feel good movie reviews

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The 37 Best Feel-Good Movies to Boost Your Mood

Hollywood has been making comedies and heart-tugging sagas for over a century, but the best feel-good movies have a little something special: the game-winning goal, the ultra-romantic kiss, the musical number that takes you totally by surprise. Ahead we’ve gathered 37 titles that are good movies to watch when you need a pick-me-up and a guaranteed happy ending.

City Lights (1931)

God help you if you can make it through the final scene of this silent-film classic with a dry eye. In between bouts of uproarious slapstick, his Little Tramp befriends a blind woman who sells flowers on the street. What little he has, he gives to her, which leads her to believe he must be a wealthy and powerful person—a fiction the Tramp indulges. When her sight is restored at the end of the film, she sees the Tramp for what he really is—taking pity on him, but not recognizing him. She places a coin in the poor man’s hand, and the touch sparks her recognition. Her benefactor this whole time was a man in desperate need himself. — Anthony Breznican

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

Every holiday season I gorge on this treacly confection of forbidden love: between the angel Dudley (Cary Grant) and the mortal Julia (Loretta Young), wife of the local bishop (David Niven). The enchanting nighttime skating scene encapsulates the film’s essence when taxi driver Sylvester (James Gleason) tells his passengers—skaters Dudley and Julia—that they needn’t bother with the fare: “My pockets are just bulging with the coins of self-satisfaction…. because you and the little lady have restored my faith in human nature.” — David Friend

Harvey (1950)

In this fanciful small-town comedy, James Stewart is an amiable local oddball who believes he is accompanied at all times by a six-foot-something invisible rabbit named Harvey. Filmmaker Henry Koster (who also, coincidentally, directed The Bishop’s Wife ) has crafted a lighthearted variation on the Don Quixote story, romanticizing the role that terminal dreamers play in making others see the world not as it truly is but as it could or ought to be. The moral of Harvey is delivered by a cab driver who regularly takes patients to and from the mental health clinic. When Stewart’s character finally goes in for his treatment, the cabbie declares: “After this, he’ll be a perfectly normal human being…and you know what stinkers they are!” — A.B.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

This ebullient musical was weirdly underrated in its era, which might be yet another reason it’s been so celebrated since—everybody loves an underdog. Sure the songs are famous, and the dancing from Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds is dazzling. But the Hollywood in-jokes, the swooning romance, and the “lets put on a show!” energy make it the most uplifting musical of its era. — Katey Rich

Roman Holiday (1953)

I shouldn’t have to sell you on the premise of Audrey Hepburn gallivanting around Rome with Gregory Peck (for which she received her first and only Oscar as best actress!). But for the modern Hepburn head who finds a dated mainstay like Breakfast at Tiffany’s too queasy for comfort, it is with my distinct pleasure to inform you that every inch of Roman Holiday ages well. What a relief, to watch the trope of the off-duty princess and her unwitting chaperone play out to wholesome ends. It’s a deservedly iconic film for all the romantic escapism, but it’s also easy to forget that Roman Holiday, which features some truly top-shelf slapstick comedy, is also very, very funny. — Delia Cai

Lilies of the Field (1963)

This is the role that won Sidney Poitier the best-actor Oscar, and 60 years have done nothing to diminish the charisma he brings to the role of Homer Smith, an itinerant handyman who befriends a group of refugee nuns and helps them construct a church in the middle of nowhere.

Though a story about overcoming racial differences, Lilies of the Field is remarkably free of cringe. It sees its characters as individuals first, and gradually each of them comes to see each other that way too, not so much looking past their respective differences of race, faith, or nationality, but sharing them, blending their traditions, and finding common cause that bonds them. — A.B.

Harold and Maude (1971)

If you glanced at a plot summary of Harold and Maude, you might gasp: A death-obsessed teen boy falls for a free-spirited 79-year-old woman. Harold is frittering his youth away staging realistically gruesome fake suicides. Then he meets the magnificently salty Maude, close enough to the grave to teach him the value of life. Hal Ashby’s flop flipped itself around into a cult classic and one of history’s best rom-coms , as generations of goths and weirdos embraced Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon’s captivating coupling. — Joy Press

Gregory’s Girl (1981)

Set at a Scottish high school and made for a miniscule budget, Bill Forsyth ’s second film

became a surprise hit around the world. Every character is beautifully sketched, from the teenage pastry wizard to the luckless geek dead set on hitchhiking to Caracas where women supposedly vastly outnumber men. But the tender heart of the movie is the romantic triangle between goofy dreamer Gregory ( John Gordon Sinclair ), female soccer star Dorothy ( Dee Hepburn ) and Susan, a sly pixie in a beret played by Clare Grogan, soon to be a pop star as singer of New Wave group Altered Images. Gregory’s Girl is a perfect coming-of-age comedy, blending unsentimental realism and first-crush sweetness. — J.P.

Back to the Future (1985)

Great Scott! The classic ’80s film stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly (even his name is fun!), who time-travels to 1955 with his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown played by Christopher Lloyd.  The film is such a good time that you can ignore some of its weirder aspects (so, Marty McFly almost has sex…with his mom?). Potential incest aside, Back to the Future is an absolute classic that spawned two sequels and was recently adapted into an incredibly popular Broadway musical. Clearly, everyone loves taking a spin in a time-traveling DeLorean. — Chris Murphy

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Another classic 80's film, high school senior Ferris Bueller ( Matthew Broderick ) goes to extreme lengths to make his ditch day with his girlfriend ( Mia Sara ) and uptight best friend ( Alan Ruck ) the most magical day of their lives, full of joyrides in a Ferrari, art museums, and parade crashing. John Hughes’s love letter to Chicago is packed with quotable lines and charismatic scenes, but what really makes it a masterpiece is the pure joy of this film, a story about one friend showing another how much there is to live for. — Rebecca Ford

The Princess Bride (1987)

The adaptation of the beloved William Goldman novel has everything a nine-year-old could want from a movie. Romance! Adventure! Rodents of unusual size! And more than a few innuendos that you totally pretended to understand until realizing, on subsequent rewatches, just how little you had. A grandfather (Peter Falk) reads his grandson (a pre– Wonder Years Fred Savage ) the sweet story of Buttercup ( Robin Wright ), Westley ( Cary Elwes ), who are separated when his ship is attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts. Their multiyear journey back to each other includes a betrothal to the smarmy Prince Humperdinck ( Chris Sarandon ) and a kidnapping by a rag-tag team of outlaws ( Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, and André the Giant). In need of an eminently quotable postmodern love story with a happy ending? As you wish. — Natalie Jarvey

Working Girl (1988)

The opening moments of Mike Nichols’s workplace comedy—those sweeping helicopter shots of the Statue of Liberty and the Staten Island Ferry set to Carly Simon ’s Oscar-winning original song “Let the River Run”—are all that’s required to sell the Cinderella story of aspiring businesswoman Tess McGill ( Melanie Griffith ). But there are a lot more gems to follow: Sigourney Weaver ’s vampy villain as WASP-y boss Katharine Parker, Harrison Ford ’s top-tier dreamboat status as Tess’s collaborator turned love interest Jack Trainer, Joan Cusack ’s wacky best friend, Cyn, quipping, “Coffee, tea, me ?” and, of course, the iconic— if debated —line: “ I have a head for business and a bod for sin .” It's such an iconic film, it's no surprise that Selena Gomez is reportedly working on a Working Girl remake with 20th Century Fox . — Savannah Walsh

Field of Dreams (1989)

It’s not really about baseball, or cornfields, or Iowa. It’s about second chances. Field of Dreams is a story of magical realism that indulges the fantasy of a do-over. Kevin Costner ’s salt-of-the-earth farmer hears an ethereal whisper that says, “If you build it, he will come.” The “who” of this is never fully specified, but he takes it to mean that he should convert a large portion of his already struggling farm into a baseball diamond. Ghosts of disgraced ballplayers appear, a reclusive author ( James Earl Jones ) dissolves his cynicism, a doctor who abandoned his dream of the big league (Burt Lancaster) is pulled from the past, and Costner ultimately reconnects with his own lost father in a simple game of catch. It’s rooted in fantasy, but Field of Dreams reminds us that the only way to live is to swing for the fences every time. — A.B.

Sister Act (1992)

They just don’t make ’em—that is, fizzy musical comedies about blowsy lounge singers witnessing a murder, taking refuge in a convent, and teaching its buttoned-up residents how to rock out—like they used to. Whoopi Goldberg ’s so perfectly cast as nun-on-the-run Deloris Van Cartier that it’s tough to believe the role was originally intended for Bette Midler. (The fact that Goldberg can’t really sing only makes her more right for the part.) And she’s surrounded by a cast of pros— Maggie Smith, Harvey Keitel, Kathy Najimy —all elevating what could have been a forgettable bit of ’90s schlock into an endlessly rewatchable classic. Even Pope John Paul II can’t watch Deloris and her chorus without wanting to give a standing ovation. — Hillary Busis

The Pelican Brief (1993)

A legal thriller that begins with hit jobs on two Supreme Court justices does not sound like warm and fuzzy viewing, but The Pelican Brief, adapted from John Grisham ’s 1992 bestseller, is powered by something better than romance: young Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, playing tender truth seekers against a rotten political core. Roberts, with a luminously vulnerable performance, is a Tulane law student whose titular theory about the assassinations catches her in the crosshairs. Washington is a hot-shot journalist, the only one left she can trust. Well-paced enough to drive a rainy-day matinee (car bombs, Mardi Gras chase scene), it’s peppered with cameos, like a baby-faced Cynthia Nixon and bad guy Stanley Tucci. Nineties nostalgia is part of the feel-good designation, but so is the arc of good over big-money evil bent on defiling the environment. If only we could be so lucky. — Laura Regensdorf

Groundhog Day (1993)

It isn’t every day that a mainstream rom-com also works as a human-rebirth allegory, distinguished by its cyclical rhythm, experimental structure, and undercurrents of Buddhist, Hindu, and Judeo-Christian beliefs and ideals. But, wait. It is every day. Because the film repeats the same 24-hour period ad infinitum —until TV weatherman Phil Connors ( Bill Murray ) finally embraces the joys of living a life vitalized by truly loving one’s partner and spreading loving kindness. If you get to the closing snowfall scene and your heart doesn’t swell two sizes, see your cardiologist. — D.F.

Clueless (1995)

Clueless has everything a feel-good movie should have: low-stakes drama, an iconic lead character thanks to Alicia Silverstone, and an instantly recognizable soundtrack. Sure, the love story between ex-step-siblings is somewhat weird but c’mon, who could resist a baby-faced Paul Rudd ?! It’s the movie that launched many questionable trends (mini backpacks and fuzzy-tipped pens!) and a slew of annoying catchphrases (“As if!”). It remains a perfect film to queue up when looking for a pick-me-up. — Kelly Butler

French Kiss (1995)

When it comes to feel-good movies, Meg Ryan is the queen: You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle. But unfortunately, one of her finest works requires a DVD player (or a VCR…if you still own one of those). In an attempt to get her longtime boyfriend back after international infidelity, plane-afraid Kate (Ryan) hops on a flight to Paris, where she meets Luc ( Kevin Kline ), a sleazy and debauched Frenchman. If those two stars are not enough to convince you, there’s French countryside, talk of tasty wine and cheese, and endlessly quotable dialogue. It’s a bold movie, with a hint of sophistication and lacking in pretension. — Kathleen Creedon

The Birdcage (1996)

Pleasures abound in this deliriously funny (and strangely topical!) update of La Cage aux Folles from Mike Nichols and Elaine May, which casts Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple forced back into the closet—sort of—when their son ( Dan Futterman ) reveals that he’s engaged to the daughter of a conservative senator. It’s a top-notch farce with quotable lines for days, as well as one of the deepest benches ( Gene Hackman ! Dianne Wiest ! Christine Baranski ! Hank Azaria, for God’s sake!) you’ll find in any ensemble comedy. It is scientifically impossible to watch this movie without smiling like a loon for more than 100 minutes—probably. (I haven’t tried, and I don’t intend to.) — H.B.

The First Wives Club (1996)

Sure, a movie about three women getting divorced doesn’t necessarily scream “feel-good.” But rest assured, The First Wives Club is an absolute riot. Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler deliver pitch-perfect performances as the central trio of divorcées who team up to get revenge on their husbands for leaving them for younger women. The hijinks they come up with—particularly one that involves window-washing a sky scraper—are as crazy as they are delightful. Plus, there are great supporting turns from Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Berkley, Marcia Gay Harden, and Dame Maggie Smith, to boot. The First Wives Club i s a comedy about women coming into their power and getting what they want and ends with a rip-roaring rendition of “You Don’t Own Me.” What’s not to love? — C.M.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

There’s no underdog story as heartwarming as Will Hunting’s ( Matt Damon ). With each visit to therapist Sean Maguire’s (Robin Williams) office, Will’s odyssey unfolds onscreen, as he sheds his tough Southie armor and evolves away from fear and insecurity, blossoming into a self-actualized young man. As Damon shared with Vanity Fair earlier this year, the genius of Robin Williams shines through at the end of the film, with an improvised line that, if you’re like me, has you sitting through the entire movie just to get to it. As you smile through salty tears at the end of Good Will Hunting, it’s enough to make you want to take a chance on yourself too. — Burake Teshome

Cinderella (1997)

The sweetest sound you’ve ever heard is Brandy and the late great Whitney Houston harmonizing together. The dynamic duo stars as the timeless princess and her fairy godmother in the beloved film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which aired on ABC in 1997. Not only is Cinderella an absolute delight of a movie musical, with splendid performances and a fairy tale ending, it also was groundbreaking for its implementation of nontraditional casting, with a Black princess falling for a Filipino prince ( Paolo Montalban ) whose parents were Whoopi Goldberg and Victor Garber. So, whenever you feel that something is impossible, go to Disney+ to remind yourself that impossible things are happening every day. – C.M.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Break out the Oreos and peanut butter. The 1998 remake of The Parent Trap stars a precocious Lindsay Lohan pulling double duty as the American Hallie and British Annie—identical twins separated at birth due to their parents’ messy divorce. They meet at summer camp, decide to swap places, and concoct a massive scheme to get their parents, Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson, back together. It’s an absolute gem of a movie with delightful supporting performances from Abbot Elementary’s Lisa Ann Walter as babysitter Chessy and Elaine Hendrix as the twins’ evil potential stepmother, Meredith Blake. Plus, there are dreamy shots of Napa and London, as well as devilish G-rated pranks. (Remember when Meredith wakes up on an air mattress in the middle of a lake?) To top it all off, The Parent Trap ends with, perhaps, the best credit sequence of all time—there’s a reason they play “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” at every wedding these days.  — C.M.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

The early aughts were the heyday of the teen rom-com , and with its 1999 release, I’d go as far as saying that 10 Things set the standard for all those to come. An adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, the plot is as high school as it comes: dueling sisters, a seemingly unattainable popular girl, and “fake” dating that leads to real feelings. But Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles ’s performances—and sizzling chemistry—rise above the froth, and make it endlessly rewatchable. Throw in a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a killer soundtrack, peak ’90s outfit inspiration, and you have the makings of movie magic. Plus, only Ledger could melt hearts with an inherently cringey public performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” — Jaime Archer

Galaxy Quest (1999)

I was not a Trekkie, but I am eternally here for this smart send-up of Star Trek culture in which the washed-up actors from a series called Galaxy Quest get swept out of their dismal circuit of fan conferences and local ribbon-cuttings into a real-life adventure with a bunch of extraterrestrial visitors who worship the show’s fictional characters more than any earthling ever could. Alan Rickman lends Shakespearean pathos to his Spock-inflected Dr. Lazarus, while Sigourney Weaver (who knows from aliens!) makes comedy gold out of her one job: translating the crew’s orders to the ship’s computer. There’s even an architectural cameo by that paragon of LA modernism, the Stahl House. ( Tim Allen wakes up in the living room, desperately hungover.) It’s part parody, part adoring homage, and all a reminder of why we love television…and the movies. — Radhika Jones

Spirited Away (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki ’s sweeping epic follows Chihiro, a spunky tween girl whose big move to a new neighborhood is interrupted when her family happens upon a quiet, quirky town that, come nightfall, bursts into a bustling spirit-world vacation spot. When Chihiro’s parents are turned into pigs by the wicked Yubaba, she’s left with no choice but to scrub floors in the witch’s bathhouse. Has being 10 years old ever been more difficult? Inside Miyazaki’s breathtaking animation and set to Joe Hisaishi ’s aching score, Chihiro tangles with river spirits, learns the power of true friendship, and—in one of modern cinema’s most relatable moments—stuffs her face with rice balls while sobbing. You can’t free your parents from an evil witch’s curse on an empty stomach. — Mark Alan Burger

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

In this charmer directed by Gurinder Chadha, Jess Bhamra, an Indian teen growing up in Hounslow, defies her parents to play on the local girls’ soccer team with new pal Jules ( Keira Knightley ). Goals are scored, the cute coach ( Jonathan Rhys Meyers ) is crushed on, dreams are fulfilled, and the power of sport to foster camaraderie and excellence is affirmed. You haven’t seen team spirit until you’ve seen the Hounslow Harriers help Jess change into a sari in the locker room postgame so she can dash back to her sister’s wedding. And if Ted Lasso had watched Jules’s dad explain the offside rule using table condiments, it wouldn’t have taken him three seasons to figure it out. — R.J.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Few things can combat the modern ailments of being chronically online, but Joe Wright’s 2005 take on Pride & Prejudice offers a near perfect escape. Complete with rich cinematography and exquisite performances, the slow-burn chemistry between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy—portrayed by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen —is enough to cure any bad day. As Jane Austen once wrote, “There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.” — Sarah Morse

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Even as a kid, Keke Palmer exuded charisma and confidence, and her performance as 11-year-old Akeelah Anderson is one of the joys of this underappreciated gem. The little girl is a troublemaker, headstrong, and frequently absent from school. Her widowed mother ( Angela Bassett ) is doing her best, but struggling to give her daughter the support she needs. When Akeelah displays an aptitude for spelling, she becomes an unexpectedly formidable contender on the spelling bee circuit. This could be the gateway to a better life, but competing at the national level requires training, focus, and money—the middle one she has, the other two she doesn’t. Laurence Fishburne plays a grieving professor who becomes her coach, but as her mother tells her: “If you just look around, you’ve got 50,000 coaches.” Akeelah’s triumphs lift up her entire community, and seemingly everyone in the neighborhood rallies to help her fulfill her promise. — A.B .

Mamma Mia! (2008)

My, my, how could I forget you? The film adaptation of ABBA’s smash-hit musical, starring Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, and Meryl Streep, couldn’t be more feel-good if it tried. I dare you not to sing along with Streep as she belts out “The Winner Takes It All” while trying to determine if Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, or Stellan Skarsgård fathered her child. Try not to get up and boogie to “Dancing Queen” as Streep leads a procession of Greek townspeople through the fictional island of Kalokairi. Years later, the cast can’t stop talking about how much fun they had making it. Even better: If you happen to leave Mamma Mia! wanting more (which you will), you can watch the equally delightful, perfectly titled sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again . — C.M.

Sing Street (2016)

Are you one of those people who are into love, dreams, Irish people, yearning, rebellion, tough-loving big brothers, nostalgia, creativity, teenagers pouring their hearts out on acoustic guitars, music in general, and ’80s pop in particular with all the cool eye makeup and overcoats? Sing Street was directed and cowritten by John Carney, who gave the world the Oscar-winning movie about buskers in love, Once. This one’s just as pure of heart and just as full of transportive original music, but I’d argue that it’s also—what’s the word?— better . It’s 1985, in inner city Dublin. Young Conor is thrust into a Christian school full of bullies and run by a creepy totalitarian named Brother Baxter. Over the course of the movie, Conor starts a band to impress an aspiring model named Raphina, casts her in his new band’s music videos, finds his voice in all senses of the word, and imagines a future that even we are not quite sure is possible. Is there sad stuff in the movie? Yes—did you not hear me say it’s about Irish people? But it’s just so damn moving and funny and true that it sticks in your head like a great pop song. — Jeff Giles

Lady Bird (2017)

The movie that introduced the world to director Greta Gerwig perfectly captures the agony and ecstasy of being an adolescent girl. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson ( Saoirse Ronan ) dreams of breaking free from life in small-town Sacramento, where she regularly clashes with her flinty mother ( Laurie Metcalf ) and stumbles through romances with Lucas Hedges ’s Danny and Timothée Chalamet ’s Kyle. Lady Bird is flawed, yes, but also relatable. And the movie’s more melancholy moments are lightened by Gerwig’s delightful wordplay and a killer soundtrack. If only growing up in real life was imbued with this much whimsy. — N.J.

Coco (2017)

Is a feel-good movie still a feel-good movie if it reliably makes you cry every single time? I vote yes, at least if we’re talking about the kaleidoscopic fantasy that just might be Pixar’s last true masterpiece. Our hero is young Miguel ( Anthony Gonzalez ), who stumbles into the Land of the Dead one fateful Día de Muertos and unwittingly sets off on a quest to right an ancient family wrong. The animation is beautiful; the music is compelling; the jokes are really, really funny, particularly when they involve the self-important ghost of Frida Kahlo. And yes: The emotional climax, when it comes, is shattering enough to melt even the iciest adult heart. (Really—when the movie first came out, it became a whole thing !) You’ll weep, and it’ll feel great . Also, you can always watch cast member Gabriel Garcia Bernal 's sweet and touching performance of Coco 's Oscar-winning song “Remember Me” at the Academy Awards to keep those tear ducts moist. — H.B.

Yesterday (2019)

Are your troubles here to stay? Do you need a place to hide away? Just turn on this movie, in which a struggling singer-songwriter named Jack Malik ( Himesh Patel ) gets in an accident, hits his head, and wakes up in a world where the Beatles never existed but miraculously he can remember their songs. And remember them he does—writes them down, performs them, and rides their greatness to global fame. Like the Beatles songbook, this movie (written by Richard Curtis and directed by Danny Boyle ) contains multitudes: love, via a winning performance by Lily James; comic relief ( Kate McKinnon as Jack’s deliciously crass manager; Ed Sheeran as himself); surreality (the premise!); the infectious joy of music; and the glory of finding someone who’ll still need you when you’re 64. — R.J.

In the Heights (2021)

Though its theatrical release was unfortunately marred by the pandemic, In the Heights wound up being the right movie at the right time. Jon M. Chu ’s adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda ’s Tony-winning musical hit theaters (and the service then known as HBO Max) in June of 2021, just as hordes of newly vaccinated, entertainment-starved people were ready to finally leave their homes. A joyous musical about the pleasures (and occasional pains) of living in a vibrant, tight-knit community was just the ticket. But even without that context, In the Heights has myriad pleasures—particularly a showstopping aquatic rendition of “96,000,” and Nina ( Leslie Grace ) and Benny’s ( Corey Hawkins ) gravity-defying performance of “When the Sun Goes Down.” Speaking of defying gravity, Chu is helming the Wicked movies , so check out In The Heights for an idea of what his Oz might feel like. — H.B.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Only a truly feel-good movie could win like, all the Oscars without prompting a giant backlash. But the knives never came out for Everything Everywhere, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert ’s dizzyingly creative action dramedy. Whether she’s playing a frumpy laundromat owner, a poised international movie star, or a lovelorn woman with hot dog fingers, Michelle Yeoh effortlessly grounds even the movie’s wackiest diversions. And she’s got a perfect foil in her fellow Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, whose interdimensionally loyal Waymond is the movie’s unquestionable heart. It’s a wild, unforgettable ride—such a crowd-pleaser that even in another life, we would’ve really liked just doing laundry and taxes with this movie playing in the background. — H.B.

Rye Lane (2023)

Looking for a joyful, inventive romcom set in contemporary black Britain? Rye Lane suggests you should be. Raine Allen-Miller ’s debut film takes us on an emotional and cinematic journey, though it unfurls over the course of a single day. Accountant Dom ( Industry ’s David Jonsson ) and aspiring designer Yas ( Vivian Oparah ) meet-cute in the gender-neutral bathroom of an art gallery, where Dom is sobbing over a breakup. Yas is similarly heartbroken, and the two soon find themselves wandering South London together. They order burritos from a food stall called Love Quac'tually (a hat tip to Brit romcom guru Richard Curtis ), swap dating flashbacks, untangle their emotional messes, and—ever so sweetly—fall in love. — J.P.

Barbie (2023)

It’s a Barbie world. With over a billion dollars at the box office, most people know that Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is a delight. From the opening sequence where we’re introduced to the perfect pink paradise that is Barbieland to that first glimpse of the beach where Kens frolic, it’s clear that we’re in for a good time. Even though Margot Robbie’s stereotypical Barbie spends most of the film in a depression spiral, there’s still plenty of fun to be had, mostly by Ryan Gosling and his band of Ken bros. Time will tell if the Oscars find Gosling’s Oscar-nominated performance as much fun as the rest of the world did.— C.M.

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The 60 Best Feel-Good Movies of All Time

Get ready to turn that frown upside down.

• Best Feel-Good Comedies

Best Feel-Good Romance Movies

Best feel-good dramas, best feel-good action/thriller movies, best feel-good family movies.

We’ve all been there: When just about everything that could go wrong does. Maybe you missed your train when you were already running late. Or maybe your morning coffee ended up coloring your blouse on the way to work. Whatever the case, we’ve all had bad days, bad weeks, and even bad years. You could sit and mope—or you could turn to the magic of cinema to escape. And when the best movies of all time don’t fit the bill, you need something uplifting. We're talking about the best feel-good movies—the ones that, when the world feels like it's on fire or crashing down (or both), make it all just melt away and life seem better and happier. 

To help get you out of your slump, we movie lovers at Marie Claire have brought you this list of the best feel-good movies that have made us laugh, and/or cry—happy tears, that is. In these movies, you can expect to see some elements of humor, a touch of drama here and there, and, of course, happy endings. Rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally and 13 Going on 30 are classics to turn to, but we’ve also included some recent dramas and old-school animated movies , too. And though feel-good movies all have the same good vibes, what “feels good” is different for everyone. Hence why we’ve ordered this list by genre so you can head to your favorite easily. So grab your comfiest blanket, a glass of wine, and curl up with one of the best feel-good movies of all time. 

Best Feel-Good Comedy Movies

'booksmart'.

Four years of fun in one night? What could possibly go wrong! Beanie Feldstein gives a masterful performance in  Booksmart —a hilarious movie about two high schoolers who attempt to do everything they didn't do throughout high school right before they graduate.

'Legally Blonde'

"...What, like it's hard?" Do yourself a favor and watch Reese Witherspoon , Jennifer Coolidge, and more iconic women in  Legally Blonde  if you're looking for a good laugh, the perfect movie for girls' night , or a reason to go to law school.

'Elf' 

Just because Elf is a Christmas movie doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it whenever you need a laugh. Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is nothing short of cheerful, even when he encounters mean New Yorkers. It’s a film that will make you laugh and look forward to the holidays, no matter the time of year. 

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'The Princess Bride'

Right from the start, you know The Princess Bride is a feel-good movie, since it’s literally the story a grandfather tells his grandson to make him feel better. This magical movie has everything to put you in a good mood—“Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...” 

'Grease' 

The catchy music. The dancing. The incredible makeover. Everything about Grease screams a good time. From the opening cartoon credits to when Sandy and Danny drive off into the sunset, you won’t be able to stop yourself from singing along. At times it’s cheesy, but its energy and nostalgia will stand the test of time. 

'Mamma Mia!

A musical movie with a stacked cast and chock full of ABBA songs—what’s not to love? This feel-good film will immediately transport you to the Greek islands and put you in that carefree summer mood with its fun story. Rather than plan for her wedding, Sophia (Amanda Seyfried) is more concerned with finding her birth father so she invites three potential men to her wedding in the hopes of nailing down her father.  

'The Parent Trap'

Whether you re-watch this one for the Lindsay Lohan excellence or the scenes with Daddy Quaid or the dose of childhood nostalgia,  The Parent Trap  will warm your heart.

'Little Miss Sunshine'

The family at the heart of this indie dramedy has a lot going on—they're struggling with depression, drug abuse, body image, and that just cracks the surface. And, honestly, they're not  awesome  at dealing with those issues. But there's something about watching the purposeful not-perfectness of it all come together that just cheers your soul. And if nothing else in the movie does, young Abigail Breslin's dance number in the finale definitely will.

'13 Going on 30'

It's  Big  with a woman. In this romcom classic, an '80s teen makes a wish to fast-forward to her 30s and wakes up 17 years older and looking like Jennifer Garner —but still with the mind of a 13-year-old. Mark Ruffalo shines as a kind of sullen, reluctant love interest.

'Father of the Bride'

The best wedding movie of all time? Maybe. A great movie to watch and feel happy butterflies inside whether you're in the wedding mindset or not? Definitely. A bit dated? Sure, but supremely enjoyable anyways.

'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'

This movie is a classic for a reason and if you haven't given it a true, start-to-finish rewatch since you were a kid, you're only hurting yourself. (Of course, you can and should feel free to skip forward through the depressingly mis-named "Cheer Up, Charlie," number, which almost ruins the movie and is just the worst.)

No need to fix perfection ("As if!" Sorry, had to). Itself a remake of  Emma  (see below), this is the role that made Alicia Silverstone a household name. Matching her with the ageless Paul Rudd with just a hint of his future sense of humor, this is the most perfect example of a "two people who hate and also love each other" plot, partly because it fits perfectly into the OTT '90s setting. Also, those styles are back—proving yet again that Cher, one of my fave characters ever, was totally ahead of her time. 

'Groundhog Day'

It might  feel  like you're living the worst day of your life and every day is the same, but this classic Bill Murray movie will remind you that A) that is not true and B) even if it  were  true, eventually, you can do some pretty amazing things living the same, seemingly-worst day of your life on repeat.

'Bringing Up Baby'

A screwball comedy involving a search for a missing dinosaur bone and a pet leopard? Brought to the screen by legends Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn? Yes. Please.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin'

A lot of Judd Apatow movies could go on this list, but  The 40-Year-Old Virgin  beats out some of his other films, for me, because it's sweet to its core. ( Bridesmaids  felt like a loooot of yelling and crying.) Here, the men—including Paul Rudd, looking the same as he did in  Clueless —have a goofy, ridiculous rapport. The secret genius of the movie is that NONE of them know how to date or talk to girls, but we love them anyways.

'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle'

Who knew that a remake that's geared for kids would be so good, and actually kind of tender? The best way I can describe this is it's like  The Breakfast Club , inside an old video game, in the middle of the jungle, with a bunch of comedians. The Rock and Kevin Hart, in particular, constantly riff like BFFs and it's just a plain delight. There's a reason why this got a sequel, and it's because this movie formula is absolutely perfect.

'School of Rock'

The movies I loved as a kid are always the first ones I turn to for a pick-me-up. Even if this one did pass you by in 2003, the adorable tale about slacker rock star Jack Black teaching a bunch of kids to compete in the battle of the bands is such a sweet and hilarious film to watch. Plus, it's filled with classic rock jams and original music that holds up today!

'The Birdcage'

If you don't know this film (or only know vaguely of the musical), you're in for a treat. This farcical case of bait-and-switch is so silly and sweet, it's bound to lift your mood. When Robin Williams plays the straight man—pun intended—against Nathan Lane and Gene Hackman, you know the movie's bonkers in the best way. The portrayals were nuanced at the time for being forward-thinking and compassionate about gay relationships (a bit less progressive now, but still watchable). And it's funny, without being cruel.

'The Big Lebowski'

TBH, this movie might have taken a few viewings before I really got it. At first it seems like the height of randomness. Nothing really happens to The Dude, aside from his car getting destroyed and his rug getting peed on ("It really tied the room together!"). But that's its brilliance. Jeff Bridges is  totally  unflappable, just abiding with the ridiculousness around him. Maybe have a glass of wine  before  you watch it for the first time and just go with it.  

'A Cinderella Story'

There's been plenty of Cinderella iterations over the years, but nothing tops this one starring Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray. Jennifer Coolidge also stars in this rom-com and has some of her most legendary one-liners of her career, in my opinion. How could we ever forget: "Droughts are for poor people, you think J-Lo has a brown lawn? People who use extra water have extra class."

WATCH IT 

'Aquamarine'

This teen comedy was way ahead of its time fashion-wise. Who else remembers desperately wanting a pair of starfish earrings after watching this? It basically invented Mermaidcore before Mermaidcore was a thing. Plus, it's just a heartwarming story. Two young girls (Emma Roberts and JoJo) have to help a washed-up mermaid return to the sea, and the only way to do so is to find love. 

'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' 

Another example of peak teen comedies of the 2000s is T he Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . In case you don't know the premise, four best friends all magically fit in the same pair of jeans, so they decide to ship them around to each other as they each go off on their own summer plans. It's funny, endearing, and it'll make you cry both happy and sad tears. 

'Confessions of a Shopaholic'

Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is a bonafide shopping addict with debt up to her eyeballs, yet she still manages to land a job at a financial magazine, which lends itself to some hilarious moments. I think we can all relate to Rebecca in one way or another, making this movie very watchable, plus the fashion is sure to leave you smiling. 

WATCH IT  

'Pretty Woman

This rom-com gem is truly a modern-day fairytale. In one of her most iconic roles, Julia Roberts stars as a prostitute who keeps a wealthy businessman (Richard Gere) company for a week, only to end up falling in love with him. Admittedly, the film’s message doesn’t hold up as well today, but its funny and romantic moments will leave you smiling and with butterflies in your stomach. And gosh that ending will go down in rom-com history.  

'Love Actually'

With several interwoven love stories all taking place during the holiday season, it’s impossible not to feel good while watching this movie. A stacked cast makes up eight different couples who all are connected in unexpected ways. They somehow all come together by the film’s end in a story that’s just heartwarming.  

'To All The Boys I've Loved Before'

The first time I watched this movie, I couldn't stop telling everybody I knew that I wish this was around when I was in high school. Lara Jean's intense feelings for her crushes feel incredibly real and not overdramatized, unlike so many teen romantic comedies that have come before it. At its core, this series is as feel-good as it can get.

'About Time'

This underrated romantic dramedy is about a man who learns that he's inherited his family's ability to travel back in time and uses his power to help him overcome his own anxiety and awkwardness that's messed up his potential meet-cutes with his future wife. It sounds a little cringe-y on the face of it, but the execution is actually, somehow, not.

'When Harry Met Sally'

Aside from the lack of cell phones and '80s fashion, much of the movie is still timeless. Nora Ephron was the best screenwriter of her time (and all time, TBH), and listening to Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal deliver the perfect line readings while their characters fall in love is like sipping a cup of warm tea. I could, and probably have, fallen asleep to this movie—it's poetry.

'La La Land'

The classic technicolor musical is always a good time, with those grand set pieces and lovely songs that made Gene Kelly and Irving Berlin legends of the Golden Age. La La Land captured that magic in an updated version that's such a fun time (even though the film's ending is pretty depressing). Just the first freeway dance sequence is enough to put a smile on your face.

'Crazy Rich Asians'

Aside from the ridiculous premise underpinning the movie (why, exactly, does Nick Young  not  tell his girlfriend that a) he's unbelievably wealthy and b) his family's  the most intense ? He's lucky he looks like Henry Golding, otherwise that would be a dumpable offense), the film's both an alternate reality of expensive real-estate/fashion/lifestyle and a sweet story of two kinda-mismatched people making their relationship work despite their families.

If you like Austen films like  Pride and Prejudice  and  Sense and Sensibility , this throwback love story is your perfect match.  Gwyneth Paltrow is sweetly mischievous, even if her English accent is a bit fuzzy. The film's packed with stars: among others, a young Toni Collette, the gorgeous Jeremy Northam, and Ewan McGregor in a spectacularly bad wig.

'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement'

I know: The first movie is so cute and lovely and beloved by so many. But the second one has a really young and darling Chris Pine, and an Anne Hathaway who's really grown into the role. Their romance is really cute...and then actually, kind of hot. Considering that we might get a third movie, this one would also be perfect prep for that glorious day in which we peek into the lives of the hopefully still married royal couple.

'27 Dresses'

I know Katherine Heigl gets a bad rap, but there's also a reason she was so popular back in the day. This was at the height of her rom-com popularity, and it's the perfect vehicle for her. Anyone who's even been in ONE wedding can empathize with this poor woman who's had to plan 27 "special days" for her friends and acquaintances. Added bonus: A young James Marsden, looking cute and acting snarky, to ground the film from becoming too saccharine.

'Downton Abbey: A New Era' 

A New Era captures every little detail you loved about the original series—the stunning costumes, the old-school drama, and of course, Isobel and Violet's cheeky bantering—in all its glory on the big screen. The latest installment of the beloved series sees the Crawleys head to France when the Dowager Countess mysteriously inherits a villa from a man of her past. Plus, it's so much fun to see how the house reacts to being the set of a Hollywood movie. 

'Little Women'

Okay, so there will be tears while watching Greta Gerwig's remake of  Little Women , but hear me out! Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson , Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timmy Chalamet, and Laura Dern's performances (yes, there are a lot!) are incredible. Then there's the storyline itself. While watching Jo grapple with her career and love, we're reminded of our own choices and what really matters in this life. It's pure and it's excellent.

'Good Will Hunting'

As a Bostonian, I can tell you that the film gets a lot right about the city and its inhabitants. As a movie fan, I've always known that Robin Williams is the beating heart of this movie—every time he's on screen, you breathe a sigh of relief. He's like the therapist for the viewers as well as Matt Damon's troubled genius Will. It's a more sad movie now, but the film honors Williams' memory in the best way.

'Akeelah and the Bee'

This is one of those movies that inspires you and makes your soul feel lighter all at once. The movie follows a young girl from South Los Angeles named Akeelah (Keke Palmer) as she studies for a spelling bee with her mentor (Laurence Fishburn) and it's sweet and wonderful and makes you feel things. It's just infinitely worth a watch, okay?

'The Greatest Showman'

Feel-good movies tend to have a central character who beats the odds to achieve their dream, and The Greatest Showman definitely falls into this category. This musical starring Hugh Jackman is a rags-to-riches story of a visionary with dreams of putting on a show unlike any other, and spoiler alert: he does. This film is a spectacle on a different level than any circus you may have seen when you were a kid. 

Everything Everywhere All At Once

This genre-bending A24 movie became an unexpected hit and for good reason. The story follows an aging immigrant woman who just wants to file her taxes but goes on an unexpected adventure through parallel universes. It’s trippy, action-packed, and its emotional message will want to make you hug your family a little tighter.  

'The Devil Wears Prada'

The Devil Wears Prada is an absolute must-watch for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. It’s delightful to see Andy (Anne Hathaway) grow into her own as a writer and conquer her difficult boss and boyfriend, aka the real villain of the story. Whether you’re a fashion fan or not, you’ll appreciate Andy’s comical struggles and her triumphant ending.  

'Forrest Gump'

Forrest Gump is one of those movies everyone should watch at least once. Gump, a slow man with a big heart, takes us through his life’s story, with major historical events like the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal in the background, as he sits at a bus stop. There are moments in Gump’s tale where you’ll laugh and certainly cry, but all in all his mantra is one you’ll never forget: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." 

'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' 

From start to finish, this movie is nothing short of a good time. Chris Pine excels as the charming leader of a pack of thieves and is paired perfectly with the dry sarcasm of Michelle Rodriquez's warrior type. OG Dungeons & Dragons fans will appreciate how closely this adaptation sticks to its source material, but everyone will appreciate the action sequences, laugh-out-loud jokes, and the dashingly handsome Pine. 

'Thor: Ragnarok'

Superhero movies may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to feel-good films, but you’ll see why the third Thor installation made this list within the first five minutes. Thanks to the hilarious direction of Taika Waititi, this Marvel film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Alongside the fun action sequences, there are plenty of moments that will make you laugh out loud.  

'Inside Man'

This Spike Lee-directed heist movie is perfectly paced, expertly shot, and flawlessly executed. Yes, you know who committed the crime immediately (or do you?) but the  how  is what makes the story tick. Then you can rewatch it to catch all the clues you missed the first, second, or third time around.

Is this a controversial pick? Yeah, kind of (people have been debating whether the movie is, in fact, " good " for a while now). If you've never watched, it's as ridiculous as you've been led to believe. Yes, there is a shirtless volleyball scene. Yes, it's exactly as funny as it sounds. But in there is a classic Tom Cruise performance, a  very  handsome Val Kilmer, and a pre-America's sweetheart Meg Ryan in a prototypical '80s film that, if you ask some people, is secretly  filled with hidden meaning .

'Ocean's Twelve'

The first film is incredible, no doubt. But the sequel is just an excuse for extremely hot, funny people to cavort around Europe and get up to some crime in their spare time. This was also the reason all these stars made the movie, I'm pretty sure, and it's clear they're enjoying themselves as much as we are. 

Deadpool is the superhero movie many have tried to recreate, yet have failed to do so. Ryan Reynolds has the kind of deadpan sarcasm that's laugh-out-loud funny, and honestly, I'm not 100 percent sure he's even playing a character. It's a fun origin story that's packed to the brim with violence, pop culture references, and witty tidbits. 

'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' 

This may be the first time you see the Puss in Boots on this list, but it's not the last. That's because Puss is nothing short of adorable and makes for a great adventure on screen. The Last Wish sees our favorite booted feline team up with Kitty Softpaws (voiced by the legendary Salma Hayek) in order to get his nine lives back. This feel-good film not only features animation that's a feast to the eyes, but it also has a surprisingly refreshing take on anxiety and mental health. Oh, and Florence Pugh sounds mean and nasty as Goldilocks. 

'The Little Mermaid'

With incredible original songs and off-the-charts chemistry, 2023's live-action The Little Mermaid blows the original out of the water (get it?). Halle Bailey was practically born to play Ariel with her pipes and her chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King, AKA Prince Eric, induces butterflies in the stomach every time they are on screen together. The underwater scenes are a joy to watch, as is Melissa McCarthy's go as the evil sea queen Ursula. 

'Ella Enchanted'

I may be well into my 20s, but I still turn to this movie time and time again whenever I need a good cheering up. It's just physically impossible to be sad during the energetic musical numbers in this movie, especially the ending's 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart.' It follows Ella (Anne Hathaway), a young woman who's been cursed with the "gift" of obedience since she was a baby. In her journey to find the fairy godmother who gave her the gift, she teams up with Prince Char (Hugh Dancy) and falls for him, despite his annoying fan base. It may be a little bit cheesy, a little bit predictable, but it's oh-so-good.

'My Neighbor Totoro'

If you’re not particularly a fan of animated movies, I urge you to watch My Neighbor Totoro . Studio Ghibli’s masterful storytelling and visually stunning animation are unlike anything you may have seen before. In this tale, two sisters move to the countryside with their parents and befriend several forest spirits. It’s hard to stop smiling at the adorableness in this movie.   

'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'

While the first installment in the Harry Potter series is far from the best, its childlike imagination and world-building make for the perfect set-up for the series’ more weighty films. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are just figuring out how to navigate Hogwarts in The Sorcerer’s Stone , and it's delightful seeing them enjoy their magical classes. Watching Harry open his first Christmas present will never fail to bring a tear to my eye.  

Yes, I know the first few minutes of this Disney film are incredibly sad, but if you can make it through the tearful beginning, the rest of the film is super endearing. A grouchy old man and an upbeat adventure scout make an adorable (and hilarious) pair as they travel to Paradise Falls. It’s a charming story that will surely make it to the top of your list of Disney favorites.   

WALL-E is a cute-as-can-be robot with a curious personality whose mission is to help clean up a trash-ridden Earth. Then he (?) meets EVE, a high-tech robot created to find proof of life on Earth and the two soon embark on a galaxy-crossing journey. Who knew a Disney adventure movie about robots could be so charming and thought-provoking? 

'Mary Poppins'

There’s no other movie that quite defines the magic of Disney like Mary Poppins . This modern fairy tale follows a literal magical nanny as she uses music to cheer two kids up. With fun songs, animated sequences, and Poppins’ chipper attitude, the entire film exudes joy. I dare you to be sad while watching this film. 

'Paddington 2'

If you haven't, you should read why  Paddington 2 's  Oscar snubs are a total travesty . The first film is sweet and tender, but the second one offers both those things AND a scene-stealing performance by Hugh Grant AND a brilliant metaphor for Brexit, all wrapped up with heartwarming gooey marmalade.

'Toy Story 3'

Ok, yes, the first two are pitch-perfect and defined our childhoods. But, much like the third  Star Wars , this brings home the trilogy without missing a beat. In the coming-of-age tale that is Andy and his toys, this reckons with the final chapter—and its inevitable farewell—with grace. Those last (sniff) five minutes (sob). Watch, cry happy tears, watch again.

'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'

Who knew an animated superhero film could be 1) beautiful, 2) touching, and 3) absolutely perfect for even non-Marvel fans to enjoy? No big spoilers, but John Mulaney as Spider-Ham and Jake Johnson as a Spider-Man who eats pizza and has gotten fat are just two of the genius voice casting choices in this brilliant film.

'The Emperor's New Groove'

The Emperor's New Groove  is the Disney movie that doesn't  quite  feel like a Disney movie. The movie's infamously troubled production resulted in a wacky, irreverent buddy movie instead of the sweeping romantic epic the filmmakers had originally envisioned, but the end result is also amazing, underrated, and great for a quick pick-me-up if you're feeling down.

Ok, the first Shrek movie is a classic that helped set off a new age of digital animation. However, the second is a much funner time (and I don't just think that because I saw Shrek 2 first.) Watching the swamp ogre adapt to the big city is a hilarious ride, and the Fairy Godmother as a badass villain is a superb reimagining. Plus, this is the movie that introduces us to Puss in Boots! What else could you want from a feel-good film?

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick , our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper , NickiSwift, The Sun US , and Vox Magazine of Columbia , Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.

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The 17 Best Feel-Good Movies of All Time

With adulthood being as hard as it is, feel-good movies serve a crucial function: Sometimes, you just aren’t in the mood to challenge your brain with an Oscar-winning thriller or a critically acclaimed documentary . Comfort-food movie-viewing is extremely valid, and, in our opinion, a necessary part of a balanced media diet—so why deny yourself? Below, find 17 feel-good movies to escape into the next time you need a little coziness.

A League of Their Own (1992)

As Jess on New Girl says, this movie is “about sisterhood…and the war.” Accordingly, there are some tense moments, but mostly A League of Their Own concerns lusting after a young Tom Hanks and watching Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell run around in period softball costumes—a.k.a. instant serotonin.

How to watch: Stream on Peacock , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

Finding Nemo (2003)

Sure, this one’s for kids, but after that terrifying opening scene (you know the one I mean), it’s pretty much smooth sailing, like an “underwater” screensaver with a touching plot about family, friendship, bravery, and independence attached. (Thomas Newman’s rousing score doesn’t hurt, either.)

How to watch: Stream on Disney+ , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

Amélie (2002)

Parisian waitress Amelie Poulin’s whole mission in life is to help people find joy, and this movie is sure to help you do the same every time you rewatch it.

How to watch: Stream on Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Arguably the most feel-good entry in Nora Ephron’s oeuvre, this movie comes in handy just when you’ve convinced yourself that love is dead after one too many breakups. Why didn’t Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan ever costar in anything else?

Julie & Julia (2009)

Actually, is this the most feel-good Nora Ephron movie of all time? Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and the endless shots of mouthwateringly flaky crust and melting butter all say yes .

Shrek (2001)

There are just enough sly little winks in this animated kids’ favorite to make it fun for adults too, and come on —who doesn’t shed a tear when Shrek learns to love fellow ogress Fiona?

Mamma Mia! (2008)

No offense, but if you can get to the end of this Greek island romp without singing along, there’s something incurably wrong with you.

How to watch: Stream on Netflix , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

The Princess Bride (1987)

A classic for a reason, this epic adventure gets thrown on the TV pretty much any time I’m grumpy on a Sunday (and want to bask in the beauty of Robin Wright).

How to watch: Disney+ , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

Blue Crush (2002)

The creme de la creme of aughts surfer-girl rom-coms! (Okay, fine, maybe it’s the only one. ) Kate Bosworth and her gang of sun-streaked besties are so charming in this film, you’ll want to abscond to Hawaii and learn to pop up alongside them.

How to watch: Stream on Starz , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

Clueless (1995)

Arguably the Austen rom-com adaptation against which all others must be measured, this movie is excellent PR for nosy popular girls.

How to watch: Stream on Paramount+ , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

Father of the Bride (1991)

If you want to escape into some truly low-stakes ’90s drama—the characters in this movie are…planning a wedding!—Nancy Meyers’s Father of the Bride is for you. (Also, is it me, or was Steve Martin kind of hot?)

How to watch: Stream on Hulu , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

It’s Complicated (2009)

Speaking of Nancy Meyers and Steve Martin, there’s probably nothing more soothing than watching Meryl Streep cook in a gorgeous Santa Barbara kitchen.

Across the Universe (2007)

A Beatles soundtrack updated in a way that’s actually successful and not (totally) cringe? I’d be suspicious too, but trust me, it works—and is cozy as hell to watch on a boring Friday night.

How to watch: Stream on Max , Apple TV , Prime Video , or YouTube .

March of the Penguins (2005)

I can honestly say I hadn’t ever given much thought to the migration patterns of emperor penguins before seeing this movie—but now I’m hooked on how insanely cute they are.

Booksmart (2019)

Even if you’re not a formerly weird high school girl of the “only has one friend” variety (ahem, hi), this movie is sure to make you crack up and feel at least a little bit like the kids are all right.

Home for the Holidays (1995)

Holly Hunter’s ineffable charm makes this Thanksgiving-centric movie a perfect rewatch for any time of year, not just on the third Thursday in November.

Little Women (2019)

To paraphrase Ariana DeBose, Greta Gerwig (and Saoirse Ronan, and Florence Pugh, and Emma Watson, and Timothée Chalamet, and Laura Dern, and Bob Odenkirk, and Meryl Streep) did the thing, and we are all infinitely grateful.

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61 best feel-good movies that are guaranteed to boost your mood

No tears allowed here. Just pure joy...

Feel-good movies are criminally underrated. Sure, we love a hard-hitting blockbuster as much as the next person, but—after a difficult few years—it's no surprise we're craving as much lighthearted entertainment and feel-good films as possible. So, to relieve any anxiety you may be feeling right now—or if you’re simply looking for a pick-me-up—we've rounded up the best flicks that will give you a much-needed mood boost.

Sure, you could go for a run and get those endorphins flowing. Or you could instead grab your favourite person, your comfiest loungewear , a glass of wine and/or some delicious snacks, and stick on a bloody good film.

None of these films will make you cry, and they possibly won’t exercise your brain cells, but doesn’t our mind need a much-needed break RN? We're not here to judge how anyone spends their free time.

So, we have delved into the vaults of Netflix , NOW TV, Amazon Prime, Disney+, the lot… and found some seriously feel-good movies, from those pom-pom dazzling cheerleading routines in Bring It On to the hilariously cutthroat world of fashion in The Devil Wears Prada . Also, how about The Terminal starring Tom Hanks (because doesn't Tom Hanks make everything better?) to Will Ferrell's LOL-worthy hit Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga , also starring Rachel McAdams. Or how about guaranteed laughs with Tiffany Haddish and Regina Hall in Girls Trip ?

We even included the classics, like the very first Harry Potter movie, which has single-handedly united generations, created a colossal following, and disrupted the world of fantasy and storytelling. After all these years, no matter what age you are, it’s still a good watch!

So, if you are looking for an easygoing flick—something to make you laugh, inspire you or generally restore your faith in humanity here are the feel-good movies for you…

This story first appeared on glamourmagazine.co.uk

How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days (2003)

Who: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey What: Magazine advice columnist Andi Anderson pushes the boundaries of love when she plans on writing a quirky piece on how to get your boyfriend to leave you in ten days. However, she doesn't expect to develop feelings and have her plans backfire when she crosses paths with hunky-yet-arrogant executive Benjamin Barry. Feel-Good Rating: A fun, enjoyable and quotable watch. 8/10

The Princess Diaries (2001)

Who: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews What: Awkward San Francisco teenager Mia Thermopolis' life is turned upside down when she learns that she is a real-life princess from the tiny European principality of Genovia, and her grandmother is the super strict Queen Clarisse Renaldi, who arrives in town to give the glamorous princess a makeover. Feel-Good Rating: We consider this a teen classic, and a right of passage for every woman growing up, so it's def a 10/10

Grease (1978)

Who: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John What: The all-singing, all-dancing world of a fifties high school always makes us feel good! Grease focuses on the summer romance between edgy leather-wearing Danny and wholesome exchange student Sandy, who both ruffle a whole load of feathers with their clique-crossing relationship. Feel-Good Rating: We'll give it a toe-tapping 9/10

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Who: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Christa B. Allen, Judy Greer What: A young teenager is fed up with life in junior high and prays to be transformed into a grownup with a glamorous job and a handsome boyfriend. So when her wishes are answered, she quickly realises that adulthood comes with its own set of problems and challenges. Feel-Good Rating: You can't go wrong with this classic, so a definite 10/10

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Who: Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Toni Collette, Steve Carell What: Upon her daughter's request to participate in a beauty pageant, a family make the adventurous cross-country road trip to get her on stage.  Feel-Good Rating: How can you not smile while watching this family go to extreme lengths to make their daughter's dreams come true? 8/10

Bring It On (2000)

Who: Kirsten Dunst , Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku  What: There's some drama as a cheerleading group discovers that their former captain stole all of their best routines, leaving them scrambling ahead of the upcoming championships.  Feel-Good Rating: Anything with energetic cheering and dance routines instantly puts a smile on our faces. 9/10

Easy A (2010)

Who: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Stanley Tucci, Lisa Kudrow What: When Olive tells an innocent lie about losing her virginity to spice up her life, a high-school mean girl overhears and spreads the story around school like wildfire Feel-Good Rating: Well, it's the movie that introduced us to Emma Stone , so for that reason alone, it's a solid 9/10

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Who: Anne Hathaway , Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Adrian Grenier What: Aspiring journalist Andy comes searching for a job in New York, where she ends up being assistant to one of the city's most prominent and ruthless journalists, Miranda Priestly. Feel-Good Rating: An iconic film with excellent fashion and a great message about not losing yourself in the big city. 8/10

The 50 Best Feel-Good Movies to Make You Happy

1. The Pursuit of Happyness

2. Dead Poets Society

3. The Blind Side

4. Moneyball

5. The Intouchables

6. Jerry Maguire

7. The Natural

9. October Sky

10. Invictus

11. The Bucket List

13. School of Rock

14. The World's Fastest Indian

15. Patch Adams

17. The Walk

18. Molly's Game

19. Chocolat

20. The Full Monty

21. Flora and Son

22. About a Boy

More to explore, recently viewed.

Feel Good Movies To Make You Smile

Between the pandemic, multiple lockdowns, and all kinds of political upheaval, it’s been a very difficult couple of years to say the least – and we’ve never needed escapism more. That’s why Empire has pulled together a list of guaranteed feelgood movies – 30 films sure to bring a smile to your face (and maybe a few cathartic tears along the way) just when you need it the most. If you’re looking for groundbreaking edginess, difficult and demanding flicks, you won’t find those here – just pure, chicken-soup-for-the-soul warmth and goodness.

And chances are, you’ve seen most of these films before – but that’s the joy of a feelgood movie. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve watched Phil Conners wake up to the strains of ‘I Got You Babe’ in Groundhog Day , how often you’ve escaped to the world of Soot Sprites and and forest spirits in My Neighbour Totoro , or how many times you’ve seen Andy Dufresne fight for his freedom in The Shawshank Redemption – returning to them feels like sinking into a warm bath, or a hug from an old friend. And beyond the old favourites we have recent recommendations too that are sure to worm their way into your heart – the joyful vibrancy of Crazy Rich Asians , or the dazzling wit and heart of Into The Spider-Verse .

Whether you’re looking for heart-thumping romances, soaring singalongs, family favourites, or attention-grabbing adventures, let cinema be your comfort blanket, your momentary escape from talk of outbreaks and downpours and presidential elections. Here are 35 films guaranteed to cheer you up.

READ MORE: The Empire Lockdown Survival Kit

30 Full-On Feel Good Movies

35. The Martian

It starts with high drama as Matt Damon's Mark Watney is left for dead on Mars by his astro-colleagues. But the process of his figuring out how to survive and the way his NASA colleagues on Earth and spaceship Hermes rally round to save him will have you cheering. It's smart people using their brains for pure good. Just don't have potatoes while you watch it.

Read the Empire review.

AKA the film that truly made Emma Stone a star. This update of The Scarlett Letter finds truth in high school and also boasts possibly the best parental pairing of the teen genre (Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson). It's constantly amusing, while Stone's charm shines through.

33. What We Do In The Shadows

It was once hard to imagine Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's vampire flatmate comedy sparking not one but two TV spin-offs, but once you watch it, you realise why. Shadows is full of silly gags, wisely observed buddy comedy and the funniest clash between werewolves and the vampires since Underworld: Evolution. And this was intentionally funny.

32. Four Weddings And A Funeral

Yes, yes, Four Weddings has that pesky "funeral" in the title, and indeed Gareth's (Simon Callow) send-off is indeed targeted straight at the heartstrings. But it's earned, and the rest is such jolly, witty fun that you never mind the grief break.

31. Toy Story 2

Sure, the first Toy Story is almost as good, but if you want pure Pixar magic, look no further. And this was a movie rescued from straight-to-video hell, no less. You already know you like Woody, Buzz and the rest, but Toy Story 2 cements that fact. Or why not just make it a double-bill with them both? Add the third if you're feeling emotionally strong (the incinerator and the finale are definitely tear-inducing).

30. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Set in the highly competitive world of a capella singing competitions, this sleeper hit is sold by a charming comic cast, led by Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson. It has the against-the-odds, little-guys-versus-the-big-baddies qualities of a great sports movie, but with cheesy pop hits instead of touchdowns and goals and that sort of thing.

29. Sunshine On Leith (2013)

A musical written around the songs of The Proclaimers, the Scottish twins famed for their insistence on walking enormous distances, doesn't sound especially enticing. Try it though, because it's so enormously chirpy that it would be a hard-hearted grump who wasn't stamping along passionately by the time it comes to the big '500 Miles' sing-along. Read the Empire review.

28. Duck Soup (1933)

Whack on any Marx Brothers movie and lose the stresses of the world in a hail of masterful physical comedy. None of their films are what you'd call plot-heavy, they're just excuses for lots of sketches. This, about a dictator who declares war on a neighbouring country for personal reasons, might be a little too close to real-life politics right now, but it's nice to laugh about it rather than cry. Read the Empire review.

27. Love, Simon (2018)

Finally, a big-screen gay romance that doesn't end in tragedy. Greg Berlanti's high school rom-com is an unabashed, unashamed crowd-pleaser, starring Nick Robinson as Simon – a closeted all-American teenager who starts an email correspondence with another closeted kid at his school. Warm and funny, with a feelgood ferris wheel finale and an air-punching soundtrack courtesy of Jack Antonoff. Read the Empire review.

26. Up (2009)

It starts with emotional devastation, as in just a few minutes we follow Carl and Ellie Fredricksen from childhood, through marriage, struggles to conceive, and then Ellie's death. Once it's wrung you out, however, the rest of this Pixar masterwork lifts you with a story of a lonely child and a broken-hearted old man becoming friends on a mad adventure. Read the Empire review.

25. Billy Elliot (2000)

A hallmark of feel-good movies is to have some poor downtrodden soul achieve a dream that seems impossible. That's exactly what happens when Billy, a kid growing up in a northern mining town where hope is in short supply, decides that he wants to become a dancer. Read the Empire review.

24. Some Like It Hot (1959)

The thing that makes this so feel-good is the performances. Marilyn Monroe was never more delightful than she was as unlucky-in-love singer Sugar Kane. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon are comic genius as musicians on the run from the mob who go into hiding by disguising themselves as women. There's a vein of sadness running through it, but feel-good movies don't have to be relentlessly positive, they just need to make you see the world in a better light. Read the Empire review.

23. Babe (1995)

Talking animals are almost always pleasing. They're particularly charming in this adaptation of Dick King-Smith's The Sheep Pig, in which a plucky little piglet avoids becoming a farmer's dinner by learning to herd sheep. It's a very sweet story made with enormous enthusiasm and a ton of visual wit. Read the Empire review.

22. Big (1988)

So many things to love in the tale of a boy who wishes to be older and turns into Tom Hanks. The giant piano! That weird song about rollercoasters and cocoa pops! Difficulty with canapés! It reminds us that we should enjoy the life we have now and not wish it away in a rush to get to tomorrow. Hanks is spectacular. Read the Empire review.

21. Etre Et Avoir (2002)

This 2002 documentary will make you weep, but in a very happy way. It follows one year at a school in small-town France, where one teacher, Mr Lopez, looks after 200 children of varying ages. It's a beautiful account of how much one person can affect the lives of so many. Read the Empire review.

20. Top Secret! (1984)

A feel-good movie in the sense that it's so hilarious you won't be able to feel unhappy while it's on. There are no lessons to be learned from this film. Ostensibly this 1984 comedy is about a spy mission to rescue a scientist from some Nazis. Really it's just a big collection of absurdist gags, including the funniest ever use of a fake cow. Read the Empire review.

19. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

A very unhappy family goes on a road trip so its youngest member, awkward little Olive, can enter a beauty contest. Life lessons are learned, bonds are formed and home truths are aired in a lovely film all about how bizarre and difficult families can be, but how nobody knows you better than the people forced to live with you. Read the Empire review.

18. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

After years of rom-com wilderness came Crazy Rich Asians – delivering a swoon-worthy couple in Constance Wu's Rachel and Henry Golding's Nick, laugh-out-loud gags from Awkwafina, and a visual vibrancy that makes the genre come alive again. It'll leave you beaming – with a little happy-crying at the Mandarin cover of Coldplay's 'Yellow'. Read the Empire review.

17. Tootsie (1982)

When failing actor Michael, played by a very game Dustin Hoffman, can't find any work he takes the bonkers decision to disguise himself as a woman in order to win the role of a lifetime. By not playing any of it as broad as that sounds, this becomes not only very very funny but also extremely moving. It's about upending the way the world sees you. Read the Empire review.

16. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

With some feel-good movies you really have to go through the ringer to get to the heartwarming part. Shawshank is just such a film. There's plenty of death and injustice and abuse in the story of a wrongfully imprisoned man, but when you get to the moment he's finally freed all that misery is worth it. Honest. Read the Empire review.

15. The Lego Movie (2014)

For about an hour The Lego Movie is just a surreal animated comedy, boundlessly creative in its madness. Delightful, silly and simple. Then something changes and it becomes not just a string of daft gags, but a story of fathers and sons, with a massive emotional wallop. It's still a massive injustice it wasn't even nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar. Read the Empire review.

14. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)

Politics in 2020 is an absolute car crash, but watching Jimmy Stewart take on government corruption in Frank Capra's big-hearted drama will give you the feeling that good still exists. Most of this list could have been made up of Jimmy Stewart movies. He is human serotonin. Read the Empire review.

13. Sullivan’s Travels (1941)

In this Preston Sturges classic Joel McCrea is a director of shallow comedy movies who is fed up with a career that has no real meaning, believing he should be making big important pictures. To prepare for said important picture he disguises himself as a homeless beggar to see how poor people live. What he finds on this ridiculous journey is that there are few things more important than comedy. If you can laugh, things will probably be alright. Read the Empire review.

12. Jerry Maguire (1996)

Cameron Crowe's comedy, featuring one of Tom Cruise's finest performances, is cheering on several levels. It's a rush for anyone who's ever dreamt of packing in a job they hate and following their dreams. It's a charming romantic comedy about second chances. It's a sports movie with a cracker of a big win. It's just the best. Read the Empire review.

11. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

Sony's animated Spider-Man movie is a total triumph – dazzlingly animated, with side-splitting gags, loveable characters, and a twisty-turny narrative of constant invention and reinvention. It's relentlessly entertaining, and the 'What's Up Danger?' sequence will add extra years to your life, guaranteed_._Guarantee not actually guaranteed. Read the Empire review.

10. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Ferris Bueller is pure wish fulfillment. It's the fantasy we've all had of bunking off school/work and spending a day living life to the fullest. Nobody wrote teenagers like John Hughes and Ferris was his masterwork, a cocky little beggar who was nevertheless seductive and likeable, the self-confident popular kid we'd all like to be. Call in sick and spend the day watching this. Read the Empire review.

9. Sing Street (2016)

It was only a modest success on release, but you should seek out John Carney's jaunty musical. A boy with a fractious home life, no friends at school and a keenness to impress an older girl forms his own band, inspired by the biggest groups of the 80s. Memorable songs, winning performances from an unknown cast and a relentless belief that things will be ok in the end make this an A+ mood-enhancer. Read the Empire review.

8. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

This is the perfect romantic comedy. You could try to find fault with it but you would not succeed. As two friends bickering their way toward falling in love, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are effortlessly adorable. Nora Ephron's script is full of witty, beautifully observed moments, and nothing tops that final confrontation at New Year's Eve. You could watch it a million times and always be delighted anew. Read the Empire review.

7. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Ghibli's beautiful ode to childhood innocence and the majesty of nature is full of imagery to soothe your frazzled mind and ease your fractious soul. Bask in the creaky old house that young girls Satsuki and Mei move to for the summer with their dad, luxuriate in the gorgeous music by Joe Hisaishi, and feel the warm glow of the forest spirits as the girls meet an array of cute and cuddly Totoros. And did we mention the Catbus? Read the Empire review.

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

The film starts with a little boy being read a story by his adoring grandpa. That framing automatically makes it comforting, sending you back to times when someone would tell you stories of magical things faraway. Then, of course, the story it tells is an enormously funny, deeply weird spin on traditional fairytales. You probably know every line, don't you? Read the Empire review.

5. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

Some would argue that Frank Capra's Christmas classic is mostly not a feel-good film, given much of it deals with a man wanting to kill himself because he's buggered up most of his life. However, it's all about those final moments, the run through the snowy town to get to the family that loves him. At that point your heart soars and any attempt not to be swept up in its cheesiness is futile. Read the Empire review.

4. Singin’ In The Rain (1952)

Gene Kelly will dance all your cares away as he goes sploshing down the street, giddy with love for Debbie Reynolds. Singin' In The Rain is a bold, primary-coloured rush of unabashed enthusiasm. There is no room for misery here. There is no opportunity for your daily concerns to creep in. For 103 minutes you're going to have a lovely time and you have no choice in the matter. Read the Empire review.

3. Paddington 2 (2017)

"If we're kind and polite, the world will be right." Everything about Paddington 2 exudes positivity – it's a film that abounds with sheer delight. Even Hugh Grant's luvvie villain Phoenix Buchanan is gloriously entertaining. With its pastel-perfect imagery, lovely evocation of picture-book London, and low-stakes, high-emotion plot (Paddington wants to buy the perfect gift for Aunt Lucy!), Paul King's film is the cure for pretty much any ailment. They should prescribe it on the NHS. Read the Empire review.

2. Groundhog Day (1993)

Proof that feel-good doesn't have to mean saccharine. Bill Murray is the cynical weather reporter who gets stuck living the same day over and over again, until he eventually learns to enjoy the little things and stop looking for reasons to be unhappy. It's got an acid wit, but a big, soppy, optimistic heart. Read the Empire review.

1. Amélie (2001)

If this doesn't lift your spirits then you're beyond hope. It's everything you want in a feel-good movie. Charmingly oddball Amélie secretly helps people who are living unhappy lives, but can't work up the courage to fix her own issues, until love forces her to. It looks like a dream, Jean Pierre Jeunet's creativity is limitless and Audrey Tautou is weapons-grade adorable in the lead role. Everything about it is a joy. It could even cure the malaise of 2020, the worst year in history not to include an actual world war (yet). Read the Empire review.

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30 Feel-Good Movies on Netflix to Lift Your Spirits

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Perhaps you're not having the best day. Or maybe you’re drained from going down a social media rabbit hole. Either way, these situations call for a pint of your favorite ice cream and the best feel-good movies on Netflix .

Whether you’re a fan of cheesy rom-coms or thought-provoking dramas that leave you inspired, the streaming platform boasts an impressive library of fun titles to boost your mood. We’re talking beloved films like Paddington , Always Be My Maybe , Love at First Sight and more. Keep reading for 30 of the best feel-good movies on Netflix right now.

9 Must-Watch Titles You Might’ve Missed on Netflix, Hand-Picked by an Entertainment Editor

1. The Change-Up (2011)

• Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde

In this remixed version of  Freaky Friday , Dave, a working husband and father, switches bodies with his lifelong best friend, Mitch, a single bachelor. At first, they're all too happy to change places, but they realize that living each other's lives isn't as easy as they once thought.

2. Senior Year (2022)

• Cast: Rebel Wilson, Sam Richardson, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Justin Hartley

Think 17 Again , only in this case, we’re following a young woman who wakes up from a coma after a whopping 20 years and decides to head back to high school. It’s not the most original premise, but according to Stream On co-host Phil Mutz, it’ll have you in stitches. He said, “It’s surprisingly funny. I really wanted to hate it because it’s such a played out and cliché idea. The story might be stupid, but who cares if I’m enjoying myself?”

3. Dumplin' (2018)

• Cast: Danielle Macdonald, Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush
• Rating: PG-13

Set in a small Texas town, Dumplin’ follows plus-size teen Willowdean "Dumplin" Dickson, whose mom happens to be a former beauty queen and head of the town's Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant. When Willowdean joins the pageant in protest, she launches a major movement that revolutionizes the entire town.

4. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

• Cast: Nathan Kahane, Erin Westerman, Randall Park, Ali Wong

Wong and Park star as childhood friends Sasha and Marcus, who have grown apart after a short fling during their teenage years. However, when they reunite in their hometown 16 years later, they realize that they still have feelings for each other…even though one of them is taken. What could possibly go wrong?

5. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

• Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish
• Rating: TV-14

Need a teen romance that’ll leave you smiling after the credits roll? Add this title to your queue ASAP. The movie follows high schooler Lara Jean, who, instead of approaching her crushes in real life, writes secret letters to her love interests with no intention of sending them. But when her sister mails them out, chaos ensues as each of her crushes begin to confront her.

6. Set It Up (2018)

• Cast: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Taye Diggs, Lucy Liu
• Rating: TV-MA

While out on an errand for their nightmare bosses, two overworked assistants cross paths and come up with a brilliant idea: to set up their bosses on a date, in hopes of lightening their own loads at work. But will it pay off?

7. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

• Cast: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez

Rudd plays a retired writer turned caregiver for an 18-year-old named Trevor, who’s disabled. As they embark on a road trip to see the world's deepest pit, they develop a rather complicated relationship and learn a few important life lessons along the way. This heartwarming flick gives plenty of insight into what being a caregiver is like.

8. Falling Inn Love (2019)

• Cast: Christina Milian, Adam Demos, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman
• Rating: TV-PG

Gabriela Diaz is thrilled to learn that she has won a contest to take ownership of an Inn located in New Zealand. But when she leaves the Big Apple to see her new property, she realizes that it needs a bit of work. Enlisting the help of a charming contractor, Gabriela sets out to flip The Bellbird Valley Farm—and naturally, she falls in love during the process.

9. The Out-Laws (2023)

• Cast: Adam DeVine, Nina Dobrev, Ellen Barkin, Pierce Brosnan

On the week of his wedding, a bank manager named Owen experiences a robbery at his bank. However, he has a nagging feeling that his fiancée's parents are the infamous out-laws who are responsible. With a star-studded cast and so many funny moments, we can see why it jumped to the top ten list on Netflix after its release.

10. Paddington (2014)

• Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman

Meet Paddington, an anthropomorphic bear who makes his way to London and gets taken in by a loving family. But Paddington’s troubles are far from over, because an evil museum taxidermist is determined to capture the bear and add him to her collection.

11. Murder Mystery (2011)

• Cast: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Luke Evans

Fans of  Date Night will appreciate this laugh-out-loud adventure, which follows a married couple who, during a romantic getaway, get caught up in a murder mystery that involves a dead billionaire. (Psst, when you're done, you can follow up with the sequel —also available on Netflix .)

12. Jesus Revolution (2005)

• Cast: Joel Courtney, Jonathan Roumie, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Anna Grace Barlow

Don't worry—it's not a cringey film that plays like a two-hour sermon. Rather, it tells the fascinating true story of Lonnie Frisbee and Chuck Smith, who were involved in the Jesus movement in California during the '60s.

13. The Man From Toronto (2022)

• Cast: Kevin Hart, Woody Harrelson, Kaley Cuoco, Jasmine Mathews

This guilty-pleasure action flick revolves around Teddy, a struggling entrepreneur who gets mistaken for the world's most dangerous assassin during a getaway with his wife. When the FBI gets involved, Teddy continues posing as the assassin to help solve a case, but can he pull it off?

14. Love, Guaranteed (2020)

• Cast: Rachael Leigh Cook, Damon Wayans Jr., Caitlin Howden

Cook stars as Susan, a lawyer who reluctantly takes on a high-profile case to save her struggling law firm. Her client is a charming young bachelor who wants to sue a dating website that guarantees true love. Unfortunately for Susan, the case is even more stressful than she anticipated. And her romantic chemistry with her client doesn’t make things any easier…

15. Tall Girl (2019)

• Cast: Ava Michelle, Luke Eisner, Griffin Gluck, Anjelika Washington, Sabrina Carpenter

Jodi, aka the tallest kid at school, has always been insecure about her height. But when she meets and falls for a charming foreign exchange student (who’s even taller than she is), she gets pulled into a love triangle that turns her world upside-down.

16. Along for the Ride (2022)

• Cast: Emma Pasarow, Belmont Cameli, Kate Bosworth

Obsessed with cheesy romances? Well, meet your match. Based on Sarah Dessen’s novel of the same name, Along for the Ride tells the story of 18-year-old insomniac Auden. When she meets a BMXer named Eli, he challenges her to embark on an adventure that involves doing all the “kid things” she missed out on.

17. The Royal Treatment (2022)

• Cast: Laura Marano, Mena Massoud

New York-based hairdresser Izzy gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she signs on to work a royal wedding. The only problem? There’s undeniable chemistry between her and the groom, who seems hesitant to tie the knot. Will he choose duty or follow his heart?

18. Little Big Mouth (2021)

• Cast: Nay Maps, Amanda du-Pont, James Borthwick

This underrated South African gem follows a musician who’s down on his luck after he gets kicked out of his band and his home. Fortunately for him, a kind bookkeeper offers to let him stay with her and her son. But as their relationship grows, her little boy is determined to drive them apart.

19. Yes Day (2021)

• Cast: Jennifer Garner, Édgar Ramírez, Jenna Ortega.

When Allison, a strict and overprotective mom, learns that her kids see her as the ultimate fun killer, she takes the advice of a school guidance counselor and gives her kids a "Yes Day." With some basic ground rules, she and her husband say "yes" to all of their kids' requests, and this leads to major chaos.

20. The Half of It (2020)

• Cast: Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire

When straight-A student Ellie Chu agrees to help a jock win the heart of his crush, she not only develops an unlikely friendship with him, but she also starts to fall for the girl he likes. Yes, it sounds like almost every other teen movie you’ve seen, but this one has a rather compelling twist and explores what it truly means to navigate love and friendships.

21. Afterlife of the Party (2021)

• Cast: Victoria Justice, Midori Francis, Timothy Renouf

Party girl Cassie is having the time of her life while celebrating her birthday. That is, until she suddenly dies and discovers that she can’t enter the "Afterlife Party in Heaven." To make this happen, she must help people on earth as a guardian angel before her time runs out.

22. Love Hard (2021)

• Cast: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet

Dobrev takes center stage as Natalie, an L.A. columnist who meets and falls for her dream guy on a dating website. However, when she decides to pay him a surprise visit for the holidays, she discovers that she’s been catfished. Talk about awkward.

23. A Perfect Pairing (2022)

• Cast: Victoria Justice, Adam Demos, Luca Asta Sardelis

Nickelodeon alum Victoria Justice channels her inner Tori Vega in this Hallmark-style rom-com , which follows an ambitious wine executive as she sets out to launch her own company. To do so, she must travel to Australia to land her first potential client—and the trip proves to be quite different from what she expected.

24. Matilda the Musical (2022)

• Cast: Alisha Weir, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Emma Thompson

“We are revolting children, living in revolting times!” The catchy musical numbers, the charming cast and Thompson's incredible portrayal of Miss Trunchbull are just a few reasons you'll enjoy this fun remake of the 1996 classic.

25. The Adam Project (2022)

• Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Walker Scobell

When 12-year-old Adam Reed finds a mysterious pilot hiding out in his garage, he’s shocked to learn that it’s his future self. Adult Adam reveals that he’s on a secret mission to save the planet and enlists young Adam’s help, but it proves to be quite the challenge, given that the pair can’t seem to get along.

26. Meet the Fockers (2004)

• Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand

Do yourself a favor and check out Meet the Parents before your dive into this sequel, which follows Jack and Dina as they travel to meet the family of their daughter's fiancé. Naturally, the Fockers turn out to be the total opposite of the conservative couple, which leads to plenty of awkwardness and total chaos.

27. Thunder Force (2021)

• Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Octavia Spencer, Bobby Cannaval

Set in a world where sociopathic criminals have superpowers, Emily, a successful scientist, invents a formula that allows normal people to become superheroes. To test it out, she teams up with her childhood best friend, Lydia, to form a new crime-fighting duo called "Thunder Force."

28. Love at First Sight (2023)

• Cast: Haley Lu Richardson, Ben Hardy, Dexter Fletcher, Rob Delaney

Based on Jennifer E. Smith's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight , the rom-com tells the story of Hadley Sullivan, a 20-year-old who misses her flight to London and has a chance encounter with a charming Yale student named Oliver. After they bond on the plane, they lose track of each other at customs and part ways. What are the odds they'll reconnect? (Guess you'll have to watch and see.)

29. Love Is in the Air (2023)

• Cast: Delta Goodrem, Joshua Sasse, Roy Billing

Goodrem stars as Dana, a woman who works for a small, struggling airline in Australia. When William, a businessman from London, arrives to shut down her company, things take a surprising turn when he unexpectedly falls for Dana. Yes, it's cheesy and predictable, but it'll still give you all the feels.

30. The Flintstones (1994)

• Cast: John Goodman, Rick Moranis, Elizabeth Perkins, Rosie O'Donnell

If you grew up hearing Fred Flintstone's go-to phrase, "Yabba-Dabba-Doo," then you're in for a special treat with this nostalgic live-action film. Set in a modern Stone Age world, it follows Fred and Barney, who make a secret arrangement that backfires and lands Fred in major trouble.

85 of the Best Romantic Movies of All Time

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

The 30 best feel-good movies you can stream at home right now

From '80s comedies to modern-day classics, these are the best feel-good movies to watch right now

• Best feel-good movies – Page 1
• Best feel-good movies – Page 2
• Best feel-good movies – Page 3

At the minute, the entire world needs a dose of the warm and fuzzies. That’s where the best feel-good movies come in. They are the comfort food of entertainment – the equivalent to a gooey bowl of mac and cheese. These are the films created to boost your spirits; to make you feel wholesome and keep you elevated when times are tough. 

Whether you’re burned out from the constant refresh of the news cycle, or you’re feeling anxious because of the state of the world, the feel-good movie is here to help. From heart-warming family favourites, to action-packed adventures, to laugh-a-minute comedies, your bases are covered here, so dive into our top picks of the 30 best feel-good movies. 

Read more: Best movies on Netflix | Best movies on Disney Plus | Best movies on Amazon Prime | Best Disney movies | Best sci-fi movies

30. The Way, Way Back (2013)

Available: Direct TV (US), purchase from Amazon Video (UK)

Long, unending days; the feeling that the entire world lies at your feet. Ah, the bristling promise of summer when you’re a teenager. That sentiment is perfectly captured in this sweet, breezy dramedy. Duncan (Liam James), a 14-year-old, is dragged to the beach for the season by his mother (the always-excellent Toni Collette) along with her vile new boyfriend (Steve Carell). Duncan’s resistance melts away when he lands a job at the local water park and befriends Owen (Sam Rockwell), the wisecrackin’ manager. 

The Way, Way Back is a great reminder that when life hands you a beach vacation… head to the water park? No, no: it’s a reminder that you can find friends in the most unexpected places, its positivity and good humour guaranteed to make you smile.

29. Jurassic Park (1993)

Available: FuboTV (US), purchase from Google Play (UK)

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Yes, a dinosaur movie can also be one of the best feel-good movies out there. Spielberg’s monster epic from the early ‘90s reigns supreme when it comes to its heart-pumping factor, sure, but in terms of giving you the warm and fuzzies? Really? The tale of a gaggle of scientists and unsupervised grandchildren let loose on an island with a bunch of hungry, hungry dinos is surprisingly uplifting. 

Stories about man vs. monster tend to be all about action and Jurassic Park is no exception. But it’s also about human resilience in the face of great danger. It’s about our ability to rise up when we’re faced with the threat of being torn asunder by prehistoric beasts or sold down the river by scheming lawyers and hackers. That we’re in fact, no different at all to those creatures, is the biggest lump-in-throat feeling of all. It boasts one of the most uplifting movie scores of all time too, the perfect cherry atop this glorious blockbuster sundae. 

28. The School of Rock (2003)

Available: Showtime, DirectTV (US), NowTV, Prime Video, SkyGo (UK)

Of all the Richard Linklater pics out there, The School of Rock snags the honour of being his most blindingly optimistic. Jack Black channels his energetic earlier self from High Fidelity and throws in a dollop of kindness and patience as Dewey Finn. A musician desperate to make ends meet after getting fired from his old band, Finn snags a substitute music teacher gig despite having zero teaching experience. While his initial idea is to one-up his former bandmates by transforming his class into a new band, his motivation switches soon thereafter when he wins the kids over and vice versa. 

It’s stacked to the rafters with singalong tunes (this writer still frequently gets earwormed by “No you’re not hardcore, unless you live hardcore!”) and a soaring Battle of the Bands finale, that’s certainly bordering on cheesiness, but to be honest? You’ll be cheering them on so loud, you won’t notice.

27. Wonder (2016)

Available: Prime Video, Hulu (US), purchase on Chili, RakutenTV (UK)

Based on the R.J. Palacio novel, Wonder follows the story of Auggie Pullman, a ten-year-old on the cusp of entering middle school after being homeschooled his whole life. Auggie’s no ordinary boy. Born with a craniofacial disfigurement, he wears a helmet most of the time to avoid the stares and cruel jeers of onlookers, a safety blanket he must shed once he begins public school. 

But this isn’t just Auggie’s tale of overcoming school bullies. Director Stephen Chbsoky opts, like the novel, to divide the film into the stories of those orbiting Auggie. His mom, his sister, his dad, his best friend, all of those whose lives are affected by this young boy’s condition are given their own emotional arc. That’s what sets this flick apart: sure, this kid’s got an indeterminable spirit but so do the people he’s surrounded by, all of whom champion the value of empathy.

26. Julie & Julia (2009)

Available: Netflix, Showtime (US), Netflix (UK)

Shows like The Great British Bake-Off have proven the feelgood factor of homely hobbies, largely because of their low-stakes appeal. No-one will perish if a souffle doesn’t rise – and that’s the core of Julie & Julia . As a way to counter her soul-crushing job, competent home cook Julie Powell decides to blog her way through Julia Childs’ classic cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. 

Powell’s journey is intertwined with Childs’ experience writing that very book decades before as she battled cooking classes, publishing snafus, and the like. With both tales of culinary adventure unravelling simultaneously, the similarities between the two women shine through, making this a glorious ode to food and to following in your heroes’ footsteps. And before you ask: yes, there are SEVERAL cooking montages.

25. Jerry Maguire (1995)

Available: Netflix, Showtime (US), NowTV, SkyGo (UK)

“You had me at hello.” A one-liner cemented into pop culture that sums up what’s so endearing about Jerry Maguire . From the get-go, Cameron Crowe’s movie wins you over. It’s hard for it not to: this is the ultimate rise of the underdog tale. Tom Cruise – arguably in his finest career role to date – tackles the part of sports agent Jerry Maguire, who, when struck by a crisis of conscience decides to quit his job and go out solo. 

From his “mission statement” moment as he exits his former workplace all the way to him begging Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.) to give him a shot: he doesn’t let up. His relentlessness to win at life, even when he continues to pile on the mistakes, stems from a place of genuine goodness. Watching Cruise claw his way back to a real human being, making amends with Dorothy (a near-perfect Renee Zellweger) and revealing his truth to his step-son Ray, it’ll tear at your heartstrings.

24. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Available: Netflix (US), BFI Player (UK)

You can’t beat a good old fashioned action-adventure with a smartmouth antihero. Harrison Ford’s first stint as the archaeologist adventurer shows off his leading man charisma in spades. That twinkle in his eye is part of what makes Raiders of the Lost Ark pure entertainment gold from start to finish. Who doesn’t love a simple yarn of good vs. evil? 

Jones’ archaeologist treks across the globe in the hopes of securing a rare artefact before a bunch of Nazis get their evil mitts on it. His path is naturally fraught with wrongdoers seeking to overthrow him at every turn. He remains in gruff spirits throughout, of course. Throw in Indy’s ex and a whippersnapper sidekick and there’s no reason why you’re not already hitting play on this absolute gem.

23. Fighting With My Family (2019)

Available: Prime Video, Hulu (US), Netflix (UK)

A great misleading title, Fighting With My Family is based on the true story of W.W.E wrestler Paige’s rise to fame. The movie charts her early beginnings in Norwich, England, where her two professional wrestler parents encourage both Paige and her brother Zak to apply for the WWE, through to the cut-throat training process all the way to her first fight. 

Even if you go into the movie knowing the outcome, that doesn’t matter; watching her rise, again and again, after barriers continue to appear is why this is one of the most heartwarming movies of the last year. Paige’s final triumph, cheered on by her parents (Lena Headey and Nick Frost, in a hilarious double-act), friends, and family will have you jumping in your seat as tears stream down your cheeks. 

22. About Time (2013)

Available: Netflix (US), Prime Video, Netflix, Sky Go (UK)

Sure, Richard Curtis’ Christmas crowd-pleaser Love Actually is packed with festive cheer, but About Time gives it a massive run for its money. Domnhall Gleeson plays Tim, whose father tells him of a life-changing secret on his birthday: all the men in his family can time travel when they turn 21. His first, albeit hormonal, instinct? He should use his new ability to bag himself a girlfriend. He does, meeting Rachel McAdams’ Mary and starting a family. 

What follows is a bittersweet story that threads a great deal of heart-wrenching moments into the technicalities of his gift – such as what happens to his children when he goes back in time. Hats off to Gleeson for a charming leading performance but the M.V.P. here is Bill Nighy as his father James, who teaches his son, in a stirring speech, to really live each day to the fullest.

21. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Available: Disney +, SlingTV (US), Disney+ (UK)

One of many ‘90s Shakespeare adaptations, 10 Things I Hate About You reworks The Taming of the Shrew. The story takes place in Seattle, where the father of Padua High’s most popular girl Bianca refuses to let her date unless her rebellious sister Kat does. What follows is a web of amusing romantic plottings, bursting with goodwill and kindness above all else. 

Forget the sinister underhand subtext of ‘80s teen movies, this is overflowing with goodness and positivity: even from the supposed ‘bad rebels.’ The feelgood vibes aren’t exclusive to the high schoolers: Allison Janney’s guidance counsellor is hysterical. Joseph Gordon-Levitt who plays the loveable nerd Cameron says that filming this movie was one of the best summers of his life – and it really shows.

Turn to Page 2 for more of the best feel-good movies

Current page: Best feel-good movies – Page 1

Gem Seddon is GamesRadar+'s west coast Entertainment News Reporter, working to keep all of you updated on all of the latest and greatest movies and shows on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Outside of entertainment journalism, Gem can frequently be found writing about the alternative health and wellness industry, and obsessing over all things Aliens and Terminator on Twitter. 

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The 10 Best Feel-Good Movies of the Last 10 Years, According to Reddit

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Sometimes, the best cure for a bad day is a heartwarming film , one full whimsy, happy endings and dreams made real. If there's a killer soundtrack and a steady supply of jokes, all the better. At their best, feel-good movies can leave one feeling rejuvenated and reminded that perhaps things aren't so bad after all.

With this in mind, Redditors recently got together on r/movies , the largest film subreddit, to discuss the best feel-good movies of the last decade. They came up with a ton of uplifting picks, including a comedy-horror, a musical, a Tarantino movie, and a heartfelt coming-of-age story. These films are sure to improve even the worst of moods.

10 'Chef' (2014)

Jon Favreau wrote, directed, and stars in this comedy-drama. He plays Carl Casper, a talented but creatively stifled chef working at a prestigious Los Angeles restaurant. After a very public and embarrassing feud with a food critic goes viral, Carl finds himself at a crossroads. Encouraged by his ex-wife Inez ( Sofia Vergara ) and inspired by his young son Percy ( Emjay Anthony ), Carl decides to reinvent himself by starting a food truck business specializing in Cuban sandwiches.

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Along with his loyal sous-chef and friend Martin ( John Leguizamo ), they set out on a cross-country culinary adventure, rediscovering their love for cooking and bonding as a makeshift family. The result is a heartwarming celebration of good food and following one's dreams. " Chef always leaves me happy," said user Vanta_Black422 . "It's a beautiful movie, visually and emotionally!"

9 'Paddington 2' (2017)

The second live-action film about the beloved bear picks up with Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw ) settled into his life with the Brown family in London. Eager to buy a special pop-up book as a birthday gift for his Aunt Lucy ( Imelda Staunton ), Paddington takes on a series of odd jobs to save up the money. However, when the book is stolen, Paddington is wrongly accused and imprisoned.

While the Browns work tirelessly to clear Paddington's name, the bear makes some surprising friends inside the prison - ultimately leading him to attempt a risky prison break. It makes for undeniably charming viewing, arguably topping the first installment. "[It's one] of the best wholesome movies ever," said Redditor Only_Calligrapher462 . " Paddington 2 is a masterpiece," agreed user RockyFanque .

8 'The Final Girls' (2015)

This comedy horror centers on Max ( Taissa Farmiga ), a young woman grieving the death of her mother ( Malin Åkerman ), an actress famous for her role in a cult 1980s slasher film. While attending a screening, Max finds herself inexplicably sucked into one of her mom's horror movies, where she and her friends must fight for survival.

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The Final Girls succeeds because of how it pays tribute to '80s horror tropes, even while subverting them. Director Todd Strauss-Schulson clearly has a lot of genuine affection for those slasher flicks. Not to mention, the themes of parent-child bonds are sensitively handled. "I was a pretty humorous take on the horror genre and I found it hitting me in my feels," said Redditor Herdnerfer .

7 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019)

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is unique among Tarantino's revisionist histories in that QT's version of events is actually less bloody than those in real life. Here, he rewrites the Manson murders so that they end with Rick ( Leonardo DiCaprio ) and Cliff ( Brad Pitt ) saving the day, thus turning one of the darkest chapters of the 1960s into a sunlit fairytale.

"Tarantino totally subverted my expectations, I left that film uplifted," said user The_Lapsed_Pacifist . "This is weirdly one of my 'comfort movies'. I love how the movie feels," added Redditor ObtuseStone .

6 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)

The visually stunning and endlessly inventive Into the Spider-Verse put a fresh spin on the Spider-Man mythos. It follows young Spider-Man Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore ), as he crosses paths with other Spider-People from different dimensions, including the wise and battle-worn Peter B. Parker ( Jake Johnson ), the sassy Spider-Woman Gwen Stacy ( Hailee Steinfeld ), and even the hilariously ridiculous Spider-Ham ( John Mulaney ).

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"It's such a great fun movie with a fantastic soundtrack, art style, writing, acting, message, etc. One of my favorites of all time," said user jakeeeenator . "That movie was so out of left field. So much quality and creativity and heart. I do not get tired of watching it," agreed Redditor Tonythecritic .

5 'Are You There God? It's Me Margaret' (2023)

Abby Ryder Fortson and Rachel McAdams lead this adaptation of the classic Judy Blume coming-of-age novel. Fortson is Margaret Simon, an eleven-year-old girl navigating a new school, puberty, and the conflict among her extended family. Living up to such a beloved book is no small feat, but the movie more than rises to the occasion.

" Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret made me happy! It's one of the few movies that makes me want to be a parent," said user thebasterds . "The casting is great and the overall production feels so authentic. It has some good takes on religion too," said Redditor NewUser579169 .

4 'Yesterday' (2019)

Struggling musician Jack Malik ( Himesh Patel ) wakes up after a mysterious global blackout to find that he is the only person who remembers that The Beatles ever existed. He soon rises to fame by passing off the band's timeless tunes as his own. Along the way, he grapples with the ethical implications of his deception while navigating a complex relationship with his longtime friend and manager, Ellie ( Lily James ).

Yesterday is a loving tribute to the music of the Fab Four, chock-full of stirring covers of their classic songs. The storyline is fittingly romantic and whimsical, surpassing Danny Boyle 's other sunny gem Slumdog Millionaire in terms of pure feel-good factor. "Fun plot, great music, and overall joyful vibes," said user thatfluffycloud .

3 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' (2023)

The third Guardians movie sees Peter Quill ( Chris Pratt ) bringing the team together for a dangerous mission to rescue Rocket Raccoon ( Bradley Cooper ) from a new villain. The heart of what makes the Guardians movies so great has always been their boundless sense of humor and the bonds of friendship between the main characters, and that's on full display here once again.

"It's the end of the team, but somehow [the film] manages to make [the sad goodbyes] beautiful and worthy of celebration. It shows you how you can move on and say goodbye and feel good about it," said Redditor Thanosmaster33 .

2 'Air' (2023)

Air dramatizes the true story of the origins of Air Jordan, focusing on Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro 's ( Matt Damon ) attempts to make a business deal with Michael Jordan ( Damian Young ). On paper, this premise may seem rather dull, but the film is so well-executed, and the performances so dedicated, that it becomes an engaging, fast-paced rags-to-riches tale.

On top of that, it's worth seeing just for the vibrant performance by Viola Davis as Michael Jordan's mom, Deloris . "Great cast, great dialogue, great soundtrack. It's technically a drama but it's quite funny, and just a fun ride all around," said user LatkaGravas .

1 'Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar' (2021)

​​​​​​​Best friends, Barb ( Annie Mumolo ) and Star ( Kristen Wiig ) embark on a whimsical vacation to Florida — their first time ever leaving their hometown. Along the way, they uncover a plot hatched by supervillain Sharon Gordon Fisherman (also played by Wiig) and find themselves unintentionally caught up in a world of espionage and intrigue.

With its outlandish humor, eccentric characters, and the brilliant dual performance by Kristen Wiig, Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar is a delightful romp that revels in its absurdity. "This movie is ridiculous, and I mean that as a compliment. Very charming and funny and extremely lighthearted. I developed a massive crush on Kristin Wiig because of this movie," said Redditor LatkaGravas . "I love Spy and Barb and Star!" agreed user DumpyGrumpyFrumpy .

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55 Best Feel Good Movies Of All Time Ranked

Movies are undoubtedly one of the most perfect forms of escapism, allowing viewers to temporarily immerse themselves in another world. They also often provide comfort: Everyone has those go-to movies they put on whenever they're feeling low and are in need of a mood booster. These "feel good" movies may not always be the ones to win awards or be heaped with critical praise, but they give us that lift we need when things seem dark and difficult, and that is worth everything.

The beauty of cinema is in its vast variety — there truly is a film for all occasions. Some thrill and scare you, some make you think, and some even seek to inspire anger. But today, we're celebrating those films that wrap you up in a blanket of good feelings. These are the 55 best feel good movies of all time.

Updated on March 17, 2022: The world of film is constantly expanding, with hundreds of new movies released every week. Whenever a new feel good classic emerges, we'll be sure to add it to this list. Be sure to check back often to stay updated on cinema that will make you smile.

55. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

Life is anything but a drag in this riotous road trip comedy about three drag queens making a cross-country journey to compete in a pageant. When their car breaks down in a small, conservative town, the flamboyant trio shakes up the lives of the sheltered locals and teaches them to accept those who seem unapproachably different. While the plot of "To Wong Foo" is tangential to the antics of the trio, there is an undeniable joy in this film's journey, and especially the heartfelt message at its core.

• Starring: Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo
• Director: Beeban Kidron
• Runtime: 108 minutes
• Rating: PG-13
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 41%

54. Mamma Mia!

Soundtracked by the unbeatable bops of Swedish pop sensation ABBA, "Mamma Mia!" boasts sunny scenery, a wacky plot, and lovable characters. When bride-to-be Sophie invites her three possible fathers to her wedding, chaos naturally ensues. You'll be consistently surprised by the film's ability to work ABBA's hits into the narrative — they somehow feel like they were always meant to be part of a movie about a whirlwind wedding. The variable vocal talents of the cast are all part of the fun, and trust us, you won't be able to forget the sound of Pierce Brosnan's singing in a hurry. It's cheesy, it's silly, and it's largely fluff, but boy is it entertaining.

• Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth
• Director: Phyllida Lloyd
• Runtime: 109 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 55%

53. Bring It On

Kirsten Dunst was everywhere in the 2000s, and she is at her perkiest peak in this spirited cheerleading comedy. As the new captain of her squad, Torrance Shipman is devastated to find out all their competition-winning cheers were stolen. Faced with this shame, plus a new rivalry from the squad that actually developed those cheers, Torrance has to pull out all the stops to ensure her team can stay on top. The stakes are high, but this film never takes itself too seriously: Its smart and sassy dialogue and energetic routines prove to be a real tonic.

• Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford
• Director: Peyton Reed
• Runtime: 98 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%

52. Waiting to Exhale

Following the turbulent love lives of four very different women, "Waiting to Exhale" speaks to the strength of female friendship. As the years have gone by, each woman has made various bargains, sacrifices, and plans for romance. But still, they wait for men strong enough to support them — even the ones who have already married and had children. The best moments of this film are the ones where the women simply talk: The authenticity and warmth of their bond shines, thanks to an excellent cast. "Waiting to Exhale" demonstrates that while partners come and go, friends are the ones who will always be there for you through thick and thin.

• Starring: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon
• Director: Forest Whitaker
• Runtime: 121 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%

51. 13 Going On 30

Awkward teenager Jenna Rink's birthday wish to be "30, flirty and thriving" comes true in this fun twist on the body-swap genre. Jennifer Garner is perfectly cast as the 30-year-old Jenna, who brings a wonderful sense of fresh-faced optimism to the cutthroat world of fashion magazines. Though Jenna's dream isn't everything she wanted, the effervescent feel-good factor of this film shines through, particularly in a stand-out scene where Jenna turns around a flailing work party with a killer dance routine. Much like 1988's "Big," this film explores the joy that can come from looking at things through a childlike lens.

• Starring: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer
• Director: Gary Winick
• Runtime: 97 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%

50. Sister Act

After lounge singer Deloris witnesses a murder committed by her mob boss boyfriend, she is forced to hide in a place they'd never think to look for her: a convent. She proceeds to shake things up, breathing new life into the choir and the stringent sisters who live under the watchful eye of the strict Mother Superior. With a stand-out performance from Whoopi Goldberg in the lead role and several lively musical numbers, "Sister Act" exudes a joy that is hard to contain. Outright glee takes hold of the lovable group of nuns as Deloris helps them make heavenly music and a difference in their community. Watching this transform their previously stale church services is a pure, unabashed delight.

• Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith , Kathy Najimy
• Director: Emile Ardolino
• Runtime: 100 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

49. Coming to America

Pampered Prince Akeem is heir to the throne of the fictional African country of Zamunda, and soon to be married to a woman pre-selected for him by his parents. But Akeem becomes tired of having everything — and we do mean everything — done for him, so he decides to head to America to find his bride for himself. This film is a lavish showcase of Murphy's chameleonic character acting: He plays four distinct characters with apparent ease. "Coming To America" is a wonderful fish-out-of-water story with a genuinely endearing heart.

• Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John Amos
• Director: John Landis
• Runtime: 116 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%

48. Legally Blonde

Initially appearing to be just a fashion-obsessed ditzy blonde who will do anything she can to get her man back — even applying to Harvard Law School — Elle Woods proves her classmates and the audience wrong in the most triumphant manner. Beneath the fluff, Elle is whip-smart and capable of doing incredible things, even becoming a great lawyer. Through her, we not only get one of the best female protagonists of '00s cinema, but one who proves her worth lies much deeper than her looks. As a trainee lawyer, Elle proves that hard work, study, and in-depth knowledge of perm aftercare can be instrumental in getting the job done. It is almost impossible not to feel inspired.

• Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair
• Director: Robert Luketic
• Runtime: 96 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%

47. Mrs. Doubtfire

After his eldest son's birthday party goes awry, devoted dad Daniel is forced to take desperate measures to spend time with his kids: He disguises himself as an old woman and gets hired as his family's nanny. Starring master comedian Robin Williams, "Mrs. Doubtfire" employs his patented quick wit and proficiency with accents to hilarious ends. The sight of Williams in full old lady gear undoubtedly gives the film most of its big laughs, but there is a poignant side to it as well. While his actions are questionable, the love Daniel has for his children is strong — so much so that we completely understand why he does such crazy things.

• Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
• Director: Chris Columbus
• Runtime: 125 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%

46. The Wedding Singer

After unlucky-in-love wedding singer Robbie is jilted at the altar, he wants to put as much distance between himself and the nuptials that provide his work as possible. This proves tricky when he inadvertently becomes involved in the planning of his friend Julia's wedding to her boorish fiancé. This film was the first to demonstrate the incomparable on-screen chemistry between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, and remains their most affable to date. Sandler's brand of loud comedy is dialed down considerably here, and the instant spark between him and Barrymore's Julia means you'll be rooting for them to end up together from the very start.

• Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christine Taylor
• Director: Frank Coraci
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69%

45. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

Barb and Star are two middle-aged women who leave their small, Midwestern town for sunnier climes in the fictional Floridian resort of Vista Del Mar. Running parallel to this, a malevolent super-villain plots the destruction of the town by unleashing killer mosquitoes, and enlists her henchman Edgar to do the deed. If this all sounds a bit strange, that's because it is — there is nothing quite like this film. But at the center of its surreal musical numbers and talking crabs is a rewarding and sweet story about friendship. Barb and Star have a ride-or-die bond you just can't help but love.

• Starring: Kristen Wiig , Annie Mumolo, Jamie Dornan
• Director: Josh Greenbaum
• Runtime: 106 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80 %

44. The Pursuit of Happyness

Based on the incredible true story of Chris Gardner, "The Pursuit of Happyness" shows the extraordinary lengths one person is willing to go to in order to improve their family's lives. Burdened by expensive medical equipment he invested his life savings in and is struggling to sell, Gardner jumps at an opportunity to be a stockbroker. But the road is hard — especially after he and his son become homeless. Seeing this undaunted duo endure immense hardship makes for a tough watch at times, but grit and determination carry them through. This makes the film's resolution even more uplifting, as it feels so well-earned.

• Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton
• Director: Gabriele Muccino
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%

43. 10 Things I Hate About You

A modernized take on William Shakespeare's "The Taming Of The Shrew," this movie places the action in a high school. Two very different sisters, Bianca and Kat, find themselves at the center of a dating scheme devised to get around their strict father's rules. Bad boy Patrick's desire to date the tempestuous Kat initially comes with an ulterior motive, but as time goes on, his interest becomes very real. Can true love conquer Kat, however? A classic of the teen rom-com genre with sparkling chemistry from Ledger and Stiles, "10 Things I Hate About You" acknowledges the tumultuous nature of high school relationships and delivers a fresh, funny, and joyous film.

• Starring: Heath Ledger , Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
• Director: Gil Junger

42. The Intouchables

This endlessly delightful odd-couple French film tells the true story of a quadriplegic millionaire's unlikely friendship with his ex-con caregiver. The pair may be worlds apart, but each brings out the best qualities of the other, to the point where it is hard to imagine them apart. Positivity and warmth seem to radiate out of every frame of this beautiful film, and while there are many moments that are unabashedly sentimental, there are also plenty of laugh-out-loud detours — especially when the culture clash between the pair is most evident.

• Starring: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny
• Director: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
• Runtime: 110 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

41. Clueless

While this '90s classic subtly satirizes the Beverly Hills elite, it never feels overly snide or unkind towards its characters, no matter how outrageous they can be. In Cher, we get one of the all-time great female protagonists of cinema: On the surface, this teen seems ditzy and shallow, but she is, in fact, complex, intelligent, and well-meaning. When she decides to help out a less fortunate friend, however, she gets more drama than she bargained for.  Succeeding as both a sharp social commentary and a hilarious comedy, "Clueless" is one of the best films to put on when you need an instant lift.

• Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
• Director: Amy Heckerling
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%

40. Pitch Perfect

Shining a light on the world of competitive collegiate a cappella, "Pitch Perfect" is packed with pop songs made only with mouths. With the prim and proper Barden Bellas recovering from a very public and unfortunate on-stage vomiting incident, they are forced to cast the net wider when recruiting new members. As they have a reputation to uphold, the controlling leader of the troupe is initially resistant to change, but their stuffy routines are in desperate need of a mash-up. Lovable bands of misfits coming together to create something wonderful may be a familiar trope for feel good movies, but when it's as a-ca-awesome as "Pitch Perfect," who's complaining?

• Starring: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson
• Director: Jason Moore
• Runtime: 112 minutes

39. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

It's difficult not to love a rebel, particularly when they're as likable and charismatic as Ferris, who frequently breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience so they can be in on his exploits as well. Particularly proficient at ducking out of lessons, Ferris decides to have one last major day of hooky before he graduates. Few directors do teen comedies as well as John Hughes, and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is a fantastic example of why. While the truancy and shenanigans on display are delightful, this film also contains an honest message about the importance of seizing the day and making the most of life.

• Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
• Director: John Hughes
• Runtime: 103 minutes

38. The Birdcage

"The Birdcage" tells the story of a flamboyant couple, Albert and Armand, who have to play it straight — in more ways than one — when the ultra-conservative prospective parents-in-law of Albert's son, Val, come to visit. The deeper the deception becomes, the sillier things seem to get: Several memorable laugh-out-loud set pieces take place, including Armand's lessons in how to be a man . As Albert and Armand, Nathan Lane and Robin Williams have dynamite chemistry and comic timing — the laughs come thick and fast. Their relationship is also genuinely sweet and tender, making "The Birdcage" a hilarious and heart-warming crowd-pleaser.

• Starring: Robin Williams, Gene Hackman , Nathan Lane
• Director: Mike Nichols
• Runtime: 119 minutes

37. Girls Trip

The magnetic, joyous, and outrageous "Girls Trip" is one of the best comedies of the 2000s. In their youth, the group of besties known as the "Flossy Posse" would've done anything for each other. But the responsibilities of adulthood cause them to drift apart. Undaunted, they decide to reconnect on a trip to New Orleans — but secrets, resentments, and mishaps soon emerge. "Girls Trip" manages to tick all the comedy boxes while also being a genuinely heartwarming film about deep friendship. As a group, these women thrive, because they complement and contrast each other perfectly — even when things get out of hand.

• Starring: Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith
• Director: Malcolm D. Lee
• Runtime: 122 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Carl is a head chef who quits his job to make the food he loves from a food truck. Food can unite people as well as nourish and delight them, as Carl's food truck adventure soon teaches him — especially by bringing him closer to his son and estranged ex-wife. This film radiates warmth and positivity, and the lack of dramatic stakes never hinders it — in fact, watching it genuinely feels like spending time in the company of friends. Don't watch this film on an empty stomach, though, as it features some of the tastiest-looking sandwiches  you'll ever see.

• Starring: Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo
• Director: Jon Favreau
• Runtime: 115 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

35. Cinderella

This "Cinderella" adaptation has more joie de vivre than any other, courtesy of an all-star cast that includes pop stars Brandy and Whitney Houston and the legendary Whoopi Goldberg. The rags-to-riches fairy tale is in fine form here: Cinderella is a winsome dreamer, the Fairy Godmother is an energetic delight, and the evil step-sisters are deliciously loathsome. This film is also packed with exuberant musical numbers and lavish costumes, resulting in a vibrant and uplifting spectacle that brings plenty of cheer to the well-trod ground of a familiar fairytale.

• Starring: Whitney Houston, Brandy Norwood, Whoopi Goldberg
• Director: Robert Iscove
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

34. Akeelah and the Bee

Akeelah has a natural talent for words, and is naturally drawn to the world of spelling bees. But many forces hold her back, including her mother, Tanya, who is raising her daughter on her own following the death of her husband. At first, Akeelah is reticent to share her gift, but the encouragement of her straight-talking teacher Dr. Larabee helps her to see her worth. As well as being an enjoyable and motivational underdog story, "Akeelah and the Bee" is a refreshing take on the importance of nurturing intelligence.

• Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer
• Director: Doug Atchison
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

33. Matilda

A brilliant child from a very young age, Matilda is misunderstood by her selfish parents. When they finally grant her request to go to school, they leave her at the mercy of brutal headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Thanks to the nurturing of her kind-hearted teacher Miss Honey, however, Matilda discovers her brain boasts even more incredible abilities than she realized, which might just hold the key to her happiness. With the exception of Miss Honey, the adults in "Matilda" are completely abhorrent. Seeing this small, gifted girl stand up to them is just one of the things that makes this film so enchanting.

• Starring: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman
• Director: Danny DeVito
• Runtime: 93 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

32. Fighting With My Family

Based on the story of real-life British wrestler Paige, "Fighting With My Family" explores her rise to fame by focusing on her humble beginnings and very eccentric family. Cinemagoers love an underdog story, and this is a particularly great one. Paige is a character with something to prove and many hurdles to overcome, and Florence Pugh's chameleonic performance conveys her passion perfectly. As both a sports film and a family dramedy, "Fighting With My Family" succeeds, showing that while families may fight, their closeness is what helps them rise.

• Starring: Florence Pugh, Lena Headey, Nick Frost
• Director: Stephen Merchant
• Runtime: 107 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

31. Crazy Rich Asians

Any film that offers a glimpse into the outrageously extravagant lives of the mega-rich is a perfect means of escapism. "Crazy Rich Asians" offers that and a warm-hearted romance. Rachel Chu, an NYU economics professor, is excited to meet her handsome boyfriend Nick's family on their trip to Singapore. There's just one problem: Nick is from a mind-bogglingly rich family, and they're not crazy about Rachel's place in his heart. While the vast wealth on display is almost unimaginable, Rachel keeps this film's feet on the ground. Money can buy many things, but love is more valuable than all of them ... right? 

• Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding , Michelle Yeoh
• Director: Jon M. Chu
• Runtime: 120 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

30. Jerry Maguire

Combining sports and a touching love story arguably makes "Jerry Maguire" one of the best date movies ever. Tom Cruise shines as cocky sports agent Jerry Maguire, who experiences a change of heart and leaves his company to go it alone with his sole client, Rod Tidwell. Where the film is most uplifting, however, is in the relationship between Jerry and single mother Dorothy, who leaves their former company to continue working with him. To paraphrase one of its most endearing quotes, this film had us at hello.

• Starring: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger
• Director: Cameron Crowe
• Runtime: 138 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

29. Billy Elliot

While his family is pushing him into the boxing ring, young Billy dreams of being a ballet dancer. His defiance causes rifts in the family, particularly with his father. Through the support of his dance teacher, Billy not only improves his dancing skills but also finds the confidence to stand up to his family and follow his dreams. "Billy Elliot" is a triumphant feel good movie with a soundtrack that will make you want to get up and dance yourself.

• Starring: Julie Walters, Jamie Bell, Jamie Draven
• Director: Stephen Daldry

28. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Providing audiences with a golden ticket to "a world of pure imagination," this fantastical musical follows humble Charlie Bucket as he takes a tour through Willy Wonka's incredible chocolate factory. But this journey has another purpose — one that will change Charlie's life forever. Gene Wilder's star turn as the titular candy king is legendary: He is equal parts charming and enigmatic, making him the perfect fit for the character. With a host of memorable songs and the important message that kindness and generosity should succeed over greed and narcissism, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is full of nostalgia, joy, and, most importantly, candy.

• Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum
• Director: Mel Stuart

27. Enchanted

While this film starts like many animated Disney classics, the world of princesses and talking critters soon collides with the reality of modern-day New York as lovestruck cartoon maiden Giselle is catapulted into the real world. Amy Adams is truly exceptional as the sweet and innocent heroine, who is determined to sprinkle some light and magic into the life of the divorce lawyer who begrudgingly takes her in. In addition to being absolutely joyous, "Enchanted" is also refreshingly witty, targeting Disney characters' propensity to get married very quickly and engage in spontaneous song-and-dance numbers.

• Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden
• Director: Kevin Lima

26. Forrest Gump

The titular Forrest is a sweet and seemingly unimportant man who has made an incredible impact on people and history — albeit unwittingly. But his ambitions are actually very small, with his desire to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart Jenny being the driving force of most of his actions. Huge and world-altering events seem to occur around him or because of him, regardless: Forrest invents the smiley face, invests in soon-to-be-giant companies, and meets multiple '60s luminaries. It's far-fetched at times, but "Forrest Gump" is also undeniably poignant and uplifting, as it shows what an incredible impact one person can make.

• Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
• Director: Robert Zemeckis
• Runtime: 142 minutes

25. Hairspray

Boasting memorable musical numbers and the unforgettable sight of John Travolta in drag, "Hairspray" weaves its message of inclusion and acceptance between big hair and even bigger personalities. 1960s teen Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on her favorite television show, but when she sees the discrimination her Black friends face, she becomes determined to desegregate the program. As a protagonist, Tracy is wonderfully inspirational, facing bullying due to her size but always emerging optimistic and resolute in her desire to make things better. From the sunny opening of "Good Morning Baltimore" through the energetic "You Can't Stop The Beat," "Hairspray" is a veritable delight, filled to the brim with positivity and joy.

• Starring: John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Amanda Bynes
• Director: Adam Shankman

Amélie dedicates her life to helping those around her. This altruism has deep roots: As a sheltered child, she frequently retreated into fantastical imaginary worlds, which allowed her empathy to grow. This is reflected in the film's unique use of magical realism, which sees Amélie orchestrate a pure and harmonious world of her own making. But a mysterious stranger has made Amélie interested in helping someone new — herself. Audrey Tautou brings a childlike innocence to the title role that is instantly magnetic.

• Starring: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus
• Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Young Josh is frustrated by the restrictions of childhood, so he wishes to be "big." Soon enough, he finds himself in an adult body. Working for a toy company and having a trampoline in his apartment is great, but Josh quickly realizes being an adult is difficult as well. Research hasn't been conducted to prove this statement, but we're fairly sure it's impossible not to smile while watching Josh and his boss play a giant piano together — a magical movie moment that cements "Big" as a feel good classic. This is the perfect family film, allowing kids to live vicariously through Josh's wish-fulfillment and reminding adults of the joy of childhood.

• Starring: Tom Hanks , Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
• Director: Penny Marshall
• Runtime: 104 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

22. When Harry Met Sally

Attempting to answer the age-old question of whether men and women can ever just be friends, this classic rom-com showcases a zingy script and the irresistible chemistry of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. This film charts the titular friends' relationship over a number of years as they try and fail to fall in love with other people, yet somehow always gravitate back towards each other. Beyond the memorable dialogue, authentic characters, and, of course, the infamous diner scene , "When Harry Met Sally" simply glories in watching two people who are obviously meant to be together slowly realize it for themselves.

• Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher
• Director: Rob Reiner
• Runtime: 95 minutes

21. School of Rock

With his roommate on his back about rent, slacker Dewey Finn decides to work as a substitute teacher. After he observes the kids' musical prowess, however, Dewey throws the curriculum out the window and teaches them how to rock. While "School of Rock" is undoubtedly Jack Black's gig, there's much joy in seeing the kids "stick it to the man." One of the best scenes involves a girl admitting she wants to be a singer but is scared to pursue it, because of how she looks. Dewey's words encourage her with candor and confidence that remains rare today. The soundtrack rocks and the whole cast is incredibly talented, but it's moments like this that make the film so special.

• Starring: Jack Black , Joan Cusack, Mike White
• Director: Richard Linklater

20. Little Miss Sunshine

The Hoover family embarks on a particularly dysfunctional road trip in this affecting tragicomedy. There are a variety of familiar characters here: We've got the moody teen, the crotchety, foul-mouthed grandparent, and the spirited youngster with big dreams all in attendance. Olive — played by a young Abigail Breslin — completely steals the show, however, with her determined campaign to win the titular beauty pageant. Her unique final dance performance is pure, unbridled joy, and you'll find it hard not to cheer when her family rallies around her.

• Starring: Steve Carell , Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin
• Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
• Runtime: 102 minutes

19. Groundhog Day

You might wish that you could relive a day, but for cantankerous weatherman Phil, this concept is a nightmarish reality. He finds himself stuck in a time-loop on Groundhog Day, seemingly doomed to experience the same monotonous events forever. Initially bewildered and angry, Phil soon realizes he can live free of consequence — something that paves the way for a series of comedic misadventures and reckless behavior. However, through his relationship with co-worker Rita, Phil realizes his predicament can also be used to help people and learn new skills. It's this change of heart that really gives the film its feel good factor, in addition to its killer sense of humor.

• Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
• Director: Harold Ramis

18. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Starring the incomparable James Stewart, this uplifting political drama explores the power of idealism against the overwhelmingly mighty machine of government. When he is appointed to the U.S. Senate, the optimistic Jefferson Smith is eager to get his first bill passed: a proposal to set up a Boy Ranger campsite. However, he is later discredited and finds himself made a pawn of the big players who want the same site for a more lucrative venture. The remarkable final act of this film sees Smith refuse to give up the floor in an astonishing showcase of Stewart's phenomenal talent. This classic tale is a compelling reminder of the power one person can hold when they stand up for what's right.

• Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains
• Director: Frank Capra
• Rating:  NR
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

17. Booksmart

Molly and Amy are two graduating high schoolers who suddenly realize that, in prioritizing studying over partying, they have not optimized their school experience. Seeking to correct this, they head out for a night of debauchery involving yacht parties, drug-laced strawberries, and awkward teacher encounters. "Booksmart" perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being right on the cusp of adulthood in all its terror and glory. What separates it from similar teen comedies is the unwavering support Molly and Amy have for each other — this is a friendship so wonderful, it'll warm your heart instantly.

• Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams
• Director: Olivia Wilde

16. Sing Street

Dublin schoolboy Conor is desperate to escape his turbulent family life and impress the girl of his dreams. The solution to both of these issues is to form a band with his classmates. Whether or not you had similar aspirations as a teenager, there's something deeply relatable about Conor and his bandmates' desire to create something, anything , to escape the drudgery of their lives in 1980s Ireland. Boasting a stacked soundtrack of both original and popular songs, "Sing Street" is a time capsule of a film. The best and worst of '80s fashion gives it a nostalgic edge, while the evergreen coming-of-age themes ensure it is relatable to current and future generations.

• Starring: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Jack Reynor
• Director: John Carney
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

15. How to Train Your Dragon

The people of Berk are at eternal war with the dragons who populate their land. But when Hiccup, the teenage son of the village chieftain, befriends an injured Night Fury dragon, he starts to realize that these creatures are misunderstood. Rather than fighting them, the denizens of Berk can train them — if they can be persuaded to, that is. In Toothless, the cuddly Night Fury, this film gives us one of the most adorable animated characters of the modern era. Watching the development of his relationship with Hiccup is truly heartwarming. Equally affecting is the relationship between Hiccup and his father: The young boy is desperate to prove himself, and eventually does it in the unlikeliest way possible.

• Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera
• Director: Christopher Sanders, Dean DeBlois
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

14. Moonrise Kingdom

The unique whimsical style of director Wes Anderson is front and center in this charming love story between an orphan boy scout and his feisty pen pal. Fans of Anderson will be familiar with his symmetrical shots and beautiful color palettes, which make "Moonrise Kingdom" a visual feast. This quirky style is a perfect fit for a romance between two kids: It demonstrates a childlike sense of wonder and imagination, even when things get tough for our besotted youngsters. As you would expect, many of the director's frequent collaborators show up in roles big and small. However, it is the talented kids who make "Moonrise Kingdom" a glorious and poignant film.

• Starring: Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Bill Murray
• Director: Wes Anderson
• Runtime: 94 minutes

13. Monsters, Inc.

"Monsters, Inc." presents a world where the monsters who lurk in kids' closets are very real. They have good reason to do so, though: These creepy-crawlies harness the screams of children to power their cities. With kids becoming harder to scare, the monsters live in fear of a child infiltrating their world. Naturally, things get hairy when a little girl becomes attached to scarer Sulley and his right-hand-man Mike. They soon start to realize that children aren't as threatening as they assumed, and that laughter is more powerful than screams. But can they change Monstropolis' ways? Packed with great visual gags, and some of the best world-building in animated film, "Monsters, Inc." is frenetically funny and genuinely warm-hearted.

• Starring: John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs
• Director: Pete Docter
• Runtime: 92 minutes

Frustrated teacher Joe Gardner dreams of playing jazz, but when he finally gets his chance, tragedy strikes, and he finds himself in the afterlife with a one-way ticket to the great beyond. In a similar vein to "Inside Out," "Soul" constructs a highly imaginative and visually distinct world out of abstract concepts — in this case, the nature of the human soul and whatever happens after we die. "Soul" is simultaneously a fun body-swap adventure and a contemplative dissection of existential purpose. It may sound heavy, but the overall feeling is hugely optimistic, with a potent message about appreciating all the small things in life before it's too late.

• Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad

11. My Neighbor Totoro

The utterly charming "My Neighbor Totoro" brings the fantastical and the ordinary together. Siblings Satsuki and Mei have an infectious sense of adventure, which they put to good use as they explore their new home and its surroundings. This helps them escape their concern over their mother, who is ensconced in a hospital with a serious illness. The sisters soon befriend the local forest sprites, including the lovable gentle giant known as Totoro. Through little Mei in particular, this film exquisitely captures childlike wonder, imagination, and exploration. While there are very brief moments of peril, on the whole, "My Neighbor Totoro" is as warm and fluffy as a hug from the titular creature himself.

• Starring: Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
• Director: Hayao Miyazaki
• Runtime: 87 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

10. Mary Poppins

As an unflappable nanny who is "practically perfect in every way," Julie Andrews shines in this classic Disney musical. Mary is determined to fix what's broken in the Banks family, and she does it in inimitable style. In one particularly memorable sequence, Mary, Bert the chimney sweep, and the two Banks children jump into a painting, while in another, a tea party is held on the ceiling. The fantastical elements of the film really pop, as they expertly blend live-action performances with animated backgrounds and characters. "Mary Poppins" has been a family-friendly favorite for generations, with the 2018 sequel "Mary Poppins Returns" proving there is still an audience eager for its whimsy.

• Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson
• Director: Robert Stevenson
• Runtime: 140 minutes

9. Bringing Up Baby

Two Hollywood legends plus one leopard equals the perfect recipe for hilarity in this screwball comedy. When a paleontologist encounters a scatterbrained heiress on the golf course, the two seem destined to keep running into each other. Soon enough, they end up on the run with a tame big cat called Baby. Zipping through a series of misadventures and farcical situations, this film fizzes and delights at every turn, with the rapid-fire back-and-forth between Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn showcasing their incredible comedic chops and unbeatable chemistry. Packed with pratfalls and memorable one-liners, "Bringing Up Baby" is zany, buoyant, brilliant comedy at its very best, with two actors — and a scene-stealing leopard — at the top of their game.

• Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charles Ruggles
• Director: Howard Hawks

8. Paddington 2

While we could just as easily put the first "Paddington" film on this list, "Paddington 2" somehow manages to be even more comforting than its predecessor. Determined to buy the perfect present for Aunt Lucy's birthday, Paddington takes on a series of jobs in the community, but soon finds himself mistakenly imprisoned. It's impossible not to smile at the antics of this lovable bear as he transforms the prison into a pastel-pink paradise with the power of a marmalade sandwich. Featuring an especially inspired performance from Hugh Grant, clearly having the time of his life as the pantomime villain, "Paddington 2" is an absolute delight from start to finish, with one of the sweetest endings imaginable.

• Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant , Sally Hawkins
• Director: Paul King

As satisfying as a bowl of ramen, "Tampopo" knows the way to your heart is delicious-looking food. The main story follows a truck driver who happens upon a small ramen shop and decides to help the sweet but struggling proprietor turn her business around. This tale is interspersed with various short stories which all have some sort of connection to food. "Tampopo" is charming in a delightfully strange, almost meandering way, yet it always comes back to the love, care, and skill that go into creating the perfect dish. Juzo Itami's film is a delectable and enjoyable feast — just don't watch it on an empty stomach.

• Starring: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Ken Watanabe
• Director: Juzo Itami
• Runtime: 114 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Despite the plethora of superhero movies out there (many iterations of Spider-Man among them), few capture the comic book look as successfully as "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." Miles Morales is a teenager trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Gaining spider-powers makes that tricky, to say nothing of the interdimensional spider-heroes who start popping up. With their help, Miles swings into his future — but can their combined might stop the multiverse from unraveling? This gorgeous film has as much thematic substance as it does visual flair: In opening up the Spider-Man story to new faces, it cements the idea that anyone can be a hero. 

• Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld
• Director: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
• Runtime: 117 minutes

While the opening 10 minutes are notoriously devastating, "Up" centers around an unlikely friendship, and the joy and adventure that can reemerge after heartbreak. Refusing to give up his house to developers, old Carl Fredricksen decides to fly his home to South America, aided by a plethora of balloons attached to the roof. After unintentionally finding himself with a stowaway — plucky boy scout Russell — Carl embarks upon an unexpected adventure involving a legendary explorer and his army of dogs. Though they're generations apart, Carl and Russell are able to provide each other with the pieces missing from their lives. Their delightful bond is the heart of this uplifting movie.

• Starring: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
• Runtime: 89 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

4. The Wizard of Oz

Farm girl Dorothy is whisked away to the mysterious land of Oz in this beloved film. There, she encounters magic, mystery, new friends ... and a wicked witch who will stop at nothing to destroy her (and her little dog, too). "The Wizard Of Oz" grounds itself with a focus on the importance of home, but its rendition of Oz remains a luxuriant wonderland. The moment when Dorothy's world changes from black and white to full color is just one of the reasons why this enduring classic has delighted cinephiles for generations, and made an indelible impact on pop culture.

• Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
• Director: Victor Fleming
• Runtime: 101 minutes

3. Inside Out

This film about feelings will put you through the emotional wringer, but its ultimately uplifting message is absolutely unforgettable. "Inside Out" personifies a young girl named Riley's emotions, and follows them as they work tirelessly to help her adjust to a new town. While Joy is used to steering the ship, she and the other feelings have to learn to embrace Sadness in order to help Riley grow. While it's handled in a way that is accessible to young audiences, "Inside Out" tackles weighty ideas regarding the emotional complexities that make us human.

• Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind

WALL-E is a waste disposal robot sifting through the mountains of trash that made the Earth uninhabitable. But when a tiny green shoot emerges from the ravaged soil, the sleek EVE shows up and changes WALL-E's life forever. Though this film's message about the dangers of consumerism may seem heavy, it stays light by focusing on hope, love, and the promise of second chances. The use of silence in "WALL-E," particularly in the beginning, is especially impressive, given the fact that this is a kids' movie. "WALL-E" serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of all that makes humanity beautiful. It is impossible not to fall in love with these characters and this film.

• Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
• Director: Andrew Stanton

1. Singin' in the Rain

Focusing on the transitionary period between silent films and "talkies," "Singin' in the Rain" is a colorful and funny musical spectacular. Don, Kathy, and Cosmo are a talented trio eager to make their mark on the new Hollywood. From the buoyant "Make 'Em Laugh" to the toe-tapping "Good Morning," this film is filled with unforgettable songs — plus, Jean Hagen's iconic Lina Lamont remains one of the funniest screen characters ever. "Singin' in the Rain" is an essential watch for any movie fan, not only because it's a celebratory story about the art of film, but because its reputation as one of the best feel good films ever made is totally justified.

• Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor
• Director: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly

Thrilling Movies & TV

Best feel-good movies to watch now, popular feel-good movies.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Truman Show (1998)

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Bad Boys (1995)

Sound of Freedom

The Town (2010)

Wedding Crashers (2005)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Mean Girls (2004)

Forrest Gump (1994)

Recently Added Feel-good Movies

After Death

The Twinning Reaction (2024)

Sins in the Family (2023)

Ballerina (2023)

Office Race (2023)

One True Loves (2023)

House of Deadly Lies (2023)

The Hillsdale Adoption Scam (2023)

The Death of Us (2023)

Return to Seoul (2022)

1-800-Hot-Nite (2022)

Romance Feel-good Movies

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

The Sandlot (1993)

About Time (2013)

Bridesmaids (2011)

500 Days of Summer (2009)

The Spectacular Now (2013)

The Wedding Singer (1998)

Drama Feel-good Movies

Comedy feel-good movies, friendship feel-good movies, action & adventure feel-good movies, family feel-good movies.

50 Best Feel-Good Movies to Increase Your Happiness

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Are you looking for the best movies that can make you feel good?

Or maybe you’re searching for a hobby that can help make you happy ?

They say that watching movies is a reflective art. It can revitalize your senses, allowing you to disconnect and relax for a while. It has even been called a form of therapy, particularly for those who are feeling down at the moment.

In this post, we invite you to become a happier human and try film therapy . We have gathered the 50 best feel-good movies that can reduce your stress levels and increase your happiness.

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

1. The Birdcage

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The Birdcage is a remake of the 1978 Franco-Italian film entitled La Cage aux Folles. It stars Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, and Dianne Wiest under the direction of Mike Nichols. Williams plays the role of a drag club owner and Lane plays his lover and the main attraction of the club.

The movie is about how the two gay partners agree to put up a false front and act like straight men so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s moralistic parents. The moral of the story is simple: You don’t have to be a woman to be a mother, and you don’t have to be a straight couple to be good parents.

If this is the first time you have heard of this movie (which we doubt), you’re in for a treat. The cast is full of stars that don’t disappoint.

2. School of Rock

Directed by Richard Linklater, this film stars Jack Black as Dewey Finn, an aspiring and struggling rock guitarist who was kicked out of his band, went broke, and then disguised himself as his best friend Ned Schneebly to become a substitute teacher at a prestigious school for rich kids. He discovers that his students are musically gifted, forms a band of cool fifth-graders, and signs them up for an upcoming battle of the bands.

Black gives one of his best performances in this musically and cinematically perfect film.

3. Love Actually

Love Actually is an ensemble film with a star-studded cast. This 2003 Christmas-themed romantic comedy is probably one of the most loved films of the past 20 years. No matter what site you visit, Love Actually is always on the list of the best feel-good movies of all time. Although there were mixed reviews when it was first released in the United States, it is now a wildly popular classic.

Love Actually is a mixture of different stories. It follows the lives of eight couples dealing with different situations. However, as you watch, you see how their stories are interrelated with each other. The film was written and directed by Richard Curtis.

4. The Princess Bride

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Even if you’re not fond of romantic comedies, this 1987 film might be able to change your mind. Directed and co-produced by Rob Reiner, the film is based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman of the same title.

The story starts with a grandfather (Peter Falk) narrating the story of Westley/The Man in Black (Cary Elwes) and Buttercup/The Princess Bride (Robin Wright) to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). The film follows a farmboy-turned-pirate who is in a quest to find his long lost love. What makes it extraordinary is the humor in practically every scene and the delivery of the stellar actors.

5. Clueless

Clueless is loosely based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, except that it is presented in a modern-day setting. Cher Horowitz, played by the ever-stunning Alicia Silverstone, decides to befriend a new student and give her a makeover. The film has gained positive reviews all over the world and is now considered to be one of the best teen films of all time.

The movie is stuffed with charm and is easy to watch. There is no heavy drama, no action-packed violence, and no dark humor. It’s simply a movie filled with pure-hearted fun and goodness.

Every ’90s baby has seen this film, and they can surely attest to its wonderful feels. Based on Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name, Matilda is directed by Danny DeVito and stars Mara Wilson as the lead actress. It is the story of a young girl who has been gifted with extraordinary intelligence and psychokinetic abilities.

There is so much positive energy in this children’s film that even adults find it endearing. It has a little naughtiness on the side, but that actually makes the storyline more exciting. One hundred percent pure and lovable, Matilda is a feel-good movie to watch with your kids or younger siblings.

7. The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada is a comedy-drama based on a novel of the same name. Andy (Anne Hathaway) is a smart, aspiring writer who lands a critically demanding job as Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) assistant. The film portrays Hathaway’s job as one that many would die for.

Although the movie has a touch of drama, it is still light-hearted and enjoyable. One review claims that it even surpassed the quality of the novel, mainly because of Streep and Hathaway’s performance.

Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) is a human who was adopted and raised by Santa’s elves. From the North Pole, he travels to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan). During his quest, he spreads the love that Christmas brings to a world full of cynical and unbelieving people.

Elf received a lot of praise and commercial success. Most film critics agree that Ferrell’s performance as Buddy is one of his best. Although it is a holiday film, you can enjoy watching it any time of year.

9. The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries Parts 1 and 2 represent another wonderful performance by Anne Hathaway with another multi-talented and award-winning actress, Julie Andrews. While the first film is based on a novel of the same name by Meg Cabot, the second one is simply a sequel, and is not based on any book.

The first film is a modern-day fairy tale, complete with huge castles, friendly animals, and a loving mother. But instead of a prince on a white horse, there is a queen grandmother looking for her long-lost, nerdy-turned-princess granddaughter. The second film, The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement, tells the story of a princess after the happy ending had come and gone, which is more realistic, because she now has to learn how to run a country.

Both movies set an enchanting and uplifting mood. If you want a light, humorous, feel-good Friday night movie with your daughters, this is a good one to choose!

10. Legally Blonde

You don’t want to mess around with Elle Woods. Based on a novel of the same name, Legally Blonde is a 2001 American comedy film that tackles the adventures of Elle as she works her way through Harvard Law School while fighting for the love of her life.

We can’t imagine any other actress playing Elle except Reese Witherspoon. Her splendid performance in this movie is really a hit, and perhaps one of the main reasons the film makes you feel good. But just as importantly, the film has taught a great lesson—never judge a person by her pink, scented resume!

11. Forrest Gump

“Run, Forrest, Run!” Forrest Gump teaches viewers that you don’t have to be super smart to meet and shake hands with the president, be a football star, save your commander during war, and be a good person. Tom Hanks was spectacular as Forrest Gump, a slow-witted yet kind-hearted man who believed in nothing but love and compassion.

This story features a bit of heavy drama, but is still a feel-good movie. As the film suggests, “The world will never seem the same once you have seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

12. The Wizard of Oz

This 1939 musical fantasy is considered to be one of the best films in the history of American cinema. An adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s fantasy novel entitled “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” The movie was directed by Victor Fleming and stars Judy Garland as the young and bright Dorothy Gale who finds her way to the wonderful Land of Oz.

One of the best things about this movie is that it maintains its magic and fascination to this day. It never loses its shine, no matter how many versions of Oz come out.

13. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

How would you spend a day off? Well, Ferris Bueller surely knows how to rock a day off from school. Starring Matthew Broderick, this movie is about a young guy who skips class to take his best friend’s dad’s Ferrari on a joyride. Written and directed by John Hughes, it has been reported that this screenplay was created in less than a week.

This is truly a feel-good movie for those who are spending a day off watching flicks. It’s pure fun and laughter, filled with entertainment and humor.

14. Singin’ in the Rain

Singin’ in the Rain is a 1952 musical with a romantic comedy twist, set in the 1920s. It was directed by Gene Kelly, and also starred him, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. The story revolves around the transition from silent films to talkies of Hollywood musicals.

This timely classic has been regarded as one of the best musical films ever made.

Amelie has an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the website describes it as “feel-good, lively, and fanciful.”

The film is about a shy waitress played by Audrey Tautou who wants to make an impact on the lives of people around her. While struggling to overcome isolation, she decides to help others through her own sense of justice and happiness. As the movie progresses, she discovers love.

16. When Harry Met Sally

It has been said that Nora Ephron was the best screenwriter of her time. When combined with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal delivering charming, classic performances, her screenplay has become one of the most loved movies in history.

When Harry Met Sally is a typical friends turned into lovers story. However, it also has a touch of Ephron’s personal experience, because it was the first film she wrote after her divorce.

17. Bring It On

If you are a cheerleader or a cheerleading fanatic, then the Bring It On is the perfect movie for you. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, and Gabrielle Union, and directed by Peyton Reed, the movie has become a cult classic of cheerleading movies.

The film is full of infectious energy, delightful cheering, and romantic side scenes. But at its core it revolves around the experiences of a cheering squad preparing for a national competition. It is a feel-good movie that gets you excited about what’s going to happen next.

18. The Help

The Help touches on the heavy issues of racism and segregation during the 1960s, but its lead characters, played by Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, are wonderful despite the context. Directed by Tate Taylor, The Help is an adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel of the same name.

This movie is the story of an aspiring journalist named Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone) and her relationship with two black maids, Minny Jackson (Spencer) and Aibileen Clark (Davis).

19. The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap is a remake of the 1961 film of the same name. It is also an adaptation of the novel Lottie and Lisa, a story of two young twin girls who were separated at birth but eventually meet during a summer camp.

This movie was the film debut of singer and actress Lindsay Lohan, and she’s just too adorable while playing both Hallie and Annie, who come up with a plan to swap places and reunite their parents.

20. Sister Act

Directed by Emile Ardolino, with Whoopi Goldberg as the main star, Sister Act is the movie to watch if you are looking for a musical comedy film. Goldberg plays the role of Deloris Wilson, a lounge singer who witnesses her boyfriend killing an informant. She us placed under the witness protection program and brought to a convent in San Francisco. There, she reinvigorates the church and community while also learning important lessons about herself.

21. Mrs. Doubtfire

A classic Robin Williams movie, Mrs. Doubtfire is the story of a voice actor who is recently divorced and disguises himself as a female housekeeper in an attempt to win back his wife and children. This movie won the best picture and best actor (Williams) awards during the 51 st Golden Globe Awards.

Mrs. Doubtfire received mixed reviews. Some say that it’s too critical, tackling the issues of separation, divorce, and deception. But others disagree and insist that its humor transcends these heavy themes. At the end of the day, it is one of the most memorable films from one of Hollywood’s most popular (and missed) comedy actors.

22. The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness is an autobiographical drama film based on the best-selling memoir of Chris Gardner that bears the same name. Will Smith plays Gardner, a homeless salesman who struggles for a year to make ends meet for him and his son.

If you are wondering about the unusual spelling of happiness, it comes from a mural that Gardner sees on the wall of the daycare center where his son goes.

23. Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids is a star-studded film filled with nonstop humor. It is the story of Annie (Kirsten Wiig) and her series of misfortunes after asked to be a bridesmaid for her best friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding. She is accompanied by Lillian’s other bridesmaids, played by Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, and Wendi McLendon-Covey.

Reviews have said that Bridesmaids sets the standard for women in comedy. If you want to hang out and laugh with your best friend on a cold, rainy, Friday night, this movie is a good place to start.

24. Good Will Hunting

This award-winning film by director Gus Van Sant stars Matt Damon and Robin Williams in timeless roles. The story was written by Matt Damon himself, as well as his friend Ben Affleck. It is about a 20-year-old whose name is Will Hunting (Damon), and who works as a janitor at MIT. He is, however, an undiscovered math genius.

As part of a deferred prosecution agreement after assaulting a police officer, Will agrees to undergo therapy with a psychologist (Williams) and do advanced studies with a renowned professor (Stellan Skarsgard). He ends up discovering a new community and world, and his own potential

25. Toy Story

Produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, Toy Story is about a young boy (Andy) and his relationship with his toys. The film has four installments to date, the last being released very recently. Toy Story is considered to be one of the best-animated films ever made.

Another Tom Hanks classic, this movie has a similar premise to Jennifer Garner’s 13 Going on 30 (which is another feel-good movie, by the way). Young Josh Baskin (David Moscow) dreams of becoming “big,” and then wakes up one day in the body of a grown man.

The film shares with us two life lessons. First, be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it. Second, sometimes you need to see the world through the innocent eyes of a child to be able to fully appreciate it.

When it was released, Grease was the highest-grossing musical film ever made. It is based on a 1971 musical play bearing the same title, created by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The film stars John Travolta as greaser Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as transfer student Sandy Olsson.

According to Mirror, Grease is the top feel-good film of all time, followed by Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, and Mamma Mia.

28. Jumanji

While the latest versions of Jumanji are entertaining and magnificently made, we are talking about the 1995 version that stars Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier, and Bonnie Hunt. The story revolves around a young boy trapped inside a supernatural board game, who is found by two siblings after 26 years.

Movie fanatics agree that Jumanji is a smash hit and a true feel-good movie. It’s not just for kids, but also for those who are kids at heart.

29. Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is the story of Phil Connors (Bill Murray), a TV weatherman who gets caught in a time loop while covering the annual Groundhog Day event. As a result, he relives the same day over and over, and ends up doing things a thousand different ways.

This movie was called “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States National Film Registry in 2006, and is regarded as one of the best comedies of all time.

30. Spirited Away

Another wonderfully made cartoon, Spirited Away is one of the many successes of award-winning animator and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. It is the story of a young girl named Chihiro and her adventures in the world of Kami (spirits) of Japanese Shinto folklore.

Spirited Away brings out the magic in its viewers. And if you are a Studio Ghibli fan, you probably know that it’s not the only feel-good movie the studio has on offer!

31. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Surprisingly mainstream, this movie is an independent romantic comedy written by Nia Vardalos and directed by Joel Zwick. Vardalos also plays the leading lady named Toula, a Greek woman who falls in love with a non-Greek man played by John Corbett. The story is about Toula defying all challenges, including her family’s apprehensions, to pursue the love of her life.

32. My Cousin Vinny

Two young men from New York traveled through Alabama. On their way back to college, they got caught up in a murder case that they know nothing about. Vincent Gambini (Vinny) comes to the rescue, a cousin of one of the accused who just recently passed the bar after several unsuccessful attempts. Coupled with the fact that Vinny is not accustomed to Southern rules, and that this is his first case, the two men’s fate looks dicey.

33. 10 Things I Hate About You

This movie is based on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, except that it is filmed in a modern high school setting. Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) is not allowed to go out on a date and have fun until and unless her older sister, Katarina Stratford (Julia Stiles), goes out on a date. But the fact that Katarina is ill-tempered and very hard to please makes this seem unlikely.

In order to be able to date Bianca, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) comes up with a plan and asks Patrick (Heath Ledger) to persuade Katarina to go on a single date with him. But fate gets involved, and Patrick and Katarina end up falling in love with each other.

34. 27 Dresses

Starring Katherine Heigl and James Marden, this romantic comedy directed by Anne Fletcher are about a girl named Jane (Heigl) who has been a bridesmaid in 27 weddings. She is in love with her boss, George (Edward Burns), but her sister Tess (Malin Akerman) gets in the way when she comes home from Europe.

Jane meets Kevin Doyle (Marden), who has a dismissive view about marriage. They start to build a contentious relationship, arguing over a lot of things, particularly love. But in the end, Jane finds out the Kevin is actually her favorite columnist in the local newspaper, who often talks about the happiness of love and marriage.

The film garnered mixed reviews from viewers all over the world, but many people agree that it is a feel-good romantic comedy.

35. Mamma Mia!

If you are an ABBA fan, Mamma Mia! The Movie is mandatory viewing. It is a star-studded film filled with the best of the best in the film industry—Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried, and Dominic Cooper. It was followed up by a sequel entitled “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” adding Lily James as a younger version of Donna (Meryl Streep’s character).

What makes this movie extra inspiring and entertaining are the songs of ABBA. While watching, you won’t be able to keep yourself from singing along to every song.

36. Sing Street

Sing Street is about a boy who runs away from home to form a band and impress the girl he likes. It is a very simple musical comedy-drama, and that is perhaps what makes it such a feel-good film. Rotten Tomatoes gave it an approval rating of 95%, which is just about as good as any movie reviewed on the site.

37. 50 First Dates

Why wouldn’t you fall in love with an Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore movie? The two actors have proven chemistry, and have collaborated on numerous films together.

50 First Dates is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a marine veterinarian named Henry (Sandler) who falls in love with a teacher named Lucy (Barrymore) who has anterograde amnesia. Despite the fact that she keeps forgetting him every day, Harry persists in pursuing Lucy until he finally succeeds.

Interestingly, this movie actually inspired an experimental program in Riverdale, the Bronx, for people with dementia. Just like in the movie, the patients are shown comforting messages and reminders from their families and loved ones so they can remember who they are.

38. Home Alone

Home Alone is a holiday classic, and often regarded as one of the best Christmas films of all time. It follows the story of a boy named Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who is mistakenly left behind by his family when they fly to Paris for a Christmas vacation. While alone in their home, Kevin encounters two burglars who he has to protect the house from.

39. Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures is based on the biographical book by Margot Lee Shetterly. It is the story of three women, all with extraordinary mathematical intelligence, who thrived in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) department during the Space Race. It also tackles the issues of racism and segregation.

Critics call this film heart-warming and crowd-pleasing, but above all it has a touch of comedic fun and an uplifting spirit, despite the inherent drama in the story.

It doesn’t matter whether you watch the 1982 version or the 2014 version, Annie is Annie, and her story will lift anyone’s mood, no matter how down and lonely they might be.

The movie tells the story of an orphan from New York City named Annie who is taken in by a rich billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, to promote his image. Although Annie gets to enjoy many wonderful things due to Warbucks’ wealth, she still longs for her biological parents.

41. The 40-Year-Old Virgin

Directed by Jud Apatow, this movie is about 40-year-old Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) who is on a quest to lose his virginity. Scoring 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, it has garnered hundreds of positive reviews from viewers, indicating that it is indeed a feel-good movie for adults looking for a generally fun and entertaining time.

42. Howl’s Moving Castle

This is another Hayao Miyazaki film, but it is based on a 1986 novel written by British author Diana Wynne Jones. It is set in a fictional kingdom where magic and technology are used in war. The main protagonist, Sophie, gets caught up in the strife between Howl and the Witch of the Waste.

According to Miyazaki, this is his favorite creation because of the life lessons it provides to the audience.

43. La La Land

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This 2016 musical romantic comedy is about a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) who meet and fell in love with each other while striving the achieve their dreams in Los Angeles. The movie was written and directed by Damien Chazelle, who initially had a hard time looking for a studio to produce it. Eventually, the film was picked up by Summit Entertainment, which agreed to make no changes to the screenplay.

La La Land has received a lot of positive reviews. Critics say that it is the total package—the screenplay and direction, the actors’ performances, the cinematography, and the musical score are all excellent. In fact, the movie was named one of the top 10 films of 2016 and garnered seven awards from its seven nominations during the 74 th Golden Globes.

44. The Breakfast Club

John Hughes is the writer, producer, and director of this remarkable teen comedy-drama, which has been highly praised by several movie critics throughout the industry. The film was even selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

It is indeed significant because it serves a reminder to adults that teenagers should be understood and loved for who they are.

45. Harry Potter Series

An entire generation watched Harry, Hermione, and Ron grow up to become great wizards and defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. If you are up for a movie marathon that provides a feel-good vibe full of wonder and unbreakable friendships, we recommend the eight Harry Potter installments.

46. Shakespeare in Love

Starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola de Lesseps and Joseph Fiennes as William Shakespeare, this movie is a fictional story about the great English writer and dramatist. It depicts Shakespeare falling in love with Viola while writing Romeo and Juliet. Many of the lines and characters allude to Shakespeare’s plays.

Surprisingly classic and beautiful, this movie garnered seven Oscars during the 71 st Academy Awards. It also won several other awards from various competitions, such as the British Academy Film Awards and Berlin International Film Festival.

Although it is not the real story behind how Shakespeare wrote the classic Romeo and Juliet, most movie critics still praise the film for being subtly enchanting, and one that can make you really feel the love.

47. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty features a powerhouse cast consisting of Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Sean Penn, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, and Kathryn Hahn. It is the second film adaptation of the 1939 short story by James Thurber, which carries the same title.

Walter Mitty (Stiller) is an employee at Life Magazine. Every day, he spends his time daydreaming to escape the tedious work of developing publication photos. Then, one day, he is tasked by the magazine’s owner to complete a mission that will finalize the mag’s final print issue. His adventures begin.

48. The Holiday

Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) meet each other on a home exchange website. Both devastated in love, they agree to swap homes in each other’s countries to escape their respective heartbreaks. Little do they know that they will both meet local guys (Jude Law and Jack Black) and fall in love with them.

49. You’ve Got Mail

You’ve Got Mail is a romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. It is another Nora Ephron movie, so it is unsurprisingly an uplifting, lovable one. The plot revolves around two people engaged in an online romance who do not realize that they are actually business rivals.

Mulan is an animated film based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, a legendary female warrior in Chinese history who disguised herself as a man and then took her father’s place in the army. It is the 9th animated film released by Disney, and earned tons of awards and nominations from various film competitions.

Feel-good movies can make us feel light and happy. They put smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts

With the list we provided above, we hope you were able to find the perfect films for your movie marathon. Gather your family or friends and invite them to experience a pure, good-hearted movie that will leave everyone with a warm feeling inside.

‘Feel Good’ Review: Love That Puts A Hurt On

By Alan Sepinwall

Alan Sepinwall

In the new Netflix romantic dramedy Feel Good , Mae falls in love with George. Mae (Mae Martin) is a Canadian living abroad, a comedian and a recovering addict who is effectively homeless. George (Charlotte Ritchie) is an English teacher, and has not only never dated another woman before, but is so terrified of having friends or family ask her questions about it that she literally makes Mae hide in a closet in one episode.

That’s a lot of darkness to throw at any new relationship, and that’s before we even get into Mae’s messy history with her mother Linda (Lisa Kudrow, who mostly appears via Skype), who bore the brunt of Mae’s drug-seeking behavior back in the day. Like a lot of recent British half-hours (including Catastrophe — its clearest analogue — Fleabag and This Way Up ), Feel Good (created by Martin and Joe Hampson) tries to confront these complications with equal parts humor and pathos. But the series is much more effective at taking Mae and George’s star-crossed affair seriously than it is at mining their problems for laughs.

The two meet during one of Mae’s stand-up gigs — literally, they make a connection while Mae is heckling one of George’s friends for playing Candy Crush midshow — and it’s awe at first sight, for both of them. Mae is intimidated by everything about George, whom she describes as “like a dangerous Mary Poppins, and I’m, like, Bart Simpson,” while George looks mortified when she admits she’s “never been on a date with a girl before.” The chemistry between Martin and Ritchie is scorching from the start. But even in the blush of early love, there’s a sense that something’s rotten at the core of things. George’s fear of letting the world know she has a girlfriend is initially played for comedy, but it speaks to Mae’s fear that she’s just a phase George is going through. And the hunger in Mae’s eyes whenever she’s thinking of George suggests she’s just found a new addiction to replace the one she reluctantly discusses at her local Narcotics Anonymous meeting.

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Early on, most of the attempts at humor come from George going to absurd lengths to keep Mae a secret from her friends, and from the sketchiness of Mae’s NA sponsor Maggie (Sophie Thompson). Most of this feels several shades too broad for the performance Martin is giving, where the fictionalized Mae’s desire and vulnerability are palpable at all times. Martin’s primarily a writer and comedian with a tiny onscreen resume, but she plays the hell out of the role she’s co-written for herself.

The silliness at the series’ start is there to set up the darker turns it takes in the later episodes. Many of the jokes (including a running gag about George having a well-meaning but boundary-ignoring male flatmate) don’t quite land, but the season is so brief — six episodes, all 25 minutes or less — that you’ll already be on the more emotional later episodes before you’ve even noticed. When I began watching, Feel Good felt like an entertaining trifle; by the end, I was greatly invested in Mae’s story, and worried about how she would cope with all the mistakes she and George had made.

Which is exactly what you want in any kind of love story. Feel Good may deliberately subvert its own title, but it will absolutely make you feel something.

Feel Good debuts March 19th on Netflix.

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Feel Good review: Mae Martin is a revelation in this anxious, empathetic comedy

The comedian drew on elements of her own life to create a thoughtful and often hilarious examination of addiction and sexuality, article bookmarked.

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“Good” might be too simple a word to cover all the feelings swirling around this six-episode emotional broth. Comedian Mae Martin drew on elements of her own life to create a comedy drama that ruminates on addiction , relationships, and stand-up. Like her character, she was kicked out of her home as a teenager because of her cocaine use, eventually moving from Toronto to London and going through rehab. And like her character, she’s capable of being very funny about all of it.

Martin and co-writer Joe Hampson take a deceptively light approach at first, introducing us to love interest George (played by Charlotte Ritchie), who develops an awkward, tender romance with Mae despite having never dated a woman before. Soon the two are moving in together, but cracks begin to show when Mae’s past addiction is discovered by a still-closeted George.

Martin is not the first comedian to get her own semi-autobiographical sitcom, and aspects of Feel Good ’s plot might seem familiar. But there is plenty that sets it apart. For one thing, the sense of humour shines in its weird, innovative use of language. Mae describes herself as looking like a “kernel of corn”, and George is compared to a “dangerous Mary Poppins” and a “cocker spaniel”.

The characters’ conversations about sex are also refreshingly frank. Mae’s complicated relationship with her identity isn’t watered down for a mainstream audience – she can just admit “I’m feeling bad about my gender”, without any clichéd explanation or neat conclusion. Even the weird roommate – an archetype, sure – is warmer and more specific in his eccentricities than we might usually expect, at one point giving George a bucket of worms instead of a therapy dog.

Mae’s Narcotics Anonymous group, meanwhile, is a circle of flawed individuals, rather than some miraculous solution. Sophie Thompson is Mae’s sponsor, Maggie, who in one scene justifies the glass of champagne in her hand by saying, “Drugs are drugs and we mustn’t touch them. Alcohol is… British.” She’s charming, but has her own issues – namely her estranged daughter, Lava (yes, Lava), played with deadpan charisma by Ritu Arya.

Fraught parental relationships abound. Lisa Kudrow is caustic and hilarious as Mae’s mother, waspishly reminding her daughter of her previous failed relationships. An episode involving a trip to Blackpool brings unspoken tension to the surface, and gives us the gift of seeing Kudrow venting her frustration on the arcades.

While Kudrow’s talent is a given, Martin is a quiet revelation. Her twitchy body language – she doesn’t know where to put her hands when she’s sleeping, or how to stand at a party of George’s almost unbearably awful friends – gives away a thrumming undercurrent of anxiety.

In the face of all their issues, Mae and George attempt to fight their way towards something like healthy communication. Moments of quiet happiness are hard-won and sandwiched between conflict. Both have their own baggage to wrestle with, after all, and no idea how to combine it.

The actors’ natural chemistry keeps the struggle from being exhausting. George and Mae share a language of sorts – they understand each other’s sense of humour instinctively – so you end up rooting for this sweet, weird couple just as much as you worry for them.

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Perhaps most impressive, though, is how generously Feel Good captures the flaws and strengths of its supporting cast. Mae has the ongoing revelation that other people are the protagonist of their own stories – that no one is as straightforward as they appear, or as invulnerable. The series is sympathetic to its lead, but never minimises the damage Mae’s issues can inflict on the people around her.

After all, this is a show about breaking patterns. Mae wrestles with her drug addiction, as well as her obsessive approach to love. George is leaving behind a lifetime of privileged heterosexuality, and an identity she never questioned. And nearly all of the characters are in the process of breaking down emotional walls.

That’s what ultimately gives the series its heart: everyone is just trying their best. Whether their aim is to stay sober, rebuild trust with a parent, or successfully tell a joke, this is a world of very earnest people failing and getting back up again.

And sincere emotion can be a lot more difficult than detached irony – as this thoughtful, hilarious series proves. The journey to feeling good is messy.

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Netflix’s ‘Feel Good’: TV Review

The new Netflix comedy takes a smart and nuanced look at new relationship's joys and pitfalls.

By Caroline Framke

Caroline Framke

Chief TV Critic

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Whenever things get too real or she sees an opportunity to relapse into old patterns, Mae ( Mae Martin ) hears a high-pitched ringing in her ears like she’s been briefly concussed. Most times, she manages to blink it away. Other times, however, she finds herself drawn to the ringing, to that pang of recognition, like a moth to the flame she knows could burn her into dust.

This is the way it sometimes feels to watch “Feel Good,” Netflix’s new series from Canadian comic Martin and Joe Hampson. While very funny — despite my initially dire description, I promise! — the show is also unflinching as it tracks Mae trying not to lose herself while falling head over heels into a relationship with George ( Charlotte Ritchie ), with all the quick and giddy dizziness that implies. Mae, a Canadian standup comedian and addict living in London who’s based on Martin herself, is as smart as she is frustrating, flawed and upfront about it. We see some of her comedy — which, at one point, becomes its own kind of weapon that she inadvertently uses against herself — but for the most part, we see Mae stumbling from day to day, trying not to fall back into the kind of habits that once cratered her entire life. Though this first season of “Feel Good” runs only six episodes long, it becomes very intimate, very quickly.

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Mae’s struggle with drug addiction and refusal to acknowledge its lasting power over her form a crucial throughline to the series (and keep her relationship with her standoffish mother, played by Lisa Kudrow , an everlasting question mark). But it’s her relationship with George that’s the spine, thanks to Martin and Ritchie’s chemistry and frank discussions about the kinds of relationship problems that TV rarely addresses, let alone gets right.

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Before meeting Mae, George always thought of herself as straight. She never questions her feelings for Mae, but her fear of acknowledging what they might mean and what her friends and family might think lead her to keep Mae tucked away in her apartment like a secret — which, understandably, leads Mae to spiral hard into self-doubt. Mae’s also determined to keep the depth of her addiction from George, which slowly but surely drives a wedge between them. It’s not that they don’t love each other — they do, desperately — but that they don’t trust themselves to love the other right without burying some huge part of themselves first. George’s shame over her sexuality, and refusal to meaningfully face it, cause Mae to shrink herself in order to fit George’s needs, and downplay some of her own thorny feelings about gender and sexuality. Meanwhile, Mae’s shame over her addiction, and refusal to meaningfully face it, cause George to question Mae’s ability to stay upright, and wonder if she might just be another thing Mae can obsess over instead of drugs. Both have reasons for their insecurities; both fail to reckon with them; both hurt the other slowly, deeply, terribly. Over just six episodes, “Feel Good” tells the kind of complex relationship story that some shows spend seasons nailing down.

But again: “Feel Good,” as written by Martin and Hampson, is also very funny in a way that feels perfectly natural (i.e. not like it was ripped straight from one of Martin’s standup sets).  George, Mae, and the well-meaning people around them are funny like regular people are sometimes funny, whether they mean to be or not. With enough warmth and humor to keep its heavier subject matter afloat, “Feel Good” feels lowkey, insightful and real in a way that so much of TV tries to be, but rarely achieves quite like this — and yes, it also can feel pretty damn good.

“Feel Good” premieres Thursday, March 19 on Netflix.

• Production: Executive producers: Mae Martin, Joe Hampson, Ben Farrell, Ally Pankiw, Hannah Mackay, Toby Stevens.
• Cast: Mae Martin, Charlotte Ritchie, Lisa Kudrow.

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‘Checkmate’ review: Anoop Menon stars in a dark, fast-paced thriller

In a game of chess, it's all about being calculative. Every move has to be precise, for the player to stay ahead. 'Checkmate', Anoop Menon's latest film, progresses like a game of chess, introducing us to characters who are both pawns and queens in the game, who are making their way through New York, the city where each person is trying to live their dream.

Though debutant director Ratish Sekhar sets the narrative entirely in New York, we get only an illusion of what the city is - flashy lifestyles, expensive cars, hip hop dancers, the mafia and dons that rule the streets of New York. Probably, this was intentional as the story is centred around Philip Kurian, a powerful pharma magnate who is ruthless enough to stay ahead of the game. The rest of the characters around him are equally strategic.

The mystery that surrounds these characters, is the key draw of the film. Maya or Jessie played by Rekha Harindran, is a sophisticated woman, who has her own bag of surprises. She is not what she seems to be. Rekha is a newbie actor, but she does an exceptional job in the film carrying herself with a certain ease, with the confidence and style that are associated with actors like Nyla Usha and Amala Paul in Mollywood.

Anoop Menon who was last seen in 'Phoenix' also does an exceptional job as Philip Kurian. It is the chemistry between the two that works well for the movie. Rajalakshmy C as Annie, Lal as Boss, Anjali Mohanan as Anjali, Viswam Nair as Vinay, among others also play their roles to perfection.

Though the film revolves around the drug mafia and the ruthlessness of drug trials, it also touches upon sensitive subjects like women's fundamental rights to choose abortion, lesbianism, among others. The makers need to be appreciated for holding a torch to such issues. The plotline is also engaging.

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However, the film is affected at places by its underwritten screenplay and its lack of focus. Though the makers successfully establish the characters, they are placed in haphazard situations, which affect the flow of the film. The non-linear storytelling style, however, adds to the intrigue.

Ratish, who is also a musician, has composed the songs and crooned three of them in the movie. The music captures the ethos of the film perfectly Overall, the film, is an engaging watch, especially for those who love fast-paced, dark dramas, in a different setting.

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Movie Review: Delicate and powerful, ‘Good One’ is one of the year’s indie breakouts

This image released by Metrograph shows Lilly Collias in a scene from “Good One.” (Metrograph via AP)

This image released by Metrograph shows James Le Gros,, left, and Lilly Collias in a scene from “Good One.” (Metrograph via AP)

This image released by Metrograph shows James Le Gros, left, and Lilly Collias in a scene from “Good One.” (Metrograph via AP)

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A 17-year-old’s perception of her father is forever altered on a three-day backpacking trip in India Donaldson’s excellent debut “ Good One ,” in theaters Friday .

Something happens. And then something doesn’t happen. But that’s more of the tear point on the already delicate fabric of a relationship that has been deteriorating from neglect for years.

The trip to the Catskills was envisioned as a joint family trip. Chris (James Le Gros) and his daughter Sam (newcomer Lily Collias) planned to go with Chris’s old friend Matt (Danny McCarthy) and his teenage son. But when they pull up to Matt’s place, there’s an argument taking place between the father and son, who retreats to the apartment as Matt stomps to Chris’s car. The teenage son is no longer joining them.

Donaldson focuses her camera on Sam, whose face and deeply expressive eyes tell you everything you need to know: This is weird and it doesn’t feel right. Suddenly she’s on a boys trip with a pair of sad middle aged men who have known one another for decades and whose lives haven’t worked out the way they thought. Both are divorced. Chris has moved on and has a new baby. Matt is still in the early stages of having his life upended. And, boy, do they talk about their failed relationships, one of whom is obviously Sam’s mother. “I couldn’t make her happy.” “She was the one who started doing things first.” “I didn’t want to get divorced.”

Sam rolls her eyes a lot of the time; Other times she responds insightfully. The guys seem to half hear her, but also not. They long ago decided on their own narrative, their victimhood, and Sam is not going to change that with a bit of innocent truth.

Are they always this honest with their disappointments, failures and shortcomings around their kids, you wonder? Or is this a new thing happening on this trip? Chris, in particular, has forgotten that Sam, as worldly and wise as she seems, is still ultimately just a kid. You sense that Sam has already started to realize that her father is as flawed as anyone; but on this trip, his full self is on display.

All of the acting is terrific and so naturalistic that it’s easy to forget that these are actors performing lines that they’ve memorized in front of a camera. Le Gros as the fastidious super camper, who freaks out about his daughter’s safety from bears when he discovers that Matt was eating in his tent, but does little later on; And McCarthy as a failed actor and now failed husband who can be charming and fun but is mostly annoying and gross. But the real breakout is Collias. Her face and presence, empathetic and knowing, carries the whole film in an unforgettable depiction of modern girlhood with all of the dreaminess, awkwardness and boredom.

Donaldson, like Kelly Reichardt , has a keen eye for the smallest of details; A reaction, a wince, even a blank expression that says everything. She also knows when to turn away from the dialogue and the people and give the audience a nature break. One of many great decisions was to have Sam on her period during the trip, something she deals with silently behind trees and bushes as the guys wait impatiently.

At one point the guys are dreaming about what they’d do differently if they had a second chance at life. Matt would be a philosopher. Chris would own a bookstore. What about Sam, they ask. She responds that hopefully she still has a shot at deciding on this life. Indeed.

These stakes might seem comparatively small in a movie landscape of deadly tornadoes, apocalypses and multiverses colliding. But that’s what makes it so special. It is humanity, with all of its beauties and disappointments, as most of us experience it. And it’s one that will likely stay with you for some time.

“Good One,” a Metrograph pictures release in limited theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “language.” Running time: 90 minutes. Four stars out of four.

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Movie Review: Delicate and powerful, ‘Good One’ is one of the year’s indie breakouts

Film review - good one.

A 17-year-old’s perception of her father is forever altered on a three-day backpacking trip in India Donaldson’s excellent debut “ Good One ," in theaters Friday .

Something happens. And then something doesn’t happen. But that’s more of the tear point on the already delicate fabric of a relationship that has been deteriorating from neglect for years.

The trip to the Catskills was envisioned as a joint family trip. Chris (James Le Gros) and his daughter Sam (newcomer Lily Collias) planned to go with Chris’s old friend Matt (Danny McCarthy) and his teenage son. But when they pull up to Matt’s place, there’s an argument taking place between the father and son, who retreats to the apartment as Matt stomps to Chris’s car. The teenage son is no longer joining them.

Donaldson focuses her camera on Sam, whose face and deeply expressive eyes tell you everything you need to know: This is weird and it doesn’t feel right. Suddenly she’s on a boys trip with a pair of sad middle aged men who have known one another for decades and whose lives haven’t worked out the way they thought. Both are divorced. Chris has moved on and has a new baby. Matt is still in the early stages of having his life upended. And, boy, do they talk about their failed relationships, one of whom is obviously Sam’s mother. “I couldn’t make her happy.” “She was the one who started doing things first.” “I didn’t want to get divorced.”

Sam rolls her eyes a lot of the time; Other times she responds insightfully. The guys seem to half hear her, but also not. They long ago decided on their own narrative, their victimhood, and Sam is not going to change that with a bit of innocent truth.

Are they always this honest with their disappointments, failures and shortcomings around their kids, you wonder? Or is this a new thing happening on this trip? Chris, in particular, has forgotten that Sam, as worldly and wise as she seems, is still ultimately just a kid. You sense that Sam has already started to realize that her father is as flawed as anyone; but on this trip, his full self is on display.

All of the acting is terrific and so naturalistic that it’s easy to forget that these are actors performing lines that they’ve memorized in front of a camera. Le Gros as the fastidious super camper, who freaks out about his daughter’s safety from bears when he discovers that Matt was eating in his tent, but does little later on; And McCarthy as a failed actor and now failed husband who can be charming and fun but is mostly annoying and gross. But the real breakout is Collias. Her face and presence, empathetic and knowing, carries the whole film in an unforgettable depiction of modern girlhood with all of the dreaminess, awkwardness and boredom.

Donaldson, like Kelly Reichardt , has a keen eye for the smallest of details; A reaction, a wince, even a blank expression that says everything. She also knows when to turn away from the dialogue and the people and give the audience a nature break. One of many great decisions was to have Sam on her period during the trip, something she deals with silently behind trees and bushes as the guys wait impatiently.

At one point the guys are dreaming about what they’d do differently if they had a second chance at life. Matt would be a philosopher. Chris would own a bookstore. What about Sam, they ask. She responds that hopefully she still has a shot at deciding on this life. Indeed.

These stakes might seem comparatively small in a movie landscape of deadly tornadoes, apocalypses and multiverses colliding. But that’s what makes it so special. It is humanity, with all of its beauties and disappointments, as most of us experience it. And it’s one that will likely stay with you for some time.

“Good One,” a Metrograph pictures release in limited theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “language.” Running time: 90 minutes. Four stars out of four.

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Not even Sarandon can save this feeble attempt at feel-good laughs

The Fabulous Four (M, 99 minutes)

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Yeah, yeah, yeah? Nope, there is really only one "fab four" and that supergroup came and went a long time ago.

While this movie with a title it doesn't earn would like to take on some celebrity lustre and become a centrepiece for the girls' night out crowd, it is just a feeble attempt at feel-good for older women.

Apart from taking in the holiday vibe and the coastal views around Key West, Florida, where it is set, this celebration of mature-age friendship has little going for it, despite having veterans Bette Midler and Susan Sarandon on board.

Watching Sarandon in action is usually a rewarding experience, and she is far and away the best thing about this comedy light on laughs. It might be sheer coincidence that her character here, a salty-tongued heart surgeon called Louise, reminds us of the salty-tongued waitress she played opposite Geena Davis's naive and trusting character in Thelma & Louise . Ridley Scott's feminist-leaning road movie was a bolt out of the blue in the early 1990s, and we have had some real advances in the representation of woman on screen since then.

The Fabulous Four is a step backwards, however, with plenty of moments to cringe at, particularly any involving Marilyn (Midler at her most over-the-top).

Where we have female seniors in teen mode, making horny remarks and passes at young men, shrieking with laughter after chewing cannabis gummies, capturing every moment with a selfie. All except Lou, mocked as the sober, sensible and uptight one, who is probably the only one to act her age. This seriousness, bookishness and reserve is finally unleashed in a scene which nearly upends the whole silly enterprise, before she is taken in hand by a local doctor and Ernest Hemingway lookalike who takes a fancy to her.

Over a thankfully short running time, it's a relief when Louise's presence is in the frame, and tough going when she isn't. It leaves us largely in the company of Marilyn (Midler), her old BF from college with whom she shared an apartment in New York, a widow who is about to marry again. It was during those bachelorette years that they became close to their neighbours, organic cannabis producer Alice (Megan Mullally) and singer Kitty (Sheryl Lee Ralph), a cougar type who keeps rocking on.

Barely six months a widow, Marilyn is about to the tie the knot again with a guy she met in her new home of Florida. She summons her old friends to be her bridesmaids for the traditional ceremony she envisions. The full bit with a massive, frothy white wedding gown.

It will be tricky enticing Lou to join them because the two women haven't seen each other since they fell out over the guy who Marilyn first married, but the other two, Alice and Kitty, decide that it's time Louise let bygones be bygones.

They trick her into flying to Florida to collect a new cat. A polydactyl descended from a pet once owned by Ernest Hemingway, whose former home-cum-museum, is located there. Lou, a cat lover and a fan of the Old Brute aka Hemingway, even knows that To Have and Have Not and The Snows of Kilimanjaro were written there. Who knew?

The best that can be said of The Fabulous Four is that it adds to the quantity of roles for older women on screen. At least, three of the foursome have had careers and they don't feel like retiring or settling into assisted living. The worst, it must be said, is that the point is surely quality not quantity. Who wants to see performers like the terrific women in this ensemble cast, who are aged between 65 and 78 years, behaving like they were in their teens?

It is hard to figure what it was about the screenplay by Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly that attracted such a talented and skilful director as Jocelyn Moorhouse, with films as good as Proof and The Dressmaker to her name.

If the thought was that she could compensate for poor material characterised by lazy, weak dialogue and recycled plotting with performances from four leading ladies of the cinema and TV screen and stage who could rise above it, it's clear that she was hoping for too much.

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