Having a bad day? Have you been down in the dumps lately? Life as we know it can be painfully beautiful and beautifully painful. Each of us wade through our own unique struggles every day and desperately look for the courage to do it all over again the next day. And watching ‘feel good movies’ can help to make our day a little better by lifting our mood.
We’ve all had bad days. Days when nothing feels right and everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. Whether you had an argument with your partner or had a stress-filled day at work, bad days can really suck out all the joy from your life and make you feel down and disappointed. While we can wallow in self-pity or just allow us to feel frustrated, watching some of the best feel good movies can alter how we feel and give our mood a boost that it desperately needs.
Related: 25 Movies To Watch When You Feel Depressed
Best feel good movies of all time
Looking for some good movies to boost your happiness? While there are different genres in films and each movie tells its own unique story in its own unique way, certain feel good movies can make us feel warm and comforted, making us forget all about the troubles of the day.
Here are some of the best movies to watch when you are upset (in no particular order) –
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
Some people (actually a lot of people) will argue that this Tom Hanks film is one of the best feel good movies of all time, and with good reason. This excellent comedy drama tells the story of a developmentally disabled man named Forrest who retells his adventurous and inspiring life story to people in a bus stop.
Forrest Gump is a classic movie that will make your heart warm regardless of how many times you have seen it. The movie touches upon universal themes of love, rejection, failure, success, suffering, growth and most of all – the human spirit. So if you are looking for some inspiration to lift your mood, let Forrest Gump show you the way.
2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
This 2012 comedy drama is one of the rare films that accurately portrays what someone with a mental illness goes through, while telling an exceptional story and making its audiences feel good and happy. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) moves in with his parents (Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver) after getting released from a mental institution for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Trying to reconcile with his ex-wife, Pat takes the help of Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow, who will help him in his journey if they participate in a dance tournament.
The movie focuses on the intricacies of their relationship and how they overcome their personal issues. Silver Linings Playbook was widely praised by critics and viewers alike as it presents mental health issues in an humane and “normal” way. Winning multiple awards, including the Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence) award at the 85th Academy Awards, the movie encourages us to embrace our imperfections and forgive ourselves.
Related: 15 Best Mental Health Movies To Watch
3. Luca (2021)
If you are feeling really down and need some much-needed dose of feel good hormones, then just watch this underappreciated gem. Walt Disney & Pixar’s Luca is an animated fantasy that tells the coming-of-age of two sea monsters who can transform into humans. Set in the small fishing village of Portorosso in the Italian Riviera, the movie focuses on the friendship between young sea monsters Luca Paguro and Alberto Scorfano who take the human form to win a scooter and go on adventures.
They enter a competition to win a scooter and meet a young human girl named Giulia Marcovaldo and her father Massimo. As their friendship grows, they go through an exciting summer adventure that changes their lives forever. The beautifully animated, stunning landscapes of the Italian Riviera will steal your heart and the dreamy journey of Luca and Alberto will put a smile on your face.
Luca is a fun adventurous journey of two friends who learn what it means to have real friends, follow your heart, break out of boundaries and to have a loving family, even if they may not always show it. So if you want to boost your mood and go back to the memories of your childhood, this is one of the feel good movies that you must watch.
4. Patch Adams (1998)
The legendary Robin Williams makes this remarkable biographical comedy-drama film one of the best feel good movies. Based on true story of Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams, the movie tells the story of Patch who decides to become a doctor after attending a mental institute for being depressed and suicidal. After he joins a university, he realizes that he needs to do something about the current state of patient care.
And so Patch decides to start his own medical clinic where he treats patients with a different approach – love, laughter and emotional connection. Robin Williams does an excellent job as the doctor who believes in the power of laughter to heal sick patients. While the movie is somewhat different from the book “Gesundheit: Good Health Is a Laughing Matter” by Dr. Adams and Maureen Mylander, it will no doubt help you gain a more positive attitude and make you feel a lot better about yourself.
The true story explores the entire spectrum of emotions and will leave you crying, laughing and inspired. This is one of the rare feel good movies that help depression in some way or the other.
Related: 15 Hilarious Comedy Movies To Watch When You Want To Laugh Out Loud
5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
This must-watch and startling dark comedy is one of the best feel good movies you can watch to boost your mood. Starring the beautifully talented Abigail Breslin along with Steve Carell and Toni Collette, the movie tells the story of a dysfunctional family taking a road trip in a VW van to enter their daughter in a beauty pageant for children.
The family’s journey, both literal and metaphorical, are filled with ups and downs that depict the true meaning of love, family and life. The dramedy covers a wide range of topics- from depression and body image to drug issues. But the imperfect and flawed family is a delight to watch on screen and by the end this movie will touch your soul.
This movie brings you pure happiness and joy and Abigail Breslin’s performance will light up even the dullest day. Now matter how disappointed you may feel today, Little Miss Sunshine will surely bring some ray of hope into your life.
6. Little Manhattan (2005)
Looking for the best feel good movies to smile? Then what can be better than a beautiful comedy drama about an adorable boy and all the emotions he goes through when he falls in love for the first time in his life. A true family film, this simple yet deeply meaningful film will appeal to anyone who has loved and experienced all the beautiful fears, anxieties and pain that come with love.
Starring a young Josh Hutcherson, It tells the story of the 11 year old Gabe, who falls in love with a girl named Rosemary in his karate class. While his parents struggle with their own relationship, Gabe navigates through the trials and tribulations of first love, which make him confused and heartbroken. The movie is shot beautifully in Manhattan shows how amazing and dazzling young love can be and how deep of an impression it can leave in our lives. This movie is a pleasure to watch and will fill your heart with love.
Related: 20+ Romantic Movies That Will Give You All The Feels
7. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
An endearing comedy about romantic confusion, this is one of the best feel good movies that truly understands what love is, the pain it can cause and how love can stand the test of time. Featuring an all‑star cast, the movie tells the story of Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) who is devastated after learning that his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) had an affair and now wants a divorce.
Suddenly heartbroken and single, Cal takes the help of a charismatic playboy Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) to learn how to become a “man” again and start dating. However, Jacob starts having his own issues when he falls in love with a beautiful girl named Hannah (Emma Stone). While the premise might sound confusing at first, the movie beautifully manages its chaotic plot to tell a heart-warming story of relationships, infidelity, discovering yourself and what true love actually means.
The movie goes through layers of complexities to finally reveal that despite all the challenges, love always wins. So if you are sailing through rough tides, this movie will not only make you feel better, it will inspire you as well.
8. Soul (2020)
Walt Disney & Pixar’s Soul is a masterpiece that someone searching for the best feel good movies of all time must watch. The exciting journey in this animated musical, drama comedy is replete with humor, fun, surprise and thrill. It makes us wonder how we develop personality and what purpose & passion truly mean in life.
Soul tells the story of a jazz pianist and music teacher named Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) who struggles through life to become a successful musician. But after he has a near-death experience, Joe gets trapped in the spiritual realm where he meets a cynical soul named 22 (Tina Fey) who doesn’t want to be born on Earth. The movie focuses on their journey – how Joe can return to his body, what a soul truly is and what our purpose in life is actually meant to be.
The Oscar-nominated animated musical dramedy is heartwarming and makes us question our own purpose in life. It inspires us to live to our fullest potential and undoubtedly lifts our mood.
Related: 50 Surprisingly Profound and Deep Disney Movie Quotes
9. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Based on James Thurber’s 1939 short story of the same name, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a simple, tender yet funny movie that will make your heartwarm. Starring and directed by Ben Stiller, this drama adventure comedy film tells the story of Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), an employee at Life magazine, who spends his tedious and boring days daydreaming about great adventures where he saves everyone.
However, in real life he is mostly a meek person who hesitates to ask a girl named Cheryl (Kristen Wiig). whom he likes, out on a date. When his company gets taken over by new owners and many employees are set to lose their jobs, Walter embarks on a dazzling and extraordinary adventure that can make everything better again.
This deep and personal journey of breaking our own mental boundaries and rediscovering ourselves makes this one of the best feel good movies of all time. This mesmerizing and breathtaking film will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
10. Marley & Me (2008)
If you have a furry friend then this comedy drama will make you laugh and cry (happy tears) at the same time. A bright joyful family film, Marley & Me is based on the 2005 autobiographical book “Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog” by John Grogan. The movie tells the story of Marley, a Labrador retriever and his newlywed owners John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston).
As the couple move to Florida and adopt an adorable yet mischievous little puppy named Marley, their life changes forever. Marley becomes a handful as he grows up and destroys everything he can get his paws or teeth on. However, Marley brings their family closer and brings out the best in both John and Jenny as they struggle through the ups and downs of life and marriage. Marley & Me is a love letter to our furry friends.
The movie shows how we should appreciate every little moment in our life and be grateful for our loved ones as we never know when they might leave us. Filled with drama, laughs and pure emotional moments, this is one of the best feel good movies that will warm your heart, fill your soul and make you hug your pet tightly.
Related: Why Are Animals Attracted To Me? 3 Reasons Why Pets Like You
11. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Probably the BEST romantic comedy to ever come out of Hollywood, this exceptional film asks the eternal question: can a man and a woman simply be friends without getting attracted to each other? Starring Billy Crystal as Harry and Meg Ryan as Sally, the movie is truly charming, funny and smart.
Complete with exceptional dialogues and memorable moments, the movie shows the journey of Harry Burns and Sally Albright through 12 years of chance encounters and friendship in the breathtaking landscape of New York City. This is absolutely one of the best feel good movies that you need to watch when you are feeling down and out.
12. Coco (2017 film)
Another Walt Disney & Pixar animated film, Coco is genuinely one of the most heartwarming feel good movies you can watch to lift your mood. A beautiful musical, fantasy comedy, the movie tells the story of 12 year old aspiring musician Miguel and his great-grandmother Mamá Coco.
Although his family doesn’t want him to pursue music, Miguel dreams to be a great musician just like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to participate in a music competition, Miguel mistakenly ends up in the land of the dead and meets Héctor, a charming very-much-dead trickster. As they strike up a friendship and embark on a magical journey, secrets are revealed and the value of family is realized.
Coco is a unique movie that deals with the importance of family and how despite death, love goes on for generations. It is a humorous, sensitive and exciting movie that will not only make you feel good but also teach you the value of loyalty, kindness, friendship, respect and love.
Related: 50 Best Family Movies To Watch With Kids (Animated and Non-Animated)
More Feel Good Movies That You Must Watch
Want more feel good movies to choose from? Here are some more great movies that can make you feel good no matter how your day went –
13. The Princess Bride (1987)
This fantasy comedy adventure is based on the 1973 novel of the same name and tells the story of Westley, a farmhand. With the help of his friends, Westley sets out on a journey to rescue Princess Buttercup, the woman of his dreams. This is a classic tale of adventure and love that can make anyone smile.
14. Set It Up (2018)
This romantic comedy is one of the best feel movies out there. It focuses on 2 stressed out assistants who set their difficult bosses on dates. The fun premise will not only make you laugh, but will also make you feel satisfied after viewing it. This is a modern romantic comedy masterpiece.
15. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Perhaps the most famous romantic comedy on this list, Bridget Jones’s Diary is one of the best feel good movies to smile at. This brilliant film stars Renée Zellweger as Bridget, a 32 year old single British woman who writes about all things she wants and wishes for in her diary. An excellent adaptation of a cherished novel, this movie focuses on love, friendship, family, self-image, fashion, sex, career, gender inequities and everything else we face in our daily life. You just can’t miss this one if you want to boost your mood.
16. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Featuring power-packed performances from Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, this movie tells the story of a college graduate named Andrea “Andy” Sachs who gets a job as the co-assistant of a powerful fashion magazine editor with an icy demeanor & a diva attitude. The interesting plot and exceptional moments make this one of the best feel movies ever.
17. Hugo (2011)
A fascinating adventure drama by Martin Scorsese, the movie is about a boy from Paris trying to solve a mystery about his late father and a filmmaker in the 1930s. The movie has a lot of heart, something anyone can enjoy. It is a detective story that is fun, exciting and moving.
Related: 80+ Fascinating Movies You Should Not Miss At Any Cost
18. Groundhog Day (1993)
One of the most legendary feel good movies to ever come out of Hollywood. This fantasy comedy film starring the amazing Bill Murray is about a cynical weatherman getting trapped in a time loop where he has to live through the same day over and over again. The movie is not just funny but also has wonderful and deep moments which makes it way better than movies in the same genre.
19. Legally Blonde (2001)
Starring the amazing Reese Witherspoon, the movie follows a sorority girl named Elle Woods who tries to impress her ex-boyfriend by earning a degree from Harvard Law School. Eventually, she breaks stereotypes and becomes a successful lawyer. Legally Blonde is a smart and fun movie that is sure to make you smile and happier than you are feeling right now.
20. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
This romantic comedy is considered as one of the best feel good movies for good reason. The movie is about a shopping addict journalist and her boss and it is highly entertaining and extremely fun.
21. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
A really enjoyable teen comedy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the funniest movie from the 80’s. It is a story about a high school kid who skips school one day with his girlfriend and best friend. Matthew Broderick, who plays the role of Ferries Bueller, is a joy to watch on screen. This charming movie is an escapist fantasy that will make you smile in no time.
22. Ratatouille (2007)
Another excellent movie from Walt Disney and Pixar, Ratatouille is about a rat who loves to cook and dreams of becoming a chef. While the title refers to a French dish, the movie is about the unbelievable journey of a rat becoming friends with a boy working at a restaurant. This movie is filled with stunning animation, charm and a lot of love. This makes it one of the most watched feel good movies ever.
23. Mamma Mia! (2008)
A musical romantic comedy featuring an all-star cast including Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia will make you laugh and dance with joy. Based on the songs of ABBA, the film is about a bride-to-be trying to find who her father is before her upcoming wedding, so that her father can give her away to her future groom.
24. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
One of Robin Williams’ most loved and successful comedies, Mrs. Doubtfire is a must for any feel good movies list. Based on a 1987 novel, Robin Williams plays the role of a man who pretends to be a woman so that he can make things better with his estranged wife and children. Robin Williams shines in the role of Mrs. Doubtfire and will make you smile before you realize it in one of the best feel good films.
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25. The Bucket List (2007)
A memorable fairy tale that will not only make you happy but also make you dream and pursue your dreams. This adventure comedy, drama film featuring Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman follows a road trip by two terminally ill friends who want to do everything in their wish list before they die. Feel good movies don’t get better than this.
26. Good Will Hunting (1997)
An exceptionally great film starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the movie is about Will Hunting who has an impressively high IQ but intentionally works as a janitor at MIT. When he decides to get therapy after an accident, he meets a therapist who changes his life. The film won Best Original Screenplay for Affleck and Damon and Best Supporting Actor for Robin Williams at the 70th Academy Awards. This film is a must watch for anyone having a bad time.
27. Clueless (1995)
A beautiful coming-of-age story, Clueless is based on the 1815 novel Emma by Jane Austen. The teen comedy movie focuses on a popular and rich Beverly Hills high school student Cher who gives a makeover to her hopelessly clumsy new friend. But when her new friend becomes more popular than her, Cher starts to evaluate her own superficial existence. Clueless is a fun and exciting movie that will make you reminisce about your teenage years and fill your heart with confusing happiness.
28. Elf (2003)
If you are looking for one of the most fun feel good movies, then Elf featuring Will Ferrell in the title role is the movie for you. It is a story about a human who was raised by Santa Claus and his elves. As he grows up, he decides to go to New York City to learn more about his real parents and his origins. Filled with Yuletide cheer and family fun, Elf is hands down one of the best Christmas movies of all time.
Related: 10 Psychological Thriller Movies on Netflix That Will Keep You Spellbound
While the list above is not exhaustive, these are some of the best feel good movies to watch if you are going through tough times.
Movies and mood: Can watching feel good movies truly alter our mood?
Movies are an excellent escape from our reality, albeit temporarily. They can take us places where everything feels right, where everything feels magical. Movies can have a great impact on our thoughts, emotions, mood and life. And this can be especially true if you have been going through tough times. When you watch feel good films, you can let go of all your daily struggles and frustrations, and lose yourself in the fantastical moments and emotions experienced by the characters. You become personally connected with the emotional journey of the characters, which leave you feeling inspired, happier and grateful for what you have in your own life.
Studies reveal that leisure activities like watching films, can improve our mental health, reduce depressive symptoms and boost mood. “Meta-analyses and reviews on emotion research have shown the use of film clips to be one of the most effective methods of mood induction,” explains a 2019 study. Further studies have found that watching feel good movies can actually make us feel better as we tend to simulate the thoughts and emotions (especially empathy & emotional intensity) of the characters in the films we are watching.
Related: 25 Quick Ways To Boost Your Mood When You’re Having A Bad Day
Researchers have also found that movies can help to change our attitudes; and while the changes were detected immediately after viewing the movie, it typically does not have a lasting impact on the viewers’ attitudes. Hence, cinema can be seen as a means for social and individual transformation. This clearly goes to show that when you are experiencing bad moods, watching feel good movies on Netflix can make you feel mentally and emotionally better, even if temporarily.
Researchers have observed that watching horror movies can make us feel aroused, afraid and anxious; while erotic movies led to positive emotions, high arousal and excitement. On the other hand, movies with scenes of compassion, love and intensely emotional moments led to high levels of empathy and “feeling touched”; while sad films resulted in sadness, distress & anxiety. Similarly, movie scenes that depict natural environments and beautiful scenery “prompted in the viewer a surprised, inspired affective state, characterized by high valence and arousal.” This reaction was observed mostly in men, while women experienced more jitters, distress, anxiety and unpleasantness in the other categories than men.
So there is no doubt that certain feel good movies can actually help you experience better moods and positive emotions. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy a good movie after a long day of hard work.
Movies are magical
Movies can instantly take us out of our dull gray lives and completely transform our mood and emotions. Watching the best feel good movies can help us smile and laugh even though we had a bad day or even a bad month. It can make us feel excited, inspired and filled with joy by the time the credits roll up.
So if you are looking for some movies that can make you laugh, cry and feel happy, then give the movies on this list a watch and let us know how they made you feel.
Related: 13 Best Movies For Empaths And Sensitive People
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