If you’re looking for something with a little more substance, but still want to lift your spirits, check out one of these fabulous feelgood films.
The King’s Speech (2010)
Overcoming adversity is one of the most powerful aspects of any feel-good movie, but what makes this film particularly rousing is seeing that even members of the royal family have their own struggles. Starring Colin Firth as Prince Albert, this period piece follows the man’s journey to rid himself of a terrible speech impediment and gain the confidence he needs to ascend to the throne. It’s a testament to the power of hard work and dedication (and a talented voice coach). The King’s Speech was nominated for twelve Academy Awards and won four, including Best Direct and Best Picture.
Moonlight (2016)
Based on the semi-autobiographical play by Tarell Alvin McCraney, Moonlight is a unique and powerful coming of age drama. In three acts, the film tracks the protagonist through youth, adolescence, and early adulthood, tackling themes such as race, masculinity, and sexuality. Taking home three Oscars, Moonlight has been often picked as one of the best films of the 21st century, with praise for its audio-visual artistry, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable acting.
Dangal (2016)
If you’re new to the world of Bollywood films, Dangal makes ideal entry-level viewing. It follows the story of an Indian amateur wrestler who trains his daughters in the sport, coaching them to become the country’s first female world champions. This Disney-released film is based on a true story and is the epitome of a family-friendly feelgood film. As with all Bollywood movies, you can expect a few musical numbers, as well as a long-running time (three hours with interval). It was the top-grossing sports film of the year and the highest-grossing Indian film ever.
My Life as a Zucchini - Ma vie de courgette (2016)
One look at the gorgeous animation of this stop-motion feature film should assure you that there are good feelings to be had. My Life as a Zucchini centers around orphans who dream only of a better life – so there are certainly some more emotional moments to the film, but the graceful treatment of tricky subjects renders it a thoroughly feelgood movie. Originally created in French, the English language version features voice acting from big names such as Nick Offerman, Ellen Page, and Amy Sedaris.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
As with many uplifting or emotional movies, there’s a real sense of poignancy that comes when the film is based on a true story. This is very much the case with The Pursuit of Happyness, which is based on Chris Gardner’s struggle to raise a young son after finding himself homeless. Will Smith and his son Jaden take on the film’s roles of father and son, their real-life connection bringing a richness to the onscreen relationship. Many refer to this as Will Smith’s best every performance, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
