You know the ones I mean: those films that lift you up and make you feel all warm inside. The kind of film that you could watch over and over again and never tire of the witty one-liners or the beautiful relationships between the characters. Here are my favorites
1. Chef
I just saw this film last night. It's one of those great independent films with a killer cast that you walk out thinking: "How unjust is it that this movie didn't get more attention and admiration?" The storyline is predictable with some twists and turns thrown into it. The reason this one makes the list if because of Emjay Anthony, who plays Chef Casper's adorable son. This kid brought the film to a whole other level and his chemistry with Favreau was touching and refreshingly real. The delectable looking food in this film makes you hungry, so bring snacks or just be ready to head out to a nice dinner afterward.
2. The Producers
There's something about a musical that everyone loves. This musical isn't my favorite but it's song and personality are the perfect thing to embrace yourself with when you need some cheering up. Who could make you happier than the dynamic duo of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. "Sprintime for Hitler" is also a surprisingly fun song to sing along with!
3. Forrest Gump
I wish I could explain how this movie is technically a feel good film because when I go to write about it all I can think about is love lost, death, depression, lost legs and AIDS. However, the personality of Forrest is resilient and I think that's what makes us feel good when we watch it. We root for Forrest through all the stages of his life and in turn, we feel better about the stages of our own life. Tom Hanks accent just makes the film ten times better.
4. Big
Another Tom Hanks classic. I saw this movie before I was thirteen, the age Josh is when he is catapulted into adulthood. I loved the film then but watching it as an adult adds an element of wonder and nostalgia for childhood. The film was so successful that it actually spurred on the idea for many other films including Thirteen Going on 30.
5. Tangled
Truly ever Disney movie with the exception of Dumbo is a feel good film but I went with Tangled because of the familiarity of the storyline along with Flynn Rider's character. There is something fresh about him not being a prince and not fulfilling the traditional role of the perfect prince with perfect teeth and all around perfectness that sets girls up around the world for disappointment. I enjoy the film and the music brings an added feel good effect as well.
6. School of Rock
You have to love Jack Black, and you have to love movies where all the rules of society are broken and still everything ends up being okay. We all know a real life Dewey Finn, someone who is still holding on with a white knuckle grip to their teenage years. It's kind of nice to watch someone who has nothing to lose rise to the occasion and become a success.
7. The Blind Side
You can't go wrong with this film. It's beautiful and endearing and literally makes every girl in America want to become Sandra Bullock with a southern accent. The football storyline and the whole southern mentality that is weaved in makes it heartwarming from the first scene to the last. The best part is watching Tim McGraw, a girl can't lie, he is hot!
8. It's Complicated
I could find a reason to put this movie on any list that I ever create, because I love it that much. But in all seriousness this film is the epitome of a "feel good film." The actors are flawless and loose as they embrace their aging lifestyles with bringing the comedy and wittiness along with them. I could watch it everyday and never get bored.
9. Jerry Maguire
The ultimate 90's film with one of the most quoted lines in history: "You had me at 'hello.'" You cannot go wrong with this film. Its great from beginning to end.
10. A League of Their Own
Who isn't in love with Geena Davis in this movie? Girls want to be just like her and guys are infatuated with her. Tom Hanks plays the biggest jerk role he has ever embraced and the rest of the ensemble cast is full of funnies and class acts. It's one of the first true ensemble casts. This film is great all the way through but the ending gets me every time!
11. The Way Way Back
Love, love, love this movie. It makes you feel good about your awkward teenage years and the whole cast is like one big dysfunctional family that embraces life despite difficulties. The whole idea of his escape to the water park and embracing new friends is all about growing up and embracing new ideals and situations.
12. Best in Show
A movie about a dog show and the crazies who parade these doggies around. Every person in this film is seriously a class act and again make for a true ensemble cast. It's styled like a documentary which makes it even richer in storyline. The dogs are pretty cute too.
13. The Holiday
Even though it's technically a Christmas film, I have been known to break out this film before Thanksgiving. There is nothing better to me than making a cup of coffee and curling up with this film on the couch. It's vibrant and real and heartfelt all rolled into a brilliant film.
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