You’ve had a bad day. You’ve had a bad week. You’ve had a badyear. And sometimes, you’re not in the mood to watch “the best” films. There’s nothing wrong withCitizen Kane,Vertigo, or2001: A Space Odyssey, but if you’re feeling like garbage, it’s probably not the film you want to watch while you’re down in the dumps. You need feel-good movies. You need uplifting movies. You want the best feel-good movies.
With that in mind, we’ve humbly compiled a list of the best feel-good movies to put you in a better mood. These aren’t just blithely cheerful, brain-dead pictures.They’re all terrific movies that carry an uplifting message that is earned, thoughtful, and will definitely leave you smilingas the credits roll.
35. ‘The Parent Trap’ (1998)
Directed by Nancy Meyers
Lindsay Lohan’sbreakthrough role inNancy Meyer’s filmThe Parent Trapsolidified her as one of the best child stars in Hollywood history. The movie follows the lives of twin sisters who were separated at birth, until they serendipitously meet each other during a summer camp, without knowing the other one. There, they make a plan to reunite their parents while preventing their father, Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid) from marrying his gold-digging girlfriend.
Not many people know thatthe 1998Parent Trapfilm is a remakedue to itsendearing characters, rib-tickling shenanigans, and a heartwarming plot that sees the reconciliation of two sistersand the unification of a family. It’s a film that’ll resonate with viewers of all ages and will surely bring a smile to every viewer who’s feeling a little blue.
The Parent Trap
34. ‘The Holiday’ (2006)
Another romantic comedy that everyone should be familiar with isThe Holiday. StarringKate WinsletandCameron Diaz, The Holiday follows two women who decide to swap homes for a short holiday after feeling dissatisfied with their lives. In search of comfort and a fresh perspective, the women discover more than they anticipated — new love interests and a new look at life.
WatchingThe Holidayis like getting a warm embrace inside a cozy English cottage. The film’s idyllic landscapes and charming characters create a world where dreams come true and hearts mend.Winslet, Diaz, Jack Black, and Jude Law have an incredible chemistrythat infuses the film with a sense of authenticity, making every moment feel like a cherished memory.
The Holiday
33. ‘Chef’ (2014)
Directed by Jon Favreau
Apart from playing the role of Happy in the MCU, director andactor Jon Favreau has also starredin the underrated comedy-drama filmChef. In it, a disgraced chef tries to pick back up his career by starting a food truck that serves up Cuban sandwiches. In his journey, he begins to regain his passion for cooking and love for his family.
As Carl and his family travel in their food truck, they not only delight taste buds with their delicious food but also build a loyal following online.Chefis a feel-good film that celebrates the power of second chancesand the importance of family. Without a doubt, Carl’s journey will speak to anyone who has ever felt lost or yearned for a fresh start.
32. ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)
Directed by John Hughes
John Hugheswas well-known for his iconic and timeless teen films, and one of the most memorable of them all isFerris Bueller’s Day Off. It’s a comedy about a brash high school senior who, tired of skipping school to spend a boring day at home, is determined to enjoy an epic day around his favorite Chicago sites with his best friend and girlfriend as company.
Ferris Buelleris one ofthe best coming-of-age movies ever made,a sparkling bundle of youthful joy with just the right touch of poignancy and emotional depth. It’s not just pointless fun, but fun with a powerful message about the freedom of youth and the sad bits of growing up. Nevertheless, those locked up at home on a rainy day are sure to find something to feel good about should they decide to watchFerris Bueller’s Day Off.— Diego Pineda Pacheco
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
31. ‘Home Alone’ (1990)
Directed by Chris Columbus
A lot of people find comfort in Christmas movies likeHome Aloneas these highlight a time full of love and giving. In the beloved movie, an eight-year-old named Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Kevin initially enjoys the solitude but soon finds himself defending his home from two bumbling burglars. Using his wit and ingenuity, Kevin sets up a series of booby traps to protect his home.
Meanwhile, Kevin’s mother, Kate McCallister (Catherine O’Hara), frantically searches for her missing son. In the end, the two get a heartwarming reunion that highlights the importance of family during the holiday season.With plenty of gags and traps that’ll surely get a lot of laughs from viewers, the movie also tugs at the heartstrings with its magical holiday story and Kevin’s realization of the importance of family.
Home Alone
30. ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ (1993)
Directed by Nora Ephron
Thetimeless rom-comSleepless in Seattlefocuses on Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a widowed father struggling to move on after the loss of his wife. When his son, Jonah (Ross Malinger), calls a radio show on Christmas Eve seeking a new wife for his dad, Sam becomes an overnight sensation. An interested woman named Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) feels an inexplicable connection to Sam.
Despite her engagement, Annie, captivated by Sam’s story, suggests a Valentine’s Day meeting at the Empire State Building. Hanks' and Ryan’s undeniable chemistry, even from afar, makes their eventual meeting a heartwarming climax. Iconic scenes, like Sam’s radio confession and the Empire State Building rendezvous,beautifully illustrate the unexpected magic of love, offering an uplifting narrative for those feeling a little down.
Sleepless In Seattle
29. ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009)
Directed by Wes Anderson
Though better known for his live-action comedies,Wes Andersonhas also worked on stop-motion animation a couple of times.The first and perhaps most beloved of these occasions wasFantastic Mr. Fox, aRoald Dahladaptation about an urbane fox that can’t resist returning to his farm-raiding ways and then help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.
One ofthe best animated comedy filmsof the 2000s,Fantastic Mr. Foxoffers charming visuals, exceptional voice performances, a hysterical sense of humor, and a unique treatment of Anderson’s typical love for the theme of family. It’s just as extraordinarily feel-good a movie for kids as it is for grown-ups, which makes it the perfect family film to watch when there’s need for a pick-me-up.— Diego Pineda Pacheco
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
28. ‘Paddington’ (2014)
Directed by Paul King
The ultimate feel-good movie for anyone who loves anything warm and fuzzy, literally.Paddingtonstars the titular small bear in Peru who goes on a life-changing journey to the bustling streets of London after an earthquake tragically destroys his home. Armed with only a battered suitcase, he is taken in by the Brown family—comprised of the uptight Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), the loving Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins), and their two children, Judy and Jonathan. While Paddington initially causes chaos with his clumsiness, the family grows attached to him. However, not all is well in the city, as the villainous taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) has her eyes set on making Paddington her next stuffed exhibit.
A love letter to kindness,Paddington’s whimsical story is nothing short of remarkable. It soars thanks to its irresistibly charming main character, whose childlike wonder and curiosity make him easy to root for. The budding family dynamics between the Browns and Paddington is also fun to see, especially since it’s continued in an equally entertaining sequel.
Paddington
27. ‘Aladdin’ (1992)
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
It’s hard to go wrong withan animated Disney filmwhen you need a little emotional pick-me-up. This 1992 classic tale of sand, sorcery, and a street rat’s rise to fame is hands down one of the best the studio has to offer. It’s got all the hallmarks of the Disney greats: a likable underdog for a protagonist who falls in love with a beautiful princess and, despite all odds, wins her hand; a bevy of supporting characters, from a flying carpet, a thieving monkey, and a hilarious genie, to tigers, a talking parrot, and sword-wielding palace guards.
Of course,Aladdinalso offers a thrilling adventure story that perfectly blends magic and music together into an unforgettable tale. Do yourself a favor and revisit the Cave of Wonders and take a magic carpet ride to a whole new world with Aladdin and Jasmine; you’ll be glad you did.– Dave Trumbore
26. ‘Marcel the Shell With Shoes On’ (2021)
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp
Marcel the Shell With Shoes Onis one ofthe most delightful animated movies of the 2020sso far, a family mockumentary that’s both an adaptation of and a sequel to the series of short films written by directorDein Fleischer Campand Marcel voice actressJenny Slate. It’s about a documentarian who decides to make his latest doc about a small talking shell he finds living in his Airbnb.
Children will love the vibrant characters, playful tone, and a feel-good ending, whileadults will be able to appreciate the subtle tear-jerking study of poignant themes of family, loneliness, and the simple joys of life. It’s one of the most heartwarming movies of the past few years, with a perfect mix between live-action and stop-motion and an unpredictably profound script.— Diego Pineda Pacheco
