December 18, 2024
WRITTEN BY: PAIGE
For those occasions when you simply need a break from it all or a little pick-me-up, nothing quite beats turning off your brain, cozying up, and throwing on a feel-good flick.
The Feel-Good genre is a bit of an ultra-meta idea. For some, it may be an epic action flick filled with explosions, or perhaps a satisfying mystery. For others, it may be a horror movie that gives you nightmares, or a beautiful love story that speaks to their inner romantic. So, with that subjective ideal in mind, I didn’t overthink this list. My sole requirement is the movies leave me — and, I hope, you — feeling better through wonderfully optimistic messages that we all need every once in a while.
Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced the days, or maybe even the weeks, when everything that could go wrong does go wrong. The movies below might just be the remedy you need to cheer yourself up because I can assure you that they will put you in a good mood, making whatever that is bothering you feel like a distant memory. Like they say, when life hands you lemons, press play on a feel-good film and watch your spirits start to lift.
GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM (1987)
Robin Williams, the man who always makes me smile when I see his face on screen, must make an appearance on my list of movies to lift your spirits. Good Morning, Vietnam, especially, warms my heart every time I watch it. This war dramedy examines some of the hardest moments humanity has gone through, but it does so through Williams' humorous perspective. The film emphasizes the power that laughter and music have and their ability to bring people together even in the toughest of times. Much like comedy, music can improve your mood and give you a sense of understanding, support, and connection when things get tough, and this film achieves just that.
THE SANDLOT (1993)
As an adult, sometimes I wish I could just go back to the good ol’ days, when I was a kid and didn’t have a care in the world. The Sandlot takes me back to those times, so when I’m feeling like I need a breather, I re-watch the modern classic. Watching it as a kid, the movie taught me about the value of friendship and courage. Now that I’m older, those themes have stuck with me even more, feeling increasingly relevant. It reminds me that life is not about winning or losing, but about evolving to face and overcome your fears. This coming-of-age movie is genuinely sweet and funny, with a ton of lessons for all ages to appreciate.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006)
Watching this family go above and beyond to fulfill their daughter's dreams is sure to make you smile. There’s just something about watching everything come together that will cheer your soul despite its intentional imperfections. This beautiful film teaches us that it’s acceptable to be imperfect and that you don’t need to be what “society” considers to be the norm. It teaches us that it is okay to be sad, to cry, to scream, and to lose, because at the end of the day, we are only human, so it’s most important to just be yourself. Little Miss Sunshine exhibits sentiments of joy and hope, as well as a fantastic dance sequence at the end of the film.
EASY A (2010)
To be honest, Easy A is among the best teen films of the 21st century. Double standards are boldly called out in this modernized adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter, and many younger viewers can definitely relate to the film, especially those who were in high school in the 2010s. In our teens, many of us struggled to define who we were in the face of social pressure to fit in, not to mention (especially for us ladies) being "slut shamed” due to our sexual desires. Through this movie’s witty dialogue and sassy performances, this wry yet endearing teen comedy highlights the value of remaining true to oneself, and that a woman's sexual choices are nobody's business but her own.
THE WAY WAY BACK (2013)
A lot of coming-of-age stories tend to be more heartbreaking or dramatic, but this movie is just so lighthearted, which is what I appreciate most about it. This easy, breezy movie may be formulaic at times, but it’s charming as hell. At least once in our lives, we’ve all felt insecure or self-conscious, so when watching this movie, many can see themselves in the lead character. The story goes on a journey from insecurity to self-assuredness, and it serves as an inspiring reminder that, no matter the age, we can all find our way through this crazy thing called life. Ultimately, The Way Way Back is a touching and relatable film that reminds us all of the power of self-acceptance and the importance of genuine connections with others.
HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (2016)
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is one of those charmingly offbeat gems that provides a glimpse into the value of family. This underappreciated gem by Taika Waititi is not only hilarious, but it has a lot of heart. The film truly embodies the idea that family is not just about blood relations, but about the bonds we choose to form with people. At some point in our lives, we’ve all been a bit of a pain in the ass, but deep down most of us mean well. We just need some guidance, support, and love to get us there, which is demonstrated in this film beautifully. After all, one of the character’s mottos is "no child left behind," reminding you to give others a chance (while giving this flick a watch, I hope).
THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (2019)
The Peanut Butter Falcon's plot conveys an inspiring message about following your heart and not letting others limit you, and its principal performers give outstanding, free-spirited performances. What makes the movie so delightful is the odyssey-like journey its protagonists take and the touching moments they spend together, reminiscent of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In addition to themes of hope, kindness, optimism, and redemption, it offers a feeling of found family. The Peanut Butter Falcon should be on your radar if you're searching for a movie that will leave you smiling and full of good vibes.
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (2021)
Many probably wouldn’t think a talking shell that was once an internet sensation could be adapted into such a genuinely heartfelt film, but director Dean Fleischer Camp managed to pull it off. You’d be surprised how much joy this story can bring you. It’s a compassionate tale that deals with loss, hope, and reconciliation in a sensitive yet profound way. Marcel's (Jenny Slate) story inspires us to embrace all stages of life with an open heart and mind. All in all, this whimsical stop-motion mockumentary is a poignant reminder that we are capable of healing and coming out the other side through a tragedy, especially when we stay on the hunt for ways to heal and build resilience.