There are days when we could all use a lift in the form of a feel-good flick. A movie with characters who feel like friends, lines that make us laugh, and a story that’s the equivalent of a big hug. Already seen the film more times than you can remember? That’s even better.
Research shows rewatching comforting content can increase well-being and boost feelings of belonging. And content that makes us laugh is linked to heart health benefits and lower stress levels.
Ready to watch, repeat, and reap the good vibes? Browse the below list of heartwarming movies: Some are rom-coms, while others are holiday films or adventure movies, but all are known for being uplifting and re-watch-worthy, especially during the colder months. So cozy up on the couch and press play — remember, it’s good for you!
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Written by Nora Ephron, this banter-filled love story is jam-packed with iconic scenes that are still quotable over three decades later. The story follows the evolving relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) and explores the question: Can men and women ever really be platonic friends?
Memorable quote: “I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” – Harry Burns
Stream it on: Amazon Prime Video and Hulu
School of Rock (2003)
With catchy music, Jack Black, and a story about students tapping into their full potential, School of Rock has all the ingredients of a feel-good comedy. Twenty years later, the film is still capturing the hearts (and ears) of viewers. The movie was such a success it inspired a Broadway musical, which ran from 2015-2019.
Memorable quote: “Would you tell Picasso to sell his guitars?” – Dewey Finn
Stream it on: Paramount+.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
The highest-grossing romantic comedy to date, My Big Fat Greek Wedding depicts a quirky love story while offering commentary on Greek culture from a firsthand perspective. Nia Vardalos, the writer and star of the film, said in an interview with ABC News, “When I started to write My Big Fat Greek Wedding, all I did was write down everything that had ever happened to me.” One thing’s for sure: After seeing the movie, you’ll never look at Windex the same.
Memorable quote: “Give me a word, any word, and I show you how the root of that word is Greek.” – Gus Portokalos
Remember the Titans (2000)
Remember the Titans shows the journey of a football coach (played by Denzel Washington) as he leads a newly integrated team in Virginia. The plot explores race relations, teamwork, and leadership — and is loosely based on the real story of coach Herman Boone, which makes it even more special.
Memorable quote: “Attitude reflects leadership, captain.” – Big Ju
Stream it on: Disney+
Amélie (2001)
A story of imagination, small moments of beauty, and love, Amélie is a lighthearted yet profound film about a French waitress on a quest to spread joy. In addition to its poetic writing and charming plot, the movie is set in Paris, adding a dose of extra charm.
Memorable quote: “I like to look for things no one else catches.” – Amélie
Stream it on: Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video
Chef (2014)
A bad review, a chocolate cake, and a social media feud set chef Carl Casper (played by Jon Favreau) on a new journey, swapping his workplace at a brick-and-mortar restaurant for a food truck. As he makes Cuban sandwiches and drives across the country with his son, he rediscovers his passion for making food. If you love the movie, watch Favreau’s documentary series that explores food, chefs, and the joys of the kitchen.
Memorable quote: “I may not do everything great in my life, but I’m good at this.” – Carl Casper
Stream it on: Hulu
13 Going on 30 (2004)
A 13-year-old transported into a 30-year-old’s body is the premise of 13 Going on 30, starring Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink. Fun concept aside, there’s an iconic dance scene to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” a sweet romance, and a story of a character recognizing what’s really important to her.
Memorable quote: “I want to be 30. Thirty and flirty and thriving.” – Jenna Rink
Stream it on: Netflix
Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Middle schooler Akeelah, played by Keke Palmer, discovers she has a special gift for spelling. With determination, encouragement from the school principal, and trust in herself, she enters spelling bee competitions and brings together her entire community.
Memorable quote: [quoting Marianne Williamson] “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
Stream it on: Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
The Holiday (2006)
Two women — Iris from England and Amanda from California — seeking an escape from their lives swap homes over the holidays. Enter: surprise romances, unlikely friendships, and the most charming English cottage. The stacked cast includes Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black.
Memorable quote: “I’m looking for corny in my life.” – Iris
Stream it on: Amazon Prime Video and Hulu
The Goonies (1985)
When adventurous kids stumble upon a pirate map, they embark on a journey in search of long-lost treasure as they attempt to save their homes from foreclosure. The classic film is filled with feel-good scenes about friendship and imagination from a youthful perspective.
Memorable quote: “Hey, you guys!” – Sloth
Stream it on: Amazon Prime Video
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Childhood best friends reconnect in San Francisco after not talking for 16 years. What follows is a whirlwind and wacky romance that involves hilarious music, witty banter, and Keanu Reeves playing himself.
Memorable quote: “Invest your money in lettuce. Kale can’t hold on forever.” – Harry
Stream it on: Netflix
The Intern (2015)
Directed by Nancy Meyers, The Intern is about a 70-year-old intern named Ben, played by Robert De Niro, to an online fashion executive, played by Anne Hathaway. Their unique relationship develops into a beautiful bond, as they both prove it’s never too late to keep growing.
Memorable quote: “I still have music in me, absolutely positive about that!” – Ben
Stream it on: Hulu
Spirited Away (2001)
Identity, imagination, and Japanese culture are three of the many themes explored in this Academy Award-winning animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. More than 20 years after Spirited Away first hit theaters, the story continues to resonate deeply with viewers of all ages, all over the world.
Memorable quote: “Nothing that happens is ever forgotten, even if you can’t remember it.” – Zeniba
Stream it on: Amazon Prime Video
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Based on the book series of the same name, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants captures the many layers of friendship between four friends — all connected by love for one another and a blue pair of jeans. The story takes you everywhere from soccer camp in Mexico to a family trip to Greece and dives into topics like love, loss, and forgiveness.
Memorable quote: “Maybe, sometimes, it’s easier to be mad at the people you trust. … Because you know they’ll always love you, no matter what.” – Tibby
Stream it on: Amazon Prime Video
About Time (2013)
Filled with lessons about life and love, About Time tells the story of a young man who realizes he can travel through time. From the filmmaker (Richard Curtis) behind other beloved favorites, like Love Actually and Notting Hill, this movie serves up a special reminder to embrace the small moments of life — like reading, enjoying a cup of coffee, and spending time with loved ones.
Memorable quote: “I just try to live every day as if I’ve deliberately come back to this one day, to enjoy it, as if it was the full final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life.” – Tim
Stream it on: YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Bend It Like Beckham is the story of two ambitious young women who follow their dreams to become professional soccer players. The film offers poignant commentary on gender roles, race, and the power that comes with being yourself.
Memorable quote: “Anyone can cook aloo gobi, but who can bend a ball like Beckham?” – Jess
Stream it on: Disney+
Hidden Figures (2016)
Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures depicts the true story and real struggles of the inspiring Black women whose work for NASA contributed to some of the greatest achievements in space and history. In a review, The Atlantic wrote: “It’s a story of brilliance, but not of ego. It’s a story of struggle and willpower, but not of individual glory.”
Memorable quote: “Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.” – Al Harrison
Stream it on: Disney+
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Wonderfully quirky and wise, Little Miss Sunshine follows a New Mexico family as they try to get 7-year-old Olive, played by Abigail Breslin, to a beauty pageant in California. The road there is filled with twists, unexpected stops, and many reminders that imperfection and failure are a part of life — and the goal is to embrace the journey.
Memorable quote: “Do you know what a loser is? A real loser is somebody that’s so afraid of not winning they don’t even try.” – Edwin Hoover
Stream it on: Hulu
RELATED: Feel-Good TV Favorites: 12 Streaming Shows That’ll Brighten Your Day
Looking for even more feel-good films to add to your list? Check out these 10 titles: Home Alone; Holes; The Sandlot; A League of Their Own; Book Club; The Bucket List; Something’s Gotta Give; Love, Simon; Love Actually; and Moonstruck.
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