50 Best Feel-Good Movies to Watch ASAP
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When cozying up for a relaxing movie night, intense car chases, emotional confrontations, or battles between two superheroes won’t leave you feeling light and airy. But you know what will? Something more lighthearted. There’s nothing better than zoning out with a giant bowl of popcorn and the softest blankets in your home, with a romance or comedy—or, even better, a romantic comedy—on the screen. We’ve rounded up the 50 best feel-good movies that’ll leave you feeling recharged, relaxed, and ready to take on just about anything.
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As if! After taking new student Tai (Brittany Murphy) under her wing, Cher’s (Alicia Silverstone) status as queen bee might be up for grabs. This iconic comedy has it all: Teen romance, ’90s fashion, and plenty of high school drama. Also, Paul Rudd. Need we say more? —Janaya Wecker
When Andy (Anne Hathaway) scores a job at a major fashion magazine, she quickly learns the gig isn’t all about the glitz and glamour. Her boss, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), is, well, a devil in stilettos. Come for the fashion, stay for Streep’s impeccable performance (per usual). —JW
Ryan Gosling’s dance moves alone are enough to make us want to watch this one over and over again. La La Land, also starring Emma Stone, follows the love story of a pianist and actress as they carve their own paths in Hollywood. Grab tissues for this one. —JW
It’s still hard to believe this famous film—with all its special effects—was created back in 1939. Watching Dorothy (Judy Garland) find her way back to Kansas is comforting, exciting, and emotional all at the same time. This nostalgic gem deserves an annual rewatch. —JW
When Sara (Kate Beckinsale) and Jonathan (John Cusack) meet, it’s love at first sight. The only problem? They’re both with other people. Ten years later, they’re determined to find each other once again—even if they have no idea where to start. Cusack and Beckinsale’s chemistry is truly special in this underrated rom-com. —JW
Who hasn’t wanted to dance on the famous FAO Schwarz piano after watching this movie? In Big, a teen boy gets his way when he wishes to become an adult. Josh (Tom Hanks) must navigate the world in his new form. Watch this as a reminder that even as an adult, you can still act like a kid. —JW
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
In this hilarious spoof on teen heartthrobs (the title is a clear pun on Justin Bieber’s 2011 Never Say Never documentary), Andy Samberg brings his inner popstar to life as Conner. Turn this on and imagine JB watching it—it’ll make it that much funnier. —JW
School is in session! Jack Black stars in this comfort comedy about a rocker-turned-teacher. Can he get his students in shape for the big performance? You might think you’ll love this movie for the laughs, but the music is what you’ll remember it for. —JW
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A film that needs no introduction, Mean Girls follows the story of Cady (Lindsay Lohan) vs. Regina George (Rachel McAdams)—a.k.a. one of cinema’s funniest rivalries. The laugh-out-loud plot, quotable lines, and amazing cast make it an easy, feel-good choice—whether it’s your fourth watch or 40th. —JW
In Grease, Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and Danny (John Travolta) have a summer lovin’ unlike any other. But what happens when they find themselves back in the real world at school? Filled with incredible choreography, classic songs, and some pretty sweet cars, this film is a classic for a reason. —JW
For a night of major Disney nostalgia, have a sing-along to one (or, let’s be honest, all three) of the High School Musical movies. Not only will you be treated to Zac Efron’s 2006-era bangs, but you’ll also end up humming “We’re All In This Together” for days after. —JW
The pom-poms are out in full force in Bring It On, which centers around two rival cheer captains (Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union). Things get more heated once they discover one of the teams has been stealing moves from the other. The movie also provided us with one of the most memorable lines in teen comedy history: “This is not a democracy, it’s a cheerocracy!” —JW
In this 1985 classic, The Breakfast Club explores what happens when you lock a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal together in an empty library. The John Hughes film has it all: laughs, tears, romance, you name it. —JW
Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) were childhood sweethearts who grew up together in San Francisco. Years later, they discover their feelings for each other haven’t gone away, though there are a few complications—including one awkward double-date encounter with Keanu Reeves. —Hilary Weaver
This delightful film should not be reserved only for December. This is Nancy Meyers at her best: a cozy English cottage in the Cotswolds, a sprawling Los Angeles mansion (both with idyllic kitchens, by the way), little kids with perfect British accents, and four main characters who seemingly work for companies with competitive vacation packages. —HW
Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) sees her mobster boyfriend commit murder and is placed in witness protection. She ends up at a convent in California, where she shakes up the lives of the reserved nuns and turns their choir into a hit-making party. —HW
Old college pals Annie MacDuggan (Diane Keaton), Elise Elliot (Goldie Hawn), and Brenda Morelli (Bette Midler), come together to seek revenge on their husbands—but end up reaching a much better (and feminist!) conclusion. An impromptu performance of “You Don’t Own Me” absolutely adds to the “feel good” element of this classic movie. —HW
Hallie and Annie (Lindsay Lohan) are twins who never knew the other existed—until their parents coincidentally send them to the same camp. This remake of the 1961 film follows Annie and Hallie’s plan to switch places and get their parents Nick (Dennis Quaid) and Elizabeth (Natasha Richardson) back together. —HW
The Incredible Jessica James
Jessica James (Jessica Williams) is an aspiring playwright getting over a recent breakup with her long-term boyfriend (Lakeith Stanfield). She meets Boone (Chris O’Dowd), who’s just gone through a painful divorce, and the two bond through their heartbreak, vowing to unfollow their exes on social media. —HW
It’s the 1980s, and Jenna is turning 13, but she’d much rather be “30, flirty, and thriving” like the women she sees in magazines. Her birthday wish ends up coming true, and she wakes up as adult Jenna (Jennifer Garner), a fashion editor in early 2000s New York City. —HW
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Will Ferrell’s Netflix parody of the wildly popular international music competition will leave you cracking up. Ferrell plays Lars Erickssong, an aspiring singer-songwriter who has dreamed of representing Iceland on the Eurovision stage—but perhaps lacks the talent to get there. You definitely won’t get the soundtrack out of your head. —Julie Kosin
As a personal assistant to pop mega-diva Grace Davis (played by Tracee Ellis Ross, in a fun send-up of her mom, Diana), Maggie (Dakota Johnson) spends her days fetching juice orders. At night, Maggie remixes music on her dingy laptop and dreams of producing a hit for Grace that might reboot the singer’s stalled career. —JK
Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) is trying to keep up her mother’s legacy at her bookstore, The Shop Around the Corner, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. As “Shopgirl,” she meets a mysterious man named “NY152” in an online chat. Little does she know, this internet man of her dreams is Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) of Fox Books, the big-box company trying to wipe out her little independent bookstore. —HW
Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardolos) is 30 years old, and her traditional Greek family is very concerned she doesn’t have a husband. While working at her family’s business, she meets Ian Miller (John Corbett) a handsome teacher and only child from a small, conservative family. Their romance teaches Toula and her whole family that love, in its many forms, can conquer any differences. —HW
This office satire stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton as three fed-up employees who work for a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.” They have fantasies of overthrowing this tyrant, and after an accident gone right, they get to live out their shared dream. —HW
Who cares how old you are? This Disney/Pixar classic will warm your heart with its tale of friendship and love between toys Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, Mr. Potato Head, and Slinky Dog. —Prakruti Patel
A chihuahua pal is recommended for this super-empowered, super-pink comedy. There’s no slump Elle Woods can’t (bend and) snap you out of! —PP
One superhero is dandy, but a whole family full of them? That’s downright…incredible. Rewatch this Disney classic, especially to see Frozone ice it up with his killer moves—then follow up with the sequel. —PP
We are officially getting a Princess Diaries 3, so cue a Princess Diaries marathon. Get into the teen comedy vibe with Mia’s ultimate makeover and the way she kills with kindness—just as a true princess should. —PP
Who says it has to be Christmas to watch Elf? Summer or winter, this fan favorite will make you want to sing, just like Will Ferrell’s irrepressible North Pole stray, Buddy the Elf. —PP
Another Christmas classic that can bring cheer no matter what the season. Kevin McCallister’s run-in with two of cinema’s most bumbling villains, Marv and Harry, will have you gasping—in the best way. —PP
What do you get when you combine a rigid yet secretly sweet boss, a talented and funny assistant, and a fake engagement? The most adorable love-hate romance ever. —PP
If you’ve never seen Pitch Perfect, you need to aca-scuse yourself and watch it right now. This epic musical adventure will ensure unlimited laughter and endless singalongs. —PP
This classic is one of the go-to time-travel movies, thanks to the adventures of Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and the DeLorean. Though it was made in the ’80s, it will take you on a journey through the 1950s and 2010s as well. —PP
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Nothing says “feel-good” more than ABBA songs like “Dancing Queen” and “Waterloo.” Add in a silly but sweet story about a young woman trying to track down her dad through her mom’s diary, and you’ve got a family-friendly fave. —PP
Naughty and nice, this wedding comedy will both gross you out and leave your heart full. Starring Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, Ellie Kemper, and Rose Byrne, Bridesmaids doesn’t have a single dull moment. —PP
Set in the 29th century(!), this futuristic Pixar tale follows Wall-E, a solo robot left to clean up Earth. His lonely existence gets a little more interesting when he meets EVE, another robot sent on a scanning mission. Who knew you could root for robo-romance? —PP
This was the romantic comedy of 2018, and it’s already a classic. The first Hollywood film with an all-Asian cast in 25 years, Crazy Rich Asians delved into the world of the Singapore elite, showcasing gorgeous fashion, glittering mansions, and a fiercely independent heroine to boot. —PP
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are such an early ’00s combo, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tune in to this rom-com right now. Henry (Sandler) wants to win the love of Lucy (Barrymore), but it’s tricky since she wakes up every day not remembering the last. —PP
Booksmart is a high-school comedy anyone can watch. Two studious teens, played by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, cast aside their Type-A ways for just one night and party with their fellow students, resulting in a hilarious but cathartic night. —PP
Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, and Tiffany Haddish? I’m offended I wasn’t invited on this riotous girls trip to New Orleans, which is alternately sexy, disgusting, fun, and heartwarming. —Estelle Tang
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Based on the Jenny Han YA novel of the same name, this irresistible romance turns a disaster (your secret love letters get sent to your crushes!) into one of the most enjoyable teen love stories of the decade. Lana Condor and Noah Centineo forever. —ET
A winning Parminder Nagra and baby Keira Knightley score big in this soccer comedy (more about family and friendship than sports). Two girls defy their parents to do what they love most, and discover hidden strength along the way. —ET
Set against the tensions of World War II, this drama about a women’s baseball team still shines. Based on the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, A League of Their Own stars Madonna, Geena Davis, and Rosie O’Donnell as players on the Rockford Peaches. —ET
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Look, you’ll probably cry during this animated adventure, but there’s no denying that Marlin’s quest to find his lost son Nemo is visually stunning, and a beautiful tale about just how expansive the idea of “family” can be. —ET
This musical’s title song is the definition of feel-good, and the dynamite dancing scenes are just as delightful. Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds will steal your hearts as Old Hollywood stars with twinkle toes and a whole lot of chemistry. —ET
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Is there anything nicer than finding out a beloved TV figure was just as wonderful in real life as he seemed on the screen? This documentary is a tender tribute to Fred Rogers, the kindly and surprisingly radical host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. —ET
Ghostbusters: Answer the Call
Ignore the haters and flip the script with Paul Feig’s all-female Ghostbusters remake. In this 2016 comedy, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig take shots at spooky villains and a rather inept Chris Hemsworth. —ET
Precocious, unassuming Matilda is hyper-talented, but her wretched family can’t appreciate her for who she is. Mara Wilson steals the show in the film version of Roald Dahl’s perfect children’s book. —ET
Cary Elwes and Robin Wright are truly enchanting in this irreverent take on fairy tales, and the rest of the star-studded cast—Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin—will only induce more smiles. As you wish! —ET
Hilary Weaver is a freelance writer based in New York who writes about politics, queer issues, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, and every woman the Queen has ever made a dame.
Senior Culture Editor
Julie Kosin is the senior culture editor of ELLE.com, where she oversees all things movies, TV, books, music, and art, from trawling Netflix for a worthy binge to endorsing your next book club pick.
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