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23 Ultimate Feel-Good Movies That Would Bring A Smile To Your Face

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Famous American dancer in the ‘60s Twyla Tharp said, “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home”.

Decades later, this quote is still so relevant. Amidst all the chaos, art is still one of the most powerful doorways to our salvation. And cinema has time and again proved to be a successful medium of art in helping us all cope with these challenging times.

So here I am, with a list of movies to watch at home when the outside world is filled with chaos. Check out these 23 ultimate feel-good movies that you really need to watch to boost up the spirit. Movies that will make you feel, there is hope in the world after all!

1. Forrest Gump (1994)

An ultimate feel-good movie of all times- watch Forrest Gump on Netflix

The first name that naturally came to my mind while thinking of “uplifting movies” ever, is Forrest Gump. One of the classics of Hollywood, Oscar-winner Tom Hanks portrays a simple man with a heart of gold returning from the Vietnam War. The story revolves around his many adventures with the objective of reaching his childhood sweetheart.

Why watch it: The constant exudence of positivity makes it the ultimate feel-good movie of all times. “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get”!

Where to watch: Netflix.

2. Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)

Watch Pursuit of Happyness for your daily dose of inspiration

Based on a true story, the character Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) is a struggling salesman who keeps fighting life’s hardships while taking care of his son. He takes risks when his chances are slim with an undying positive approach towards his challenging life.

Why watch it: Sure, the film makes you cry a few times, but it definitely makes you smile too. It gives you hope and “it will all get better” kind of a feeling.

 Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.

3. The Holiday (2006)

Gorgeous characters and interesting plot of Holiday is a must watch

Looking for happy movies to watch with your partner on a Sunday afternoon? The Holiday is just the pick for you! Two women swap homes for a vacation and what follows fills their lives with excitement, love, and happiness. At times when we can’t go out on a real vacation, this movie gives us a peek at a potential home-swapping adventure in the future!

Why watch it: Beautiful cast: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law (yum!) and Jack Black make the characters absolutely loveable.

Where to watch: Netflix.

4. The Parent Trap (1998)

Parent Trap is a fun movie to watch with kids on a weekend

Identical twin sisters separated at the birth plan and swap houses to bring back their parents together. Brilliantly played by child Lindsay Lohan, The Parent Trap is one of the ultimate feel-good movies of the late ‘90s that still makes you laugh. It’s a perfect family movie you can watch with your kids too!

Why watch it: The planning & plotting by the twin kids, the goof-ups, and then the final resolution. It’s got all the right ingredients for a fun family weekend watch!

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar.

5. Notting Hill (1999)

Watch a fairytale love story of Noting Hill on Netflix

How can we not include a Julia Roberts rom-com while talking about happy & feel-good movies? A dreamy-eyed bookstore owner (Hugh Grant) falls for the most beautiful and successful actress in the world (Julia Roberts) when she suddenly drops by his store. Two people with worlds wide apart become close and face challenges of their own.

Why watch it: The sheer fairytale-ness of the story takes you to a romantic wonderland! One of the most gorgeous-looking couples on-screen only makes it better!

Where to watch: Netflix.

6. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Here’s one of the spectacularly uplifting movies that you must watch. Based on a true event, Erin Brockovich is an unemployed single mother, who brings down a huge California company accused of polluting a town’s entire water source.

Why watch it: The way Erin digs deep into the case fighting against a big company single-handedly, makes the movie quite interesting. The dialogues are hard-hitting and Julia Roberts simply aces the character. This is arguably one of her life’s best performances

Where to watch: Youtube.

7. Bridget Jone’s Diary (2001)

Bridget Jone's Diary is a perfect blend of comedy and romance
Image source: Wallpapers vista

Bridget is a so-called average girl burdened with a truckload of insecurities- imperfect body, absence of the perfect guy, and so on. But on New Year she decides to take control over her life and things actually begin to change around her. Renee Zellweger takes us to Bridget’s journey through her diary and it’s worth every moment.

Why watch it: The funny sequences laced with the perfect dose of romance make it one of the most romantically uplifting movies!

Where to watch: Apple TV

8. The Week Of (2018)

Two fathers of their to-be-married kids belonging to two very contrasting families have to spend a week together before the wedding. Dysfunctional families who keep disagreeing with each other on every aspect, The Week Of is one of those light-hearted movies you can hardly go wrong with.

Why watch it: Adam Sandler and Chris Rock together in one movie- I think that’s a reason enough to make you want to watch it!

Where to watch: Netflix.

9. Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007)

Who doesn’t love the whacky Mr. Bean? The ever so optimistic, messing up every time and finding ways to get out of it every time- nobody does it better than Bean! And this time Mr. Bean goes on a holiday to France. But not without a series of unprecedented hilarious adventures!

Why watch it: If you already know Mr. Bean, we really don’t need to sell it. For those who don’t, you must begin with this one! Get ready for some major LOL moments and you can thank us later!

Where to watch: Youtube.

10. School Of Rock (2003)

Love comedy? Love music? Love both? This is the flick for you, my friend! Jack Black plays a substitute teacher in a school after getting kicked out from a rock band. His heart and soul belong to rock music and that’s what he trains his class for…to become a rock band.

Why watch it: Jack Black’s energy, comic timing, expressions, and commitment to the role are outstanding. The music training sessions are particularly a treat to watch!

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.

11. Letters to Juliet (2010)

Sophie goes on a trip to Verona and discovers thousands of women write letters to Juliet at the fictional character’s house courtyard. And every letter is replied to by “secretaries of Juliet”. She accidentally finds a hidden letter written years ago and sets out on a journey to reunite the lovers.

Why watch it: A beautiful movie with an unusual story premise set in the gorgeous countryside of Italy. This is one of the ultimate feel-good movies that makes you believe in love!

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.

12. The Sound Of Music (1965)

Feel good movies-sound of music
Image Courtesy: Flickr

After multiple failed attempts to become a nun, Maria is sent to a widower naval officer’s mansion as a governess to his seven mischievous children. The kind, caring and funny Maria eventually wins over everyone’s heart. The Sound of Music is almost an epic in the history of Hollywood. It’s ageless, timeless & a true masterpiece.

Why watch it: Fun storyline, breath-taking visuals of the Alps, the evergreen music- watch it once, you will watch it again for sure!

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.

13. Freaky Friday (2003)

Lighthearted movie to watch for quirky fun!
Image source: Wall-alphacoders

A psychiatrist uptight mother and her wild teenage daughter who never get along, switch bodies on a Freaky Friday! Now they need to learn to adapt to each other’s lives and act accordingly until they really understand each other.

Why watch it: The switch-over makes the characters super hilarious. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis do great jobs in “each other’s characters”!

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar.

14. The Princess Diaries (2001)

Feel good movies- The princess diaries
Image Courtesy: Prime Video

What happens when a sweet, geeky, average almost invisible teenage girl gets the news that she’s somehow the heir to the throne of a European country called Genovia? Her whole world drastically changes around her and so should she! She needs to transform into an appropriate princess and go through a whole lot of training processes.

Why watch it: The transformation sequences literally make you laugh. Young Anne Hathaway owns the character and Dame Julie Andrews simply charms with her style.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar.

15. Julie & Julia (2009)

This Meryl Streep Amy Adams movie always manages to cheer me up! If you are a foodie like myself, this one will cheer you up too! Julie & Julia is a biopic of American chef Julia Child, her story is interweaved with the story of Julie Powell a blogger who takes up the challenge to prepare all Julia Child’s recipes. Impeccable performance + mouth-watering screen food feel-good movies!

Why watch it: The food and cooking sequences, the flawless Meryl Streep, and the positive vibes. Also, watch this movie to quickly get motivated to try some new recipes! Bon Apetit!

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

16. Maleficent (2014)

Watch Angeline Jolie as Maleficient on Disney+ Hotstar

Maleficent is a kind fairy who was wrongfully betrayed. Bruised and anguished she curses the newborn child of the king to seek revenge. However, Maleficent gradually realises, that the very child might be the one to restore peace to the land.

Why watch it: Because, why not add a little fantasy to the mix? A good old fairy tale but with a woman in the lead saving the world instead of a prince charming!

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar.

17. The Blind Side (2009)

The Blind Side will uplift your spirit with its soul-touching story and performances

Based on the true story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aron), a homeless traumatised African-American guy who then becomes the first-round NFL draft pick of all American football with the care and support of Leigh Ann Tuohy (Sandra Bullock).

Why watch it: The Blind Side is to date one of the most uplifting movies that motivate you to the core. It teaches kindness and care which is what exactly the world needs right now.

Where to watch: Youtube

18. The Terminal (2004)

Tom Hanks’s portrayal of an East European Viktor is smashing

Tom Hanks plays the role of Viktor Navorski who gets stuck at the JFK airport because his papers are no longer valid at the airport due to the ongoing turbulence in his country. Viktor now has to make the airport his home indefinitely. This movie is based on a true event and therefore all the more amusing.

Why watch it: Tom Hanks as always, stuns with the masterful portrayal of the East European Viktor with perfect accent and body language. The story is so bizarre and yet extremely engaging.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

19. The Call Of The Wild (2020)

Watch The Call of the Wild for its beautiful storytelling and CGI wonder

The Call of the Wild is a story of a sled dog, his adventurous journey, and his survival through ups and downs in the wilds. The whole movie is narrated from the POV of the dog Buck and hence, a roller coaster ride of emotions and actions!

Why watch it: Exceptional storytelling with neat CGI that leaves no stone unturned to make things look real.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar.

20. The Internship (2013)

Two older salesmen trying to compete with the new-age digital world as interns at Google

Two salesmen suddenly lose their jobs due to digitalisation. They apply for internships at Google and now they need to compete with a bunch of geeky, much younger tech-savvy nerds to get through.

Why watch it: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson make things more hilarious with their sad inefficiencies. If you’re looking for happy movies with a generous dose of laughter, go for it!

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.

21. Big (1988)

Big is one of the ultimate feel good movies from the 80s
Image Courtesy: IMDb

Be careful what you wish for! That’s what we learnt from this beautiful Tom Hanks gem from the late 80s that still brings a smile to our faces. Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks) a teenager wants to be a grown up at any cost to hang out with his crush. And when he wishes that in front of a machine, by some weird super energy, his wish does come true the next morning. But the catch is, that only his body grows up, not his mind! Director Penny Marshal and the writer duo Gary Ross & Anne Spielberg created this quirky fun movie that never gets old.

Why watch it: Tom Hanks, of course! His portrayal of a teenage boy trapped in an adult’s body gives you some hilarious moments, along with the right amount of emotions. Big is one of the ultimate feel-good movies you can watch with your whole family.

22. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The devil does wear Prada…especially if she’s called Miranda Priestly! You simply cannot go wrong with this one if you’re looking for a feel-good movie to watch. The story is about an intelligent fresh graduate Andy (Anne Hathway) who lands on a job that could be the dream job for a million other girls in the fashion world. She gets to assist Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) who is THE brand of fashion herself. The catch- Miranda is fatally demanding with zero tolerance for any kind of error. Director David Frankel has created a timeless gem that is relevant and funny even after almost two decades.

Why watch it: The humour, the style, the writing and most importantly- the cast! Anne Hathway and Meryl Streep take our breaths away with their onscreen presence. This is also the film that gives us Emily Blunt…the Real Emily who should have been in Paris!

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar.

23. Theory of Everything (2014)

We’ve saved the best for the last! A biopic based on Stephen Hawkins couldn’t be done better. The movie narrates the life of Stephen Hawkins his relationship with his wife Jane Wilde, his illness, his vigour, and his genius despite the hardest challenges.

Why watch it: Eddie Redmayne’s impeccable portrayal of Hawkins, the undying spirit of the physicist’s character, and his approach towards life make this film a must-watch for every soul.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.

That’s our list of some of the ultimate feel-good movies of all time. Watch them because of their positive vibes. Watch them for the smiles and giggles. Watch them and get motivated. Because, this too, shall pass!

Do you have any such movies in mind that we missed perhaps? Why don’t you share your own list with us! Let’s chat!

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Shweta
Shweta
3 years ago

Thanks. This was needed. Love the list.

Sud
Sud
3 years ago

Nice list, let me add Father of the bride, My big fat Greek wedding, Babe, My best friend’s wedding, you’ve got mail and Seabiscuit to it