about:blank

Movies

The 30 best feel-good movies for when you need a mood boost

From “My Neighbor Totoro” to “My Cousin Vinny,” here are some films that are sure to brighten your day.

Published on August 11, 2024 09:00AM EDT

While they’re not always recognized as towering artistic achievements, quality feel-good movies are among the most impactful pieces of entertainment we have. It’s deceptively difficult to cook up successful cinematic comfort food without becoming overly saccharine or sappy. But our best filmmakers have consistently found creative new ways to make audiences feel good, whether it’s through colorful song-and-dance numbers (Singin’ in the Rain), absurd high-school hangouts (Booksmart), or anthropomorphic bears (Paddington 2).

The best feel-good movies transcend time, space, and genre to provide the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket or a hot cup of tea, perfect for sick days, sleepovers, and repeat viewings. Read on for Entertainment Weekly’s 30 best feel-good movies.

01of 30

Back to the Future (1985)

Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future — Everett

When Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) inadvertently travels 30 years into the past, we’re treated to the best of both 1980s pop filmmaking sensibilities and retro 1950s aesthetics. With a cast of ridiculously hormonal supporting characters and a cynical yet zippy sense of humor, director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale disrupt the squeaky-clean image of postwar Americana. Yet Back to the Future is fundamentally an ’80s movie, with clever visual effects from Industrial Light & Magic, unforgettable music from Huey Lewis and Alan Silvestri, and an airtight screenplay that helped cement the crowd-pleasing tenets of the blockbuster era.

Where to watch Back to the Future: Netflix

02of 30

Booksmart (2019)

BOOKSMART Beanie Feldstein stars as Molly and Kaitlyn Dever as Amy in Olivia Wildeâs directorial debut, BOOKSMART, an Annapurna Pictures release. Credit: Francois Duhamel / Annapurna Pictures — Francois Duhamel/Annapurna Pictures

Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut finally gives Gen Z a phenomenal high school comedy along the lines of Superbad and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever star as high-achieving best friends who come to a sobering realization on their last day of high school: All of their peers are going to top-tier colleges, which means they didn’t need to sacrifice their social lives to succeed academically. Naturally, they embark on a hilarious quest to have four years’ worth of fun in a single night, testing old friendships and forming new ones in the process.

Though it peddles gross-out gags and predictably raunchy humor, Booksmart maintains an unusually wholesome worldview: Every character is a complex, decent individual who can’t be reduced to a social stereotype.

Where to watch Booksmart: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

03of 30

Chef (2014)

Jon Favreau’s culinary comedy rejects conventional narrative structure by confining the primary conflict to the first third of the movie and then spending over an hour hanging out and having a good time. Favreau lovingly depicts several American cities traditionally underrepresented in mainstream movies, including Miami, New Orleans, and Austin. Chef is also guaranteed to make you hungry, as each on-screen dish is more mouth-watering than the last, thanks to the film’s attention to detail and simple but effective framing.

Where to watch Chef: Starz

04of 30

Creed (2015)

CREED, from left: Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan, 2015 — Barry Wetcher/Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection

Ryan Coogler’s triumphant reinvigoration of the Rocky series follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed, as he fights through the boxing world with the mentorship of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Everything within Creed, from character beats to needle drops to literal punches, feels immaculately timed and smartly balanced.

The film’s technical strengths enhance its emotional and thematic power, utilizing long takes, clean visuals, and sharply edited montages to broadcast the massive feelings that permeate every sequence. As with all the best sports movies, the athleticism and competition hold immense dramatic weight because of our investment in the characters.

Where to watch Creed: Amazon Prime Video

05of 30

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Hulu best movies dazed and confused — GramercyPictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

A generation-defining high school hangout movie, Dazed and Confused has almost zero conflict, tons of memorable characters, and a stellar 1970s atmosphere that makes it an absolute breeze to watch. It features a who’s-who of future stars, including Matthew McConaughey, Milla Jovovich, Ben Affleck, Adam Goldberg, and Parker Posey.

The film feels like the absolute peak of what the high school experience could be like in real life instead of the cinematic fantasy that so many similar movies depict.

Where to watch Dazed and Confused: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

06of 30

Faces Places (2017)

This delightful French documentary sees legendary filmmaker Agnès Varda and photographer JR embark on a lovely quest to create community art that celebrates and acknowledges the overlooked. On their journey, they meet and photograph a wide variety of subjects that don’t often get time in the spotlight; longtime laborers, late acquaintances, committed spouses, and even livestock become inspired subjects of large-scale public art.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a documentary as uplifting as this one — it’s basically just 90 minutes of people being kind to each other.

Where to watch Faces Places: Tubi

07of 30

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

FANTASTIC MR. FOX, from left: Mr. Fox (voice: George Clooney), 2009. — 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

In Wes Anderson’s stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book, George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Jason Schwartzman star as a family of foxes who lead their community into battle against three tyrannical farmers.

Like all of Anderson’s films, Fantastic Mr. Fox is impeccably styled with gorgeous design and loving attention to intricate details — you can almost see the army of hands moving characters and assembling sets. Its greatest asset, though, is its witty screenplay, which is full of snappy dialogue, earnest emotion, and childlike optimism.

Where to watch Fantastic Mr. Fox: Disney+

08of 30

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

In his classic teen comedy, John Hughes miraculously channels the thrill of ditching school into an endlessly rewatchable cinematic triumph. With a carefree attitude and a joyful spirit, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off invites its audience to slow down and intentionally enjoy life’s simplest pleasures: art, music, fast cars, and friendship. It’s impossible to feel bad after watching Ferris lead Chicago in a euphoric rendition of “Twist & Shout.”

Where to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Hulu

09of 30

In the Heights (2021)

Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first musical, In the Heights, contains everything you could want from a movie musical: fast-paced lyrics, soaring melodies, lively dance numbers, bright colors, and an overwhelming amount of heart.

The film follows several characters over a few sweltering days in Washington Heights, the Manhattan neighborhood that Miranda calls home. It’s a joyous musical celebration of family, romance, and community, as well as an exploration of how physical environments foster these relationships.

Where to watch In the Heights: Max

10of 30

Little Women (2019)

LITTLE WOMEN Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Eliza Scanlen and Florence Pugh — Wilson Webb/Sony

Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, and Laura Dern star in Greta Gerwig’s phenomenal adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Gerwig’s clever back-and-forth framing creates new moments of poignance and poetry in a bittersweet story already full of great tragedy and comedy.

The film grapples with the complexity of family dynamics, the bittersweetness of growing up, and the importance of writing. It’s filled to the brim with rich dialogue, elegant visuals, and emotional character moments, ultimately revealing itself to be a tale of good, kind people whose only enemies are time and nature.

Where to watch Little Women: Hulu

11of 30

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Ten years after the original movie, the Mamma Mia! team reunites for a second outing that’s even more delightful than its predecessor. It’s the Godfather Part II of jukebox musicals, intercutting between two time frames: One follows a young Donna (Lily James) as she has three whirlwind romantic encounters after finishing college in 1979, and the other sees her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) celebrate the reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna in the present.

It’s a brisk, colorful musical packed with silly songs, charming performances, and gorgeous scenery.

Where to watch Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

12of 30

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Disney’s gentlest animated film charmingly embraces its storybook roots with illustration-like animation, fourth-wall breaks, and distinct chapters of narrative. All three of the film’s parts concern similar themes — facing your fears, helping your neighbor, and the importance of friendship. The conflict in the Hundred Acre Wood is so low-key that it barely even registers as conflict at all, resulting in a warm, relaxing movie that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Where to watch The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Disney+

13of 30

Mary Poppins (1964)

Actress Davd Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Matthew Garber, Karen Dotrice in a scene from the movie "Mary Poppins" — Donaldson Collection/Getty

Robert Stevenson adapts P.L. Travers’ book to create a simple story of family reconciliation supported by some of the greatest original songs in Disney history. It’s a collection of loosely connected vignettes, and only a few of them actually move the story along or develop the characters, as the film prioritizes magic and entertainment value over straightforward storytelling.

The animated “Jolly Holiday” sequence and the chimney-sweep songs are among the liveliest, loveliest musical numbers in any family film. What’s more charming than Julie Andrews singing Sherman Brothers tunes?

Where to watch Mary Poppins: Disney+

14of 30

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

MY COUSIN VINNY, from left: Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, 1992 — 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

You might not expect a movie about a murder trial to qualify as “feel-good,” but this impeccable legal comedy is so lighthearted and clever that you forget all about the life-or-death stakes at its core. Joe Pesci stars as an inexperienced New York lawyer who must travel to Alabama with his fiancée (Marisa Tomei) to defend his cousin (Ralph Macchio) from being wrongfully convicted of murder.

The film capitalizes on the unlikely, seemingly unlimited comedic star power of Pesci and Tomei, who deliver each line with such zeal that it’s impossible to look away when either of them is on screen — and doubly so when they’re together.

Where to watch My Cousin Vinny: Hulu

15of 30

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Hayao Miyazaki’s classic fantasy film is a celebration of youthful innocence that feels like a nostalgic memory. Few movies so effortlessly capture the feeling of childhood — long passages of carefree exploration and boundless imagination are punctuated by occasional bursts of existential hysteria and irrational paranoia. The film puts conflict on the back burner for the majority of its runtime, inviting us to sink into its beautifully animated environments and appreciate their quiet delights.

Where to watch My Neighbor Totoro: Max

16of 30

Ninotchka (1939)

NINOTCHKA, Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, 1939 — everett

Ernst Lubitsch’s Greta Garbo vehicle puts a clever political spin on the rom-com formula. Garbo stars as the titular character, a Russian envoy who slowly becomes enamored with Western culture as she falls in love with a French count (Melvyn Douglas). You’d never guess this was Garbo’s first comedy, as she’s incredibly well-suited to being a rom-com lead. Her chemistry with Douglas is electric, and she plays the gradual melting away of her character’s stony cynicism remarkably well.

Where to watch Ninotchka: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

17of 30

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Steven Soderbergh’s star-studded crime film is the definitive heist movie of the 21st century. It follows Danny Ocean (George Clooney) as he assembles a crew to rob three Las Vegas casinos — and win back his ex-wife (Julia Roberts) in the process.

The film marries a loose, laid-back tone with an incredibly precise screenplay, resulting in a viewing experience that’s always fun and exciting without ever becoming exhausting or stressful. What’s more, the groovy soundtrack and overwhelming star power make it one of the most rewatchable movies in history.

Where to watch Ocean’s Eleven: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

18of 30

Paddington 2 (2017)

Everyone’s favorite Peruvian bear pursues a priceless pop-up book in this pitch-perfect sequel. Paddington brightens the lives of every person he meets, bringing families closer together, introducing romantic partners, and even reforming prison conditions as he bumbles around London.

The film boasts gorgeous visuals, clever physical comedy sequences, and a spotless script that ensures every character has a simple, satisfying arc.

Where to watch Paddington 2: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

19of 30

Paterson (2016)

Adam Driver stars as a gentle bus driver who writes poetry in Jim Jarmusch’s quiet dramedy. Paterson features no overarching plot or external conflict of any kind — instead, it presents a simple, uncynical look at ordinary people experiencing tiny victories and defeats as they live everyday lives.

The film finds beauty in the mundane, showing that connecting with your neighbors and channeling your observations into art can provide the meaning we seek from the universe.

Where to watch Paterson: Amazon Prime Video

20of 30

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

This screwball romantic comedy from George Cukor follows a wealthy heiress (Katharine Hepburn) as she flirts with a journalist (James Stewart), her ex-husband (Cary Grant), and her fiancé (John Howard). Hepburn is the obvious star of the show, perfectly demonstrating her one-of-a-kind exuberant magnetism that entranced multiple generations. Stewart threatens to steal the spotlight as his typically polite, good-natured goof, and Grant somehow makes an awful character immensely likable.

Where to watch The Philadelphia Story: Tubi

21of 30

The Princess Bride (1987)

THE PRINCESS BRIDE, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, 1987, TM and Copyright (c) 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. — 20th Century Fox; Everett Collection

There’s nothing quite like Rob Reiner’s fairy tale adventure. The film features a unique blend of irreverent humor, fantasy antics, and earnest romanticism that no movie since has managed to replicate. A valiant masked pirate (Cary Elwes) seeks to rescue a princess (Robin Wright) alongside two of the hired hands (Mandy Patinkin, André the Giant) who kidnapped her in the first place. Collectively they defeat an evil prince (Chris Sarandon), fulfill their vengeance, and find true love. It’s funny, thrilling, and undeniably romantic.

Where to watch The Princess Bride: Disney+

22of 30

Ratatouille (2007)

RATATOUILLE, Remy — Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett

Pixar’s coziest movie follows a rat, Remy (Patton Oswalt), who teams up with an awkward restaurant employee (Lou Romano) to reinvigorate a world-famous eatery in Paris. The warm, soft lighting of each image makes Ratatouille a visual comfort — everything is so gently textured and romantically constructed, and the food all looks delicious. Meanwhile, Michael Giacchino’s bright score brings persistent musical charm, and the simple, sweet story celebrates self-acceptance, creativity, and friendship.

Where to watch Ratatouille: Disney+

23of 30

Sherlock Jr. (1924)

SHERLOCK JR., Buster Keaton (left), 1924 — everett

Buster Keaton’s masterpiece of lighthearted surrealism sees a daydreaming projectionist (Keaton) imagine himself as the hero of a mystery movie. Sherlock Jr. slyly ponders the relationships between movies, dreams, and our understanding of reality. In classic Keaton tradition, the 45-minute adventure is packed with breathtaking stunts, playful visual trickery, and hilarious physical comedy.

Where to watch Sherlock Jr.: Tubi

24of 30

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor star in the ultimate Old Hollywood musical, finding humor at the dawn of the sound filmmaking era in the late 1920s. Singin’ in the Rain is full of catchy melodies, staggering set design, colorful costumes, and stunningly athletic dancing from its ridiculously talented ensemble. It’s light on its feet and never misses a beat, as every musical number is magnificent, and every non-musical scene is either dramatically important or incredibly funny.

Where to watch Singin’ in the Rain: Max

25of 30

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE, Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, 2003, (c) Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection — Columbia/Everett

Nancy Meyers’ romantic comedy hinges on an unusual intergenerational dynamic: A wealthy man (Jack Nicholson) becomes romantically entangled with a younger woman (Amanda Peet) and her mother (Diane Keaton), who is also in a relationship with a young doctor (Keanu Reeves). The film reflects on aging, generational differences, and gender dynamics, and it’s always entertaining thanks to clever, well-observed dialogue and a refreshingly unconventional premise and structure.

Where to watch Something’s Gotta Give: Max

26of 30

Stop Making Sense (1984)

David Byrne in 'Stop Making Sense' — Everett Collection

Jonathan Demme’s unyieldingly energetic Talking Heads documentary is the pinnacle of concert filmmaking. The thoughtful precision of its construction forces you to notice the importance of every instrument and band member. Each song is visually distinct, and the film perfectly captures the bundle of paradoxes that is the Talking Heads: loosely spontaneous yet meticulously rehearsed, serious yet playful, unique yet familiar.

Where to watch Stop Making Sense: Max

27of 30

Tampopo (1985)

TAMPOPO, from left: Ken Watanabe, Ryutaro Otomo, 1985 — Everett Collection

A “noodle Western,” Tampopo sees lovely characters played by hilarious performers work together to create a perfect meal. The film features a number of loosely connected one- or two-scene tangents, where the ideas, humor, and visual splendor all have the opportunity to twist and turn in unexpected directions. They’re excellent little shorts centered around food that celebrate and satirize the bizarre behavior of hungry people, and though they all work splendidly on their own, they’re even stronger in the context of the big picture.

Where to watch Tampopo: Max

28of 30

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in 'When Harry Met Sally' — Everett Collection

Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron join forces to create the ultimate romantic comedy, in which two friends (Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) slowly fall in love in New York. Ephron’s delicious dialogue ensures that every scene has unforgettable one-liners and charming pieces of everyday wisdom. Meanwhile, the lead actors embrace their characters’ peculiarities and flaws to make them sympathetically human.

From the “documentary” footage to Carrie Fisher’s B-plot to the pitch-perfect New Year’s conclusion, When Harry Met Sally is a hilarious, tender exploration of romantic love.

Where to watch When Harry Met Sally: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

29of 30

Yellow Submarine (1968)

The Beatles, Yellow Submarine, album cover — Apple Records

This psychedelic cartoon sees animated versions of the Beatles journey into a bizarre fantasy world. The film uses the Fab Four’s music as both a soundtrack and a jumping-off point for surreal worldbuilding and visual ideas — “Nowhere Man” inspires a lonely character in an empty world, while “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” soundtracks the group’s battle with the evil Blue Meanies. Its jovial sense of humor and endlessly creative visuals perfectly complement the spirit of the Beatles’ timeless music.

Where to watch Yellow Submarine: Apple TV (to rent)

30of 30

The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)

THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT, (aka LES DEMOISELLES DE ROCHEFORT) — everett

Jacques Demy’s exuberant musical follows twins (played by real-life sisters Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac) who seek love when several visitors arrive in their hometown. An inspiration for La La Land, The Young Girls of Rochefort features a gorgeous score, dazzling dance choreography, and impressive camera maneuvers in every one of its musical numbers. It also benefits from some of the brightest colors and beautiful designs in cinema history.

Where to watch The Young Girls of Rochefort: Max

https://4858f8684d376c555f0b11ebb011ee8c.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

56thst.com

Articles, books and commentary by Joel Snell

FEEL GOOD MOVIES