Feel-good movies are often underestimated. Sure, we love blockbuster movies. But it’s no surprise that after tough times we crave for movies that are as upbeat, funny and feel-good as possible. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best movies that will give you a much-needed mood boost to ease any anxiety you may be feeling right now, or if you just want to breathe.
Of course, you can go for a run and release endorphins to feel good. Or instead, you can grab your favorite person, your most comfortable home outfit, delicious snacks and start watching a very good movie. None of these movies are going to make you cry, and they’re probably not going to get your brain cells working, but doesn’t our minds need a much-needed break? We are not here to judge how anyone spends their free time.
So, if you’re looking for a comfortable movie that will make you laugh a little, inspire you, or restore your faith in humanity in general, here are some feel-good movies…
No tears allowed here; just pure joy…
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
MY LITTLE DAYLIGHT
2006
A family embarks on an adventurous journey across the country to take their daughter on stage at a beauty pageant request. How can you not smile as you watch this family go to great lengths to make their daughter’s dreams come true?
LA LA LAND
CITY OF LOVERS
2016
A pianist and actress are drawn to each other because of their mutual desire to make their dreams come true. The catchy soundtrack, lively sets, and dreamy outfits give this movie a serious feel-good factor.
SCHOOL OF ROCK
HABABAM ROCK
2003
Dewey Finn, an amateur rock enthusiast, sneaks up on his friend’s job by disguising as a substitute teacher. He teaches his students rock ‘n’ roll and eventually enrolls them in The Battle of the Bands. If the music isn’t going to make you feel good from start to finish, it will make the finale feel great; trust us on this one!
COMING TO AMERICA
AMERICAN DREAM
1988
In Queens, no one knows that Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is actually a member of the African royal family in his (fictional) hometown of Zamunda. He and his best friend Semmi (Arsenio Hall) travel to the United States to find a wife his father loved, not chosen for him.
MATILDA
1996
The film focuses on child prodigy Matilda Wormwood, who uses her newfound psychokinetic abilities to deal with her emotionally neglectful family. Let’s face it, for a few years after its release, we’ve all been convinced we have superpowers!
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
WONDERFUL LIFE
1946
One of the most valuable films in Hollywood history. George Bailey (James Stewart) is a small-town man whose life seems so desperate that he contemplates suicide. He had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to see the world, but circumstances and his own good heart led him to stay. She sacrificed her education for her brother’s, kept the family-run savings and credit afloat, protected the town from the greed of greedy banker Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), and married his childhood sweetheart (Donna Reed). As he prepares to jump off a bridge, his guardian angel intervenes to show him what life would be like for the residents of Bedford Falls if he had never lived.
THE BIRDCAGE
BIRD CAGE
1996
Playing the owner of a gay drag club in Miami, Robin Williams decides to display false honesty with his life partner to appease his son’s prospective conservative relatives.
GROUNDHOG DAY
TODAY ACTUALLY WAS YESTERDAY
1993
A cynical TV weatherman is sent, along with his charming but distant producer and grumpy cameraman, to the small town of Punxsutawney to report on Groundhog Day, where he finds himself reliving the same day over and over again. The only advantage? He gets a chance to correct his mistakes and fall more deeply in love with Rita.
LOVE ACTUALLY
LOVE IS EVERYWHERE
2003
This beloved movie may be a Christmas movie, but it can be watched year-round. The massive cast consists of eight different couples whose love lives are intertwined. It always ends with a story that will warm your heart.
FORREST GUMP
1994
In the classic movie, Tom Hanks plays Forrest Gump, who falls in love with his childhood friend. While “Run, Forrest, run” will always be synonymous with the movie, we love it for the protagonist’s positive mantra and motto: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE
RETURN TO THE FUTURE
1985
Set in the 1980s, Marty McFly travels back in time to the 50s with mad scientist Doc Brown when his time travel experiment goes awry. Caught in the past, Marty must make his parents fall in love to restore his future and save Doc.
WALL-E
CAST
2008
WALL-E is the last robot left on an Earth littered with garbage and where all humans have fled into space. He tried to clean up the mess for 700 years, but he developed some pretty interesting human-like qualities. When a ship arrives with a sleek new type of robot, WALL-E thinks he’s finally found a friend and is stowed on board as the ship leaves.
TOY STORY
TOY STORY
1995
A cowboy doll feels deeply threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure replaces him as the ultimate toy in a boy’s bedroom.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
WIZARD OF OZ
1939
In fantasy, Dorothy is dragged into an enchanted land after a hurricane hits her family’s farm in Kansas. This prompts him to embark on an adventure to the Emerald City to find his way home. Along the way, he buys stylish ruby red slippers and makes a few special friends. Better still, she learns this valuable lesson: No matter how green (or, in her case, yellow) the grass on the other side looks, there really is no place like home.
MAMMA MIA!
2008
The only thing better than Meryl Streep singing and dancing on a beautiful Greek island is doing it with ABBA’s addictive voices. Good luck trying not to sing together…
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
DO NOT LOSE YOUR HOPE
2006
Almost every scene in this biographical drama will make you shed happy tears. The film is based on the true story of a struggling salesman named Chris Gardner (Will Smith), who is desperate to find his purpose and make a necessary career change. Chris’ son, Christopher Jr. If you’re wondering why his bond with him is so strong; this is because the boy is played by Smith’s own son, Jaden Smith.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE
AWESOME NANNA
1993
Expect Aerosmith’s “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” to pop into your head after laughing as the late Robin Williams sweeps the floor as the British nanny, Miss Doubtfire. In the 1993 comedy Williams plays Daniel Hillard, the hapless father trying to win back his wife and children by working as a housekeeper. Hillard’s interactions with the family are so adorable you’ll forget he lied to them.
GIRLS TRIP
GIRLS’ NIGHT
2017
Ryan, played by Regina Hall, is invited to speak at the annual Essence Festival. He sees this as a chance to reconnect with his best friends Sasha, Lisa and Dina, and the girls take a trip to New Orleans.
LETTERS TO JULIET
LOVE LETTERS
2010
A woman visiting Verona visits where a heartbroken wall has left notes for Shakespeare’s tragic hero Juliet. He decides to track down the author of one of the letters and reunite him with his lover. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
THE GENTLEMAN
2020
If the crazy, action-packed Guy Ritchie movies make you feel good, you’re the winner with this one. American immigrant Mickey Pearson (McConaughey) wants to sell his lucrative London business and rumors spread. Very witty and effective scenes from the king of intrigue, bribery, blackmail and gangsta movies…
