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If you’re anything like us, then you might love movies that make you feel. Sometimes you want to be left at the edge of your seats in a horror movie or want to cry in some tear-jerking dramas, or, like this gallery will celebrate, want to smile and laugh in a good old rom-com and comedy. After all, sometimes the routine of daily life, plus some of the news we hear every day in the US and beyond, can be quite taxing. Sometimes, we just need a break.
So, in the spirit of taking a break with a comedy, we’ve compiled a list of 35 feel-good movies that will, without a fraction of a doubt, have you feeling good.
Following this list, you might be able to shrug off suggestions for “new releases” and watch When Harry Met Sally for the 47th time instead. While life is hard, watching Jerry Maguire isn’t. Plus, believing in love, like from 13 Going on 30 or Crazy, Stupid, Love, will have you truly giddy.
Another perk of refusing to watch anything without at least three big laughs built in? Most of these picks — Love Actually and Shakespeare in Love notwithstanding are family-friendly crowd-pleasers if you’re not up for anything more than collapsing in front of the couch. Old classics like The Wizard of Oz and It’s a Wonderful Life have plenty to teach our little virtual learners, and they’re easier on the ears in the process.
The main message behind refusing to watch anything that might make you cry? It’s okay to go easy on yourself, no matter what you’re going through. Pull on a blanket and join us: we’ll be watching the same rom-coms we’ve loved since the ’80s and feeling great.
Here are the best feel-good movies:
A version of this was originally published in April 2020.
‘One of Them Days’
Starring Keke Palmer and SZA, One of Them Days follows best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa as they race against the clock to make money and pay their rent on time. Of course, nothing goes exactly like they expect.
‘Joy Ride’
In Joyride, follow four friends on a wild and unpredictable journey across the world to Asia to find themselves, and strengthen the connections they hold dear.
‘Legally Blonde’ & ‘Legally Blonde 2’
At the beginning of Legally Blonde, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) thinks she has it all with her campus sorority, her bright pink closet and her charming fraternity boyfriend. But when he dumps her before heading to law school, Elle makes it her mission to follow him to Harvard Law – only to find herself instead.
‘Ratatouille’
We couldn’t talk about feel-good movies without this major comfort movie, Ratatouille. The movie follows aspiring chef Linguini as he strikes up an unexpected friendship with a rat named Remy, who has a passion for cooking.
‘Mamma Mia!’
Starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, Mamma Mia! follows young bride Sophie as she invites three of her mom’s exes (played by Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgård) to her wedding to find out who her father is. Plus, it’s full of ABBA songs you won’t be able to not dance and sing along to!
‘Despicable Me’
In Despicable Me, Gru wanted to become one of the biggest villains in the world. But when a trio of orphaned girls looking for a dad finds him, his softer side comes bubbling out.
‘School of Rock’
School of Rock tells the story of a substitute teacher gone wrong. Strapped for cash to pay rent, Jack Black’s Dewey takes on his roommate’s substitute teaching gig. Instead of teaching them math and science, however, Dewey teaches them music and prepares them for the battle of the bands.
’50 First Dates’
In 50 First Dates, Adam Sandler’s charming character Henry falls for Lucy (Drew Barrymore). But before their magical first meeting comes to an end, her family reveals her secret: she has short-term memory loss and can’t remember anything that happened the day before. Instead of giving up, Henry decides to make Lucy fall for him every day after.
‘Father of the Bride’
Starring Only Murders‘ dynamic duo Steve Martin and Martin Short, it’s no secret that Father of the Bride is movie magic. The film follows a sweet dad (Martin) as his daughter (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) comes back from a study abroad and reveals that she’s engaged and headed down the aisle. As she gets excited for her new life, her dad’s life turns upside down.
‘A Knight’s Tale’
Heath Ledger’s character William might’ve been born a peasant, but he’s determined to change his stars in A Knight’s Tale. While getting some help from his friends, he bets it all in a high-stakes jousting competition.
’13 Going on 30′
What would you do if you closed your eyes and you woke up 17 years older? Well, that’s exactly what happens when Jenna Rink wishes to be “thirty, flirty and thriving” on her 13th birthday on 13 Going on 30. When she wakes up, she’s 30, has a mysterious man next to her in bed, has a full-time job, and is best friends with her high school nemesis. Chaos obviously ensues.
Plus, Mark Ruffallo’s never been this charming!
‘Paddington’ & ‘Paddington 2’
Now, you can’t have a feel-good movie list without two of the most touching movies in recent memory. Paddington and Paddington 2 are two films that bring heartwarming fun for the whole family. Based on the character and stories by Michael Bond, Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) follows Paddington Bear’s journey to London and his time with the Brown family. The sequel to the 2014 film is somehow even better than the original — don’t believe us? Watch for yourselves!
‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’
We’re always game for a good romantic comedy, and Crazy, Stupid, Love totally fits the bill. The film starring Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone and more is as touching and sweet as it is laugh-out-loud funny. The chemistry between the characters (especially Gosling and Stone) is undeniable, and watching these stories of young and renewed love will pull at the heartstrings. Plus, viewers will be thinking about the garden scene for years to come.
‘Clueless’
Who doesn’t love a fun, modernized re-telling of one of Jane Austen’s classic stories? The prolific writer’s novel Emma gets a seriously stylish revamp with 1995’s Clueless. Starring Alicia Silverstone as Cher, teens flirt and mingle in swanky Los Angeles. It’s a total classic with iconic outfits and line readings we’re still thinking about more than 25 years later. Nostalgia and young love? Count us in!
‘Happiest Season’
This 2020 holiday hit written and directed by Clea DuVall tells the story of closeted Harper (Mackenzie Davis) going home for the holidays to her conservative family with girlfriend Abby (Kristen Stewart) — who doesn’t know she’s closeted. Family hijinks and a sultry ex played by Aubrey Plaza ensue, as does a heartwarming ending.
‘Never Been Kissed’
Drew Barrymore is Josie Geller in this classic rom-com about a journalist posing undercover as a high schooler to investigate a big story — and just maybe, possibly rectify some less-than-pleasant high school memories in the process.
‘Notting Hill’
Julia Roberts is American movie star Anna Scott who catches English bookstore owner William Thatcher (Hugh Grant) off-guard when she wanders into his shop and they form a connection. So, can his low-key London life ever mesh with this star? These two have never been more charming as they find out.
‘Crazy Rich Asians’
It’s a modern-day fairy tale unlike any other when Rachel (Constance Wu) finds out her longtime boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) comes from insane wealth — and a strict set of societal rules and family expectations that come with it. As Nick’s mother makes her disapproval known, Rachel must decide if this Prince Charming is worth a life she never imagined.
‘The Wizard Of Oz’
In The Wizard of Oz, live vicariously through Dorothy and her journey to Oz with this classic Judy Garland musical.
‘Mary Poppins’
We all could use a little more magic, right? Let Mary Poppins whisk you away with her magical umbrella as she sets the Banks family back in order.
‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’
Jojo Rabbit director Taika Waititi takes on the New Zealand wilderness in this heartwarming tale about a young boy and his foster father fleeing for safety as they’re chased through the bush.
‘Big’
We can think of nothing more distracting and delightful than watching Tom Hanks transform from a young boy to an adult man overnight. May we recommend a double feature with 13 Going on 30?
‘Free Willy’
This wholesome friendship between a young boy in foster care and an Orca separated from his family will make you feel all the feelings — in a good way, we swear.
‘When Harry Met Sally’
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan trace a decades-long friendship trying to answer the question: Can men and women really be friends? While the central question may seem dated, their banter just gets better with time.
‘Singin’ in the Rain’
Gene Kelly is endlessly charming in this old Hollywood classic about the switch to “talkies.” You can try not to sing along, but you won’t succeed.
‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’
This wacky high school comedy about a day playing hooky gone awry never gets old — bonus points for a jump-up-and-dance musical number in the middle.
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’
When George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) gets a glimpse of what the world would look like without him, he realizes how valuable his life was all along.
‘Love Actually’
Why limit this movie to Christmastime? Hugh Grant should be finding love on your TV screen year-round.
‘The Birdcage’
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane have incredible chemistry in this laugh-out-loud comedy about gay nightclub owners trying to pose as a conservative family to impress future in-laws.
‘Jerry Maguire’
When fast-talking sports agent Jerry Maguire has a change of heart, single mom Renée Zellweger follows him on his new venture. Plus, prepare to fall in love with her son Ray.
‘Ocean’s Eleven’
The perfect heist movie, featuring banter between George Clooney and Brad Pitt, a love triangle with Julia Roberts, and a seriously satisfying final scene.
‘Matilda’
Like all Roald Dahl-inspired movies, Matilda is the perfect mix of magic, mischief, and love. Nothing’s better than watching the talented young Matilda get her revenge.
‘The Princess Bride’
You’ve no doubt already seen this epic tale of pirates, princes, revenge, and heartbreak — but one more time can never hurt.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
This beautifully animated installation of the Spider-Man franchise features Spider-Men from multiple dimensions coming together to save NYC.
‘Shakespeare in Love’
When William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) meets the love of his life (Gwyneth Paltrow) and embarks on a forbidden romance, he lives out a real-life Romeo & Juliet (and writes it too).
Feel-Good Movies That Will Make You Smile (Even When You Feel Like Crying)
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