Top 10 Feel-Good Movies to Brighten Your Day
In the world of cinema, movies are made in different genres and categories. The feel-good movie is one such category that is definitely underrated. Usually, romantic comedies and dramas fall into this category.
Often described as “predictable,” “fluff,” or even “unrealistic,” there are many people who find feel-good movies to be quite boring. However, sometimes, being unrealistic isn’t that bad.
Well, if you’re one of those folks who love such types of cinema, this article is for you. You’ll explore a list of top ten feel-good movies that will brighten your day. These movies fall under the romance, comedy, or drama genres to lighten up your mood.
Top Ten Feel-Good Movies That’ll Brighten Your Day
There is no single line or paragraph that describes what a feel-good movie is or should be. However, there are a few things that make a movie fall into a feel-good category. Firstly, a feel-good film should not have a sad ending.
Secondly, such a type of cinema usually doesn’t have any high-stakes action content. Plus, you won’t witness any nail-biting or edge-of-the-seat type of moments. Most importantly, a feel-good movie should definitely have a likeable main character or someone you would love to have in your real life.
Well, here’s a list of the top ten feel-good movies that tick all the abovementioned requirements.
● Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again(2018):
Having an ensemble cast of Amanda Seyfried, Dominic Cooper, Pierce Brosnan(that’s right, the OG 007), Cher, and Meryl Streep, this movie is both a prequel and sequel for the 2008 hit Mamma Mia!
It is a story of how a young Donna Sheridan(played by Lily James and Meryl Streep as the older version) explores love and an unexpected pregnancy while pursuing her musical dream. Whereas, in the present future, her daughter Sophie is preparing for her deceased mother’s funeral.
While the end sounds quite silly, this entire movie represents the musical culture of the 70’s, especially the emergence of the legendary brand “ABBA.”
Directed by Ol Parker, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is available for rent on Apple TV and Google Play.
● Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion(1997):
If you’re a feminist who wants to enjoy a cult-classic movie, this is the perfect choice for you. Starring the legendary Lisa Kudrow(Phoebe from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.), along with Mira Sorvino, and Alan Cumming, this movie is definitely something with a wacky script and exceptional visuals.
A story of unrealized ambitions circling around a college reunion, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is definitely a must watch movie for those who want to reminisce their college life. You can catch this movie on Disney + and Hulu.
● Girls Trip(2017):
Another flick on female friendships, Girls Trip is a movie about four friends, who reunite for a journey to Essence Fest in New Orleans. It is definitely a comedy film for those who want to laugh out loud, thanks to a brilliant script and an ensemble starcast of Jada-Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah, and Regina Hall.
This movie is directed by Malcom D. Lee and was a commercial and critical success. It is also available to rent on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Apple TV.
● The Muppets Movie(1978):
Remember Kermit the Frog? Well, the Muppets Movie is the first of the Muppets franchise, and it is hard to remember a single scene that might have left viewers saddened.
Being a comedy road trip-musical, the Muppets movie showcases the origin story of Kermit, played by Jim Henson. This movie also includes some of the legendary songs, such as “Movin’ Right Along,” “Rainbow Connection”, etc. The Muppets Movie is streaming on Disney+.
● Good Will Hunting:
What’s the recipe for a classic underdog movie? A little bit of prediction added with a dose of optimism. Also, you can’t miss the legendary Robin Williams portraying a therapist to a troubled Will Hunting(portrayed by Matt Damon in one of his first on-screen roles). This is a movie that would go on to inspire the generations to come.
This light-hearted movie is directed by Gus Van Sant, written by Damon along with Ben Affleck(also starring in the movie) and also received 9 academy award nominations.
For his role as Dr. Sean Maguire, Robin Williams won an Oscar for best supporting actor, followed by Damon and Affleck, who won the best screenplay award. This movie is available on PrimeVideo.
● Something’s Gotta Give(2003):
For those looking for a feel-good romance flick, Something’s Gotta Give, which is written, produced, and directed by Nancy Meyers, is a must-watch.
Starring the greats Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, along with Keanu Reeves(our very own John Wick), Amanda Peet, Frances McDormand and Jon Favreau, this movie explores a romantic relationship of an old man with his much younger girlfriend’s mother.
If you want to watch this movie, catch it on HBO Max.
● Legally Blonde(2001):
The 2000s have seen a rise in female-led comedies at an early stage, Legally Blonde being one of them. Reese Witherspoon, who portrays the lead character, Elle Woods, has won hearts with her performance in this epic flick.
The story follows Elle, who enrols at Harvard Law School, hoping to become the “serious” kind of girl that her former boyfriend wishes to marry. It is equally funny and inspiring with great performances of co-stars like Selma Blair, Jennifer Coolidge, and Matthew Davis.
This movie is available to watch on HBO Max.
● Ratatouille(2007):
What comes into your mind when someone tells you the story of a rat with exceptional culinary skills? Well, it is obviously the name “Ratatouille.” Made by Pixar, Ratatouille is a story of a rat, who wants to prove that everybody can cook.
Ratatouille is directed by Brad Bird, with Patton Oswalt giving voice to Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking. This movie is currently streaming on Disney+.
● The Great Gatsby(2013):
Hope is definitely a great thing that gives inspiration to many people. Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, along with Nick Carraway(portrayed by the beloved Spiderman Tobey Maguire) is one such movie to watch out for.
This movie was originally an adaptation of the 1925 book of the same name, which, in turn, was adapted into many different cinematic versions. The hopeful aspect of this movie is portrayed in many scenes where Jay Gatsby shows off his wealth, especially in one scene where he makes a smashing entry in a classic Rolls Royce limo.
This eponymous flick is available on PrimeVideo.
● Ferris Bueller’s Day Off(1986):
It is one of those movies where every scene will stay fresh in your mind. One of the top-notch comedies of the 80s, it revolves around a group of friends who want to explore Chicago because, according to them, “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, and Jennifer Grey, this movie has a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2014, it was also added to the Library of Congress for Preservation. This movie is currently streaming at Paramount+.
To Summarize
Feel-good movies certainly have the magic to uplift an individual’s state of mind. It offers you to refresh and have a few laughs which is essential for every person. The abovementioned list of movies are something that will surely allow you to refresh and enjoy every moment.