Films That Are Sure To Make You Smile
There are many opinions on what makes a good film—but one thing that we can all agree wins every time is a happy ending. Unfortunately, not every single movie comes with its very own joyful conclusion, which is why we’ve collected some of the best happy ending films for you.
Back To The Future (1985)
This flick from the 80s has become a cultural classic. Time travel can be a tricky thing. One wrong move and you can erase your very existence—which is exactly what Marty McFly faces when wacky Dr Brown and his DeLorean fling Marty back to the 50s. We won’t give away the ending, but we do promise it’s a happy one.
Universal, Back To The Future (1985)
Sing Street (2016)
Sing Street is one of my favorite films, and by far one of the most underrated ones that I know. An Irish film full of heart, Sing Street follows one of the oldest and most relatable storylines of all: Conor wants to impress a girl, so he tells her he’s in a band—only, there’s one hitch: he’s not. The solution? Get your friends to join you in a band and run around Ireland as you film your music videos.
Cosmo Films, Sing Street (2016)
Chef (2014)
Food has long been known to bring us all together. Therefore, it is not such a stretch to believe that a film about a chef who quits his restaurant job and buys a food truck would be filled with heart, particularly as the journey brings our chef’s family back together, stitching up the wounds that exist with honesty and heart.
Aldamisa Entertainment, Chef (2014)
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! (2018)
Music, Greek Islands, and playful antics acted out by greats such as Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, and Christine Baranski—where could you possibly go wrong? This sequel to the ever-popular Mamma Mia! stars Lily James as a young Donna Sheridan as she tromps through the misadventures that lead to our original conundrum: a daughter with three possible fathers. Full of heart and laughs, if that isn’t enough, we’ll toss in cameos by Cher and Meryl Streep.
Universal, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
The Croods (2013)
The Croods is a delightful and heartwarming comedy that suggests that the relationships between fathers and daughters are, literally, as old as time. Grug is a caveman who just wants to keep his family safe. Unfortunately, his teenage daughter Eep wants to explore and leave the cave. The antics of this family as they search for the future will warm your heart from beginning to end.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolf, and Melissa McCarthy are well known comedic names for a reason. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing, they’re all just funny. Bridesmaids capitalizes on that funny, adding a supporting cast that is just as hilarious, and truly getting to the root of what friendship means.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Slumdog Millionaire is another movie that is difficult to call happy. Like Shawshank Redemption, there are going to be some scenes in this film that are difficult to watch. However, those scenes are worth it for the inspiring and heartwarming ending that is waiting for you.
Searchlight Pictures, Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009)
Have you ever been sitting around, starving and thinking that it would be really convenient if some food would fall from the sky right this moment? Well, that’s exactly what our local scientist invents in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Things, of course, don’t quite go smoothly for him, however, there is a smile-worthy ending in store.
Columbia, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Up (2009)
The first five minutes of Up may just be the most heart wrenching in cinematic history. However, all of that sadness is needed in order to set up the beautiful and heartwarming journey that Carl Fredricksen takes, learning that you never know what adventure is right around the corner, or when your life will take an unexpected turn.
Planes, Trains And Automobiles (1987)
This film stars Steve Martin and John Candy. There doesn’t really seem to be anything else that needs to be said about that. However, just to really drive home the joy of this film, it follows the struggles of Martin’s character, an advertising man who’s just trying to get home for Thanksgiving and Candy’s lovable oaf of a character is his only constant companion. Annoyance turns to genuine friendship and understanding by the end of this hectic journey.
Paramount, Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
If you are a certified 90s child, then you know that Homeward Bound is the quintessential feel-good movie of a generation. When the Seaver family go on vacation, they leave their beloved pets Chance, Sassy, and Shadow behind. Certain that their owners are in trouble, our three intrepid pets take it upon themselves to travel across the Sierra Nevada mountains to save them, ending in maybe the most relatable and heartwarming ending in cinema.
Walt Disney, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Babe (2006)
Another heartwarming animal focused tale from the 90s, Babe tells the journey of Babe the pig, who discovers that he can herd sheep. Babe not only endears himself to the farmer who wins him at the county fair, but into the heart of moviegoers everywhere.
Mulan (1998)
Mulan can’t be the perfect daughter. She struggles to fill the role that society has cast for her. However, when China finds itself at war again, and all households must send a solider, Mulan dresses as a man to save her elderly father. However, it’s not just her father that Mulan saves by the end of this classic Disney tale.
Practical Magic (1998)
There is a growing theme here of movies that deal with heavy topics but end on a beautifully uplifting note. Practical Magic follows sisters Sally and Gillian Owens (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) as they come to terms with who they are, and discover the real magic is in the power of sisterhood, making all the troubles the face leading up to that moment worth the ride.
Warner Bros., Practical Magic (1998)
Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted plays on all of the tropes that the Disney generation grew up with. Amy Adams’ Giselle is a classic “Disney princess” from the land of Andalasia. However, as she prepares to wed the prince, she finds herself in a mysterious place—New York City. Antics abound as the magical world clashes with reality. Though as with all good fairytales, it works out in the end.
The Proposal (2009)
Book publisher Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) discovers that she is going to be sent back to Canada—and lose the job she’s devoted herself to for years—if she doesn’t find a loophole fast. Enter her much abused assistant, Andrew Paxon (Ryan Renolds). Margaret bribes him into marrying her so she can stay in the country. The only hurdle? They need to convince Andrew’s entire family (and the INS) that this is a true love match by the end of the weekend.
Touchstone, The Proposal (2009)
Bring It On (2000)
A 2000s classic this time, every girl wanted to be a Toros or a Clover. This fun action film, following two cheer teams (the Toros and the Clovers) as they compete against each other for championships, hits all of the right notes. There is a reason, after all, it’s a classic, and that reason isn’t just Kirsten Dunst. Though, she certainly never hurts.
Beacon Pictures, Bring It On (2000)
WALL-E (2008)
You will never believe that you could fall so completely in love with an animated robot until you’ve watched Wall-E. As a character, Wall-E’s innocence as he discovers a world beyond the little patch of a neglected Earth he was tasked to clear is utterly enchanting. The ending of this film is a beautiful and heartwarming homage to what we can do, if we believe in our home.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
There is ample evidence that it’s very hard to go wrong with music. Pitch Perfect takes a modern spin on the idea of musicals and music clubs, by introducing jaded Beca to her school’s all-girls singing group, The Bellas. It’s not just Beca that feels the heartwarming impact of friendship by the end of this film.
Brownstone Productions, Pitch Perfect (2012)
Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol 3 (2023)
Guardians of the Galaxy was the film series that proved to both Marvel and the world that superheroes could also be fun. All of the Guardians of the Galaxy films hit a light and playful note that promises a great time. However, the third volume in this popular series really found the way to fill the film with heart. You will be crying with joy by the end.
Marvel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
School Of Rock (2003)
Jack Black endears himself to a whole generation of movie viewers in this hilarious film about a failing musician who pretends to be a supply teacher at a private prep school. When he realizes that his rich students might actually have musical talent, he creates a new class project: Rock Band. Full of heart and great family friendly jokes, this film is perfect for viewers of all ages.
Paramount, School of Rock (2003)
Juno (2007)
Juno launched Elliot Page’s career for a reason. Not only did it show how exceptionally talented he is, but this quirky and unexpected comedy about an equally unexpected teen pregnancy is full of heart, joy, and love. It reminds us all of the true value of loving, supporting and accepting families.
Searchlight Pictures, Juno (2007)
Trolls (2016)
Trolls is a bright and zany adventure that is filled with song, joy, and friendship. Poppy, the happiest troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch are forced to work together to rescue Poppy’s friends. Of course, they save the day with joy—and song.
Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi (1983)
There is always something powerful in the happy conclusion of a series that has experienced so many trials and tribulations. For three films, you have been watching the heroes fight against Darth Vader and The Empire. When they finally get their victory, you celebrate with them.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Austenland (2013)
Austenland is the perfect must-watch film for any Jane Austen fan out there. Even if you aren’t a fan of Jane Austen, you will be rolling with laughter as you watch the antics of the cast of characters that have collected at “Austenland”, a Jane Austen vacation experience in which you live in a Jane Austen novel for a week. Not to mention, the ending of this amazing film is completely swoon worthy—right out of an Austen novel.
Fickle Fish Films, Austenland (2013)
The Princess Bride (1987)
“I don’t believe that word means what you think it means”.
“My name is Indigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die”.
“As you wish”.
These are only a small handful of the iconic lines that The Princess Bride has given us. This hilarious and beautifully done film is perfect for any rainy-day viewing.
Act III Communications, The Princess Bride (1987)
Beauty & The Beast (2017)
There is always beauty in a film that is about seeing beneath the outside of a person and looking within (pun intended). Which means that any rendition of Beauty and The Beast should be included on this list. However, the 2017 live action version brings an extra level of magic to the tale as old as time, truly highlighting the importance of judging by character, and not by looks.
Walt Disney, Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day literally invented the time loop trope, at least as we know it in modern pop culture; it is why any movie that uses it afterwards is often referred to as a “Groundhog Day”. In this iconic film, the trope of repeating the same day over and over is used to teach a narcissistic and self-centered weatherman, Phil (Bill Murray), the error of his ways—and, of course, teach him to be a better person.
Columbia, Groundhog Day (1993)
The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King (2003)
Much like Star Wars, Return of The King makes it onto list because it is another wrap on an epic trilogy. After watching the carriers of the ring struggle against the forces of evil for three (very) long films, we are elated to finally see goodness win out and all our heroes get the life they deserve.
New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
It’s a well-worn tale: You want someone to like you, or you want to look as if you’re desirable—or if you just want to avoid the consequences of accidentally sending out a bunch of love letters to boys you’ve once had a crush on, then you get yourself a fake boyfriend. This sweet and playful film based off of equally playful books is full of heart as well familiar tropes, and if you’re not in love with Lara-Jean by the end, then we’ll eat our socks.
Awesomeness Films, To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2013)
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Now, if you’ve read the book, then you likely will have a few things to say about this adaptation of the popular novel. However, for fans who don’t have anything to compare this film to, Ella Enchanted is a playful and heartwarming tale of a young woman learning to take control of her own life—and watching Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy fall in love is not so bad either.
Miramax, Ella Enchanted (2004)
Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille is one of Disney-Pixar’s more unusual concepts. A rat who wants nothing more than to become a chef forms an unlikely friendship with an awkward kitchen worker at a famous Paris restaurant who can’t cook to save his life. What follows is a beautiful tale of friendship and overcoming obstacles—if you disregard the health code volitions of having a rat in the kitchen.
Walt Disney, Ratatouille (2007)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Although some consider it the weakest film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, this film ends up setting up a beautiful arch for a comeback story that we’re all routing for. Halfway through the movie, we find Batman at his absolute lowest—which makes his ultimate victory at the end all the sweeter.
Warner Bros., The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Annie (2014)
A film about an orphan finding love and family is always going to be a winner. This modernization of the classic musical, starring Quvenzhane Wallis as the inspiring Annie and Jamie Foxx as our unexpected father figure, Will Stacks, brings all of the joy of this tale into the 21st century.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde is all about the girl power. It starts off as a film that seems to fall into all of the expected poor tropes for women: A blonde sorority girl follows her boyfriend to Harvard Law to win him back after he dumps her for not being serious enough (“Like it’s hard”). However, what follows is an inspiring journey of self-discovery and female empowerment.
Shazam! (2019)
DC Comics tends to be known for more serious films, with the brooding hero Batman tending to headline their best-selling series. Zachary Levi’s hero, Shazam, then, is a surprising break from this mold. Not only is Levi’s performance delightfully enchanting, but the ending will leave you with all the warm and fuzzy feels.
Brooklyn (2015)
Nominated for three Oscars in 2015, and the winner of one BAFTA (Best Actress, Saoirse Ronan), Brooklyn is a beautiful tale about being forced to leave home and realizing, in the end, that you’ve managed to create a new home for yourself. Charming and funny, Brooklyn will enchant you even before it’s beautiful ending.
Wildgaze Films, Brooklyn (2015)
The Lion King (1994)
Disney is known for great films. If you took a poll, it is likely that everyone will have a different opinion on which is the best, however The Lion King certainly will be nearing the top of quite a few lists. Touted as an adaptation of Hamlet (though very loose), The Lion King uses the backdrop of the African Savannah to tell a relatable tale of loss, bravery and discovering what you’re capable of.
Walt Disney, The Lion King (1994)
Warm Bodies (2013)
While modestly popular when it came out in 2013, Warm Bodies is a film that has become tragically underrated by pop culture. In a world in which “the zombie film” could be considered almost borderline overdone, this unique spin on it stands out. Really more of a rom-com than a horror flick, Warm Bodies, fills you with hope, suggesting that nobody is ever beyond saving.
Summit Entertainment, Warm Bodies (2013)
The Duff (2015)
Mae Whitman absolutely glows with all of her usual wit and charm in this hilarious high school comedy. After being called “The Duff” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) in her friend group, Whitman’s Bianca attempts to blow up her entire life and prove everyone wrong. What she discovers instead is that labels only have power if you give it to them.
Holes (2003)
Although officially a film tailored towards children or preteens, Holes is one of those movies that can be enjoyed by anyone in the family. Following Stanley Yelnats as he gets sent to a juvenile correction camp for stealing a pair of shoes (that he didn’t steal), Holes addresses the issues of redemption and second chances with poise, grace and a lot of humor.
Stardust (2007)
Not to brag, but I got in the “Ben Barnes line” from his small 10–15-minute cameo as a young version of Tristan’s father in the start of this film. However, this movie is so much more than the beautiful faces they chose to cast in it. It’s a unique and hilarious look at a young man discovering his own identity, and discovering that, maybe, he’s better than the girl he’s trying to impress will give him credit for.
Late Night (2019)
You cannot go wrong with a film starring Emma Thompson. It is absolutely impossible. However, this charming and quirky movie perfectly addresses the struggles of being an older woman in a television role. You’ll fall in love with the entire cast by the end of this journey.
3 Arts Entertainment, Late Night (2019)
Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story was the film that launched Pixar’s rocket like trajectory into a household name. This film, staring a cowboy voiced by Tom Hanks, who is worried about being overshadowed by his owner’s new spaceman toy (voiced by Tim Allen,) has shaped an entire generation’s view on their toys. It has also taught them that true love and loyalty never dies.
Spy (2015)
Staring Melissa McCarthy, this hilarious spin on the spy drama is the perfect way to spend a Saturday night. When something goes wrong with their agent in the field, the CIA needs a new undercover spy—so, desk-bound analyst Susan Cooper volunteers to step in and what follows is a fantastic journey of self-discovery and realizing that maybe some people she had once counted on were overshadowing her potential all along.
Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Shawshank Redemption is difficult to describe as a happy film. Centering on Andy Dufresne, who has been wrongly convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover, and following the bonds he makes while in Shawshank prison, particularly with Morgan Freeman’s character “Red”, there are some scenes that are hard to watch. However, it’s all worth it as we see Andy and Red get the ending they deserve.
