Are you looking forward to watching some feel-good movies that help you proceed with life with more positivity? Well, find out a list of 15+ positive movies of all time.
Movies have the ability to inspire us and channel our emotions. Just like an emotional film can make you cry; there are also many feel-good movies that can make you feel good and a fresh dose of optimism. These movies are mainly based on the topic of romance, a slice of life, and ambitious movies that can make you feel good about your existence. The cinematic comfort can be very influential to many people and sometimes these flicks can inspire people more than even therapists or mentors. If you ever find yourself at your low and looking forward to grabbing a quick dose of positivity, watch any of the following movies which are specially catered for movie buffs of all kinds.
15+ Feel-good Movies for Everyone
- Back to The Future
This sci-fi film is also one of the greatest feel-good movies ever that made several generations of movie buffs happy. The movie was released back in 1985 yet its props, storyline, and the pace of the story feel quite modern and engaging. The film includes a lot of retro 1950s aesthetics along with 80s pop sensitivities which literally seem like time traveling, especially if you watch now in 2025, after 40 years. The film consists of a lot of humorous elements that are light and enjoyable. It is one of the blockbuster movies in Hollywood that set a benchmark in the genre.
- Booksmart
This entertaining indie work was released in 2019 and You can find Abby from ‘The Last of Us’ here but gladly she is not playing the antagonist character. This movie is Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut that captures the essence of Gen Z students and their high school life. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever played the character’s two best friends from high school who found out that their peers were going to top-tier colleges so; they did not need to sacrifice their social life. They realize they can ace academically even after having fun and so, the nerds embark on a wild adventure. It is truly engrossing and offers a subtle dose of humor with relatable references.
- Chef
Chef was released in 2014 and it is perhaps a career switch for ‘Happy’ from MCU. Yes, we are talking about Jon Favreau and his culinary skills which are established through this movie. Just like the name suggests, it film is based on a badass chef who does not care about being a part of a luxurious hotel or restaurant but only wants to make people happy with the find. Whether it’s the grilled cheese sandwich that he makes for his son or the fast food he sells in his food truck; this movie is mouth-watering and feel-good at the same time. The movie also offers a fair depiction of American cities like Miami, New Orleans, and Austin which is also quite nice to see onscreen.
- Creed
Creed is the continuation of the legacy that Rock Balboa created. Of course, Rocky or Sylvester Stallone has become old now and it is time for him to pass the legacy to his pupils, and in this case; the student is none other than Michael B Jordan. Sports movies are always full of motivation and in this movie; Rocky’s training and words of wisdom can give goosebumps. The movie can offer you an entertaining watch and you can literally feel the punches that take place on screen. It is a movie that you can enjoy with your friends or family. The clean visuals and boxing choreography are well done in the movie which makes it more engaging to watch.
- Dazed and Confused
This movie was released in 1993 and it perfectly captures the ‘90s high school and college vibes where most of them were dazed and confused. It is a perfect depiction of youth and you will also find Ben Affleck in the movie. However, the most entertaining character in this movie is played by Matthew McConaughey who said the phrase ‘Alright, Alright, Alright’ in this movie, and it became quickly popular. It is not your regular weed humor but also offers a feel-good essence of high school life which most adults miss. Offering the 70s atmosphere along with the smell of the grass; it is a must-watch for everyone.
- Faces Places
This is a French documentary film that was released back in 2017. This documentary is made with the united effort of legendary filmmaker Agnès Varda and photographer JR. They embark on a journey together in order to create community art that celebrates and acknowledges the overlooked. The documentary is well shot and it explores dynamic art and cultural influences which are a large public influence. Dealing with various living and long-living objects, large-scale murals, and artistic installations; this movie can feel like a gallery in motion.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox
When it comes to beautiful and colorful movies that almost seem like dreams; director Wes Anderson has to stay on the top due to his creative movies that depict life in well-wrapped and symmetrical boxes. However, this movie is an exception from his filmography which is completely based on stop-motion animation and it took a long time to make it. Although the story is mainly based on the central character of a Fox; the movie cleverly and metaphorically deals with human nature and their dark sides. This movie is beautiful and inspiring and you can easily watch it with your kids to have a good time. It was released back in 2009 and is still one of the most inspiring movies.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Well, this is a cult classic movie that was released in 1986 and offered audiences a carefree and joyous attitude. John Hughes did a great job in playing the central character who miraculously channels the thrill of ditching school into an endlessly rewatchable cinematic triumph. The joyful spirit of the movie can make you rethink life, slow down, and cherish the little moments of happiness that often get neglected in our busy lives. Offering a heavy dose of positivity and optimism; it is impossible to feel bad after watching this nice film.
- Little Women
Greta Gerwig is an amazing director and her female-oriented stories offer the perfect depiction of womanhood with several emotionally intelligent layers. Greta’s pure, simple, and relatable visionary makes her stories very organic and feel like a part of life only. This movie is one of those feel-good movies that features Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, and Laura Dern as the main characters and audiences can feel a blend of poignancy and poetry through the story. Somewhere between tragedy and comedy, Greta successfully churned out the bittersweet emotion of life which is very humane and engaging. This movie will make you realize the importance of kindness in this harsh world.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
‘The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’ was released in 1977 and it can be still enjoyed by viewers of all ages. It is considered to be Disney’s gentlest animated film that embraces the roots of a storybook. There are distinctive chapters, fourth-wall breaks, painting-like animation, and plenty of morals to learn from Pooh who seems to live a happy and laid-back life. The main focused themes of the movie are helping your neighbor, facing your fears, making friends and maintaining those friendships, etc many others. It is very wholesome and can bring out the inner child in you.
- Marry Poppins
Marry Poppins has been making kids happy since the 60s. Robert Stevenson adapts P.L. Travers’ book to create a simple story of family reconciliation supported by some of the greatest original songs in Disney history. It’s a collection of loosely connected vignettes, and only a few of them actually move the story along or develop the characters, as the film prioritizes magic and entertainment value over straightforward storytelling. It is one of the most popular movies that you can enjoy with your kids and family as well.
- My Neighbor Totoro
When you are trying to feel good, there is no greater option than the Studio Ghibli productions by Hayao Miyazaki. Although, each animation movie under this production is an exceptionally good one; ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ stands out with its wholesome subject matter and a hefty dose of cuteness. Tortoro is a large forest spirit in the shape of a cat-like animal. The movie effortlessly catches the real meaning of childhood and how spirits of the nature always guide us in life. The connection between the sisters and the spirits is too cute to handle and the lifestyle depicted here will make feel like spending your days in the countryside where you can stay in a greater touch of nature.
- Oceans’s Eleven
Steven Soderbergh’s star-studded crime film is the definitive heist movie of the 21st century. The main character of the movie is played by George Clooney who is named Danny Ocean. He assembles a crew to rob three Las Vegas casinos while sinning back his wife, played by Julia Roberts. The film marries a loose, laid-back tone with an incredibly precise screenplay, resulting in a viewing experience that’s always fun and exciting without ever becoming exhausting or stressful. It is a completely entertaining watch that can easily captivate anyone.
- Paterson
Paterson released in 2016 and offered one of the most compelling performances by Adam Driver. He is bus driver in this movie but more passionate poetry than anything else. It offers a find blend of drama and melancholy while showcasing the little and influential moments of life. This movie has a sublime texture in it which makes it even more soothing to watch to. The film finds beauty in the mundane, showing that connecting with your neighbors and channeling your observations into art can provide the meaning we seek from the universe.
