Top 20 Best Feel Good Movies

The ‘early ‘90s were a great time to be a kid watching movies. Critics be damned, we’ll always have a soft spot for “The Little Rascals” and “Little Giants”! But when it comes to childhood classics from that decade, “The Sandlot” reigns supreme. Set in the summer of 1962, the film is a coming-of-age story about a ragtag bunch of young boys in California with a passion for baseball. Nostalgic and timelessly sweet, it’s the sort of film that will take you back to your youth - regardless of when you grew up. “The Sandlot” is a tale of childhood mischief, teamwork, the value of friendship, but more importantly, it’s just a whole lot of fun.

An adaptation of Nick Hornby’s popular novel, “About a Boy” tells the story of the carefree and immature Will Freeman, played by Hugh Grant at his absolute best. When he forms an unlikely friendship with a 12 year old boy named Marcus, he finds himself learning about responsibility and accountability. At the same time, Will becomes a role model to Marcus and a rock in the boy’s relatively unstable life. The film perfectly blends humorous moments with drama, and proves that friendship comes in all shapes and sizes.

This 2011 French buddy comedy is the perfect pick for anyone who needs some help looking on the bright side. Based on a true story, it explores the bond between a quadriplegic millionaire, Phillipe, and an ex-con who becomes his caretaker, Driss. Though the two men make for an unlikely pair, their time together gives birth to a powerful friendship, one that transcends their many differences. Paramount to the film’s success is how it manages to navigate sensitive subject matter while still delivering plenty of laughs. It actually got a 2019 remake, entitled “The Upside”, starring Brian Cranston and Kevin Hart. But as is usually the case with remakes of hit international films, it can’t hold a candle to the original.

For anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t good enough, particularly on the sports field, this film is for you. This biographical film starring Sean Astin tells the inspiring story of Daniel Ruettiger. Although short and relatively unathletic, Rudy has one huge goal: to play college football at the University of Notre Dame. Despite the obstacles, his unparalleled passion drives him to reach for his dream. 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.

Sometimes a film about family dysfunction can be straight up depressing. This is not the case with “Little Miss Sunshine”. 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.

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, a coach who agrees to turn track and field runners into bobsledders. Naturally, some … unconventional approaches to training ensue. It’s a classic tale of David and Goliath, with the Jamaican team the clear underdogs. We won’t spoil the ending, in case you haven’t seen it, but rest assured it’s both true to life and extremely satisfying. This film is for anyone who’s ever had their dreams laughed at, and proves that hard work and commitment are nothing to scoff at.

Who could have predicted that the story of a young, working-class British boy who learns ballet could have such universal appeal? The film is set during the miner’s strike of the mid-1980s, and follows the titular Billy Elliot as he explores his passion for ballet. Given the time period and his socio-economic background, this earns him much mockery, scorn and raised eyebrows, including outright objections from his own father. But as this film reminds us, despite all the bumps, scrapes, bruises and hurt feelings along the way, nothing can stand behind a person and their dreams. A young Jamie Bell received much praise for his role as Billy, and the film was met with widespread critical acclaim.

A comedy-drama centered around a sports manager might not sound like the most obvious candidate for a feel-good film. And quite frankly, protagonist Jerry Maguire has a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. But such is the strength of the performance delivered by Tom Cruise that you can’t help but be utterly charmed. Sure, Jerry’s got a big ego, and he’s a little too good of a smooth talker, but damn if he doesn’t have heart. The standout performances of Renée Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr. only serve to further bolster this feel-good film. For anyone who’s ever dreamt of quitting an unsatisfying job to strike out on their own, this is for you!

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. The charming ensemble cast includes Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, and of course the late great Alan Rickman. It’s the perfect rom-com to cure any holiday blues. Plus, who could ever forget Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister dancing down the stairs to “Jump (For My Love)”?!

Infinitely quotable, razor sharp, and boasting knockout performances all around, “Mean Girls” is the sort of film that never gets old. The movie follows Cady Heron as she tries to acclimatize to high school in the US after 12 years of homeschooling abroad with her parents. Ignorant of the cutthroat world of teenagers, she soon gets a crash course in the high school experience courtesy of her new friends Janis and Ian, as well as some harsher lessons from a group of girls dubbed “The Plastics”. Tina Fey wrote the screenplay and her trademark wit is very much on display, carefully balanced with some important messages about the way we treat one another. It’s honestly just a blast of a film start to finish.

We said no animated films, but there’s no rule about CGI bears in an otherwise live-action movie! The first “Paddington”, released in 2014, was an incredibly heartwarming family film in its own right. But with the sequel, the filmmakers somehow managed to improve the formula in every regard. Paddington gets himself into stickier situations than in the previous film and, with his good-natured approach to life, has the opportunity to touch the hearts of even more people. This is a movie that, while not without its tear jerking moments, is brimming with positivity and uplifting messages. Through its titular bear, it reminds us to always look for the best in people and to never compromise when it comes to kindness. In short, it’s sweet as marmalade!

A feel good film set during WWII and largely taking place in a concentration camp? It sounds like an inherent contradiction, but such is the magic of Roberto Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful”. The film tells the story of Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian man who uses the power of imagination to keep up the spirits of his young son after they’re taken by the Nazis. The film doesn’t shy away from the horrors of the Holocaust, but it does manage to find beauty, love and joy even in the darkest of places - in no small part thanks to the power of Roberto Benigni’s Academy-award winning performance. As a whole, the film makes for heart-warming viewing in times of crisis.

Sometimes when you’re 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’s feeling lonesome, or upset over a relationship. When it comes to romance, the French do it right.

Robin Williams posing as an old Scottish lady? That’s 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. Hey, points for perseverance and determination. The film picked up an Oscar and two Golden Globes, and is on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years...100 Laughs list. Williams’s performance keeps the laughs, and feels, coming right up until the credits roll. It’s a film that shows that love and family will prevail, regardless of distance and living arrangements.

Perhaps overlooked by non-baseball fans, “Field of Dreams” offers plenty of inspiration for a wide audience. Kevin Costner stars as Ray Kinsella, a farmer who turns his cornfield into a baseball field after a mysterious voice tells him to do so. Thematically, the movie explores father-son relationships and how we deal with missed opportunities. But above all, it’s about following your dreams. Mind you, if your dream does involve plowing over several acres of your own crops to build a baseball field . . . you may have watched this movie too many times. What this movie has for everyone, however, is a powerful message about listening to your heart.

A lighthearted sci-fi classic and a go-to for many families on a lazy Sunday afternoon, “Back to the Future” is a truly one-of-a-kind film. The laughs can be enjoyed by all ages, and the plot is just complicated enough to keep adults engaged without losing the kids. Rarely has there been an “odd couple” easier to watch or root for than Doc Brown and Marty McFly. Thanks to Robert Zemeckis’s deft direction and screenplay, the narrative moves along at a quick pace but somehow still finds time for numerous fun-loving moments that never get old, like Marty’s performance of “Johnny B. Goode”. “Back to the Future” is sure to put a smile on your face, whatever timeline you’re watching it in.

What would you do if you were stuck re-living the same day over and over again? Steal? Seduce people? Learn another language? These are just some of the things that weatherman Phil Connors is able to accomplish while he’s trapped in a time loop of never ending February 2nds. Bill Murray is at his deadpan best as Connors, and Andie MacDowell also gives a fantastic performance as his love interest, news producer Rita Hanson. “Groundhog Day” is a film that manages to be both witty and sweet, hilarious and philosophical - and, like Phil Connor’s February 2nd, never gets old.

This 1987 film is a masterpiece of fantasy comedy. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, it tells the story of a humble farmhand and his quest to rescue Princess Buttercup, the love of his life. Though only a modest box office success at the time of its release, it became a cult classic on home video and, in 2016, was inducted into the National Film Registry. This movie never lets up for a second, delivering unforgettable lines of dialogue and rapid-fire wordplay, as well as memorable swordfights, visual gags, and larger-than-life villains - all the while maintaining a real sense of heart. Try getting through this movie without cracking a smile… it’s nigh impossible.

Two movies in our top 5? Director Robert Zemeckis clearly has a knack for feel-good films! As our titular hero famously says. Be that as it may, you know exactly what you’re going to get when you sit down to watch this film. Regardless of how many times you’ve seen it, you’re guaranteed to laugh, cry, and reflect on what really matters in life. Forrest Gump might be slow-witted, but he’s got a heart of gold and an indomitable will. He does what’s right, speaks his mind and is kind to a fault. And as the overarching plot of this film reminds us, even the humblest of individuals can do great things - even change the course of history!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Birdcage” (1996)

“When Harry Met Sally...” (1989)

“The Breakfast Club” (1985)

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)

“Blockers” (2018)

There’s nothing quite like a nostalgia trip to the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema to make you smile. 1952’s “Singin’ in Rain” is always a good choice, but the honor of best feel-good movie has to go to “It's a Wonderful Life”. The film’s message is right in the title. After he and his uncle misplace $8000, George Bailey wishes he’d 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”.