10 Feel-Good Movies To Watch Right Now
A list of movies to soothe your soul.
Watching movies and reading books are where I’m finding solace right now. A way to escape, if only momentarily, from the weird world we’re currently living in.
Below are ten films that will warm your heart or soothe your soul or give you a laugh— in a time where you need it more than ever.
1. Coco
Why? Kicking this list of with a movie made for “kids” but please, if you don’t enjoy “kids’ movies, you’re either a) kidding yourself or b) really missing out. Coco is one of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen, both visually and story-wise. This movie will be enjoyed by anyone, but for those who may be experiencing grief or loss, this once explores those themes in a very comforting way.
What’s it about? Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.
2. 10 Things I Hate About You
Why? One of the greatest rom-coms of all time. With well-written and relatable characters, an enjoyable story and an epic soundtrack, there’s lots to love about this movie. It’s comforting and nostalgic, plus… Heath Ledger.
What’s it about? A high-school boy, Cameron, cannot date Bianca until her anti-social older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. So, Cameron pays a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat.
3. Step Brothers
Why? If you need a good laugh brought on by some dry and crude humour, this is your movie. I’ll never forget the day I saw this in the cinema. If you had have told me that I would laugh until my ribs hurt, purely from watching two grown men stare at one another, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yes, it’s rude but damn, it’s good.
What’s it about? Two aimless middle-aged losers still living at home are forced against their will to become roommates when their parents marry.
4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Why? Any film with a member of the Brat Pack in it soothes my soul, but this one is so cheeky and enjoyable that it is likely to lift any spirit. You either want to be friends with Ferris or be Ferris. Plus, the soundtrack is 10/10.
What’s it about? Ferris Bueller, a high school student, fakes sickness to stay at home and spends the rest of the day with his best friend and girlfriend. Meanwhile, his dean is trying to spy on him.
5. Legally Blonde
Why? A guilty pleasure chick flick that even your brother, partner or dad can’t deny liking. A movie that inspired many millennials to enrol in law school, or at the very least, taught them a very important about perms. Elle Woods is iconic.
What’s it about? Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority queen is dumped by her boyfriend. She decides to follow him to law school, while she is there, she figures out that there is more to her than just looks.
6. School of Rock
Why? No matter what age you are, or what kind of movies you’re into, this film will bring a smile to your face no matter what. Jack Black reels you in. Most people have seen this movie multiple times and find it hard to get sick of.
What’s it about? After being kicked out of his rock band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher of an uptight elementary private school, only to try and turn his class into a rock band.
7. Yes Man
Why? This film is charming and intriguing and genuinely makes you think. Yes, it’s entertaining and funny and shows the standard extremities of Jim Carey’s acting, but the moral is one to ponder and you will be left feeling good.
What’s it about? Carl, a lonely man with low self-esteem, participates in a self-help programme that challenges him to say yes to everything in life for an entire year.
8. Jojo Rabbit
Why? Okay, so there will be tears of sadness brought on by this film. It is, after all, set during WW2. But the overall film will soothe your soul, and certainly made its way into my top 10 favourite films of all time when I saw it last year. The story is beautiful and several moments had me crying with laughter as well. If you want to experience a plethora of emotions, this is the one for you.
What’s it about? Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend — Adolf Hitler — Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.
9. Midnight in Paris
Why? This movie is absolutely magical, particularly for those who love to read and write. I’ve never before or since watched a film that made me feel the way this one made me feel. The only negative is how badly you’ll want to find a time portal, too.
What’s it about? Gil arrives with his fiancee and her family in Paris for a vacation, even as he tries to finish his debut novel. He is beguiled by the city, which takes him to a time past, away from his fiancee.
10. I Feel Pretty
Why? For some reason, there are many people out there who don’t like Amy Schumer. But for me, I find her to be one of the funniest people I’ve ever seen. Every movie she writes/appears in fills me with warmth and laugher. No matter your age, gender or preferences, I guarantee there will be moments in this film that you thoroughly enjoy.
What’s it about? An ordinary woman who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy on a daily basis wakes from a fall believing she is suddenly the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. With this newfound confidence, she is empowered to live her life fearlessly and flawlessly, but what will happen when she realises her appearance never changed?
So go get into your comfiest outfit, light an expensive candle, make some epic snacks and cuddle in. Give yourself a couple of hours to watch something comforting. Warm your heart, laugh a little, ease you anxieties.
Whether it’s from this list, or a movie from your childhood, or something that’s been on your to-watch list for ages — let yourself enjoy. You deserve a little R&R right now, more than ever. We all do.
