £428,200 per sponsored post.

Jennifer Lopez has built a career on captivating audiences with her undeniable talent and charm, and her filmography boasts several beloved rom-coms perfect for a lighthearted and fun Valentine’s Day celebration. Here’s a quick peek into some of her must-watch rom-com roles:

• The Wedding Planner (2001): Lopez plays a workaholic wedding planner who falls for a charming groom-to-be, played by Matthew McConaughey. This classic rom-com offers heartfelt emotions, humor, and a satisfying happily ever after.
• Maid in Manhattan (2002): This Cinderella-inspired story sees Lopez as a single mom and hotel maid who falls for a wealthy politician, played by Ralph Fiennes. Expect charming encounters, social class differences, and a touch of fantasy.
• Monster-in-Law (2005): A hilarious blend of rom-com and family drama, starring Lopez alongside Jane Fonda as her soon-to-be mother-in-law who disapproves of their relationship. Get ready for laughs, witty banter, and a heartwarming resolution.
• The Back-up Plan (2010): Lopez plays a single woman determined to get pregnant but finds love unexpectedly just as she embarks on solo motherhood. This relatable story explores modern love, family dynamics, and overcoming challenges.
• Marry Me (2022): Inspired by current-day trends, Lopez plays a pop star who impulsively marries a stranger (Owen Wilson) during a concert after her fiancé betrays her. This lighthearted story explores unexpected connections, fame, and finding love in unconventional ways.
• Shotgun Wedding (2023): This action-comedy rom-com features Lopez and Josh Duhamel as a couple whose island destination wedding is hijacked by pirates. Packed with humor, adventure, and unexpected twists, it’s a fun and vibrant choice.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is the second most followed rom-com actor, with an earning potential of up to £163,000 per post.

While Justin Timberlake might be known for his singing and dancing prowess, he’s also carved a niche in the world of rom-coms, offering movies that blend humor, charm, and heartwarming stories. Here’s a sneak peek into some of his must-watch romantic comedies for your Valentine’s Day movie marathon:

• Model Behavior (2000): Timberlake’s acting debut sees him paired with the iconic Maggie Lawson in a teen rom-com filled with high school drama, mistaken identities, and a journey of self-discovery. Get ready for some nostalgic 90s vibes and lighthearted fun.
• Friends with Benefits (2011): Starring alongside Mila Kunis, this film explores the complexities of a “no strings attached” relationship that develops feelings despite its initial agreement. Expect witty banter, emotional depth, and a realistic portrayal of modern love.
• In Time (2011): This sci-fi romance throws a twist on the genre, set in a world where time is currency. Timberlake plays a young man who steals time from a wealthy man to spend with a beautiful woman (Amanda Seyfried), sparking questions about social inequality and true love’s value.
• The Social Network (2010): Not quite your typical rom-com, this biopic showcases Timberlake’s dramatic chops as Sean Parker, co-founder of Facebook. While not an explicit love story, his portrayal of ambition, friendship, and sacrifice adds a different flavor to your viewing experience.
• Palmer (2020): This poignant film features Timberlake as a former convict trying to rebuild his life and reconnect with his estranged daughter. It explores themes of second chances, family bonds, and finding love in unexpected places.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Taking the bronze is Leonardo DiCaprio. Environmentalist DiCaprio has the ability to earn up to £145,500 per post and has 62.2 million followers. 

While Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his more dramatic roles, he’s also dipped his toes into the rom-com world, delivering movies that showcase his charisma and charm within heartwarming and playful storylines. Here’s a quick peek into some of his must-watch romantic comedies for your Valentine’s Day celebration:

• What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993): Though not purely a rom-com, this coming-of-age story features a young DiCaprio in a supporting role as a developmentally disabled boy. While not the main romance, his innocent and endearing portrayal creates a sweet and memorable element.
• Romeo + Juliet (1996): This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tells the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet with DiCaprio captivating audiences as the passionate Romeo. While not ending happily ever after, it’s a timeless tale of love and loss.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002): This lighthearted adventure sees DiCaprio play a charming con artist who outsmarts the FBI, starring alongside Tom Hanks. While not a traditional rom-com, the film features humorous interactions between the two leads and a feel-good atmosphere.
• Something Borrowed (2011): DiCaprio takes a supporting role in this romantic comedy featuring Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin entangled in a love triangle. His character adds humor and unexpected twists to the storyline.
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): While not your typical rom-com, this film showcases DiCaprio’s acting range as a stockbroker consumed by greed and excess. His character’s relationship with his wife showcases the complexities of love amidst temptation and personal struggles.
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): This Tarantino film features DiCaprio alongside Brad Pitt, exploring the fading glory of Hollywood actors in the late 60s. While not explicitly a romance, it has heartwarming moments of friendship and camaraderie.

Ryan Reynolds

The Wrexham football club co-owner and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds is fourth. The Canadian-American actor has the capacity to make up to £124,500 per post and has 50.8 million followers. His romantic filmography includes The Proposal (2009) and Definitely, Maybe (2008). 

Chris Pratt

Rounding out the top five is Jurassic World star, Chris Pratt. Before becoming an action hero in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Pratt starred in rom-coms such as Bride Wars (2009) and What’s Your Number (2011). Pratt’s Instagram following is 45.9 million and he could make up to £115,100 for each sponsored post. 

Jennifer Aniston

Friends icon Jennifer Aniston ranks sixth, earning up £114,000 per sponsored post on social media. She has the largest following of the Friends cast, with 45.3 million followers. As well as Friends, Aniston has gained worldwide recognition for her roles in many movies, including the loved up films He’s Just Not That Into You (2009) and The Break-Up (2006). 

Anne Hathaway

In seventh place is Oscar, Bafta, and Golden Globe winning actor, Anne Hathaway. The talented actor has starred in some iconic rom-coms: The Princess Diaries (2001), Ella Enchanted (2004), and Love & Other Drugs (2010), to name a few. Hathaway has 31.8 million followers and can earn up to £86,800 for a single Instagram post. 

Reese Witherspoon 

Reese Witherspoon is in eighth place, with the potential to earn up to £83,100 per sponsored post thanks to her 30 million followers. It was Witherspoon’s most famous rom-com role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (2001) that marked the turning point in her career and made her a household name across the globe. Since then, she has gone on to win multiple awards and has acted in more love-filled comedies, such as This Means War (2012) and Your Place or Mine (2023). 

Emilia Clarke 

In the penultimate position is Emilia Clarke, who has the capacity to make up to £79,500 per social media post and has a strong following of 28.3 million. The Game of Thrones star has also made quite a name for herself in the rom-com world, starring in hit movies like Me Before You (2016) and Last Christmas (2019). 

Hilary Duff  

With 26.9 million followers, rounding off the top ten is Hilary Duff. Duff rose to prominence as a Disney teen idol playing the title role of Lizzie McGuire in the Disney comedy series of the same name. The 36-year-old Texan was a noughties teen rom-com star, playing the lead in A Cinderella Story (2004) and The Perfect Man (2005). Even though her movie career has decelerated in recent times, Duff still has the potential to earn up to £76,400 for a single social media post.

Rom-Coms

Rom-coms, with their endearing and relatable narratives, possess a unique ability to catapult an actor’s career to new heights, such as The Princess Diaries for Anne Hathaway and Legally Blonde for Reese Witherspoon. A standout performance in a well-received romantic comedy showcases an actor’s versatility and draws attention to their talent and charm.

While some actors may feel that they will be typecast once they have performed in a rom-com style movie, these findings suggest the opposite. Most actors on the list have had varied and highly successful careers, with several of them even having won some of the most prestigious accolades an actor can achieve. This stands to show that the loved-up genre is not to be underestimated and brushed off as mere entertainment, but to be regarded as a valuable movie category.

-A spokesperson for Venture Smarter

Methodology:  

The study gathered a list of 121 actors who have starred in at least one rom-com film.  

The sponsored post earning potential and engagement rate figures were then compiled for each actor to create a ranking from most marketable to least marketable.  

The information was sourced from https://inzpire.me/instagram-pricing-calculator, which uses real Instagram data based on real collaborations with influencers to calculate a user’s performance.    

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With the release of The Batman just around the corner, on the 4th March. As well as many major blockbuster sequels and big brand movies being released this year, many of us will be returning to the cinema. But which are we most excited to go and see in 2022?

Experts at RantCasino.com sought to find out which is the most anticipated movie of 2022 for Brits. To achieve this, Google Trends was analysed to gather average search interest data from the last 12 months for the top 100 most popular movies to be released in 2022, according to IMDb.

Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies Of 2022

Rank	Movie	Google Trends average interest over time (out of 100)
1	Thor: Love and Thunder	61.02
2	Top Gun: Maverick	54.83
3	Minions: The Rise of Gru	45.58
4	Avatar 2	44.96
5	The School for Good and Evil	38.20
6	Black Panther: Wakanda Forever	31.33
7	Blonde (II)	31.23
8	The Flash	23.06
9	Aquaman 2	23.02
10	Knives Out 2	22.04

Coming in top of the most anticipated movie of 2022 for Brits is Thor: Love and Thunder, which has a Google Trends average of 61.02 out of 100. The Marvel fan base is eagerly awaiting its release on the 8th July 2022. It is the sequel of Thor: Ragnarok and the 29th film in the Marvel cinematic universe.

In second place is Top Gun: Maverick, with a Google Trends average of 54.83 out of 100. Considering the original was such a hit, it is no surprise there is great interest in the sequel, especially with the legendary Tom Cruise returning to the role. It is set to hit the big screen on the 27th May 2022.

Third is Minions: The Rise of Gru, with a Google Trends average of 45.58 out of 100. Being the sixth Minions movie in the franchise that started back in 2010, there is great anticipation for this installment, which is set for release on the 1st July 2022 in the UK.

Following on from the top three most anticipated movies, are Avatar 2 (Google Trends average of 44.96 out of 100), The School for Good and Evil (average of 38.20 out of 100) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (average of 31.33 out of 100), respectively ranking in fourth, fifth and sixth.

Methodology:

1. Experts at RantCasino.com sought to discover which new movie release is most anticipated in 2022.

2. To do this, a seed list of the top 100 most popular movies in 2022 according to IMDb was collected. 

3. From this, in-house experts found a Google Trends average over the past year for different countries’ search interest in each of these movies.

4. This resulted in a ranking of the most anticipated movies of 2022 for each country, with the highest Google Trends interest average being the most anticipated.

5. Data is correct as of 22/02/22 and is subject to change.

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