When life gets tough, there’s nothing like a good movie to lift your spirits. Whether it’s a nostalgic classic or a heartwarming new release, feel-good films have the power to make you smile, laugh, and even shed a few happy tears. Here are 47 of the best feel-good movies that are sure to boost your mood.
1. Back to the Future (1985)
Travel back in time with Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) in this iconic ’80s adventure. The perfect blend of humor, sci-fi, and nostalgia, Back to the Future is a timeless classic that will leave you feeling joyful and energized.
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
High school senior Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) knows how to turn a mundane day into an unforgettable adventure. From joyrides in a Ferrari to parade crashing, this John Hughes masterpiece is a celebration of living life to the fullest.
3. The Princess Bride (1987)
Romance, adventure, and plenty of humor make The Princess Bride a feel-good movie for the ages. Follow the love story of Buttercup and Westley as they navigate a world filled with outlaws, rodents of unusual size, and true love.
4. Working Girl (1988)
Melanie Griffith stars as Tess McGill, a secretary with big dreams in this empowering workplace comedy. With memorable performances from Sigourney Weaver and Harrison Ford, Working Girl is an inspiring tale of ambition and determination.
5. Field of Dreams (1989)
“If you build it, he will come.” This magical story of second chances and father-son relationships is more than just a baseball movie. Kevin Costner leads a stellar cast in a film that reminds us to chase our dreams and embrace the unexpected.
6. Sister Act (1992)
Whoopi Goldberg shines as Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer turned nun, in this delightful musical comedy. With catchy tunes and an uplifting story, Sister Act is pure joy from start to finish.
7. The Sandlot (1993)
Relive the carefree days of summer with The Sandlot, a nostalgic coming-of-age film about friendship, baseball, and adventure. It’s impossible not to smile as Scotty Smalls and his friends navigate the challenges of growing up.
8. The Pelican Brief (1993)
Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington team up in this legal thriller that combines suspense with heartwarming moments. Their chemistry and determination to uncover the truth make this a must-watch feel-good film.
9. Groundhog Day (1993)
Bill Murray stars in this endlessly entertaining comedy about a man trapped in a time loop. As Phil Connors learns to embrace each day, you’ll find yourself rooting for his journey of self-discovery and transformation.
10. Clueless (1995)
Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz is the epitome of ’90s style and charm in Clueless. This witty and stylish teen comedy is the ultimate feel-good movie, filled with memorable quotes and a killer soundtrack.
11. French Kiss (1995)
Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline star in this delightful romantic comedy set in the picturesque French countryside. With its witty dialogue and charming performances, French Kiss is the perfect escape.
12. The Birdcage (1996)
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane deliver laugh-out-loud performances in this hilarious farce about a gay couple trying to impress conservative in-laws. The Birdcage is a comedy classic that never fails to entertain.
13. The First Wives Club (1996)
Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler team up in this empowering comedy about reclaiming their lives after divorce. With sharp humor and a stellar cast, The First Wives Club is a celebration of female friendship and resilience.
14. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Matt Damon and Robin Williams star in this heartwarming drama about a young genius finding his way in the world. Good Will Hunting is an inspiring tale of self-discovery, filled with powerful performances and unforgettable moments.
15. Cinderella (1997)
Brandy and Whitney Houston bring magic to life in this beloved adaptation of Cinderella. With its groundbreaking casting and enchanting music, this film is a feel-good fairy tale for the ages.
16. The Parent Trap (1998)
Lindsay Lohan charms in dual roles as identical twins in this delightful remake. The Parent Trap is a fun, family-friendly film that will make you believe in the power of love and a little bit of mischief.
17. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Angela Bassett stars in this uplifting story about rediscovering love and passion. With a captivating performance by Bassett and a charming Taye Diggs, How Stella Got Her Groove Back is a feel-good movie that will leave you inspired.
18. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew is a teen rom-com classic. Starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, 10 Things I Hate About You is a fun, romantic, and endlessly rewatchable film.
19. Galaxy Quest (1999)
A loving parody of Star Trek culture, Galaxy Quest is a smart and hilarious adventure that appeals to sci-fi fans and newcomers alike. With a stellar cast including Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver, it’s a must-watch feel-good film.
20. Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is a breathtaking animated adventure that transports viewers to a magical world. With its stunning visuals and touching story, this film is a masterpiece of imagination and heart.
21. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This inspiring sports comedy follows a young girl defying her traditional Indian family to pursue her passion for soccer. Bend It Like Beckham is a joyful celebration of following your dreams and embracing your true self.
22. Before Sunset (2004)
The second film in Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Before Sunset is a romantic and introspective journey that reconnects two lovers after years apart. With its beautiful dialogue and heartfelt moments, it’s a love story for the ages.
23. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen bring Jane Austen’s classic romance to life in this lush adaptation. With its breathtaking cinematography and unforgettable chemistry, Pride & Prejudice is a timeless feel-good film.
24. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Keke Palmer shines in this inspiring story about a young girl competing in a national spelling bee. Akeelah and the Bee is a heartwarming tale of perseverance and community support that will leave you cheering.
25. Stick It (2006)
This spirited gymnastics comedy is a fun and empowering film about standing up for yourself and pushing the limits. With impressive stunts and a strong message of female empowerment, Stick It is a feel-good winner.
26. The Great Debaters (2007)
Denzel Washington stars in this uplifting drama about a debate team overcoming adversity to compete against Harvard. The Great Debaters is a powerful story of determination and triumph that will leave you inspired.
27. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Sing along to ABBA hits in this joyful musical starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Mamma Mia! is a feel-good celebration of love, friendship, and the magic of music.
28. Sing Street (2016)
This Irish musical drama is a charming and heartfelt film about a young boy starting a band to impress a girl. With its catchy songs and nostalgic ’80s vibe, Sing Street is a feel-good gem.
29. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird is a coming-of-age film that perfectly captures the highs and lows of adolescence. Saoirse Ronan shines as the titular character in this relatable and heartwarming story.
30. Coco (2017)
Pixar’s Coco is a vibrant and emotional journey through the Land of the Dead. With its beautiful animation and touching story, this film is a celebration of family, music, and remembering loved ones.
31. Yesterday (2019)
In this whimsical film, a struggling musician wakes up in a world where the Beatles never existed. Yesterday is a fun and nostalgic ride that celebrates the power of music and love.
32. Booksmart (2019)
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is a hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age story about two best friends determined to have one wild night before graduation. Booksmart is a modern feel-good classic.
33. In the Heights (2021)
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical In the Heights is a vibrant and joyous celebration of community and dreams. With its infectious energy and uplifting story, it’s a perfect feel-good film.
34. CODA (2021)
This heartwarming drama about a young girl from a deaf family discovering her love for singing is a beautiful tale of love and self-discovery. CODA is an emotional and uplifting film that will leave you inspired.
35. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
This wildly creative and heartwarming film follows a woman who must save the multiverse while rediscovering the importance of family. With
its unique storytelling and emotional depth, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a feel-good masterpiece.
36. Turning Red (2022)
Pixar’s Turning Red is a fun and relatable coming-of-age story about a girl who transforms into a giant red panda. With its vibrant animation and heartfelt message, it’s a feel-good film that resonates with audiences of all ages.
37. Rye Lane (2023)
This charming rom-com set in South London follows two heartbroken individuals who find solace and love in each other’s company. Rye Lane is a joyful and refreshing take on modern romance.
38. Barbie (2023)
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is a colorful and delightful film that takes viewers on a journey through Barbieland. With its vibrant visuals and fun performances, Barbie is a feel-good film that celebrates individuality and self-expression.
39. Love Actually (2003)
This ensemble romantic comedy follows multiple love stories during the Christmas season. With its heartwarming moments and charming cast, Love Actually is a feel-good holiday classic.
40. Finding Nemo (2003)
Pixar’s underwater adventure follows a father’s journey to find his lost son. With its stunning animation and heartwarming story, Finding Nemo is a timeless feel-good film for all ages.
41. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep star in this stylish and witty comedy about the cutthroat world of fashion. The Devil Wears Prada is a feel-good film that balances humor with a message about staying true to yourself.
42. Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks stars in this inspiring tale of an ordinary man who leads an extraordinary life. Forrest Gump is a feel-good film that reminds us of the power of kindness, love, and perseverance.
43. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s visually stunning film follows the adventures of a hotel concierge and his loyal protégé. With its quirky humor and heartwarming moments, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a feel-good delight.
44. The Sound of Music (1965)
Julie Andrews stars in this classic musical about a governess who brings joy to a strict household. The Sound of Music is a timeless feel-good film with unforgettable songs and a heartwarming story.
45. The Intouchables (2011)
This French film tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between a quadriplegic aristocrat and his caregiver. The Intouchables is a heartwarming and inspiring film about the power of human connection.
46. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith stars in this inspiring drama about a man struggling to build a better life for his son. The Pursuit of Happyness is a powerful feel-good film that highlights the importance of determination and hope.
47. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
This indie comedy follows a dysfunctional family on a road trip to a children’s beauty pageant. With its quirky humor and heartwarming moments, Little Miss Sunshine is a feel-good film that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.
These 47 films are perfect for lifting your spirits and reminding you of the joys of life. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a tear, or a little bit of both, these feel-good movies are sure to boost your mood and leave you with a smile on your face.