16 Feel Good Films

16th July 2018 by CH

We can all use a feel good film as an occasional pick-me-up.  Here’s our top 16 choices:

1. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The legendary Will Ferrell shines as Ron Burgundy in this battle of the sexes story that takes place in a San Diego newsroom from the ‘70s. Packed with fun, drama, romance and a lot (like a lot, lot) of famous faces with weird moustaches, this is comedy gold from the ‘00s.

2. Mary Poppins (1964)

Before Mary Poppins Returns later this year , why not revisit this classic? The story, the visuals, the songs, Dick Van Dyke in his hayday… what’s not to love. Plus, you can enjoy it with the whole family and introduce your kids to a different era of cinema magic.

3. Love Actually (2003)

Talking of love, arguably this is   a Christmas movie , but Love Actually is undeniably one of the best feel good films ever made. We’re certain you’ve seen this one already, so we’re not going to cover the plot, and if you haven’t – well, then you’ll just have to watch it.

4. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Wow what a guilty pleasure! Before Friends With Benefits and No Strings Attached we had Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in this iconic portrayal of romance at the end of the ‘80s and a classic tale of friends turned lovers. Some things never change.

5. Forrest Gump (1994)

Admit it, you were expecting to see this film in this list (you also probably felt the urge to shout Run, Forrest, run! – No? Ok, just us then…). After all, it’s a must-see whether you’re in the mood for a feel good movie or not. Plus it won 6 Oscars!

6. Clueless (1995)

Inspired from Jane Austen’s novel, Emma – get ready for shoulder pads, ‘90s hair, huge mobile phones, rich girls from LA and a typical high school drama. Such a classic! Plus you get to see a young Paul Rudd before he became famous.

7. Happy Gilmore (1996)

Another pearl from the ‘90s, this Adam Sandler comedy shows the  journey of a hockey player turned golf wiz to save his grandmother’s house. Sandler at his best.

8. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

An immersive visual experience, this film is a great portrayal of how going from a regular job to an adventurer can change your life. And we had to have Ben Stiller on the list . There’s actually also an original version from 1947 too – worth checking out.

9. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

This iconic musical featuring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds will always leave you with a big smile on your face. If you haven’t seen it before, it will also give you a vivid glimpse into the glamour of old Hollywood and a key change of the film industry – moving from silent productions to ‘talkies’.

10. The Breakfast Club (1985)

This is for all you 80s fans out there! It may have been launched more than 30 years ago, but this remains a highly relatable and massively enjoyable film. If you want something different to all those recent high school dramas, this one’s for you. Plus you’ll want to add the soundtrack to your Spotify playlists!

11. La La Land (2016)

Gosling and Stone – this is such a pretty film. Director Damien Chazelle brings the magic of old Hollywood into the 21 ^st century with numerous hints at other masterpieces (see if you can spot them all). The music, the dance, the story – in short, this is a musical you’ll want to see time and again.

12. Grease (1978)

Speaking of musicals, if you’re in the mood for something more retro, you have to go for Grease. It simply never gets old. Best seen with someone else so you can all sing your hearts out (and maybe break a few dance moves).

13. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Now, there’s going retro, and then there’s going back to the ‘40s. Launched after the end of World War II, this black and white masterpiece from Frank Capra has passed the test of time. A true classic. It brings to life a deep, emotional story of a man considering suicide who is saved by an angel who shows him the impact his life has had so far.

14. School of Rock (2003)

A fun, ‘forget the rules’ adventure that follows the transformation of a class of prep kids into mini rock stars, this one never gets old. Jack Black is awesome in it.

15. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew , this modern interpretation features the late Heath Ledger and a young Julia Stiles, in an original romcom that will make you laugh and cry and then laugh some more.

16. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Nobody puts Baby in the corner. The ultimate summer romance, we dare you to watch this and not remake the classic scene in the water. Ooh, it gives us goosebumps!

So, which one(s) of these films are you going to watch this summer? Let us know on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram.