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Brits turn to comforting films when they're ill: Which movies are the best tonic?

Young attractive anxious woman watching TV series and wrapping in big white blanket. Concept of cold autumn or winter time spending. Modern interior
A good movie will see you through any duvet days (Getty)

When you're feeling under the weather, is there anything better than curling up on the sofa and watching a movie?

Not according to 38% of respondents to a recent poll who said watching a film is the ultimate source of comfort when you're unwell.

The research, undertaken by Fisherman's Friend, polled 1,500 Brits who named 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as the most popular film to pop on when you're having a duvet day.

Detail from Drew Struzan's poster for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. (Warner Bros.)
Detail from Drew Struzan's poster for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. (Warner Bros.)

Nostalgia for the first Harry Potter film is currently at an all time high thanks to the recent reunion special which aired on Sky and HBO Max. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were reunited to reminisce about their experiences making the eight-film fantasy series.

Read more: Everything new on Sky and NOW in January

Animations and childhood favourites like Shrek and Toy Story also dominated the poll, as well as nostalgic gems such as the original Ghostbusters and The Goonies, while many turned to musicals like Grease or Mary Poppins to put some spring back into their step.

  1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 22%

  2. The Lion King (1994) 21%

  3. Shrek 21%

  4. Toy Story 21%

  5. Dirty Dancing 20%

  6. The Greatest Showman 18%

  7. The Pirates of the Caribbean 17%

  8. Grease 17%

  9. Forrest Gump 17%

  10. Jumanji 17%

  11. Finding Nemo 15%

  12. Ice Age 15%

  13. Men in Black 15%

  14. Mary Poppins 15%

  15. The Lord of the Rings 14%

  16. Ghostbusters (1984) 14%

  17. Four Weddings and a Funeral 13%

  18. The Hangover 13%

  19. The Goonies 13%

  20. Notting Hill 13%

The survey showed, as well as watching films on cold January evenings and weekends, the average Brit will take an average of three duvet days by the end of this winter, where they will ditch work to watch their favourite films.

Watch: The Harry Potter special made a major error