Hasn't been your day, your week, your month or even your year? Let this collection of the best feel good movies brighten your day!
I'm sure I'm not the only one who can say, I've been watching a lot of TV and films over the past 12 months! It can be tricky for find the exact thing you want to watch, and sometimes you're just not in the mood to watch a classic film, maybe not even one of your favourite films!
If you're feeling a little down in the dumps, you'll want to find something that will make you feel good and cheer you up.
I love a good feel good film, one that makes your heart feel full, that makes you think, shares an uplifting message and puts a smile on your face. So today, I'm sharing with you my absolute go-to favourite feel good films! Some are cheesy, some are iconic, some are romantic and some are that special sort of happy sad, but ultimately watch any of these I can guarantee you'll have a warm feeling in your heart.
Big Fish
Big Fish is a lovely story, all about a son listening to his father discuss his life with him, while trying to determine which parts of his story are true and which are fictional. A fab cast too including Ewan McGregor, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Buscemi and Jessica Lange!
It's all very magical, mysterious, unusual and heart-warming. One of the best Tim Burton films out there, without the usual dark, grey theme.
(Big Fish is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video)
Singin' In The Rain
An absolute classic film! If you are a fan of musicals, yet you haven't watched this, where have you been? Singin' In The Rain is a light-hearted depiction of early Hollywood in the 1920's about film makers transitioning from silent films, to talking pictures. Featuring the incredible Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
If you haven't watched Singin' In The Rain, you have to! It's one of those bucket list movies, films you have to watch in your life at least once. It's brilliant! The songs, the dancing, it's just the perfect amount of cheesy and I guarantee you'll be smiling after you watch it!
(Singin' In The Rain is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer)
The Shawshank Redemption
An absolute must see film! It's about two imprisoned men (Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman) who bond during their time in prison, by being decent, kind human beings.
It's not a cheesy film, nor is it particularly funny or romantic, it's just a genuinely great film! And the ending will make you feel everything.
(The Shawshank Redemption is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video)
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is one of my absolute favourite romcoms. I love Julia Roberts in anything and as the leading lady in this, you can't really go wrong! Notting Hill is about a bookshop owner (played by Hugh Grant) whose life changes when he happens to bump into a famous film star (Roberts).
Also, the supporting cast is incredible too, Rhys Ifans, Dylan Moran, Hugh Bonneville and the late Emma Chambers - its just perfect.
It's heartwarming, it's cheesy, it's hilarious. You'll love it.
(Notting Hill is currently available to watch on Netflix UK)
About Time
Possibly, maybe just making it to the top of my favourite romcoms ever. About Time is a gorgeous, sweet, relatable film, with a unique twist!
Tim played by Domhnall Gleeson discovers he can travel back in time and change how he lives his life. Rachel McAdams plays his fab girlfriend and Bill Nighy is his father.
You couldn't have picked a better cast for this lovely film, you really couldn't! It's charming, funny and with a great message too, it's not your typical romantic comedy that's for sure.
(About Time is currently available to watch on Netflix UK & Amazon Prime Video)
The Pursuit Of Happyness
I honestly wasn't sure whether or not to put this on the list. Its not your average feel good film, and halfway through you might start to wonder why you are putting yourself through this! (Gotta be honest!)
But it's a really incredible film, one of Will Smith's best and based on a true story too.
The Pursuit of Happyness is about a salesman who is struggling to make ends meet, while taking care of his young son.
It's a story of hope, of pain, of love, passion and hard work. It's a beautiful story and one you don't want to miss, I promise you. Just stick it out until the end.
(The Pursuit Of Happyness is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video)
The Bucket List
Another happy sad film, but such a good one too. I mean, with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the leading roles, it's bound to be amazing right?
It's about two terminally ill men who escape the hospital, to go on an adventure together and tick everything off their life to-do list before they "kick the bucket".
It's a lovely film, all about friendship, life and making the most of each and every day.
(The Bucket List is currently available for rent on Amazon Prime Video)
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Crazy, Stupid, Love is another one of my ultimate favourite romcoms (partly because the cast is amazing! Steve Carell, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are all fab actors!)
It's about a middle aged husband who gets divorced, and his new friend teaches him a few things, including how to pick up girls at bars. It's not just your typical romcom either, as the story follows the different family members lives too.
Crazy, Stupid, Love is funny, it's relatable, it's touching and all the characters have strong onscreen chemistry. It's a little bit of everything you want to see in a good movie. Definitely worth a watch.
(Crazy, Stupid, Love is currently available for rent on Amazon Prime Video)
Bridget Jones' Diary
If you haven't watched Bridget Jones before, there's no time like the present!
It's an iconic film, it's simply impossible to dislike this movie! It follows the story of Bridget as she goes on a journey of self improvement, and meets Mr Right, and Mr Wrong.
With many fun characters, relatable moments, laughable moments and hilarious quotable scenes you can't help but love it!
(Bridget Jones' Diary is currently available to watch on Netflix UK, as is the 2nd one. The 3rd is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video)
The Blind Side
The Blind Side is based on the amazing true story of footballer Michael Oher and the Tuohy family.
It's about a traumatised teenager who is welcomed into the home of a caring woman and her family.
Its such a heartwarming film and each actor really nails the role they are playing. Anyone and everyone can relate to this film, and you really feel connected to the characters. A lovely film that'll make you want to snuggle your family just that little bit more.
(The Blind Side is currently available for rent on Amazon Prime Video)
Love Actually
I love Love Actually and I have loved it since the first time I watched it! It's a modern classic Christmas film!
It's follows the lives of lots of different couples, dealing with life and love while their lives intertwine during the crazy busy festive season!
The story lines are cheesy, the cast is full of fantastic, talented actors and it really is the perfect pick me up film. Its not too serious, it's not meant to be! It's lighthearted and fun, everything a feel good film should be!
(Love Actually is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video)
The Breakfast Club
One of my absolute favourite films!
It's about five seemingly very different teenagers, who all belong to different high school 'cliques' and they all meet in detention and soon discover they have a lot more in common than they thought.
The Breakfast Club is a very typical 80s film, with most of the members of the 80s Brat Pack including Emilio Estevez, Antony Michael Hall, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Molly Ringwald.
It's a fab little movie that really captures the teenager years of our life, how crazy and intense that time was. How we were all forced to be put into specific groups, defined by who we would hang around with and being forced into metaphorical boxes. "You see us as you want to see us. In the simplest terms, the most convenient definitions"
(The Breakfast Club is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video)
School Of Rock
Literally watched this film earlier today! I remember repeatedly watching it at my cousins house when it was first out, its a fantastic film. If you want a silly, happy, feel good film - Jack Black is your man.
(If you don't like musicals, I wouldn't recommend it. But saying that, it's not your typical musical either!)
It's about a former musician who is kicked out of his rock band (by being typically Jack Black) He accepts a job as a substitute teacher without any qualifications or experience and decides to form a band with his students to win Battle of the Bands.
I honestly wish there were more movies out there like this one. It's funny, it's feel good, and it's family friendly too, without being childish - a really good film, definitely worth a watch.
(School of Rock is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video)
The Lion King
Me, being a huge Disney fan obviously had to include at least one in this list. I know not every one enjoys the classic Disney films, but you gotta admit, there's something special about them!
(I don't believe you if you tell me you haven't watched The Lion King but here we go!) It's the story of Simba, the lion Prince being targeted by his nasty Uncle who is determined to ascend the throne himself.
The Lion King is such an iconic movie, it somehow gets better with age or the more you watch it! It's sweet, it's sad, it's funny, it's everything you want in a Disney film, everything you need in a feel good film!
(The Lion King is available to watch on Disney+)
Mrs Doubtfire
What good would a feel good movie list be without Robin Williams? Any film with him in is bound to out a smile on your face, but Mrs Doubtfire has to be one of my favourites of his.
It's about an actor who disguises himself as a housekeeper to spend time with his children after getting divorced.
The film shares a wonderful, heartwarming message, showing that love is everywhere, even when you can't be with those you love. It's a movie that will stand the test of time and Robin Williams is just perfect in it. His classic one liners, impressions and jokes will keep you laughing throughout. Such a lovely, funny film for the whole family to enjoy.
(Mrs Doubtfire is available to watch on Disney+)
The Terminal
The first of two Tom Hanks films on this list. (I could have put them all!) Tom Hanks films are just as happy, upbeat and as feel good as they come.
It's the story of a tourist who unexpectedly finds himself stranded in an airport, unable to leave or fly back to his country, so he takes up temporary residence there.
Its just a nice film to watch. It's cute, simple but it really makes you feel sorry for the main character. The humour is spot on, the acting is amazing and Tom Hanks' character is just the sweetest, kindest person. There's nothing not to like about this film at all. It's a truly lovely watch.
(The Terminal is available to watch on Netflix UK)
Bruce Almighty
A little less of a family friendly film here, but it's so much fun nevertheless! Jim Carrey has so many classic films, I found it hard to choose, but this has got to be one of my favourites. I remember being in hysterics the first time I watched it!
Bruce Almighty is about a guy who complains about God so much, about how he's never given a break or gets what he wants. Then he's given powers to learn for himself how difficult it is to be God.
With Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman and Steve Carell - you know its going to be a good 'un. It's definitely Jim Carrey at his best, his classic humour that you either love or you don't. Personally, I find him absolutely hilarious and totally bizarre at the same time. He's fantastic.
It's a well made film, a nice, easy to watch story and although it's about God it's not preachy nor is it offensive, it's just silly! Definitely one to watch if you need a good laugh!
(Bruce Almighty is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video)
Shrek
I'm sorry, but you can't not like Shrek. You just can't, it's physically impossible. I've watched it more times than I can count, and I quote the movie on a regular basis, it's just the best.
It's about a mean little Lord who forces all fairy tale creatures to live at the swamp with a grumpy ogre. Who then has to go an a quest with a donkey, to save a princess, to get his home back!
It's a parody of a number of fairytales, with lots of humour, emotion and jokes along the way. Despite it being a family film, it doesn't really feel like it when you watch it as an adult. I can't think of any other way to describe Shrek - aside from its an absolute must see atleast once! (Preferably multiple, multiple times!)
(Shrek is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video)
About A Boy
Possibly my favourite Hugh Grant film, and Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette are amazing in it too. It's a heart warming film, filled with love while tackling real life issues such as bullying and depression.
It's the story of an immature and selfish man who is taught to grow up, and care for others by a little boy who stumbles into his life.
Based on the best selling novel by Nick Hornby (you can tell what sort of film its going to be just by that!) It's an entertaining film, it's sweet, it's relatable and it's genuinely lovely to watch, every scene is spot on and the perfect combination of comedy and seriousness.
(About A Boy is available to watch on Netflix UK)
Blended
If you liked 50 First Dates or The Wedding Singer then you'll freaking LOVE Blended. It's Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler again, but so much better this time around. Honestly, Drew Barrymore is my absolute favourite, a total goddess, and Adam Sandler is funny (not always, but Blended is definitely one of his best!) I think the chemistry between the two main characters is what makes this film work so well. They bounce off each other, and their combined humour is just perfect.
Blended is about two single parents who find themselves stuck together at a family holiday resort together with their children from their previous relationships.
If you like a good romcom, this is like the BEST romcom. It's funny, it's relatable, it's sweet. Sure, it's predictable but in this case that's perfectly OK because throughout the film you warm towards both characters and their inevitable romance. You get what you expect with this film and you'll feel happier for it!
(Blended is available to watch on Netflix UK)
Yes Man
This is another of Jim Carrey's more 'toned down' films, but it's just as good as his other films!
It's about a middle aged man who is at a standstill in his life, until attending a self development seminar that encourages him to say yes to EVERYTHING! His life soon rapidly begins to change.
Yes Man has a fun story with lots of hilarious moments along the way. It's inspiring, cheesy, funny and relatable all at the same time. Just a good movie!
(Yes Man is available to watch on Netflix UK & Amazon Prime Video)
Matilda
Matilda is such a lovely, iconic family friendly film. Its one of my favourite Roald Dahl stories, and the film is a close adaptation.
It's about a sweet, intelligent little girl who is misunderstood by her family, as they are all very different to her. She grows up loving to read and soon begins to realise she has magical powers.
The cast is fantastic in this film, you couldn't have chosen a better actress to play Matilda and Danny Devito is just absolutely spot on. It's a happy film, it's quirky, silly and wholesome. Everyone in your family will love it, I guarantee.
(Matilda is available to watch on Netflix UK & Amazon Prime Video)
Big
I had to throw another Tom Hanks in here! Possibly my favourite of all his films.
Big is about a young teenage boy whose fed up of being a child (We've all been there, in our teenage years right?) and he makes a wish that he was big. He then wakes up the next morning, in the body of an adult.
It's a fantastic film because it really speaks to your inner child. It's realistic, exactly how I remember feeling as a teenager. Fed up of being treated like a child, even though you are one. I remember falling asleep wishing I was an adult! This film not only speaks to your inner child, but it also reminds us as adults, the importance of having fun and living in the moment.
It's a heartwarming, joyful and optimistic movie. I absolutely guarantee you'll love it.
(Big is available to watch on Disney+)
Up
If you've watched this film, and didn't cry.. I don't believe you. I love a film with a really good story, and the story of Up is just perfect.
It's about an older man who decides to ditch his everyday life in search of paradise. Meanwhile a cheeky young boy accidentally joins him on this adventure of a lifetime.
It's such a colourful, vibrant film. With eccentric characters, full of funny, heartwarming and sad moments that will warm your heart and deeply move you. Its not your basic Disney film, it's so so much more.
(Up is available to watch on Disney+)
Little Miss Sunshine
Last but not least, Little Miss Sunshine! Not as family friendly as many others on this list (aside from the dance scene, you'll want to watch it on repeat, giving the whole family the chance to enjoy this particular scene!)
It's about an eccentric family who are determined to get their young daughter into the finals or a beauty pageant, despite their feelings on beauty pageants, as they take a road trip in their bright yellow VW camper van.
Again, the cast is fantastic in this little gem of a movie. Greg Kinear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Paul Dano and a young Abigail Breslin star as the fantastic, quirky family.
It's a charming film, it's pure and honest. You'll really feel for the main character as she goes through the struggles to get into the pageant, but she's amazing. You'll feel so connected to each and every character. This film is unusual, yet relatable. It's happy, yet sad and it'll make you laugh until you cry. You need this movie in your life.
(Little Miss Sunshine is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video)
Have you watched any of these?
What is your go-to feel good movie to watch?
If you loved this post, why not try this one?
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7 comments
I am a huge movie fan too! I swear my siblings and i were raised as movie junkies ;-)
Love Actually, Shawshank, Bridget Jone's...are definitely some of my favorite feel good movies!
Stopping by from the Hop and a new follower of yours!
xo,
Jessica
http://thedoilyduck.blogspot.com ... Come stop by sometime!
1$ red box movies have changed our lives...we watch a movie once a week...saw all those movies you blogged..
I am your newest follower from the hop..pls follow back if you can.
Love Actually is so brilliant, I discovered it well after it was out on DVD but now I watch it way too often. The Shawshank Redemption and the Blind Side are also some of my favourites.
Great list!!
Hi :) found your site while blog hopping :) Followed you ;) hope you will follow me back.
I love comedy and feel-food movies although I currently have not much time to indulge in movies :( Thanks for the list! I've watched some but will try watching the others on the list when I have ample time ;)
joy
http://chemist2writer.blogspot.com/
Stopping by to say hello and follow from the I love My Online Friends GFC hop! http://www.bullocksbuzz.com
Hi, there! I'm coming from FPTFY ;). I've seem probably half of the movies you've mentioned; I need to check out the rest. A movie that I'd add to the list is Lars and the Real Girl; looove that movie :p.
Hope you're having a great week!
Miki.
Great bloog you have here
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