10 Feel-Good Movies To Cheer You Up (According To Reddit)

There are some movies that audiences know that can watch when they’re having a bad day. These films – whether through their lighthearted story, charming characters, or even vibrant visuals – almost always succeed in lifting viewers’ spirits.

Those looking for more feel-good movies to enjoy will be glad to know that Redditors have helpfully suggested some of the most entertaining ones. They’re mostly critically-acclaimed classics or at least recognizable flicks, with quite a few of them being animated films that were the highlight of many Reddit users’ childhoods.

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

Available to stream on Disney+.

The Emperor’s New Groove is a Disney classic that is just as fun to watch today as it was when it was first released over twenty years ago. It introduced fans to iconic characters like Emperor Kuzco, who struggles to adapt after his advisor Yzma turns him into a llama.

When SuperSpeshBaby suggests “The Emperor’s New Groove” in a thread about what to watch for those “feeling a bit depressed,” it prompts a ton of comments referencing unforgettable quotes from the movie. Comical moments like Kronk pulling the lever and Kuzco being called a demon llama are bound to make fans laugh.

Cast Away (2000)

Available to rent on Apple TV.

Director Robert Zemeckis’ Cast Away is a film that needs no introduction. The survival drama movie tells the riveting story of Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), who is a FedEx troubleshooter who finds himself stranded on an uninhabited island.

A Redditor has a unique description of how the film makes them feel, as they explain that it has “has grabbed” them “by the heart and squeezed until” their “blood starting pumping again.” The “emotional journey” that the user describes can be cathartic for viewers who need a good cry to be able to feel more optimistic about the future.

Song Of The Sea (2014)

Available to purchase on DirecTV.

Song of the Sea brings ancient folk tales to life through a touching story about two siblings, Ben and Saoirse. They embark on a grand adventure full of selkies and goddesses, and they find that the fantastical creatures are linked to their own complicated family.

A Redditor includes the film in their lists of suggested feel-good movies that include “a few genre options.” Director Tomm Moore’s 2014 movie is definitely the best in the award-winning trilogy, as its stunning animation and stirring story work together and result in a captivating film. More mature viewers will likely have a deeper appreciation of the more profound aspects of its narrative, but audiences of all ages will undoubtedly have smiles on their faces as they witness the movie’s magical world.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Available to rent on Apple TV.

Whether it’s the brilliant horror movie references in Shaun of the Dead or the likable characters fans meet, something is bound to make viewers laugh from the 2004 zombie comedy film. Director Edgar Wright portrays a wildly entertaining zombie apocalypse, with a group of friends led by Shaun (Simon Pegg) stuck in the middle of it.

LumosNox116 suggests Shaun of the Dead on a post about good moves “to watch when” audiences are “feeling” a bit down. Viewers can expect the main characters’ wild antics in the local pub to be gut-busting, as they struggle to fend off waves of mindless zombies.

Ratatouille (2007)

Available to stream on Disney+.

The Redditor LeoThyroxine excitedly writes “Ratatouille!!!” when asked for a movie suggestion that can cheer someone up. The well-loved Pixar film depicts Remy’s journey from being an average rat who’s discontent to a professional chef in a gourmet restaurant.

Aside from its vibrant visuals (considered cutting edge in 2007), what makes the movie so memorable and uplifting is the protagonist’s bond with Alfredo Linguini. They develop a strange but genuine friendship that helps both of them resolve their issues, and they have a fun time in the process, of course.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Available to rent on Apple TV.

2008’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall is guaranteed to make audiences chuckle at the very least, as the comedy film portrays its protagonist’s all-too-familiar struggles after a particularly bad breakup. With amazing performances from Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Russell Brand, the popular movie is still a go-to for those looking for some lighthearted entertainment.

WhatRockisCookin suggests “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” in a thread about feel-good movies, as it is certainly a film that will make most viewers’ days brighter. It helps that it’s easy to feel invested in the love story that unfolds in the movie, too.

Spirited Away (2001)

Available to stream on HBO Max.

2001’s Spirited Away is arguably director Hayao Miyazaki’s most recognizable film. From Spirited Away’s terrifying creatures to its whimsical premise, it has everything fans love about Studio Ghibli movies.

The animated movie tells the story of the 10-year-old Chihiro, as she finds herself in a magical but dangerous world. The user kdbartleby describes the film as a “very comforting” one, as fans know how rewarding it is to watch the protagonist discover her strength and build her confidence as she faces one impossible fantastical task after another.

Amelie (2001)

Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet gives audiences an immediately iconic character in 2001’s Amelie, a rom-com revolving around the titular protagonist (played by Audrey Tatou) and her heavily romanticized Parisian life.

Its whimsical vibe and likable lead make it easy to fall in love with the feel-good movie, so much so that a Redditor’s wife “wanted to name” their “second kid” after the kindhearted Amelie. The painfully shy protagonist’s gift for helping others is inspiring, but it’s what she does when it’s time to do something positive for herself that truly makes the film worth watching until the heartwarming end.

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

20006’s Stranger Than Fiction is a movie about a fictional character coming to life, but instead of seeing the events unfold through the author’s perspective, the comedy-drama lets viewers step into the protagonist’s shoes.

Audiences can laugh and panic along with Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) as he scrambles to figure out how to stop his impending death, which he heard about from an unseen narrator. A Redditor recalls how the “last time” they watched the film, they “felt inspired for several days,” which is what viewers can expect if they’re watching it for the first time.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Available to stream on HBO Max.

The user Iluvatarhimself recommends a few movies that can lift viewers’ spirits in a popular Reddit thread, which includes “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Director Hayao Miyazaki introduces fans to the likable titular lead in the 1989 animated film, and she sets out on a seemingly mundane adventure through her new role in a local bakery.

Audiences will soon learn that Kiki’s story is more relatable than they might have initially expected. Her struggle for love and acceptance as she continues to search for a meaningful purpose may cause fans to shed a tear. In the end, though – once they’ve inevitably fallen in love with the young character’s perseverance –the film leaves viewers with the comforting lesson that just like Kiki, they can overcome the adversities they face in their daily lives.

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