The holiday season is here and it's time to dive into those comfort films that give us the warm and fuzzies. So, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Heartwarming Films.
Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five.
5. ROCKY
The Best Picture winner of 1976, Rocky, is a lot of things: uplifting, exciting, funny, and as the list suggests, heartwarming. The main source of comfort for me is the title character himself. In spending time with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), you get to see the world through his eyes, and his outlook makes me feel optimistic. Plus, every time I revisit the film, it's like catching up with an old friend. The character of Rocky has now been in a total of 8 films, and what endures is his attitude and charm. - JTE
4. FORREST GUMP
To me, Forrest Gump is the most heartwarming film to ever grace the silver screen. It presents us with countless life lessons, whether it be appreciating the little things, not taking oneself too seriously, or knowing it’s okay to be an outsider. No matter who you are, you can take away something significant from this film because all of us can empathize and relate to this character through his experiences. It’s also the perfect movie for some soul searching because, at the end of the day, “life is like a box of chocolates…” - Paige
3. FIELD OF DREAMS
Sports movies in general tend to be heartwarming, but Field of Dreams even more so than most. Featuring great performances from Kevin Costner and the late Ray Liotta, not to mention the beautiful score by James Horner, this 1989 classic still holds up today. It has even led to the creation of an actual MLB game at Field of Dreams ballpark next to the original location 30+ years later. Now that's a film that has left an impression. Also, that scene where Ray (Costner) gets to play catch with his father (Dwier Brown)? Waterfalls. - Nick
2. SCHOOL OF ROCK
School Of Rock…rocks! It’s hard not to find Jack Black’s enthusiasm, as well as his character's infectious commitment to the art of rock & roll and, more importantly, to his students, endearing. The way the kids grow on ol’ Dewey Finn (Black) and how he teaches them to stick it to “The Man” will never fail to warm my heart. - Adriano
1. E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL
Few films released in the modern era have a truly multi-generational audience and a legacy that endures past nostalgia, but Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial is one of them. It’s one of the most iconic films ever made, and it still holds up to this day in every way. The effects are great, the story is emotional without being overly saccharine, and it stays with you long after watching it. It’s a heartwarming tale you likely grew up with, and one that will be shared with generations to come. - Joseph
HONORABLE MENTIONS
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
PADDINGTON 2
THE PRINCESS BRIDE
MRS. DOUBTFIRE
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Photo Credits: Photo 1 - United Artists; Photo 2, 4 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 3, 5 - Universal Pictures