Top 10 Feel Good Movies

Top 10 Feel Good Movies

Having a rough time? These films will turn that frown upside down in a hurry. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Feel Good Movies.

For this list, we’re looking at those movies that will restore your faith in humanity and leave you feeling happy to be alive. And just so you know, a SPOILER ALERT is probably in order.

#10: “About a Boy” (2002)

The story of a lonely 12-year-old boy named Marcus who forms an unlikely bond with Will, a rich but immature adult, “About a Boy” is Hugh Grant at his absolute best. Marcus teaches Will about responsibility and accountability, while Will becomes a role model to Marcus and a rock in the boy’s relatively unstable life. The film perfectly blends humorous moments with melodramatic scenes, and proves that friendship is one of the most important aspects of life.

#9: “Amélie” (2001)

Sometimes when you are feeling blue, all you need is a film with stunning imagery and a beautiful setting, which is exactly what “Amélie” provides. Set in Paris, the film follows Amélie Poulain, a lonely romantic who vows to bring happiness to others by helping them as much as she can. Played by the absolutely charming Audrey Tautou, Amélie succeeds in bringing joy to others around her, and eventually falls in love herself. This film is perfect for anyone who may be feeling upset about a relationship. When it comes to romance, the French do it right.

#8: “Rudy” (1993)

For anyone who has felt like they weren’t good enough, particularly on the sports field, this film is for you. Rudy is short, relatively un-athletic, and has little support from his family, but has one huge goal: to play football at the University of Notre Dame. Despite these obstacles, Rudy’s unparalleled passion and drive eventually led to him make the team. He achieves his goal simply because he wants it more than anybody else on the field. While “Rudy” is a sports film, it is also a depiction of the capabilities of the human spirit and what somebody can accomplish through pure commitment and dedication.

#7: “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)

Sometimes a film about family dysfunction can be depressing. This is not case with “Little Miss Sunshine”. Who would have thought a tale about a cross-country trip to a beauty pageant could be so uplifting? The film follows the Hoovers – a clan that includes an overworked mother, her gay and suicidal brother, her egotistical husband, his foul-mouthed father, and their two children, Dwayne and Olive. When they discover that Olive has earned a spot in the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty pageant, they haul into a VW Microbus and travel across the country to get there in time. The film emphasizes the importance of being yourself but also how valuable it is to have a family, even though you may not get along all the time.

#6: “Cool Runnings” (1993)

The second sports film to make our list, “Cool Runnings” tells the story of the first ever Jamaican bobsled team. John Candy stars as Irv Blitzer, the coach with the ingenious idea to use runners as bobsledders. The Jamaicans overcome numerous obstacles to make it to the Winter Olympics, and although they don’t win, they earn the respect of not only their peers, but the entire world. This film is for anyone who’s ever had their dreams laughed at, and proves that hard work and commitment can overcome even the biggest obstacles.

#5: “Love Actually” (2003)

While most films on this list convey one clear, uplifting message, “Love Actually” has a plot line for just about everyone. The importance of family, relationships, and friendship are all on display in this holiday classic. A charming ensemble cast that includes Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley combined with the beautiful scenery of France and England make this a perfect rom-com to cure any holiday blues.

#4: “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)

Robin Williams posing as an old Scottish lady? That is sure to boost anyone’s spirits. Williams stars as Daniel Hillard, a devoted but irresponsible father. After his wife divorces him, he poses as a nanny to spend time with his children. Although he is eventually busted, his passion as a father convinces his wife to allow full visitation rights. As the divorce rate continues to skyrocket, this film proves that love and family will prevail, regardless of living arrangements.

#3: “Field of Dreams” (1989)

Perhaps overlooked by non-baseball fans, “Field of Dreams” offers plenty of inspiration for a wide range of people. Kevin Costner stars as Ray Kinsella, who turns his cornfield into a baseball field after a mysterious voice tells him to do so. The film explores relatable themes like following your dreams and lamenting missed opportunities, but perhaps most of all, stresses the importance of the father-son relationship, something every guy can relate to.

#2: “Groundhog Day” (1993)

What would you do if you were stuck re-living the same day over and over again? Steal? Seduce women? Learn another language? These are just some of the things Phil Connors is able to accomplish while he is trapped in a never-ending cycle of February 2nds. Connors, played by the delightful Bill Murray, eventually sees the error of his ways and begins to help other people in the town, ultimately winning the heart of his news producer Rita and allowing him to escape the endless cycle.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
- “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)
- “Grease” (1978)
- “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013)
- “Little Giants” (1994)

#1: “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946)

The ultimate feel-good movie, the message of this film is right in the title – life is truly wonderful. After he and his uncle misplace $8000, George Bailey wishes he had never been born. His guardian angel, Clarence, shows him what the world would have been like if George had never existed – and how his life affected so many others. The importance of friendship is the central theme of this film, and, as Clarence writes to George at the end of the film: “No man is a failure who has friends”.

Do you agree with our list? What is your feel good movie? For more uplifting Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.