There's Nothing Better Than A Feel-Good Movie
Sometimes there's nothing more satisfying than curling up after a hard day and watching a feel-good movie. Here are some of our top picks—guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
1952's Singin' in the Rain is a bright and colorful musical that delights in the magic of Hollywood. It also stars three of the most impressive performers: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor.
From the delightfully choreographed dance numbers to the heartwarming love story, this classic will lead you to the "happily ever after" you're looking for.
MGM, Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Grease (1978)
If you're looking for a cheerful musical filled with catchy tunes, lovable characters, and a deeply satisfying ending, then Grease is your golden ticket to a good time. Starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta as one of the most iconic film couples, Sandy and Danny, this is a romance where the bad boy falls for the good girl.
Against the backdrop of Rydell High School, this tale proves that sometimes star-crossed lovers can change their fates.
Back To The Future (1985)
You can't walk away from 1985's Back to the Future without a massive smile plastered on your face. Michael J Fox plays the lovable Marty McFly who time travels with the kooky scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Finding himself stuck in the past, Marty comes face to face with the teenage versions of his parents—and finds himself in the most hilarious situations imaginable.
Universal, Back to the Future (1985)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Playing hooky was always an exhilarating risk, and seeing Ferris Bueller embark on all kinds of crazy adventures on his day off is a way to enjoy the same feeling through the act of watching a film. Starring Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a joyful ride that focuses on the importance of friendship and enjoying one's life.
Paramount, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
The Princess Bride (1987)
The cast of eccentric and lovable characters in 1987's The Princess Bride makes it the kind of film you can return to again and again. It has everything: a perfect love story, a revenge plot, an evil prince, sword fights, and rodents of unusual size.
Starring Robin Wright as Buttercup and Cary Elwes as Westley, this is the kind of movie that feels like a comforting adult fairy tale.
Twentieth Century, The Princess Bride (1987)
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Perhaps one of the most beloved holiday films, 1946's It's a Wonderful Life is almost guaranteed to make you weep tears of relief and joy. James Stewart plays George Bailey—a man who contemplates taking his life on Christmas Eve.
However, in his moment of desperation, an angel intercedes and helps him to see just how precious, important, and wonderful his life truly is.
RKO, It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
The Sandlot (1993)
Do you love the feeling of nostalgia? Do you miss your childhood and your gang of friends? If so, then 1993's The Sandlot is a kid's film that follows an endearing group of young boys. The main character Scotty Smalls, who is new to the San Fernando Valley, joins a baseball team and gains the best friends a person could ever ask for—the kind that last a lifetime.
Twentieth Century, The Sandlot (1993)
Clueless (1995)
Based on Jane Austen's novel Emma, 1995's Clueless is a bubbly drama that follows Cher Horowitz, played by Alicia Silverstone. Other recognizable stars include Brittany Murphy and Paul Rudd. As Cher plays matchmaker at her high school, we as viewers can enjoy the iconic soundtrack and the brilliant costumes.
If you're feeling down and want to cuddle up with a '90s film, Clueless is guaranteed to lift your mood.
French Kiss (1995)
French Kiss is a '90s rom-com starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline as the most unlikely couple imaginable. When Ryan's character, Kate, discovers that her fiancé has fallen for another woman in Paris, she decides to go after him and win him back. But on the plane ride there, she meets Kline's character, Luc, who changes her life forever.
Not only can you relish in the fun banter and comedic plot twists, but the film also provides viewers with a gorgeous tour through France.
Working Title, French Kiss (1995)
The Parent Trap (1998)
1998's remake of The Parent Trap stars a very young Lindsay Lohan, who plays two characters—a set of twins. Separated at birth, Hallie grows up in the US while Annie grows up in Britain. By some twist of fate, they end up at the same summer camp and learn of the other's existence. Together, they hatch a plan to reunite their estranged parents, played by Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid.
The sibling dynamic in this film is enough to pluck at anyone's heartstrings, and you'll find yourself rooting for Hallie and Annie's crazy plan to succeed.
Walt Disney, The Parent Trap (1998)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You is one of the most successful teen rom-coms. After all, it's based on the Shakespeare play Taming of the Shrew. Julia Stiles plays the hard-headed loner Kat who ends up falling for bad boy Patrick, played by Heath Ledger. But little does she know, Patrick has ulterior motives. There's a secret plot afoot—and it has the potential to ruin everything.
With a nostalgic '90s soundtrack crooning in the background, this teen film is sure to get you in your feels.
Touchstone, 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Spirited Away (2001)
Do you feel comforted by stunning visuals and a colorful escape from the real world? If so, then Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away will whisk you off into a fantasy filled with river spirits, dragons, witches, and so much more.
With its glorious score and heartwarming lessons about friendship, this Japanese animated film can transport you to a magical place you'll likely want to return to in the future.
Before Sunset (2004)
The second installment of Richard Linklater's Before trilogy will make you believe in true love. Where the first film Before Sunrise might leave you with a melancholy feeling, with no sense of real closure, 2004's Before Sunset ends on a concrete note.
In this film, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) reunite nine years after their one perfect day spent together. As the two of them walk through the streets of Paris, they reminisce on their lives. It's clear that love still hovers between them—and their sizzling chemistry is a wonder to behold.
Warner Bros., Before Sunset (2004)
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Not to be dramatic, but 2005's Pride & Prejudice is a perfect film. Not only are the soundtrack and cinematography a dream, but Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden are the most satisfying Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. Like all Jane Austen tales, our main characters trip and stumble towards a glorious happy ending.
Universal, Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Mamma Mia! (2008)
How can you not feel good after listening to close to two hours of ABBA hits? This saturated, over-the-top musical has an unbelievable all-star cast, including Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Watching this movie is like hanging out with your best girlfriends. And even better?
The entire story whisks you off to a gorgeous Greek island where it's sunny every day.
Yesterday (2019)
Yesterday is one of the most underrated films to come out of 2019. Himesh Patel plays Jack Malik—an aspiring singer-songwriter. However, his life turns upside-down when he gets hit by a car. When he gains consciousness, he realizes he's living in a bizarre alternate reality where the Beatles don't exist. As a result, all kinds of amusing shenanigans ensue.
CODA (2021)
CODA might make you cry, but I promise you're going to walk away feeling very satisfied. Emilia Jones plays Ruby Rossi, a girl with a deaf family. The problem? Ruby's main passion is music and singing—things that are nearly impossible for her parents to understand. This movie is about the love of one's family and the importance of following your dreams.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Everything Everywhere All At Once's title is an accurate reflection of what it promises to deliver—everything. It is a rollercoaster ride full of heart, action, and surreal alternate dimensions. It confronts deep questions like the meaning of life and love, and boasts a talented cast whose performances will bring you to tears.
A24, Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Barbie (2023)
With everything drenched in bright pink, Greta Gerwig's Barbie is a hilarious and touching escape for anyone who watches it. The plot follows stereotypical Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, as she confronts some of the harsh realities of the outside world.
Also starring Ryan Gosling as Ken and America Ferrera as Gloria, this romp might have you grasping hands and bonding with the women in your life.
The Goonies (1985)
The Goonies is the perfect friendship, feel-good film. Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Ke Huy Quan, among others, the story follows a group of friends as they embark on a treasure hunt. As they go looking for a pirate's loot, they run into some trouble along the way, meet a new friend, and forge lasting connections with one another.
Warner Bros., The Goonies (1985)
Big Fish (2003)
Big Fish is a larger-than-life film directed by Tim Burton—and it might be one of his lightest films. There is a dream-like quality to the life story of Edward Bloom, which is told through fantastical vignettes. Ultimately, though, it is about a son's desire to understand who his father truly is.
As Edward Bloom's life draws to a close, his magical memories prove his life has been well lived.
Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille is an absolute gem of a film. Set mostly in Paris, and following the story of a rat named Remy, this story proves that great genius can come in small, furry packages. With his refined palette, Remy finds himself secretly cooking in a high-end Parisian restaurant, thanks to an unlikely friendship with a human.
This movie is about the joy of cooking and eating—and makes you want to savor every drop of your own life.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
When it comes to a lovable granddaughter and grandmother duo, it doesn't really get better than Anne Hathaway and Julia Andrews' characters in The Princess Diaries.
When Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway) discovers that she is the Princess of Genovia, her life changes in the most dramatic ways possible. This coming-of-age story is fun and filled with poignant life lessons.
Walt Disney, The Princess Diaries (2001)
Big (1988)
A young boy trapped in the body of an adult man? Tom Hanks has to deliver a convincing performance of a 12-year-old in 1988's Big. With such a bizarre premise, it's no wonder this film is filled with big laughs and awkward situations. It's also a reminder that time is precious. Don't rush things. We'll all get there eventually.
Chocolat (2000)
Chocolat is about the power of one of the most delectable sweet treats on the planet. Juliette Binoche shines as Vianne Rocher, a newcomer to a French village where she scandalously opens a chocolaterie during Lent. Through her warmth and delicious chocolate, she steals the hearts of the villagers—and finds a place where she can finally put down real roots.
The Mask Of Zorro (1998)
If you're in the mood for action, adventure, a smoldering love story, and lots of swashbuckling then The Mask of Zorro might be the perfect movie pick for you. Starring Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, this revenge plot gets very complicated when Zorro's successor falls in love with the daughter of his enemy.
But don't worry, there's a satisfying ending waiting for you at the end of this wild ride.
TriStar, The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Elf (2003)
Elf might be one of the funniest, and most wholesome, Christmas movies. Will Ferrell plays Buddy—a human who believes that he's an elf because he was raised at the North Pole. However, when he travels to New York City to find his biological father, he gets himself into all kinds of ridiculous situations.
The Sound Of Music (1965)
With musical numbers like "Do-Re-Mi" and "My Favorite Things," The Sound of Music will serenade you into a great mood. It stars Julie Andrews at her absolute best opposite the very charming Christopher Plummer. Andrews plays a nun named Maria who becomes the governess of the von Trapp children, becoming an integral part of their family.
Twentieth Century, The Sound of Music (1965)
Shrek (2001)
Shrek is an animated film that riffs on classic fairy tales. It follows a large, green ogre who gets run out of his swamp home by exiled fairy tale creatures. Desperate to return to the peace and quiet of his former way of life, Shrek strikes an agreement with the villain, Lord Farquaad.
Shrek's mission is simple: He must rescue Princess Fiona from her tower and deliver her to Farquaad. With the help of his cling-on friend Donkey, Shrek embarks on a dangerous adventure and finds love in the most unexpected places.
When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
In this friends-to-lovers romantic comedy, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal make the perfect pair as Sally Albright and Harry Burns. The film poses an overarching question: Can men and women truly be just friends? For over a decade, these two characters' lives cross paths until they eventually foster a deep friendship. But could they be something more?
Not only is the writing sharp and engaging in When Harry Met Sally..., but the settings are warm, cozy, and immersive.
Columbia, When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig's Little Women really presents the joy of sisterhood and overall womanhood. This gorgeous period piece follows the lives of the March sisters as they grow up, make mistakes, and wrestle with their passions. From unrequited love to grief to fulfilling success, this movie touches on some of the most important facets of life.
Starring Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, among others, this all-star cast gives heart-wrenching performances that will sit with you long after the credits have rolled.
About Time (2013)
About Time is a romantic comedy with a wild twist. Its main character Tim Lake, played by Domhall Gleeson, inherits the uncanny ability of traveling through time. With this special power, he learns the advantages and disadvantages of changing his past in order to secure the future he's most happy with.
This movie leaves you with a lasting appreciation for your life and calls you to treasure every second that you have.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
1997's Good Will Hunting might put you through the emotional wringer, but it will also leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Matt Damon plays Will Hunting, a troubled man with a brilliant brain. Through time spent with his therapist, played by Robin Williams—as well as his relationship with a young woman played by Minnie Driver—Will comes to understand who he is and what he really wants.
Robin Williams' final, improvised line ties up one of the most perfect endings in film history: "...he stole my line".
