35 Best Feel-Good Movies

35 Best Feel-Good Movies

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You’ve had a bad day. You’ve had a bad week. You’ve had a bad year. And sometimes, you’re not in the mood to watch “the best” films. There’s nothing wrong with Citizen Kane, Vertigo, or 2001: A Space Odyssey, but if you’re feeling like garbage, it’s probably not the film you want to watch while you’re down in the dumps. You need feel-good movies. You need uplifting movies. You want the best feel-good movies.

With that in mind, we’ve humbly compiled a list of the best feel-good movies to put you in a better mood. These aren’t just blithely cheerful, brain-dead pictures. They’re all terrific movies that carry an uplifting message that is earned, thoughtful, and will definitely leave you smiling as the credits roll.

35. ‘The Parent Trap’ (1998)

Directed by Nancy Meyers

Playing Hallie and Annie

Lindsay Lohan’s breakthrough role in Nancy Meyer’s film The Parent Trap solidified her as one of the best child stars in Hollywood history. The movie follows the lives of twin sisters who were separated at birth, until they serendipitously meet each other during a summer camp, without knowing the other one. There, they make a plan to reunite their parents while preventing their father, Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid) from marrying his gold-digging girlfriend.

Not many people know that the 1998 Parent Trap film is a remake due to its endearing characters, rib-tickling shenanigans, and a heartwarming plot that sees the reconciliation of two sisters and the unification of a family. It’s a film that’ll resonate with viewers of all ages and will surely bring a smile to every viewer who’s feeling a little blue.

34. ‘The Holiday’ (2006)

Directed by Nancy Meyers

The Holiday

Another romantic comedy that everyone should be familiar with is The Holiday. Starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, The Holiday follows two women who decide to swap homes for a short holiday after feeling dissatisfied with their lives. In search of comfort and a fresh perspective, the women discover more than they anticipated — new love interests and a new look at life.

Watching The Holiday is like getting a warm embrace inside a cozy English cottage. The film’s idyllic landscapes and charming characters create a world where dreams come true and hearts mend. Winslet, Diaz, Jack Black, and Jude Law have an incredible chemistry that infuses the film with a sense of authenticity, making every moment feel like a cherished memory.

33. ‘Chef’ (2014)

Directed by Jon Favreau

chef emjay anthony jon favreau sofia vergara (1)
Image via Open Road Films

Apart from playing the role of Happy in the MCU, director and actor Jon Favreau has also starred in the underrated comedy-drama film Chef. In it, a disgraced chef tries to pick back up his career by starting a food truck that serves up Cuban sandwiches. In his journey, he begins to regain his passion for cooking and love for his family.

As Carl and his family travel in their food truck, they not only delight taste buds with their delicious food but also build a loyal following online. Chef is a feel-good film that celebrates the power of second chances and the importance of family. Without a doubt, Carl’s journey will speak to anyone who has ever felt lost or yearned for a fresh start.

Chef Movie Poster 2014


Chef

Release Date

May 30, 2014

Runtime

114 minutes





32. ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)

Directed by John Hughes

Ferris Bueller laying back and smiling in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
Image via Paramount Pictures

John Hughes was well-known for his iconic and timeless teen films, and one of the most memorable of them all is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It’s a comedy about a brash high school senior who, tired of skipping school to spend a boring day at home, is determined to enjoy an epic day around his favorite Chicago sites with his best friend and girlfriend as company.

Ferris Bueller is one of the best coming-of-age movies ever made, a sparkling bundle of youthful joy with just the right touch of poignancy and emotional depth. It’s not just pointless fun, but fun with a powerful message about the freedom of youth and the sad bits of growing up. Nevertheless, those locked up at home on a rainy day are sure to find something to feel good about should they decide to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. — Diego Pineda Pacheco

31. ‘Home Alone’ (1990)

Directed by Chris Columbus

Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister sitting at the top of the stairs in Home Alone (1990)
Image via 20th Century Studios

A lot of people find comfort in Christmas movies like Home Alone as these highlight a time full of love and giving. In the beloved movie, an eight-year-old named Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Kevin initially enjoys the solitude but soon finds himself defending his home from two bumbling burglars. Using his wit and ingenuity, Kevin sets up a series of booby traps to protect his home.

Meanwhile, Kevin’s mother, Kate McCallister (Catherine O’Hara), frantically searches for her missing son. In the end, the two get a heartwarming reunion that highlights the importance of family during the holiday season. With plenty of gags and traps that’ll surely get a lot of laughs from viewers, the movie also tugs at the heartstrings with its magical holiday story and Kevin’s realization of the importance of family.

home-alone-movie-poster.jpg


Home Alone

Release Date

November 16, 1990

Runtime

103 minutes





30. ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ (1993)

Directed by Nora Ephron

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks standing outside looking at one another, a young boy beside Hanks in the movie Sleepless in Seattle.
Image via TriStar Pictures

The timeless rom-com Sleepless in Seattle focuses on Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a widowed father struggling to move on after the loss of his wife. When his son, Jonah (Ross Malinger), calls a radio show on Christmas Eve seeking a new wife for his dad, Sam becomes an overnight sensation. An interested woman named Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) feels an inexplicable connection to Sam.

Despite her engagement, Annie, captivated by Sam’s story, suggests a Valentine’s Day meeting at the Empire State Building. Hanks’ and Ryan’s undeniable chemistry, even from afar, makes their eventual meeting a heartwarming climax. Iconic scenes, like Sam’s radio confession and the Empire State Building rendezvous, beautifully illustrate the unexpected magic of love, offering an uplifting narrative for those feeling a little down.

29. ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009)

Directed by Wes Anderson

Mr. Fox and his friends from 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'
Images via 20th Century Studios

Though better known for his live-action comedies, Wes Anderson has also worked on stop-motion animation a couple of times. The first and perhaps most beloved of these occasions was Fantastic Mr. Fox, a Roald Dahl adaptation about an urbane fox that can’t resist returning to his farm-raiding ways and then help his community survive the farmers’ retaliation.

One of the best animated comedy films of the 2000s, Fantastic Mr. Fox offers charming visuals, exceptional voice performances, a hysterical sense of humor, and a unique treatment of Anderson’s typical love for the theme of family. It’s just as extraordinarily feel-good a movie for kids as it is for grown-ups, which makes it the perfect family film to watch when there’s need for a pick-me-up. — Diego Pineda Pacheco

28. ‘Paddington’ (2014)

Directed by Paul King

Paddington Bear going down a set of electrical stairs at the London tube in the film Paddington
Image via StudioCanal

The ultimate feel-good movie for anyone who loves anything warm and fuzzy, literally. Paddington stars the titular small bear in Peru who goes on a life-changing journey to the bustling streets of London after an earthquake tragically destroys his home. Armed with only a battered suitcase, he is taken in by the Brown family—comprised of the uptight Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), the loving Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins), and their two children, Judy and Jonathan. While Paddington initially causes chaos with his clumsiness, the family grows attached to him. However, not all is well in the city, as the villainous taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) has her eyes set on making Paddington her next stuffed exhibit.

A love letter to kindness, Paddington‘s whimsical story is nothing short of remarkable. It soars thanks to its irresistibly charming main character, whose childlike wonder and curiosity make him easy to root for. The budding family dynamics between the Browns and Paddington is also fun to see, especially since it’s continued in an equally entertaining sequel.

paddington-official-poster.jpg


Paddington

Release Date

January 16, 2015

Runtime

95minutes





27. ‘Aladdin’ (1992)

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker

aladdin-02
Image via Disney

It’s hard to go wrong with an animated Disney film when you need a little emotional pick-me-up. This 1992 classic tale of sand, sorcery, and a street rat’s rise to fame is hands down one of the best the studio has to offer. It’s got all the hallmarks of the Disney greats: a likable underdog for a protagonist who falls in love with a beautiful princess and, despite all odds, wins her hand; a bevy of supporting characters, from a flying carpet, a thieving monkey, and a hilarious genie, to tigers, a talking parrot, and sword-wielding palace guards.

Of course, Aladdin also offers a thrilling adventure story that perfectly blends magic and music together into an unforgettable tale. Do yourself a favor and revisit the Cave of Wonders and take a magic carpet ride to a whole new world with Aladdin and Jasmine; you’ll be glad you did. – Dave Trumbore

26. ‘Marcel the Shell With Shoes On’ (2021)

Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp

marcel-the-shell-movie-social-featured
Image via A24

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On is one of the most delightful animated movies of the 2020s so far, a family mockumentary that’s both an adaptation of and a sequel to the series of short films written by director Dein Fleischer Camp and Marcel voice actress Jenny Slate. It’s about a documentarian who decides to make his latest doc about a small talking shell he finds living in his Airbnb.

Children will love the vibrant characters, playful tone, and a feel-good ending, while adults will be able to appreciate the subtle tear-jerking study of poignant themes of family, loneliness, and the simple joys of life. It’s one of the most heartwarming movies of the past few years, with a perfect mix between live-action and stop-motion and an unpredictably profound script. — Diego Pineda Pacheco

25. ‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Directed by Rob Reiner

Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya in a fighting pose among stone ruins in The Princess Bride.
Image via 20th Century Studios

The framing device of this movie is literally an old man reading the story you’re about to see to his grandson in order to make that grandson feel better. Even those who have never read William Goldman’s original novel likely wouldn’t hesitate for a second to show this a kid who was feeling under the weather or to an adult for that matter.

“Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles…” this is a movie that truly has it all, and even in The Princess Bride‘s “darkest” moments, it’s still funny, warm, and a reprieve from your daily worries. And if “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya…” doesn’t put a smile on your face, nothing will. – Matt Goldberg

24. ‘An American Tail’ (1986)

Directed by Don Bluth

an-american-tail
Image Via Universal Pictures

You would be forgiven for thinking that this animated tale that starts with an anti-Semitic attack, a troubled ocean crossing, and the separation of a family of America-bound immigrants is not exactly “feel good.” But it’s in the first act of this under-appreciated classic that the dismal stakes are established so that the film’s ultimate conclusion is that much more rewarding.

The underdog in An American Tail is actually a tiny, charming mouse of Russian Jewish heritage by the name of Fievel Mousekewitz. Rather than be stopped in his tracks by those who would choose to prey on him when he gets lost in the big city, Fievel makes a variety of friends from all classes, nationalities, and backgrounds throughout his travels. It’s through his quest to reunite with his family that he actually manages to bring about meaningful change in mouse society at large in the New World. An American Tail delivers a lesson that’s every bit as uplifting today as it was decades years ago. – Dave Trumbore

23. ‘Clueless’ (1995)

Directed by Amy Heckerling

clueless-movie-social-feature
Image via Paramount Pictures

Let’s face it: Clueless is the Jeff Goldblum of ‘90s movies. Easy to like and simply stuffed with charm, Clueless is a breezy comedy with some knowing bite thanks to sharp-toothed scripting from writer/director Amy Heckerling and such a pure-hearted center that it’s as impossible to dislike as its bubbly protagonist. Carried deftly by the preternaturally charming Alicia Silverstone in a star-making role as the immaculate and perpetually optimistic Cher and flanked by similarly shiny-haired co-stars in Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy (RIP!) and the baby-faced Paul Rudd, the film is a classic high school comedy of genius proportions.

Making the most of its gleefully shallow setting in Beverly Hills, Heckerling never shortchanges the intellect or innate goodness of her less-than-deep protagonist, a foresight that ultimately helps to define it from similar films of its ilk. So go ahead, sit back, ignore that Cher’s love interest is her ex-stepbrother, and relax. Are you feeling those blues anymore? Ugh! As if! – Aubrey Page

22. ‘School of Rock’ (2003)

Directed by Richard Linklater

the-school-of-rock-jack-black-cast
Image via Paramount Pictures

Often overlooked in favor of the blingier and prestigious stones in Richard Linklater’s crown (lookin’ at you, Boyhood and Dazed and Confused), the real feel-good title of the director’s filmography is the blindingly optimistic and infectious School of Rock. Led by Jack Black at his most charmingly wild, the film follows a music-obsessive man-child named Dewey who nabs a substitute teaching gig from his goody two-shoes best friend in the interest of making a quick buck. In an initially selfish attempt to spite his ex-bandmates, Dewey enlists the students to form a new band of his own.

The film is formulaic at its core – Dewey inevitably is charmed by the children, and the newly formed musical group goes on to blow the roof off of a concert hall at a local battle of the bands – but few family comedies are quite as charming, sharply written, or, simply put, musically perfect than the strange, beguiling melange that is School of Rock. Stuffed with catchy original songs and earnest through and through, School of Rock is one of the best unofficial musicals of its time, and a perfect cinematic salve to soothe your wounds. — Aubrey Page

21. ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Totoro and the children sitting in a field in My Neighbour Totoro
Image via Toho

King of anime filmmaking and one of the greatest Japanese auteurs of all time, Hayao Miyazaki has made numerous exceptionally life-affirming films throughout his filmography, but one of his best is undoubtedly the hangout dramedy My Neighbor Totoro. It’s the story of two girls who move to the country to be near their ailing mom, where they have adventures with the wonderful forest spirits who live nearby.

Despite holding no Oscar nominations, this is one of the best fantasy movies of all time. The gorgeous animation has aged wondrously, the characters are a delight to follow around, and the fantasy world that Miyazaki crafts is so exquisitely imaginative and enrapturing that it’s impossible to not want to get lost in it oneself. Totoro isn’t without its fair share of poignant moments, but in the end, it’s one of the most uplifting animated movies that families can find. — Diego Pineda Pacheco

20. ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)

Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly swings around a lamppost while singing in the rain
Image via Loew’s Inc. 

Golden Age Hollywood is always a treasure trove of feel-good movies. Without the fanciful visual effects films enjoy these days, classic films hinged entirely on story and character, resulting in a much more intimate viewing experience. Singin’ in the Rain is an excellent example, and as one of the best musicals ever made, is a swell feel-good movie pick – especially for film lovers.

The film is a “backstage musical” that takes place during Hollywood’s transition from silent film to talkies. Gene Kelly plays a popular silent film star whose singing and dancing acumen makes the transition easy, but his leading lady’s dreadful voice puts her career in danger. Meanwhile, Kelly comes across a fan/chorus girl played by Debbie Reynolds, and together they join forces with Cosmo (Donald O’Connor) to turn Kelly’s new talkie into a fully-fledged musical. The performances are winning, the set design is spectacular, and the musical numbers are some of the best ever filmed. You really can’t go wrong with Singin’ in the Rain. – Adam Chitwood

19. ‘The Last Days of Disco’ (1998)

Directed by Whit Stillman

Chloe Sevigny in kitchen in The Last Days of Disco.
image via Gramercy Pictures

Despite centering around the improbably shallow and entitled lives of some of New York’s young white elites, Whit Stillman’s lush ode to the age of Disco is simply stuffed with colorful and increasingly odious characters, the highlight of which is Kate Beckinsale’s effervescently callous narcissistic, whose entitlement and lack of self-awareness allows her to flit in and out of near-ruin without so much as smudging her makeup.

The Last Days of Disco is a talky, loose amalgam of narratives centering around an increasingly diasporic group of college friends, and while the topics of conversation aren’t always light (there’s a mortifying scene in which a girl learns that she’s contracted an STD after her very first sexual experience), Stillman’s touch is. Hilarious without being pointed, filled with dancey jams of the late ‘70s era, and capped with a final sequence that would melt the heart of even the most unconvinced viewer, The Last Days of Disco is an underrated gem of the ’90s. — Aubrey Page

Buy on Criterion

18. ‘Rushmore’ (1998)

Directed by Wes Anderson

A close-up of Max Fischer
Image via Touchstone Pictures

Though in a current career renaissance thanks to the boom of his increasingly ambitious modern efforts like Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel, the prime examples of Anderson’s optimism come in his earlier efforts. And no shade to Bottle Rocket (the first feel-good offering from the quirky American voice), but Rushmore is easily the best creation of his early years.

Featuring a young and untested Jason Schwartzman as the central Max Fischer, Anderson’s ode to his schoolboy years is a gorgeous and riotously funny coming-of-age story that follows young Fischer as he simultaneously develops an attachment to a mysterious and European teacher (Olivia Williams) and a friendship with an idiosyncratic local businessman (Bill Murray). As relationships tend to do, things get increasingly complicated from there as a treacherously complicated love triangle forms. Rushmore isn’t afraid to tackle the darker sides of the human experience, but as is often the case with Anderson, the film’s final sequence plays like some of the most gorgeously life-affirming of the last few decades. Sometimes, shedding a few happy tears can be even more cathartic than a few laughs. — Aubrey Page

rushmore-1998-poster.jpg

Rushmore

Release Date

December 11, 1998

Runtime

93 minutes





17. ‘Sing Street’ (2016)

Directed by John Carney

Sing Street band
Image via The Weinstein Company

While 2016 was quite possibly the worst year ever, it did give viewers one of the best feel-good movies ever: Sing Street. This 80s-set musical/coming-of-age story hails from Once and Begin Again filmmaker John Carney and follows a young Irish boy who starts a band in order to impress a girl. In writing their original music, they cover the various trends of the decade – there are songs that sound like Duran Duran and there are songs that sound like The Cure.

At heart, it’s a story about young love and discovering who you are while not shying away from the harsh realities of real life – yes indeed, this is optimism that doesn’t ignore realism. That’s sometimes a tough mix, but one that’s certainly necessary at this particular point in time. Sing Street‘s songs are genuinely great, the performances are incredible (especially from newcomer Lucy Boynton), and the ending is a humdinger. It’s hard to watch this movie and not smile. — Adam Chitwood

16. ‘Zootopia’ (2016)

Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore

zootopia-feature-social
Image via Disney

Who knew an animated feature from Disney would be one of the most socially conscious films of 2016? Zootopia is a surprisingly thoughtful chronicle of prejudice and inherent bias, telling the story of a young bunny who wants nothing more than to be a top police officer in a world filled with various types of animals. However, while the world of Zootopia is integrated with predators and prey working and living side-by-side, historical prejudices are alive and well, and the film doesn’t shy away from showing that oftentimes the fault lies with those who believe themselves to be wholly innocent and justified.

The movie is funny and gorgeous, with top-notch world-building, but it also has something to say, which ensures that it’s much more than a lazy cash grab. It’s wildly entertaining and it ends on a solid upbeat note (hence “feel-good”), but it’s refreshingly introspective about the world we live in. — Adam Chitwood

15. ‘Shakespeare in Love’ (1998)

Directed by John Madden

Viola and Will embracing on stage while a crowd cheers in Shakespeare In Love
Image via Miramax

While infamous for shocking everyone and taking Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan, there’s plenty to love about Shakespeare in Love, and it’s the perfect feel-good movie. It’s a delightful film with a delightful story and a delightful cast, offering a romantic fan-fiction-style take on the creation of William Shakespeare’s most famous play.

While a bit slight, there’s something about this movie that makes it feel like a warm blanket. It’s comforting and sweeping in its crafting of the central romance between Shakespeare and the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and Ben Affleck makes for a pretty hilarious self-absorbed actor. It’s charming as all get-out, and for all the anglophiles out there, Shakespeare in Love is something like comfort food in the form of a romantic historical fiction dramedy. — Adam Chitwood

14. ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)

Directed by Chris Columbus

close up of Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Deavon Murray as Seamus Finnigan standing together in 'Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone'
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone may not be the best Harry Potter film, but it is in many ways the most hopeful. This first installment in the iconic franchise introduces viewers to the wizarding world as an escape from the daily grind, and the journey of Harry Potter in particular – from abused orphan to wizard with magical powers – is one audiences can wholly identify with.

Is it wish fulfillment? In some ways, sure. But at heart, the Harry Potter series is a story of love trumping hate, of good winning out over evil, and of the power of friendship. It’s a hopeful, joyous, honest story that certainly gets darker as it progresses, but Sorcerer’s Stone is a warm introduction. Be careful, though. If you watch Sorcerer’s Stone, you’re gonna have a hankering for bingeing the entire franchise in one sitting. — Adam Chitwood

13. ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

The cast of Ocean's Eleven standing in line and looking in the same direction.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

If it’s a movie to take your mind off of everything that you’re looking for, look no further than Ocean’s Eleven. Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh’s star-studded remake is a rip-roaring, stylish heist tale with charm to spare. Following a recently incarcerated Danny Ocean (George Clooney), the film sees him recruit talented thieves to pull off an impossible heist.

The cast is phenomenal, but Soderbergh’s narrative choices make the film a joy to watch, keeping the audience on its toes until the final reveal. Even when you know the outcome, the film is compelling all the same thanks to pitch-perfect comedic timing from this spectacular ensemble. And filmmaker Steven Soderbergh’s talents and photography capture Las Vegas like never before. — Adam Chitwood

12. ‘Love Actually’ (2003)

Directed by Richard Curtis

Andrew Lincoln in Love Actually holding a sign that says Merry Christmas
Image via Universal Pictures

When it comes to feel-good movies, schmaltz really isn’t an issue. Sure Love Actually is ooey gooey and incredibly sentimental, but isn’t that also part of its charm? Directed by Richard Curtis, it showcases the myriad forms of love during the holiday season in London, weaving together ten distinct yet interconnected stories that each explore the joys and challenges of romance.

Featuring incredible talents like Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, and more, it’s not surprising this became a fan favorite. This is the ultimate romantic comedy combined with the ultimate Christmas movie to make one, super-charming concoction that’s guaranteed to pick you up – or at least make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. — Adam Chitwood

Love Actually Movie Poster

Love Actually

Release Date

November 14, 2003

Runtime

135 minutes





11. ‘Matilda’ (1996)

Directed by Danny DeVito

Matilda Wormwood sitting at a desk in Matilda.
Image via Sony Pictures Classics

There’s nothing subtle about Matilda’s positive message. Danny DeVito’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s classic is a film that celebrates the kind, the creative, and the underdogs without reserve. The good characters have cutesy names like Miss Honey and Lavender while the bad guys, each of them uniquely grotesque but for their shared baseness, have dissonant, cringe-y names like Trunchbull and Wormwood. But that direct simplicity is part of what makes Matilda such a delightful spirit-lifter.

Through the story of the titular brilliant and magical bookworm, Matilda is 100% pure in its pursuit to celebrate the best of humanity, invite the audience to embrace their own peculiar magic, and demonstrate that the power of kindness ensures the good always overcomes the bad. — Haleigh Foutch

10. ‘Frozen’ (2013)

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

Elsa sings "let it go" in her palace of ice
Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

It may be one of Disney’s most modern animated movies, but it’s also one of the studio’s most progressive. Sure, there are moments when Disney slips back into its predictable princess mode, but for every step back, Frozen takes two steps forward.

The plot centers on two royal sisters who drift further and further apart as they grow out of childhood thanks to an accident related to the elder sister’s magical ice powers. Those powers, and the princess’s inability to control them, form the major conflict of the film in the form of a countryside cursed into a frozen eternity. While true love certainly plays a part in breaking the curse in this modern fairy tale, the way it all thaws out is anything but expected. And if the heart-warming conclusion to Frozen’s fantastic story doesn’t put you viewers a good mood, there’s a very good chance that at least the music will! — Dave Trumbore

9. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

Directed by Victor Fleming

Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, standing in front of yellow flowers and looking surprised in The Wizard of Oz
Image via Loew’s, Inc.

Directed by Victor Fleming, the 1939 fantasy film starring Judy Garland is often considered the peak of the genre. It transports viewers to the wonderful world of Oz, where Dorothy (Garland) wants nothing more than to get back home. Along the way, he befriends some iconic characters and goes against a formidable villain.

The enduring power of The Wizard of Oz is a miracle, not only because the production was notoriously plagued by disaster after disaster, but because it’s a fantasy musical made in 1939 that’s still just as magical and wondrous today as it was eight decades ago. There’s a transportative quality to the film that really lets you, the viewer, fully envelope yourself in the wizarding world of Oz, and the songs remain phenomenally catchy to this day. — Adam Chitwood

the-wizard-of-oz-movie-poster.jpg

The Wizard of Oz

Release Date

August 25, 1939

Runtime

102 minutes





8. ‘Elf’ (2003)

Directed by Jon Favreau

Amy Sedaris, James Caan, and Will Ferrell in Elf
Image via New Line Cinema

Be Buddy the Elf. Nothing brings down Buddy the Elf. One of Will Ferrell’s most ridiculous character creations (and that’s saying something), Buddy is the embodiment of pure Christmas spirit — nothing but generosity, effusive joy, goodwill toward men, and of course, sugar, all rolled up in a giant green and yellow elf suit. And he never lets a little thing like not actually being an elf keep him from his dream of being Santa’s greatest helper.

Jon Favreau is a master of people-pleasing movies, and Elf is his most joyful and playful yet; a fish-out-of-water comedy wrapped in an ode to yuletide glee that celebrates the fact that it doesn’t matter what you are or where you come from, it’s what you believe and what you do that defines you. — Haleigh Foutch

7. ‘The Birdcage’ (1996)

Directed by Mike Nichols

Albert and Armand sitting together on a bench and looking ahead in The Birdcage.
Image via MGM

If there’s a message the world needs right now, it’s that all it takes to respect lifestyles we don’t understand is to respect the humanity of the person living it. Underneath the politicking and the piety, we’re all just folk. That’s the root of The Birdcage, a brilliant and utterly charming comedy of errors about two gay men in Palm Beach Florida who reluctantly agree to pretend they’re a conventional family so their son can win the approval of his bride-to-be’s family. The flamboyant duo, who own a popular local drag nightclub, find themselves up against her father (Gene Hackman), a conservative senator, the co-founder of the Committee for Moral Order, who’s in the midst of a scandal. The result is a descent into comedy chaos, fully equipped with elaborate schemes, mistaken identities, and vibrant theatricality.

Robin Williams is in top form here, human and hilarious, and he’s absolute gold as the contrast to Nathan Lane’s effusive drama queen, but they’re always characters, never caricatures, and that gives The Birdcage a lot of heart to go with the gut-busting laughs. — Haleigh Foutch

6. ‘Bring It On’ (2000)

Directed by Peyton Reed

Isis, played by Gabrielle Union, and Torrance, played by Kirsten Dunst, in their cheer uniforms together in 'Bring It On.'
Image via Universal Pictures

Bring It On would be a total blast if it only involved the nightmare cheer scenarios of nosebleeds, bad choreographers named Sparky and the frightful fear of a girl’s cheer uniform falling off in front of the whole school, but don’t underestimate the rah-rah spirit on display here. This film pokes fun at jocks who bully based on sexuality and the white bubble privilege of having more tax dollars spent on your education, your athletics and your future.

Torrance (Kirsten Dunst) receives the cheer captain position and is horrified to learn that the previous champion has been stealing cheers from a Compton squad for years, knowing that that talented squad wouldn’t be able to afford to go to Nationals. Torrance understands that Black Cheers Matter (because Black Lives Matter) and attempts to choreograph something they can be proud of and also compete with the East Compton Clovers. This is a feel-good movie not just because there is infectious energy, fun cheers, cute teen romance asides (the toothbrush spit battle between Dunst and Jesse Bradford), but also because Bring It On doesn’t allow the white squad to be saviors and fund East Compton’s National Competition fees, they organize and bring it on all on their own. — Brian Formo

bring-it-on


Bring It On

Release Date

August 25, 2000

Runtime

99 minutes





5. ‘Design for Living’ (1933)

Directed by Ernst Lubitsch

Design for Living 40

In Design for Living the great screwball romanticist, Ernst Lubitsch, was able to get one helluva sexy and playful picture under the crease of the Hollywood door before the Production Code would’ve made it impossible to make (so much depends on who’s in who’s bed here, and the Production Code would make it so that even married couples had to sleep in separate beds). Living follows three Americans navigating the romantic landscape of Paris. Free-spirited Gilda (Miriam Hopkins) cannot decide between two men who love her. One, Tom (Frederic March) is a struggling playwright. The other, George (Gary Cooper) is a painter. So they decide to all three live together as platonic friends and then as polyamorous flatmates. This of course brings about jealousy and brutish behavior amongst the men, so Gilda cuts off communication with them and takes up with a high society man (Edward Everett Horton). All three grow to learn that the spark in life that they love was most ignited when they all shared ideas, love and beds, amongst each other. No matter how hard that road might be that’s the best design for living for them.

Design for Living is absolutely hilarious with wiley wordplay and Hopkins’ desirability comes equally from her humanely liberated ideas and joie de vivre as it does from her slinky sexiness. For those who are afraid that they may not be able to live as openly as they want under a Trump-Pence administration please watch Design for Living and see that it’s always possible amongst the company you choose. And like Hollywood eventually tore down the Production Code, artists like Lubitsch and women and men like those here will always be there to push our collective lust for life forward. — Brian Formo

4. ‘Amélie’ (2001)

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Amelie showing a spoon to the camera
Image via UGC  Fox Distribution

The magic of Amelie is in how it defines us not by what we buy or what we consume but by what we do. Our idiosyncrasies give us our humanity, and by reveling in idiosyncratic behavior, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s whimsical romance is far more than just a girl-meets-boy love story.

The film revels in Amélie Poulain’s (Audrey Tautou) attempts to fix the broken people around her even as she ignores her own happiness in the process. Through Jeunet’s lens, we get a madcap, effervescent, joyful look at Paris and the unique characters therein. And even if Amelie didn’t have a magical narrative or gorgeous visuals, you could still be swept away by Yann Tiersen’s unforgettable score. – Matt Goldberg

3. ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ (2009)

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Flint Lockwood holds his hand up to catch falling food
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Even if there weren’t a montage in this movie set to the song “Sunshine and Lollipops,” Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs would still put a gigantic smile on your face. It has all the anarchic silliness of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (I still have no idea how they got away with the snowball scene), but it’s also got a lot of heart to go along with the story of food raining down from the sky.

There’s a nice father-son bonding subplot, there’s a good love story, and there’s a talking monkey who rips the heart out of a sentient gummi bear. It’s also the only film in cinema history with a Welcome to Mooseport joke. What’s not to like? – Matt Goldberg

2. ‘Paddington 2’ (2017)

Directed by Paul King

Paddington in a pink prison uniform talking to a fellow prisoner in Paddington 2
Image via StudioCanal

If the first Paddington is a love letter to kindness, Padington 2 is a whole treatise on its power and beauty. The story follows Paddington bear, now happily settled with the Browns and a popular member of the local community, as he picks up a series of jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. However, things become complicated when the gift gets stolen.

Paddington 2 is unironically one of the greatest movie sequels of the 21st century. Sentimental but never mawkish, uplifting but never naive, it expands on the themes of the first movie in the most unexpectedly delightful ways. It’s exciting, it’s deeply moving, and it has in Hugh Grant‘s Phoenix Buchanan one of the greatest villains from any modern comedy movie. It’s absolutely perfect for when one is feeling down and needs a film that feels like a warm hug. — Diego Pineda Pacheco

1. ‘Set It Up’ (2018)

Directed by Claire Scanlon

Set-It-Up-Zoey-Deutch-Social
Image via Netflix

If you’re looking for a charming romantic comedy, but don’t want to rewatch something from a previous decade for the umpteenth time, you should definitely give Claire Scanlon’s charming Set It Up a look. The plot follows two beleaguered assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) who decided to set up their bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs, respectively) in order to just get some precious free time away from their demanding jobs. However, with all their scheming, they start to fall for each other.

You can see the rom-com beats coming from a mile away, but they’re done so well and so effectively that you won’t mind. Plus, the film sizzles thanks to the outstanding performances from the dazzling Deutch and Powell, who should be the streaming generation’s Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. The film’s availability on Netflix makes it easily rewatchable, and indeed it’s become a new go-to favorite of many looking for some comfort viewing. – Matt Goldberg

NEXT: The Best Comedies of All Time, Ranked

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