Mackenzie Orrock
Mackenzie Orrock
@mackenzie.orrock
Staff Plus
Film & video

15 Fantastic Feel-Good Films to Beat the Blues

  • by Mackenzie Orrock @mackenzie.orrock

From heartwarmers to lively musicals, tales of underdogs to unlikely friendships, discover some of the best mood-boosting movies

Through a carefully thought-out combination of storytelling, casting, sound design, special effects, and clever editing, cinema has the potential to transport us to new worlds and brighten dark days.

Feel-good films, in particular, have been scientifically proven to lift viewers’ spirits thanks to their classic blend of humor, overcoming struggles, and happy endings. From heartwarmers to lively musicals, we’ve rounded up a list of movies that are designed to do just that—but first, let's look at what makes a movie "feel good".

Amélie (2001), directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Amélie (2001), directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

What makes a feel-good movie?

We know that feel-good movies are designed to leave us with the warm and fuzzies, but what exactly goes into that uplifting formula for screenwriters?

A recent study from the German research institute Max Planck Society explored the mix of content-related and formal movie characteristics that create the uplifting effect found in feel-good movies.

As well as common characteristics like humor and happy endings, according to the study's author Keyvan Sarkhosh, there are certain "recurring plot patterns and characters". For example, "outsiders" who prove themselves to overcome adverse circumstances and find their place in the community. There are also often moments of drama "which usually have a strong emotional effect on viewers."

The study also found that these plot elements are often "embedded in a fairy-tale setting, which is another typical aspect of the genre and contributes considerably to its perceived lightness."

My Neighbor Totoro (1988), by Studio Ghibli.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988), by Studio Ghibli.

From stories of underdogs to unlikely friendships, read on for fifteen fantastic feel-good films from around the world—along with some fun facts about the making of them.


Amélie, 2001

Celebrating its twentieth anniversary last year, this whimsical French rom-com is a mainstay in conversations about uplifting movies. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, it was dubbed by HBO writer Robert Silva as the "tour de force of feel-good movies".

Based around a shy, kind-hearted waitress, Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou), it documents her mission to make the people around her happy by whatever means necessary. As Silva writes in his article on the film: “Happiness is an art, we learn in the French comedy Amélie—a lighter-than-air concoction that will soften the heart of even the most stone-cold cynic.”

That happiness is translated seamlessly on screen through the use of vivid, warm colors—like green to symbolize hope and nature and red for romance—that were enhanced in post-production to reflect Amelie's zest for life and reinforce the movie’s uplifting story.


Encanto, 2021

Disney has established itself as a go-to for light-hearted cinema, and its sixtieth animation released last November is no exception.

Set in Colombia, Encanto follows the multigenerational Madrigal family. Blessed by a miracle, each member of the family receives a supernatural "gift", except for one: Mirabel. As she realizes the family's miracle is in danger, she sets out to understand why in this story that's about self-worth, the bond between family, honesty, community, and more.


Good Will Hunting, 1998

Hollywood icons Matt Damon, Robin Williams, and Ben Affleck joined forces in this iconic drama that first came onto screens back in 1998 in America.

Despite being released over twenty years ago, Good Will Hunting remains a classic when it comes to feel-good films, following the story of mathematical genius Will Hunting whose world is turned upside down when he encounters a more emotional problem he can’t so easily find a solution to.

What you might not have known, is that Matt Damon started writing the award-winning script himself during his fifth year studying at Harvard University, and it features some of his own personal experiences.


Gloria, 2013

Director Sebastián Lelio’s Gloria premiered at the 63rd International Film Festival where its leading lady won the Silver Bear Award for Best Actress. The 2013 Chilean-Spanish drama follows a free-spirited divorcee in her fifties, making the most of Santiago and its nightlife. After unexpectedly encountering a naval officer on the dance floor one night, she finds herself in a new whirlwind romance and navigating the realities of dating again.

The film got an English-language remake, reimagined by the same director fives years later, under the name Gloria Bell. Speaking to Deadline about the English language remake, Lelio said: “I think I found lots of reasons to revisit this material... Almost like it was a play—you give another chance to the material, and you find whatever is universal, and find a new vehicle for that, you try to make it resonate with the current times.”


3 Idiots, 2009

3 Idiots is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that has won a whole host of awards since it first made its way onto screens in India in 2009.

A thought-provoking buddy road trip movie, the story revolves around two friends, their search to find an old companion, and their ride down memory lane along the way. As well as its humor and take-home message, the film was recognized for its musical efforts, winning awards for lyrics, background score, and audiography.


Sister Act, 1992

Sister Act has undoubtedly become an audience favorite that has stood the test of time—there are plans for a Sister Act 3 in the works.

The '90s comedy musical is centered around the main character Deloris Van Cartier (played by Whoopi Goldberg), a lounge singer who seeks refuge in a nunnery as part of a witness protection program after witnessing a murder. While living under the new identity of Sister Mary Clarence, she transforms the convent's "terrible" choir into a passionate chorus.

The story is actually said to be inspired by a real nun who the film’s screenwriter Paul Rudnick visited as part of his research.


Mamma Mia, 2008

Another musical that'll have your toes tapping, Mamma Mia was adapted from an international stage show based on the songs of the Swedish band ABBA.

It's a movie that ticks lots of feel-good boxes: it's got energetic and entertaining acting from an all-star cast (featuring Meryl Streep, Julie Andrews, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan); a playlist of ABBA's most iconic songs; and a charming storyline of love, loss, and parental uncertainty thrown in for good measure.

Examining the popularity of musicals as part of the feel-good genre, PA Media film critic Damon Smith explains to The Independent:

“From an early age, music triggers emotional responses. Certain lyrics and songs become firmly embedded in the nostalgia-steeped soundtrack of our lives.”


My Neighbor Totoro, 1988

Written by anime giant Hayao Miyazaki, this fantasy film animated by Studio Ghibli's has become a firm favorite for the whole family.

When sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother in hospital, they make new friends in the form of spirits from the forest—like the titular and super kawaii Totoro. It's a beautiful 2D-animated tale about childhood innocence, a celebration of nature, and sisterhood.


Up, 2009

The first animated film to open at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2009, Up is arguably just as famous for the sad side of its storyline as it is the happy one but, when it comes to bitter-sweet animated movies, it’s a must-watch.

Carl, who tragically lost his wife, goes on an adventure to see her lifelong dream come true—to visit the mythical Paradise Falls. With a mischievous boy scout and a number of animal characters for company, though, the journey is anything but smooth sailing.

Reflecting on Carl's character, co-writer and director of the film Pete Docter explains how the protagonist's emotional journey was inspired by classic Hollywood characters:

“Carl is this closed-off guy who is shutting the world out and trying to live in denial, but by the end of the movie he’s reached out to all these different characters and has become a vital, alive person again, like Rick from Casablanca or Scrooge from A Christmas Carol.”


Cinema Paradiso, 1988

An ode to film, Cinema Paradiso is a 1988 Italian drama starring the likes of Jacques Perrin, Philippe Noiret, Leopoldo Trieste, and Marco Leonardi. When a big-time director visits his hometown for the funeral of a local projectionist, he takes a look back at the life that led him to discover his unshakable love for cinema.

Cinema Paradiso won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 62nd Academy Awards in 1990.


Queen of Katwe, 2016

Queen of Katwe is a biopic telling the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl living in a Ugandan slum in the capital city of Kampala, whose talent for playing chess changes her life.

An uplifting underdog sports story that delivers, the Mira Nair-directed Disney movie—also starring Lupita Nyong'o as her protective mother and David Oyelowo as the dedicated coach—follows Phiona's journey of overcoming challenges both home and away, from self-doubt to snobbery, and concerns for her safety.

Disney Executive Tendo Nagenda said: “Queen of Katwe is a true story instead of a fictional story. But it’s also a story told from a female perspective and a female-empowered point-of-view. And it was made with and by extremely strong women. And it’s set in a different place and a different culture. All of those things add to inclusive storytelling.”

Peanut Butter Falcon

When it comes to feel-good films, there’s nothing quite like an unlikely friendship.

In this indie film, when outlaw and misfit Tyler (played by Shia Lebouf) encounters Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with down syndrome who escapes from a residential home in pursuit of his dream of becoming a wrestler, the two don’t exactly get along.

Together on the run, the pair soon become friends and Tyler takes on the role of Zak's wrestling coach, making way for a story big on heart and humor that challenges societal stereotypes.


The Intouchables, 2011

Another story about an unlikely bond, this French favorite follows the relationship between quadriplegic aristocrat Philippe (François Cluzet) and his carer and former convict, Driss (Omar Sy—who took home the César Award for Best Actor).

The Intouchables (Les Intouchables) is based on the real story of a man who suffered serious spine injuries after a paragliding accident, has been praised for its depiction of French society and has inspired a number of remakes since its release over ten years ago—including the English-language movie, The Upside, featuring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston.


Toc Toc, 2017

When a group of patients with OCD all turn up for an appointment with a doctor who’s running late, a series of hilarious encounters follow in this Spanish comedy. Starring the likes of Rossy de Palma and Paco León, the film is an adaptation of a French play by Laurent Baffie and has quickly become a must-watch when it comes to Spanish cinema.

Speaking about Toc Toc, Films Uncharted said: “Not all adaptations are destined for greatness, but in this case one language seems to translate perfectly into the other, promising an onslaught of laughter-induced cramps.”


My Mom is a Character (Minha Mãe É Uma Peça), 2013

A Brazilian comedy packed with nostalgia, after discovering that her children find her overbearing, protagonist Dona Hermínia—created and played by the late comedian Paulo Gustavo—pays a visit to her aunt’s house in search of a break from her dysfunctional family, where she takes a look back at the times they truly appreciated her.

When the film was released back in 2013, it was the most-watched film in Brazil that year viewed on the big screen by over 4.6 million people.

What’s your go-to feel-good movie? Let us know in the comments below.

To learn more about the world of cinema, explore Domestika's online film and video courses to learn everything from screenwriting to direction, editing, and beyond.

You may also like:

- Encanto is Disney’s Homage to Colombia
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- Musical Composition for Short Films with Ableton Live, a course by Jonah Schwartz
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