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If you’re having a rough day – or need a little pick-me-up – snuggling up in front of an uplifting film can provide some light relief.
To help you avoid endlessly scrolling for the perfect mood-boosting film, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favourites.
Whether you’re in the mood for romance, comedy, drama, or a film with an inspiring message, here are 16 feel-good film ideas.
1. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine is a feel-good comedy-drama about the Hoover family, who travel from New Mexico to California so that their daughter, Olive (Abigail Breslin), can follow her dream of participating in a beauty pageant.
Yet, with each family member forced to confront their problems along the way, everyone’s sanity is soon stretched to the limit.
Little Miss Sunshine embraces family dysfunction and individual quirks to deliver a heartwarming celebration of imperfection that will stay with you long after the credits have finished rolling.
2. Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
Faced with restricted access to his children, divorced dad Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) hatches an elaborate plan to spend more time with them.
His brother Frank (Harvey Fierstein) helps Daniel disguise himself as an older British woman and convinces his ex-wife, Miranda (Sally Field), to hire him as a nanny.
But, when both Daniel and Mrs Doubtfire are called to meet different people at the same restaurant, his secret is threatened to be exposed.
Entertaining and heartwarming, Mrs Doubtfire celebrates family and the extraordinary lengths parents will go for their children – proving that love matters more than perfection.
3. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Eleven-year-old Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer) doesn’t have an easy life. Her father has died, her mother ignores her, and her brother is in a local gang. Despite being smart, Akeelah’s environment isn’t on her side.
However, after participating in a spelling bee to avoid detention, Akeelah wins and is asked to seek coaching from English professor, Dr Larabee (Laurence Fishburne).
With the potential to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Akeelah has the chance to provide her community with someone to rally around and be proud of – but only if she can overcome her insecurities first.
4. Sunshine on Leith (2013)
Sunshine on Leith follows the stories of ex-soldiers Ally (Kevin Guthrie) and Davy (George MacKay) who, after returning from Afghanistan, need to re-learn how to live their ordinary lives in Edinburgh.
Experiencing the joys and heartaches of relationships, the pair work to regain control of their home and love lives.
Based on the stage hit musical of the same name, Sunshine on Leith is set to the euphoric music of the pop-folk band, The Proclaimers. Dubbed ‘the feel fabulous film’ of 2013, this is an uplifting tale that’ll pull on your heartstrings.
5. Groundhog Day (1993)
After travelling to the small town of Punxsutawney to film a report about the area’s Groundhog Day celebration, narcissistic and self-centred television weatherman Phil (Bill Murray) finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.
Feeling highly frustrated and lost, Phil slowly learns that his own behaviour is the key to unlocking a future that isn’t the same as yesterday.
A light, entertaining comedy on the surface, Groundhog Day reminds us to live every day to the fullest and that, with a little resourcefulness, even the most miserable days can be turned around.
6. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Set on a small Greek island, bride-to-be Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) dreams of a perfect wedding – one where her father walks her down the aisle. The problem? Sophie doesn’t know who her father is.
After snooping through her mother’s (Meryl Streep) old diaries, Sophie discovers that she has three possible fathers – Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), and Harry (Colin Firth). Secretly, she invites them all to her wedding, convinced she’ll know her father when she sees him. But, as Sophie soon finds out, it may not be as clear as she thought.
Told through the legendary music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! will have you dancing on the edge of your seat. Plus, the sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, means the party doesn’t have to end.
7. The Bucket List (2007)
Car mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) and billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) are two terminally ill strangers who find themselves in the same hospital room.
Despite their differences, the men build a bond over their need to accept who they are and what they’ve done with their lives. With a ‘bucket list’ of things they want to see and do before they die, Edward and Carter go against their doctor’s advice and leave the hospital to set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The Bucket List is a must-watch, feel-good film about finding joy, making bold decisions, and cherishing life.
8. Forrest Gump (1994)
Kind-hearted Alabama boy Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) remains inspiringly steadfast in his childlike optimism, despite having dealt with other people’s unkindness all his life.
Living life to the full and seizing every opportunity by the reins, he touches the lives of everyone that he meets.
Forrest becomes a college football star, a soldier in the Vietnam War, and captain of his own shrimping boat, but can he save his misguided childhood sweetheart, Jenny (Robin Wright)?
9. Bridesmaids (2011)
Annie’s (Kristen Wiig) life is a bit of a mess, and she’s miserable at her core. But when her lifelong best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) gets engaged, Annie must serve as her maid of honour.
After meeting Lillian’s other bridesmaids – including the over-the-top Helen (Rose Byrne) – a hilarious rivalry ensues as Annie and Helen fight to control the bridal party plans and prove they’re Lillian’s ‘best friend’.
With funny, relatable characters and an easy-going plot, Bridesmaids is the perfect laugh-out-loud film to add some brightness to your day.
10. La La Land (2016)
Jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) are brought together by their mutual desire to do what makes them happy.
After repeatedly running into each other, the pair eventually give in to their love affair. However, it soon becomes clear how challenging a relationship can be while trying to find your place in the world.
With the glamorous feel of old-time Hollywood transplanted to modern-day Los Angeles, La La Land blends light humour and romance with themes of creativity, ambition, and the cost of following your dreams.
11. Along Came Polly (2004)
Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) is a risk assessment analyst obsessed with evaluating what could go wrong in his life. And while his new bride, Liza Kramer (Debra Messing), initially seemed perfect, she soon proves otherwise.
After running into ex-classmate Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston), Reuben is charmed by her spirited, free-living ways. And despite believing that they’re completely incompatible, Polly’s lifestyle slowly teaches Reuben how to let go and take risks.
Fun, entertaining, and laugh-out-loud funny, Along Came Polly is an easy watch that’s sure to lighten up your day.
12. Sister Act (1992)
Deloris Van Certier (Whoopi Goldberg) is a lively lounge singer from Reno, Nevada. Having witnessed boyfriend Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel) murder an employee, she’s hidden in a convent under a witness protection programme.
But, after befriending the nuns, Deloris is ordered to join the church choir, where she begins coaching the nuns to become vibrant, soulful singers. As the choir becomes a huge success around the neighbourhood, the underlying worry remains: will Deloris’ boyfriend track her down?
Full of catchy songs you can’t help but sing along to, Sister Act is a vibrant and uplifting film for all the family.
13. About Time (2013)
When Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) turns 21, his father (Bill Nighy) reveals a secret: the men in their family can travel through time. Tim becomes determined to use this ability to improve his life – and he starts by getting a girlfriend.
After meeting Mary (Rachel McAdams), Tim falls in love and wins her over using time travel. However, as his life progresses, Tim discovers that his power can’t protect him or his loved ones from the problems of everyday life.
From the creators of Love Actually and Notting Hill, About Time is a romantic comedy-drama that’s perfect for a cosy night in.
14. School of Rock (2003)
Dewey Finn (Jack Black) is an overly keen and immature guitarist who, after finding himself out of work, decides to pose as a substitute music teacher at a private school. Here, he begins secretly training the students to become hard rock musicians.
Dewey forms a strong bond with the students as they prepare to compete in the local Battle of the Bands competition.
Due to the film’s success, School of Rock has also become a critically acclaimed theatre production. Hilarious and iconic, it’s definitely one to tick off the list.
15. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is the daughter of a strict Indian family living in London. One day in the park, her impressive football skills are recognised by Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley), who convinces her to join her semi-pro team. The only problem is that Jess’ family don’t allow her to take part in organised football, despite her being 18.
In a bid to prevent her family from finding out, Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her secret while working through her feelings towards her football coach, Joe.
Addressing cultural differences, gender, and sexuality, Bend It Like Beckham is an inspirational rom-com about living out your dreams and developing your own identity.
16. Letters to Juliet (2010)
During a visit to sunsoaked Italy with her fiancé, romance-loving Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) visits the Verona’s famous wall, where the heartbroken leave notes and letters seeking advice from Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, Juliet.
After finding a particular heartfelt letter from 1957, Sophie decides to write back to its now-elderly author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), who becomes inspired to embark on a journey to find her long-lost lover, Lorenzo.
It’s difficult not to feel good after watching this heartwarming film – it reminds us we’re never too old for love.
Reminding us that we’re never too old to find love, it’s difficult not to be touched by the events in this sweet, sentimental film.
Final thoughts…
When we need a cosy night in, there’s nothing better than settling down and watching a feel-good film.
Whether you’re in the mood for an uplifting musical, a comedy, or something to tug at the heartstrings, there’s a story out there for everyone.
If none of these films takes your fancy, why not check out some of the other ideas in our film and TV section, including 20 movies everyone should see, 20 of the best comedy films, and 16 heartwarming romantic comedies?
And, if you’re interested in classics, you might like The Golden Age of British Cinema over on Rest Less Events, which explores filmmaking from the silent era to the 1960s.
What are some of your favourite feel-good films? What films are on your watch list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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