After a tough day, nothing's better than sitting back and watching a movie. The question is what genre of movies will uplift the spirits, be a leisure watch, and cause a few laughs here and there. Feel-good movies have this effect that not only enthralls audiences but allows them to forget their problems and focus on storyline, characters, drama, and quirky moments.
Feel-good movies typically don't mean death-defying action, plot twists, or creepy villains. Instead, feel-good movies can be emotional, ionate, and cult classics or big hits. These movies have a way of resonating with audiences, have them feeling hopeful, and helps crack a smile.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
It's hard to find a movie aficionado who doesn't adore My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The 2002 movie became a classic for its emotional yet relatable storyline of love and family. Fotoula “Toula” Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) has a large, loud and proud Greek family. Since her childhood, Toula has felt lost in her identity and in finding love.
When it comes to romance stories, this movie is well over as Toula falls in love with an upper-class white male teacher. Fans can relate to Toula sneaking around with her new boyfriend as she's aware that her family would disapprove that he's not Greek. The movie has a heartwarming story of finding oneself, true love, and a family accepting their daughter's true happiness.
Bad Moms (2016)
The title of Bad Moms says it all but there's still more to explore in the movie's storyline. The comedy does the job of making even the worst day full of laughs. The 2016 flick was a fun way of showcasing the struggles moms have in their lives between family, work, and themselves.
Amy (played by Mila Kunis), Carla (Kathryn Hahn), and Kiki (Kristen Bell) decide they've had enough trying to do everything for their kids and family. Despite their efforts, they're still seen as bad moms. If their peers want bad moms, they're gonna get them as the three mothers decide to only focus on themselves and what they want for a change.
Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig's its coming-of-age story and the turmoils of trying to make life work. The movie is on the feel-good list because of its realistic struggles of being true to yourself and struggling relationships with friends and parents, all while still mixing in fun comedy.
Christine Mherson (Saoirse Ronan) is a senior who renames herself "Lady Bird." She has big dreams of moving away to a "city with culture" and a prestigious college. Her story is intermixed with her rocky relationship with her best friend and butting heads with her mother.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
2018's Crazy Rich Asians became well known as it's one of the first American movies to have an all-Asian cast. Besides this, many resonated with the storyline and incredibly comedic lines and scenes. Rachel Chu's (Constance Wu) life gets a reality check when she discovers her boyfriend to be the son of one of Singapore's most prestigious and rich families.
Rachel goes through many struggles as she's rejected and made to feel out of place in her boyfriend's world. The audience applauded as Rachel finds her strength to stay true to who she is. Fans also can't forget the comical scenarios with comedian Awkwafina as Peik.
Zootopia (2016)
Disney's Zootopia is a feel-good movie for many reasons. The 2016 animated film tells the story of a resilient bunny who dreams of being a good cop. Audiences will be enamored by Judy Hopps's (Ginnifer Goodwin) determination to prove her worth as Zootopia's first female bunny officer as she solves a bizarre case.
The movie also has a lesson of accepting people for who they really instead of what they were made out to be. Judy Hopps s forces with a sly and wildly fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). While Nick is seen as a predator, Judy starts to believe in his good heart.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
2018's its intense, colorful, and unique computer animation.
Set in a shared multiverse called the "Spider-Verse," Miles (Shameik Moore) becomes the new hero after witnessing the death of his universe's Spider-Man and being bit by a spider. Fans watch as Miles comes into his own as a hero, a teenager, and trying to live up to his father's expectations. Seeing him bond with other Spider-people as they save the city was the cherry on top.
Frozen (2013)
Whether it's a child or full-fledged adult viewer, Disney's Frozen is beloved. Frozen became one of Disney's most popular movies that had children hooked and is considered a feel-good movie for adults as well. Besides the jaw-dropping visuals and animation, fans were starstruck by its impressive soundtrack.
By simply hearing or watching Elsa's (Idina Menzel) "Let It Go" musical number, all worries will be washed away as fans sing along to the powerful ballad. Frozen also uplifts the spirits as Elsa gives in to who she is while reigniting the relationship and love she has for her sister. The real star just might be Olaf (Josh Gad) with his kind heart and comedic moments.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
Pitch Perfect led to not only a franchise but a phenomenon amongst its fans. Audiences can't deny that its charm is worthy of a feel-good movie title. Who knew that acapella can be so cool and comedic? Fans enjoyed the dynamics between the main characters as they are all strikingly different but become inseparable friends.
Pitch Perfect also had golden comedy moments like Aubrey's (Anna Camp) legendary projectile vomiting. It's a perfect wind-down movie that has viewers singing along and jamming to the Bellas' more impressive musical numbers.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Yes, Thor: Ragnarok can be a feel-good movie as its style swayed from what was previously seen in other MCU movies. The 2017 flick had a much more lighthearted and comedic tone than its predecessors. This is thanks to director Taika Waititi who made the movie stand out with color, vibrance, and good laughs.
Fans adored the bickering brotherly moments between Loki and Thor and it was hard not to die of laughter as Thor screamed in joy realizing his opponent was Hulk/Bruce Banner. The movie was also uplifting as Thor rediscovers himself and his inner strength in defeating Hela (Cate Blanchett).
Amélie (2001)
Amélie is the definition of a feel-good movie that would make even the darkest and most sour-faced viewers crack a smile. The French-German 2001 romantic comedy told the charming story of the oddball woman, Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou) who decides to enrich and fix the unhappy lives of the people around her.
At the same time, she isn't prone to fix her own issues until she falls in love and is forced to do so. Viewers will have a fun time with Amélie's unique and cute character as well as the colorful and bright cinematography.
