There's Hardly a Better Time to Watch the Best Feel-Good Movies on Netflix
There's Hardly a Better Time to Watch the Best Feel-Good Movies on Netflix
If you need some feel-good movies to elevate your mood, you’re not alone. When everything else seems like it's falling apart, sometimes all it takes is a hour or two with a movie to leave you a little elevated. A movie doesn't always have to be homework—you can just relax, and try to have some time for yourself. Take it from us: there’s no shame in not making it through The Irishman. Fortunately, Netflix is well-stocked in movies to watch—specifically the feel-good department, featuring everything from swoon-worthy romcoms to goofy comedies to heartwarming biopics. Whatever your preference is, Netflix has the best medicine. Here are a few of the films we turn to when we need a kick in the pants to feel brighter.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Instead of acting upon her various crushes, high schooler Lara Jean writes love letters that she keeps hidden in her closet. A never-ending period of embarrassment begins after those letters get sent—you saw that coming, right?—and Lara Jean must finally chase real-life romance from her cadre of potential suitors.
Someone Great
Someone Great is a fun girls' night out comedy with fantastic cameos throughout from RuPaul Charles, Rosario Dawson, Jaboukie Young-White, Jessie Reyez, and Questlove.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse
The first ever animated feature Spider-Man film is a hilarious, vibrant, and visually stunning achievement. The 2018 film received praise for its animation, voice acting, comedy, and soundtrack, winning numerous Best Animated Feature awards.
19) Always Be My Maybe
It's no secret that the best Keanu Reeves character is... Keanu Reeves. Props to Always Be My Maybe for writing a Keanu self-cameo that finally lets him show off some of his wild, weird, and beautiful IRL self.—Brady Langmann
Incredibles 2
The Parr family is back in this smart, sensational sequel, wherein Mr. Incredible must become a stay-at-home dad when Elastigirl is recruited to a task force designed to bring superheroes, long declared illegal, back into public life. The family crime-fighting that follows is funny, boldy animated, and deeply touching--not to mention that it makes for a damn good action movie.
The Little Prince
You've read the story as a child. Now it's time to see the story of a young girl who's trying to learn how to be a grown up play out on screen.
Saving Mr. Banks
Speaking of Tom Hanks, the story that led to the creation of Mary Poppins is a good one, and it's captured perfectly all these years later in Saving Mr. Banks. We get Emma Thompson as author P.L. Travers and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney himself. The thoughtful, heartfelt movie is a good break from the rest of the world.
Julie & Julia
Following dueling storylines, Julie & Julia is about two women who follow their love of cooking to new heights. On one end there's the story of Julia Child, who stumbles her way into home cook fame. On the other, a woman named Julie works her way through Child's prolific cookbook via a blog that gains national attention.
As Good As It Gets
When a romance writer establishes a reputation for being a total jerk, his last hope is the relationship he establishes with a very good dog. From there, he develops a relationship with a waitress played by Helen Hunt and comes to realize that this world might not be as bad as he thought.
Bruce Almighty
Jim Carrey gets to take the reins and be God, giving Morgan Freeman a well-deserved break? Sounds like a movie worth watching. Add in Jennifer Aniston as a love interest, and it's honestly the perfect cocktail for a feel-good movie.
Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit
Yes, it's a documentary about cats, but are you coming to the feel-good section looking for heavy plot and dialogue-driven narratives? (We have some other lists for that.) This perfect documentary follows actual cats that compete in a cat pageant, and if that doesn't make you feel good, then we're not sure who can help you.
Edge of Seventeen
Hailee Steinfeld proves to be an insanely charming young woman in this coming-of-age film also starring Woody Harrelson. It's so good in fact that it's an absolute shame it didn't get nominated for the Oscar it deserved.
Hercules
Who puts the glad in gladiator? Her-cu-les! He's the most underrated of the Disney princes and his dad is an actual god. Revisit Disney's Golden Age with this seldom fully appreciated flick fit for the divine.
Silver Linings Playbook
The quirky twist on the romantic comedy can be a little dark at times, but the overall sentiment of Silver Linings Playbook is that even when things get complicated and crass, everything can be solved with a self-deprecating joke and a little bit of love.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
It's the movie that took Steve Carrell from everyone's favorite TV boss to a full-on movie star. Aside from being a pretty decent movie, it also gave us one of the best lines of 21st century cinema: AHHHH, KELLY CLARKSON.
Dumplin'
The story of a plus-size beauty queen being raised by an aging beauty queen who can't seem to shake the importance of her glory days practically writes itself. Add in a Dolly Parton soundtrack and a message about being yourself, and you have two hours of feel-good story that might even make you tear up a little bit.
Here's a guaranteed way to brighten your mood for at least an hour or two.