Everyone needs to watch a 'pick me up' movie every once in a while, whether its just to lift your spirits or to stop the tears flowing from your face- a feel good movie always helps.
Ever been in the scenario where you have been scrolling through Netflix for hours on end but nothing seems to be jumping out at you? Everyone has at some point, right? Well this is the perfect blog post for you! A list consisting of 40 feel good, pick me up movies, from animated films to classics- there is something or everyone.
1) The Green Mile (1999)
Based in a Lousiana Prison in 1935, this feel good movie will leave you feeling every emotion under the sun, from tears to laughter. Featuring Tom Hanks as a prison guard, the movie follows the life of John Coffee- a mountain of a man with learning difficulties who has been convicted of raping and murdering two girls. John has magic healing abilities that the guards have never seen before- but will this guilt trip the guards and stop him from being executed?
2) ALADDIN (2019)
This is the perfect adventure and fantasy movie to sit down and watch with the family. The 2019 remake which features Will Smith, in my opinion, is even better than the original. With a musical themed twist to it, the songs are sure to be stuck in your head for days. The story is based on a street urchin named Aladdin who finds a magic lamp and uses the genies magic power to become a prince in order to win over princess Jasmine. With many turns and twists along the way including taking on the evil Jafar, this movie will be sure to have you glued to the screen.
3) dirty dancing (1987)
This classic movie goes without saying when talking about feel good movies. The late Patrick Swayze plays a dance instructor (Johnny) and falls in love with a young woman called Baby as she is on a family holiday. Featuring classic songs such as 'I've had the time of my life' and 'Hungry Eyes', you'll be singing your heart out to this romantic feel good film.
4)harry potter and the philosopher's stone (2001)
How can you not love Harry Potter? It's the perfect binge worthy movie that once you start watching these- you can't stop, If you haven't seen at least one of these movies, you must have been living under a rock! The first Harry Potter movie is based on eleven year old Harry Potter and his adventures at the school of witchcraft and wizardry- Hogwarts. Full of adventures, this high speed movie is a must watch.
5) step brothers (2008)
Now this is my favourite movie of all time, it just never gets old no matter how many times you watch it. A comedy featuring Will Ferrell and John C Reilly, who play two middle aged men who will never grow up. They are forced against their will to become roommates when their parents marry, making them step brothers. There is no funnier movie than this and if you want a guaranteed laugh, trust me and watch this.
6) monsters university (2013)
Everyone on this earth has seen Monsters Inc, right? But do you know very little have actually followed up and watched Monsters University, the sequel? You're missing out big time if you haven't seen this gem of a movie. This movie is based on Mike Wazowski and Sullivan's lives before working at Monsters Inc, when they are studying at university. From this movie we find out that the iconic best friend duo have not always been the best of friends, and actually couldn't stand each other upon first meeting. The story line unlocks the door to how the pair overcame their differences and became the best of friends.
7) sunshine on leith (2013)
This feel good movie is all based around Scottish pop-folk band, the Proclaimers. If you love the Proclaimers music, then it's a certain that you will love this movie. The story follows the lives of Ally and Davy, who have moved and have to learn to live a new life Edinburgh after coming home from serving in Afghanistan. Both of them throughout the movie struggle with learning to live life outside of the army and are forced to deal with everyday struggles of life, relationships and family. The ending of this movie is what really makes this film one of the best musicals I have ever seen, if you are looking for an uplifting film- this is the one
8) matilda (1996)
Another extremely obvious option of a classic feel good is Matilda. Do I really need to even go into detail on this one???
9) oceans 8 (2018)
During her time in prison, Debbie Ocean has been plotting a heist and needs help from her fellow companions upon release to accomplish her plan. The master plan in talks, is stealing the Toussiant, a $150 million Cartier necklace, from the Met Gala. Featuring many famous faces such as Daphne Kluger, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson and even Rihanna- this empowering female movie takes crime and comedy to another level.
10) forrest gump (1994)
Another Tom Hanks classic- I think you will begin to see a theme here with his movies- they're all just so good! This romantic comedy-drama follows the life of Forrest Gump, a slow witted but kind hearted man from Alabama. Warning- although this is a definite feel good movie by the time the ending comes, you will need a fair few tissues throughout.
11) up (2009)
You may also need some tissues for this one.. (sorry!) This Disney Pixar movie is one that everyone needs to see, no matter what age. Story line follows the friendship of a 78 year old man, Carl Fredricksen and 8 year old wilderness explorer, Russell. The duo end up together as Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house in order to fly to south America, Niagra Falls in order to pursue his belated wife's dreams. This movie expresses an important message that friends can be of any age and gender, and have no limitations.
12) Mamma Mia! Here we go again! (2018)
The music in this movie is enough of a reason why you should watch it never mind the storyline! If your a massive Abba fan, like me, then you will love this. As much as I love the first movie, the second one will always be my favourite. This is a musical romantic comedy, where lead character Sophie (played by no other than Amanda Seyfried) is expecting her first child but is unable to handle everything on her own. She enlists her late mothers friends for guidance and along the way learns more about her mothers past, with a shock appearance of her grandmother she has never met before- played by Cher. If you are not going to watch the movie, at least listen to the soundtrack- if you haven't already heard it that is!
13) Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)
This sweet heart warming story follows the life of a poor boy who finds one of Willy Wonka's rare golden tickets to visit the chocolate factory. Other children who have also got tickets and attend by his side are ghastly and strange- but who will last the longest when inside the factory itself? With twists and turns along the way, this is a classic family movie not to be brushed aside.
14) The Hunger Games(2008)
Once you start watching these movies you will be addicted- trust me. The movies are based on the life of Katniss Everdine- who volunteers for the games on behalf of her sister. The live game tournament only ends, when one contestant remains and wins- therefor all others die. Katniss is up against contestants who have been training for this all their life and nobody has faith in her to win. This is a very intense, action filled movie series that will have you glued to your screen for hours until you have watched them all!
15) The Parent Trap (1998)
Classic Lindsay Lohan movie begins when identical twins Hallie and Annie are separated at birth and raised by each of their biological parents who no longer speak. When both parents send each of the twins to the same summer camp- they discover they are actually not only related- but twins. They make a plan to bring their wayward parents back together again by pretending to be each other and living each others lives in order for them to meet to swap the twins back. This movie is comical, entertaining and has one of the best movie endings I can actually think of. Definitely worth the watch if you haven't seen this already.
16) The Greatest Showman (2017)
This is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come true- the ultimate feel good movie. The Greatest Showman tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to the biggest worldwide sensation through his passion and love of show business. Featuring the academy award winning lyricist of La La Land and faces such as Zac Effron and Zendaya- this is a phenomenal, otherworldly and uplifting movie everyone has to see.
17) Pitch Perfect (2012)
The Barden Bella's are an all-girls a cappella singing group thriving on female pop songs and their perfect looks. After a disastrous failing at last year's finals, they are forced to regroup. Among the new recruits is freshman Becca, an independent, aspiring DJ with no interest in the college life. But after she meets Jesse, from the rival all-male a cappella group, Becca has a new outlook and takes it upon herself to help the Bella's find their new look and sound and get back into the competition. This movie is hilarious and will be sure to have you laughing your socks off at the humorous characters and sub-plots.
18) The Goonies (1985)
The Goonies is an American adventure and comedy film which is based around the lives of a group of young misfits who call themselves the Goonies. They live in the neighbourhood of Astoria and go on a mission in attempt to save their homes from foreclosure. Whilst doing this, they discover an old treasure map which takes them on a weird and wacky adventure. Another great family friendly film.
19) The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)
Now for a film that's definitely NOT classed as a 'family friendly' one- The Inbetweeners is based on the British TV series of the same name. British sensations Will, Simon, Jay and Neil go on their first party holiday without their parents to Greece. The holiday they had been dreaming of turns out not to go as planned and so swiftly as their lack of funds and female interest see their plans go down the gutter. Extremely vulgar but equally hilarious, this movie is one of the best comedies out there.
20) Jack (1996)
This may be a controversial one to put in an 'uplifting movie' list- but this emotional rollercoaster of a movie has an important message to portray throughout and definitely makes you put things into perspective. Jack Powell was born with a unique disorder that causes him to age four times faster than the average- so being 10, he looks 40. This causes him a lot of problems when he starts public school and attempts to make friends, however, throughout the movie we start to see Jack become accepted within his family neighbourhood and see him blossom. A real heart warming movie that will touch you and make you feel blessed for what you have.
21) Big (1988)
Weirdly similar to Jack, Big is a movie starring Tom Hanks who plays a young boy who finds a zoltar machine at a carnival- he makes a wish to become big. The next morning he wakes up in an adults body. With help from his best friend- Billy, Josh learns how to act like a grown up, doing things like getting a full time job and a girlfriend, he struggles to decide if he wants to stay an adult or be a kid again. This film has a whopping 97% on rotten tomatoes- which shows really how popular this movie really is.
22) The Notebook (2004)
Maybe not the type of uplifting movie to watch if your going through a breakup, but this movie (as sad as it is) has the best type of sad ending- if that makes sense? The story follows a poor yet passionate young man who falls in love with a rich young woman, giving her a sense of freedom, but they are soon separated because of social differences. Ups and downs throughout this movie, it is a real emotional rollercoaster with a ending that shows the importance of love and passion.
23) The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
This movie shows the real meaning of happiness- which is family and health. Chris is an employed salesman struggling to make ends meet for him and his five year old son. Found evicted from his home with nowhere to go, he is in and out of shelters and, when lucky, hotels. He dreams and aims for a better life for him and his son, with many hardships along the way, he wont stop until he has got it.
24) Clueless (1995)
There is nothing better than a classic chic-flic film in my opinion, and this one is definitely that! Super girly and relatable, this follows the life of shallow, rich and famous Cher. This is a really easy and simple movie to follow with nothing too deep or heavy, but still gives you the best experience whilst watching Cher and her friends Dion go on a quest to makeover new girl, Tai. The best Chic-flic girly movie to watch with friends when your feeling down.
25) Cruella (2021)
You've seen 101 Dalmatian's- right? but have you seen 2021's version of the life of Cruella Deville? Set in the 70s, this movie shows you how young aspiring fashion designer Estella became Cruella Deville. Befriending a pair of theives, they get up to mischief and attempt to build a life for themselves on London streets. Estella's flair for fashion designing catches the eye of top fashion designer Baroness Von Hellman- they begin to work together and this ends up being a car crash of events. As the movie progresses, Estella begins to embrace her wicked side more and more. This is one of the best films to come out of 2021 in my opinion.
26) School of Rock (2003)
Jack Black plays Dewey Finn, a slacker rock musician who has just been fired from his job and needs to find a way of making money. He bluffs his way into a teaching job and instead of teaching the pupils what they should be, instead he teaches them the world of rock and roll behind their parents and fellow teachers backs. Washington Post described it as "An exuberant, raucous and thoroughly endearing comedy", which I think is just about right.
27) Shrek (2001)
If you haven't seen Shrek then you definitely must be living under a rock, like really. I have actually lost track of how many of them there are, but just make sure to watch the first one as it is the best. There is really no point in me describing this one either.
28) Hairspray (2007)
Another musical! Can you tell they are my favourite?! This movie is based on Tracey Turnblad and her friend Penny Pingleton who are huge fans of the Corny Collins show. The chance to dance on the show is publisised in the news and Tracey and Penny do everything they can to make sure they are picked. Tracy's dancing skills end up attracting teenage heart throb Link Larkin, and that is where their relationship begins. Featuring the best music and setting- this is another must watch to add to your want to watch list!
29) The Truman Show (1988)
Jim Carey stars as Truman Burnbank, a happily married man living his ordinary life- what he doesn't know, is that he is a star in the biggest reality TV show. His home town is actually a massive TV set where everything is pre planned for his life, including the cast who he thinks is his real friends and family. Slowly but surely, Truman begins to realize incidents and coincidences and becomes more wary of his surroundings. Upon realizing the truth, he starts a quest to take down the multi-millionaire TV business to take back his freedom. This film makes you question everything about life, and leaves you wanting to watch more.
30) Stand By Me (1986)
The story of four best friends- Vern, Teddy, Chris and Gordie. After learning that there is a missing body in their neighbourhood they begin a quest to find it in order to receive the cash prize. Along the way the boys learn about themselves, the meaning of friendship and the need to stand up for themselves and what is right. An adventure comedy, this movie will leave you wanting to hug your friends that little bit tighter next time.
31) Billy Elliot (2000)
Set in the violet 1984 strike against Margaret Thatcher, Billy has swapped his boxing classes for a girls only ballet classes behind his parents backs. Billy's only friend Michael, alongside favourite teacher Mrs.Wilkinson both encourage Billy to thrive for success and realize his potential with ballet dancing. After much thought about the situation, Billy attends private lessons and wants to try out for the world renonowned Royal Ballet audition. Will his parents views on boys and dancing stop Billy from reaching his goals and dreams? This movie really focuses on the aspect that you can be and do whatever you want to do- no matter what age or gender.
32) We're The Millers (2013)
Fast paced comedy featuring Jennifer Aniston and Emma Roberts. A drug dealer creates a fake family in order to smuggle drugs across the border from America to Mexico. Misfits Rose, David, Casey and Kenny have to do everything they can to be convincing that they are a real family. They call themselves the Millers and rent an RV to get into Mexico, but when they realize the amount of drugs to be smuggled is way more than David's boss hinted, there is no turning back and they must face up to their actions. This film is genuinely hilarious.
33) Grease (1978)
How could I make an uplifting movie list and not include Grease?! This phenomenon movie follows the lives of stud Danny Zulko and Australlian transfer student Sandy Olsson. The characters develop an intense attraction for one another and with the help of their misfit friends, grow closer and closer. It is a guarantee that after you watch this you will have the movie soundtrack stuck in your head for days, which isn't exactly a bad thing!
34) 13 Going on 30 (2004)
After being totally humiliated at her 13th Birthday party, Jenna wants to just hide ands never come back until she is 30. Thanks to some magical wishing dust, Jenna's wish is commanded. Waking up with the perfect body, husband, home and job sounds great doesn't it? But all Jenna finds herself wishing for now is her old life and best friend back. The ultimate chic flick romance movie.
35) Edward Scissorhands (1990)
A Tim Burton original movie- you can't beat it. Featuring none other than Johnny Depp who plays Edward- a humanoid made by a clever inventor who leaves Edward unfinished after his death. He is discovered living home alone by Peg Boggs selling Avon who takes Edward home to her stereotypical family. Edward soon becomes a hit in his neighbourhood when his neighbours find out he can do all sorts of things with his scissor hands- hair styling, dog styling and hedge cutting. When a cruel trick is played on Edward, the neighbourhood turn against him, making him an outcast to society- how will Edward convince people he is in fact a good person, and not out to harm?
36) Drop Dead Fred (1991)
A young Elizabeth is just trying to find her feet in life, but cannot seem to do this with a control freak mother and a woman obsessed husband. When her imaginary childhood friend comes back in order to make her depression disappear- he causes more harm than good. This weird and whacky comedy movie is a fabulous movie to watch if your down, it definitely always puts a smile on my face.
37) Austin Powers: Goldmember (2002)
An American spy action comedy featuring the main character- Austin Powers. This film is so strange and weird that it is so hard to explain to someone without them actually watching it- just picture Female Robots (Fembots), An evil villan (Dr.evil), time travelling, sex and mayhem and you might be somewhere close. This film features so many huge celebrities such as Beyonce, Steven Spielberg, Gweneyth Paltrow, Danny Devito, John Travlota and even The Osborne family?!
38) Rocketman (2019)
A musical fantasy movie all about music legend Elton John. The movie breaks down Elton's life and everything he did to become as well known and famous as he is today. This is such an inspirational film that will leave you grinning throughout- as well as singing your heart out to all of Elton's classics.
39) Encanto (2021)
A tale of an extra-ordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Columbia in a magic placed called the Encanto. The magic has blessed every child in the Madrigal family with a unique gift- every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the families last hope as she realizes that the magic of encanto is now in danger- along with everyone's magical powers. The music in this Disney film is one thing I absolutely love about it alongside the wonderful characters.
40) Little Man (2006)
A ridiculously hilarious movie which is based around a wannabe dad who mistakes a vertically challenged criminal for a small child and decides to raise him on his own. If this movie doesn't get you laughing- then I don't know what will!!