On the hunt for a feel-good, upbeat and heart warming film? Well you are certainly not alone and there is no better time to power through your never ending ‘films to watch’ list than a global pandemic. What else are you going to do with all this time on your hands?
Here is our guide to the best movies guaranteed to leave you with the warm fuzzy feeling that we’ve all been craving since the local pub closed their doors.
Feel Good Family Films
Nothing can beat snuggling up on the sofa with the entire fam and a giant bowl of Butterkist toffee popcorn, until the dreaded time comes to select a film. Deciding on a film to please all ages can be, let's say, rather challenging. Dad doesn’t like romcoms, mum doesn’t like loud noises and little Susie just wants to watch Frozen for the 100th time. So, we’ve narrowed it down to a select few that we guarantee you will all enjoy. Yes, even you at the back dad.
1. Up
I must confess, it does start with complete emotional devastation and heart-break for Carl. But it can only go up from there right? This 2009 masterpiece follows the journey of Carl, a grumpy balloon salesman in his late 70’s alongside a super-jolly and over-enthusiastic Boy Scout named Russell. Up is a film about growing old, learning to love and inspires you to live everyday as if it was your last. It will leave you crying of laughter as well as tears of sadness. Basically it will leave you an emotional mess, but it’ll be worth it. Trust.
Where to watch it: Disney+
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2. Wall-e
Who knew robots could be so loveable. Set in a distant, but not so unrealistic future where mankind has abandoned planet Earth to live in space. Join Wall-e, a garbage collecting robot left behind to clean up the mess, as he navigates through the junk and discovers a new sleek (and slightly dangerous) friend.
Where to watch it: Disney+
3. Shrek 1, 2 ,3 AND Forever After
If Shrek can’t cheer you up then I hate to be the one to break it to you, but I don’t think anything will. Shrek is the ultimate feel-good movie-marathon. It has the added bonus of FOUR films (although personally, I am not sure if Shrek Forever After really counts), that is a total of 369 minutes running time!
Where to watch it: Netflix
Feel Good Drama Movies
Now we all love a bit of drama and since we are unable to get our daily doses of drama from the outside world, we will have to look elsewhere. Despite the dramatic scenes and a few possible tears, there is no doubt in my mind that these three movies will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle the real world (whenever that may be).
4. Lion
This 2016 heart-wrenching and inspiring film is based on the real-life events of Saroo Brierley. This film tells the story of how Saroo, a happy 5 year old Indian boy, is adopted by an Australian couple after getting lost hundreds of kilometers from home. Follow his journey 25 years later as he sets out to find his long lost family with no knowledge of where he previously called home. P.s It features Dev Patel. Do I need to go on?
Where to watch it: Netflix
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5. Little Miss Sunshine
This 2006 comedy-drama explores all elements of a broken and unhappy family as they embark on a life changing road trip so it’s youngest member can enter a beauty pageant. Together, all family members must overcome destroyed dreams, heartbreaks and most importantly, they must learn to support one another. Life lessons are learned and deepest secrets are shared in a lovely film about the reality of how challenging and broken families really can be.
Where to watch it: Hulu
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6. The Pursuit of Happyness
A true story, a tear jerker and a feel good film all rolled into one. The Pursuit of Happyness is a moving tale inspired by the true story of Chris Gardner and his 5 year old son Christopher. Gardner finds himself struggling to build a future for him and his son due to a failed business venture and the breakdown of his relationship. Despite being evicted and left to raise his young son, Gardner does not let this dampen his spirits. Gardner eventually lands an unpaid internship where he strikes gold and his determination and hard work finally begins to pay off.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Listen to Dean.
Chick Flicks
If you are lucky enough to be isolating with your BFF then crack open the gin, pop on your cosy PJ’s and get ready for an evening of endless gossip and giggles. If your BFF is isolating miles away, then get them up on Zoom duh. Even social distancing cannot stand in the way of a true girly night.
7. Bridget Jones's Diary
I mean, it would be criminal not to mention the one and only queen of chick flicks. Bridget Jones is truly one of us girls. She is struggling with her age, her weight, her job, her lack of man and her many imperfections. Aren't we all? However, Bridget decides it is time to take control of her life by keeping a diary in which she will always tell the truth. But then, along comes Mr Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. You know when you spend your whole life waiting for a bus and then two come at once? Well this happened to Bridget, but only they weren’t buses, they were men.
Where to watch it: Now TV
8. 50 First Dates
There are some first dates we wish we could relive 50 times and there are some we definitely wish we never even had to endure in the first place. Follow Henry, the ultimate womanizer, who decides that the time has come to be a one woman man. However, just his luck, Lucy (the lucky lady) has anterograde amnesia. Therefore, Henry is challenged with the task of having to win her over again and again each new day. Good Luck my friend.
Where to watch it: Netflix
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9. About Time
The ultimate heart warmer. At the age of 21, Tim Lake discovers he can travel in time, later to find out all the men in his family have such ability. Although he can’t change history, Tim decides to make his world a better place and there's no better place to start than … a girlfriend. Believe it or not, it doesn’t turn out to be as easy as you might think. Eventually Ms right comes along but an unfortunate time-travel incident means he’s never met her at all. Tim must now meet her again and again until he can finally win her heart. Sort of similar to 50 first dates now we mention it.
Where to watch it: Now TV
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Now, pop your feet up, grab those £2 Easter Eggs that you got in the sale in Asda (definitely an essential item), relax and enjoy the film.
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