Articles

Given the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting stress, a list of the best feel good movies feels quite appropriate right now. After all, a positive movie often helps to change a negative mindset. It can open the door to feeling better.

As one of the largest nonprofit providers of mental health and substance use disorder services in California, Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. (TTC) experiences firsthand the pain being felt by many people. In response, anything that freshens a person’s perspective and makes them feel better is of value.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports on a sharp rise in mental health challenges and substance use disorders during the pandemic. Given such hardships, TTC believes that professionals and loved ones alike need resources to help shift mindsets. The goal is to provide people with free or inexpensive resources they can access to feel better. From this perspective, a list of the best feel good movies makes a lot of sense.

A List of the Best Feel Good Movies Available Today

To play against the idea that thirteen is an unlucky number, here is a list of 13 of the best feel good movies, in no particular order, to watch to feel better about yourself today.

1) Chef (2014) on Netflix

After Iron Man and before The Mandalorian, Jon Favreau wrote, directed, and starred in one of the modern best feel-good movies. Going from the top chef at a prestigious restaurant to running a food truck, Favreau rediscovers his passion for cooking and his zest for life. Indeed, the movie shows us we never know what is around the next corner and what will make us happy.

2) Good Burger (1997) on Netflix

Following the initial food theme for the best feel good movies, Keenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell play two friends who take summer jobs at Good Burger, becoming part of a funny, uplifting team. Ultimately, they help rescue the restaurant from evil competitors, becoming heroes. A hilariously sweet story, the movie features film and TV legend Abe Vigoda as the fry cook.

3) Good Will Hunting (1997) on Hulu

In a story about unexpected genius and healing from old wounds, Matt Damon plays a misguided youth with a genius-level IQ. Will he have the courage to follow his talents and realize his dreams? Robin Williams is his gentle psychiatrist in an Academy-Award winning performance.

4) Hunt For The Wilderpeople (2016) on Netflix

Before Taika Waititi won an Oscar for writing JoJo Rabbit, he made a small adventure film about a troubled boy and his foster father hiding in the New Zealand wilderness. Despite being worlds apart, they come together and find their true selves through survival and struggle.

5) Local Hero (1983) on Amazon Prime

In this Scottish comedy-drama, Peter Riegert is an American oil company executive sent to the Scottishoceanside villageto purchase the town for progress.Ready to faceresistance; instead, he finds sweet miracles and unexpected happenings. In one of his last roles, Burt Lancaster plays an oil tycoon who embraces the charm of the magical village with a smile.

6) Miracle (2004) on Netflix

Revisit the incredible story of the American hockey team’s Olympic victory over the Soviet Union in 1980. Coming from nowhere, the team finds the recipe for victory in this exciting Gavin O’Connor-directed movie. As Head Coach Herb Brooks, Kurt Russel is an inspiration.

7) Paddington 2 (2017) on TNT and Hulu

The number one message expressed in this lovely movie is,“If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.” Here is a movie that exudes positivity and abounds with sheer delight. Even the villain Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) is wonderfully entertaining. Acharming depiction of picture-book London, the low-stakes, high-emotion plot is surprising fun for all ages.

8) The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) on Netflix

Playing a homeless businessperson in desperate times, Will Smith shows you how one man can come back and redeem his life. Jaden Smith plays his son, and the interactions between father and son are sweet and very real. Regardless of his challenges, the character never reveals his lowly circumstances to his colleagues. He fights for respect and success on his own terms.

9) Dirty Dancing (1987) on Hulu

During a listless summer in an East-coast Mountain resort in the Catskills, a young woman finds love with the camp’s dance instructor. Fighting against what is expected, the invigorating romance is highlighted by wonderful dance routines and a sense that anything is possible.

10) Big Fish(2003) on HBO Max

William (Billy Crudup) feels his fatherisa confabulator at best and a liar at worst.Even on his deathbed, Edward (Albert Finney) tells absurdly exaggerated stories about his life. However, when William investigates his father’s tales, the reality proves unexpectedDelving the depths of family, the combo of big storytelling, and an even bigger heart brings forth the biggest smile.

11) Pitch Perfect (2012) on Hulu or HBO Max

The competitive world of A–Capella singing competitions is the setting for one of the best feel-good movies. Led by Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, the storyhas the against-the-odds feel of a classic sports flick. However, cheesy pop hits replace the touchdowns and home runs.

12) Rudy (1993) on HBO Max

When it comes to touchdowns, Rudy is a classic against-the-odds movie. Played by Sean Astin, Rudy wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Fighting the good fight, he gains admission, then battles his way onto the school’s fabled football team. He is an inspiration.

13) Field of Dreams (1989) on AMC or Amazon Prime Video

When it comes to home runs, Field of Dreams is one of the best feel good movies ever made. Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield. An inspired fantasy film, this crazy act leads to miracles and wonders beyond belief.

Best Feel Good Movies = An Antidote to Feeling Down

When it comes to this list of the best feel-good movies, we could go on and on. Indeed, Tarzana Treatment Centers celebrates the filmmakers who have made concrete efforts to create such positive films over the years. What is important to remember is that this sampling of the best feel good movies is a valuable resource. Indeed, such films can help to shift your mind away from the dark depths of depression or the paranoia of anxiety.

If you are feeling down, take a chance and check out these films. After all, the worst that can happen is that you will not like a particular movie, and you will turn it off. The best that can happen is that you will connect with the story and suddenly feel better.