313 Best Feel-Good Movies to Watch (Page 18)

When times get tough, it can feel especially lucky to be in alive during the age of streaming. Thankfully, there are various movies and shows that were made to uplift. Here are the best feel-good movies to stream now.

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256. Primo, 2023

Compared to all the meaty and daring shows coming out right now, Primo is relatively lighthearted fare. Its easygoing, PG humor hews closer to network rather than cable television, but the series isn’t without its merits.

Primo is candid and charming as it tackles the realities of school, family, and work. It takes a somewhat progressive approach as it centers on a Latino family, occasionally and importantly bringing up issues of class and race, but it also feels comfortingly familiar. It follows the classic sitcom formula of everyone getting along before the credits roll all while adding its own modern and multicultural twist to it.

If you ever longed for an old-school sitcom that keeps up with the times, then this just might be what you're looking for.

Genre: Comedy

Actor: Christina Vidal, Efrain Villa, Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, Johnny Rey Diaz, Jonathan Medina

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257. Pleasantville, 1998

When David and his sister Jennifer fight over the TV remote, they are suddenly transported to David’s favorite sitcom, Pleasantville. They’re told by a spirit guide that their best bet at getting out is fitting in, but their modern sensibilities prove to be too much for the genteel ‘50s town. Soon, the residents learn about sex, art, criticism, and politics, and it’s up to the twins to control the ensuing mayhem and guide them to the right path.

In hindsight, Pleasantville seems ahead of its time, preceding Marvel’s WandaVision as the ultimate, deconstructed homage to 20th-century television. But unlike the series, Pleasantville dives deep into personal and social politics, all while maintaining an impressive balance of wisdom and humor. Equally notable is the film’s transformation from black and white to Technicolor, which, aside from being a symbolic and technical feat, is also a piece of pure, mesmerizing cinema.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy

Actor: Andrea Baker, Charles C. Stevenson Jr., Danny Strong, David Tom, Dawn Cody, Denise Dowse, Don Knotts, Erik MacArthur, Gerald Emerick, Giuseppe Andrews, Harry Singleton, J. Patrick Lawlor, J.T. Walsh, James Keane, Jane Kaczmarek, Jason Behr, Jason Maves, Jeanine Jackson, Jeff Daniels, Jenny Lewis, Jim Antonio, Joan Allen, John Ganun, Johnny Moran, Justin Nimmo, Kai Lennox, Kevin Connors, Kristin Rudrüd, Laura Carney, Lela Ivey, Maggie Lawson, Marc Blucas, Marissa Ribisi, Marley Shelton, McNally Sagal, Nancy Lenehan, Natalie Ramsey, Patrick Thomas O'Brien, Paul Morgan Stetler, Paul Walker, Reese Witherspoon, Robin Bissell, Stanton Rutledge, Tobey Maguire, Weston Blakesley, William H. Macy

Director: Gary Ross

Rating: PG-13

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258. Ordinary Angels, 2024

	
You’d need to have a lot of trust in people and in movies to like this one. Ordinary Angels is the true story of how a community came together to help a five-year-old in need of a liver at a time when her father was barely making ends meet, having just recently lost his wife to cancer. The film benefits from restraint; it’s not overly sentimental, despite its tragic premise, and has a great and grounded pair of leads in Swank and Ritchson. It’s old-fashioned too and recalls the Oscar-bait sort of films that used to fly in the ‘90s and early aughts—Swank herself is dressed like Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich. The only drawbacks of the film, really, are its unexplained motivations. Why is Sharon sacrificing so much time, energy, and money for this family? The film trusts that, because they happened in real life, her efforts need no expounding. But that leaves us feeling confused. There are also religious (Christian) references that might feel too heavy-handed for some viewers. But otherwise, the film is inspiring if occasionally cloying.Genre: Drama
Actor: Alan Ritchson, Amy Acker, Darcy Fehr, David Brown, Dempsey Bryk, Drew Powell, Emily Mitchell, Erik Athavale, Gabriel Daniels, Hilary Swank, Nancy Sorel, Nancy Travis, Ryan Allen, Skywalker Hughes, Stephanie Sy, Tamala Jones
Director: Jon Gunn
Rating: PG

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259. North Sea Texas, 2011

	
Why a bar in the middle of the Belgian countryside is named Texas, we aren’t given an explanation. But North Sea Texas has a bit of the Southern small town charm that marked plenty of old American indies, with its retro neighborhood, lovers next door, and a more grounded approach to romance compared to its European neighbors of the time. The surrounding drama is a bit convoluted and, well, melodramatic, with a love triangle involving Pim’s mom, as well as a funeral, but there's a sweet simplicity to the way Pim and Gino’s romance unfolds. North Sea Texas doesn't reinvent the genre, but it's just a nice coming-of-age story that refreshingly doesn't have to deal with discrimination.Genre: Drama, Romance
Actor: Ben Van den Heuvel, Ella-June Henrard, Eva van der Gucht, Jelle Florizoone, Luk Wyns, Mathias Vergels, Nathan Naenen, Patricia Goemaere, Thomas Coumans
Director: Bavo Defurne
Rating: NR

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260. Luz: The Light of the Heart, 2024

	
Children’s television isn’t likely going to be controversial, daring, or particularly groundbreaking, but certain shows acknowledge that they can impact the way their audience views the world. Luz: The Light of the Heart has a familiar Disney-esque plot of a child going on an adventure to learn more about her roots, but through that basic formula, the first Brazilian Netflix kid series takes the opportunity to respectfully portray the indigenous Kaingang community in their plot, who takes care of and is more knowledgeable about the natural land, and whose teachings may be acknowledged if Luz, potential land heiress, manages to find out the truth. There are some of the standard childish shenanigans, like privileged boarding school drama that occurs when Luz enters the school, but overall, Luz: The Light of the Heart isn’t a bad choice if you’re looking for something to watch with children.Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Kids
Actor: Dandara Albuquerque, Daniel Rocha, Gabriela Moreyra, Marianna Santos, Maurício Destri
Director: Thiago Teitelroit
Rating: TV-PG

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261. Let’s Talk About CHU, 2024

Ensemble romance stories are great for exploring different aspects of relationships, but this time, Taiwanese comedy drama Let’s Talk About CHU tackles sexual relationships. Centered on the Chu family, each of the members struggle in that aspect of their relationships– the parents are at the brink of divorce because of it, Ai prioritizes pleasure but not connection, Yu-sen is taken for granted because of it, and Wei struggles with the expectations of having children. It’s refreshing to see the show tackle these issues, which, until recently, has been mostly taboo to talk about, but it also happens to be direct, honest, and forthcoming about them in such a relatable way. While the show does struggle to balance the plotlines, Let’s Talk About CHU is a multi-generational conversation that’s important to have.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family

Actor: Chien-Ho Wu, Hsia Yu-chiao, JC Lin, Kai Ko, Tzu Hsuan Chan

Director: Remii Huang

Rating: TV-MA

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262. Joy, 2024

	
Given the current tension around reproductive health issues, it should be no surprise that Joy might feel rather tame. To a certain extent, it is, as in vitro fertilization doesn’t have the same controversies compared to abortion. But it does hold some of the same questions, asked through straightforward dialogue from screenwriter Jack Thorne and an effective, if a bit by-the-numbers approach from director Ben Taylor. With strong performances from Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie, and James Norton, Joy does have a tinge of schmaltz in its approach, but nevertheless celebrates the real life creators and the believers that made IVF all possible, in spite of the fear surrounding the then-new technology.Genre: Drama
Actor: Adrian Lukis, Anastasia Hille, Ashna Rabheru, Bill Nighy, Cecily Cleeve, Charlie Murphy, Douggie McMeekin, Ella Bruccoleri, Harriet Cains, James Norton, Jemima Rooper, Joanna Scanlan, Justin Edwards, Louisa Harland, Mariam Haque, Michael Keogh, Miles Jupp, Nicholas Rowe, Pip Torrens, Richard Durden, Rish Shah, Robert Wilfort, Ruth Madeley, Simon Paisley Day, Suzanne Burden, Tanya Moodie, Thomasin McKenzie
Director: Ben Taylor

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263. Iwájú, 2024

	
White creators handling African stories rarely turn out well, so thankfully, Disney decided to collaborate with pan-African Kugali Studio for their newest series Iwájú. This collaboration, instead of working alone, proves to be fruitful, as Iwájú dreams up of a futuristic world that is distinctly Nigerian, that still captures the real inequalities but also unique art styles and some genuine heart through its relatable characters. The series still does go through its recycled formula, with the familiar precocious pre-teen protagonist and their cute animal sidekick, but to Disney’s credit, it’s great to see them collaborate with, rather than shut down, smaller international studios, even ones that once wanted to “kick Disney’s arse” (Kugali’s words, not mine).Genre: Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Actor: Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan, Simisola Gbadamosi, Weruche Opia
Rating: TV-PG

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264. Italian for Beginners, 2000

	
With the austere ethos of Dogme 95, most Dogme films tend to be naturalistic, serious dramas, dealing with heavy topics. Italian for Beginners is a Dogme film, but it’s one of the only lighthearted comedies considered to be one. It makes for a more casual, realistic approach to the romantic comedy, as students in an Italian class naturally build up connections through a subtle, dry humor, and consistent attempts to understand each other, as one does in a language class. It’s understated and subtle, but director and writer Lone Scherfig manages to make Italian for Beginners seem all the more charming.Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Actor: Anders W. Berthelsen, Anette Støvelbæk, Ann Eleonora Jørgensen, Ann Eleonora Jørgensen, Bent Mejding, Carlo Barsotti, Claus Gerving, Elsebeth Steentoft, Jesper Christensen, Karen-Lise Mynster, Lars Kaalund, Lene Tiemroth, Martin Brygmann, Peter Gantzler, Rikke Wölck, Sara Indrio Jensen, Steen Svare
Director:  Lone Scherfig

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265. Incoming, 2024

This movie is hilarious. It presents a pleasant caricature of high school humor, proving there is a way to do 2000s trashy crude writing in a reimagined modern setting. Setups for punchlines and mini-arcs consistently have good and sensible payoffs, and every character up and down the cast feels focused in their own way. Because the writing had been cared for, characters and dialogue make the most of every segment they occupy and feel like they have a purpose, striking a balance between great jokes and a genuine sincerity in their messages, without feeling like either half existed just to balance out the other or just to keep things “cool.” The film comfortably takes its own advice: be yourself.

Genre: Comedy

Actor: Ali Gallo, Anissa Borrego, Bardia Seiri, Bobby Cannavale, Dinora Walcott, Gattlin Griffith, Imogen Tear, Isabella Ferreira, Kaitlin Olson, Kayvan Shai, Kim Hawthorne, Loren Gray, Mason Thames, Max Tepper, Nolan Bateman, Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro, Ronin Lee, Sammi-Jack Martincak, Scott MacArthur, Steele Stebbins, Stefanie Rons, Talia Bernstein, Thomas Barbusca, Victoria Moroles

Director: Dave Chernin, John Chernin

Rating: R

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266. Gully Boy, 2019

This musical drama about a Mumbai street rapper was India’s official submission to the Oscars. It was also produced by U.S. artist Nas.

Murad, who grew up poor and with an abusive father, starts working as a part-time chauffeur, which exposes him to the substantial inequalities that exist in Mumbai.

He incorporates all of this into his lyrics, and hopes to make it as a rapper in a story that sits somewhere between a musical and an adventure movie.

Genre: Drama, Music

Actor: Alia Bhatt, Amruta Subhash, Chaitanya Sharma, Jasleen Kaur Royal, Jyoti Subhash, Kalki Koechlin, Krishna Kaul, Kubbra Sait, Mona Ghosh Shetty, R. Bhakti Klein, Rahul Piske, Raja Kumari, Ranveer Singh, Sheeba Chaddha, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Srishti Shrivastava, Sushant Singh, Svar Kamble, Vijay Maurya, Vijay Raaz, Vijay Varma

Director: Zoya Akhtar

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267. Goodbye Mother, 2019

	
In another country, you can forge a completely different life from the one you had in your hometown. For closeted LGBTQ+ individuals, moving to a more tolerant society allows you to explore facets of your sexuality that wasn’t possible previously. In Goodbye Mother, first generation immigrant Nau Van is confronted with the secrets he hid from his hometown, the secret that isn’t a secret in America. The conflict plays out in a familiar fashion, going through plenty of the usual experiences that coming out entails, but, while these are familiar, Goodbye Mother tugs at the reality Asian immigrants experience, and does so in a sweet and empathetic way.Genre: Drama, Romance
Actor: Hồng Ánh, Hồng Đào, Lãnh Thanh, Lê Thiện, Võ Điền Gia Huy
Director: Trinh Dinh Le Minh

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268. Everything I Know About Love, 2022

Based on the bestselling book of the same name, Everything I Know About Love follows four roommates fresh out of college making a name for themselves in London, 2012. It's ridiculous how much of the early 2010s this show gets right, from the heavy eyeliner and skinny jeans to the girlboss mindset and the nascent social media boom. The atmosphere alone is addictively nostalgic, but the real draw of the series is the girls themselves, especially lifelong best friends Maggie (Emma Appleton) and Birdy (Bel Powley).

It’s refreshing to watch their friendship take center stage and be fleshed out and explored this much. Their dalliances are exciting, sure, but they’re also secondary to the relationship at the core of this show. In the end, this is all about bestfriendship—its thrilling highs and its depressing lows, its incomparable joy and tendency for toxicity. It's a blast to watch, especially in the company of your friends.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Emma Appleton

Rating: TV-MA

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269. Enchanted April, 1991

	
Of course, a lovely vacation in the Italian countryside will not solve all your problems. It won’t fix marital problems, or solve financial issues, or grant you respect, or suddenly make everything feel better. But Enchanted April charmingly suggests that maybe a break in a new environment, with the sun and the waves and the quiet, might grant you a new perspective and maybe lifelong friendships that can change your life, and make the day-to-day just a little better. The film might not be the most profound story ever created, but it’s a lovely little adaptation with relatable women enjoying life in the same way we probably should do once in a while.Genre: Drama, Romance
Actor: Adriana Facchetti, Alfred Molina, Anna Longhi, Davide Manuli, Jim Broadbent, Joan Plowright, Josie Lawrence, Matthew Radford, Michael Kitchen, Miranda Richardson, Neville Phillips, Polly Walker, Stephen Beckett, Vittorio Duse
Director: Mike Newell
Rating: PG

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270. Dream, 2023

Dream is a sports dramedy that is susceptible to a lot of the genre’s cliches. Yes, we follow Hong-dae’s journey from being an egomaniac lone wolf to an empathetic team player. Of course, we get to witness all the heartwrenching backstories of the homeless football members. And sure, we even see get to see ourselves in Lee So-min (IU), the hardworking filmmaker who puts her all into this documentary in the hopes that it could somehow pay off her student loan debt. These are plotlines you’ve heard of before, and there are holes in a lot of them (like how it criticizes documentaries for exploiting sob stories while doing the same in the film, for instance). But at the end of the day, Dream only wants to be an uplifting feel-good movie and in that regard, it succeeds immensely. Say what you want about Seo-joon and his exaggerated yell-all way of acting, but the man knows how to draw out a chuckle from even the most reserved viewer. And paired with IU, who brings with her a plucky charm, the two can command an audience any which way they want. If you’re looking for a serious deep dive into the world of sports, the deceit of documentaries, and the complex reality of homelessness, Dream touches on a bit of that but don’t expect it to fully deliver. However, if you’re looking for an easy watch filled with delightful performances and feel-good moments, then Dream is your film.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Actor: Baek Ji-won, Han Jun-woo, Han Sang-chul, Heo Joon-seok, Hong Wan-pyo, IU, Jeong Soon-won, Jeong Sun-won, Jo Woo-jong, Jun Suk-ho, Jung Seung-kil, Jung Soon-won, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Il-jung, Kim Jong-soo, Kim Nam-woo, Ko Chang-seok, Lee Eun-jae, Lee Ha-nui, Lee Hae-woon, Lee Hyun-woo, Lee Ji-hyeon, Lee Seung-joon, Lee Yu-bi, Nam Min-woo, Park Hyeong-su, Park Hyoung-soo, Park Moon-sung, Park Myung-hoon, Park Seo-jun, Park Seong-jun, Park Sung-jun, Song Yeong-sik, Song Yong-sik, Yang Hyun-min, Yoon Ji-on, Yun Ji-on

Director: Lee Byeong-heon

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