I’ve always loved watching movies. There’s something magical about the way films can transport us into entirely different worlds. Some leave us in awe with their incredible storytelling. Some introduce us to unforgettable actors and characters. Some challenge the way we think. Others stay with us because of the overwhelming emotions they make us feel long after credit rolls. Over the years, countless movies and TV shows have brought beloved characters to life, making us fall in love with them all over again. At this point it’s almost impossible to imagine a world without cinema and the emotions it brings into our life.

When I was young, I spent hours watching channels like Movies Now, Star Movies, and Sony PIX. I loved movies with interesting stories, especially horror films. My cousins, my friends and I were obsessed with them — well some of them still are. Most of our summer vacations were spent sitting in front of the TV, completely immersed in whatever movie that was playing. There was something strangely thrilling about covering your eyes and ears during a scary scene yet still peeking through your fingers because curiosity always won. I think almost everyone has experienced that feeling at least once. I still remember my dad asking me, “why do you keep watching horror movies if they scare you so much?” At that time, I honestly didn’t have an answer. Why was I watching movies like Conjuring, and The Grudge when they made it difficult for me to sleep at night? Why was watching thrillers like Final Destination even though I knew I’d spend the next few days second-guessing every trip to the kitchen convinced some bizarre accident was going to happen.

Eventually, I realized what I enjoyed wasn’t the fear itself, but the adrenaline, the suspense. And the curiosity of wanting to know what happened next. However, nightmares and constant nervousness felt like a huge price to pay for curiosity. Watching thrillers became exhausting too. I am already someone who is naturally aware of my surroundings, and those movies made my mind run through endless possibilities of what could go wrong is like giving my anxiety a full-time job. And honestly there’s enough fear and uncertainty in life, I didn’t need more of it. Peace was a huge bargain for temporary excitement.

Maybe that’s what growing up is — growing out of certain things. Horrors and thrillers aren’t my cup of tea anymore. And honestly, I don’t care being called boring, sensitive or scared because of it. I just want to have a good time when I watch a movie. Over the years my preferences have changed a lot. Now I absolutely love romcoms. I’ve rewatched so many classics more times than I can count. Movies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 27 Dresses, Princess Diaries, 10 Things I hate About You, and Confessions of a Shopaholic are some of my personal favorites. Comfort movies have become my thing too. Movies like Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Sleepover, Devil Wears Prada, Pitch Perfect and Mama Mia feel familiar like revisiting old friends. I enjoy action-packed films especially from the Marvel Studios universe because they balance action, humor, emotion, romance and storytelling. It feels satisfying like ordering a fully loaded pizza.

I also like thought-provoking films that stay with you long after they end. Works like Hidden Figures, Dead Poet’s Society, and Interstellar are the kind of stories that make me reflect, question things and feel deeply. My taste has changed a lot over time. Anything that feels deeply disturbing or emotionally draining — I simply don’t watch. And that’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. As you can probably tell, I’ve also stopped watching films that casually feed into misogyny, or glorifying toxic masculinity — something that unfortunately, still exists in mainstream cinema.

I’ve made it a habit to spend time only on things that leave me feeling better, not anxious, and drained. Somewhere along the way, I stopped craving a temporary adrenaline rush and started valuing comfort. Maybe growing up is realizing that peace feels far more fulfilling than fear ever did