I have bipolar and frequently use feel good movies to regulate my emotions. In fact, I do it almost every day.
As someone who deals with anxiety and depression almost every day, I can tell you, there is nothing more healing than replaying and reliving a film or a television show you hold dear. Okay, exercise, therapy and correct medication are, in fact scientifically proven to be stronger healers, but there's something special about familiar content if you're in need of a feels boost.
To be fair, it has been scientifically proven that familiar films and TV shows boost good vibes (not the Love Island kind, the real kind). Researchers Cristel Russell and Sidney Levy describe the calming feeling of re-watching movies as "experiential control" and causes something called "emotional regulation", which in a world where truly anything can happen at any time, can only be a good thing.
Psychologist Pamela Rutledge tells Medium, "It can become really therapeutic, especially if you are feeling anxious. Watching the same piece multiple times reaffirms that there's order in the world and that it can create a sense of safety and comfort on a primal level."
See.
Anyway, here's my go-to list of feel good movies and I swear by each and every one of these films. So, if you're looking for a wholesome pick-me-up, some gentle escapism, or a light mental lift – perhaps coupled with a cathartic cry in some of these cases – these nostalgic films are a guarantee.
For those in need of an immediate lift, I've included the trailers to give you a small dose of goodness right now; hopefully it tides you over until you're home and you've switched off the outside world.
Shrek 2 (2004)
Shrek 2 is one of those rare cases where a movie's sequel is far superior to the original (although I absolutely still heart the OG Shrek). Feel-good vibes from start to vanish and truly camper than Jennifer Saunders dressing up as a fairy godmother. The soundtrack might also be the best movie of all time. Yeah, I said it.
Sister Act (1992)
90s Whoopi Goldberg shaking up a bunch of stiff nuns by the means of soul and song? What could be more perfect, I ask you? The nostalgia alone is a guaranteed endorphin boost. It's better than ice cream, and if you don't get that reference then leave this page, cancel tonight's plans and watch Sister Act immediately. And then watch Sister Act 2 as you've already cancelled tonight's plans anyway.
Spice World (1997)
Okay, hear me out... Many bands and musicians tried to go down the movie route in the 90s and 00s – to varying degrees of success – but no one did it quite like the Spice Girls in Spice World. Undiluted girl power vibes from start to finish, more sequins and platform shoes than in a drag bar's dressing room, and the most iconic one-liners from a young Victoria Beckham. Spice World isn't exactly cutesy feel-good, but it will spice up your life for a solid 90 minutes and has cheered me up on more on than occasion.
Stop right now and watch it.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
There's a reason Bridget Jones's Diary has remained so utterly iconic for so long and, honestly, the full list of reasons would require a separate article. Let's just summarise by saying we are ALL Bridget Jones and we ALL still want a piece of Colin and Hugh after watching this. Even if you've seen it a million and one times, this film is guaranteed to get you in the feels again and again. Bridget Jones, we like you very much, just the way you are.
The Sound of Music (1965)
If you ask me, no film encapsulates pure bliss in the timeless and effortless way The Sound of Music does. It's one of my favourite things and probably always will be. With gorgeous shots of Austria, music by Rogers and Hammerstein, non-creepy puppet shows, a well-lit love story (seriously, watch it closely) and Julie Andrews doing more cardio than I've done all year, I ask you, what's not to love?
Little Women (2019)
The relatively new Little Women has gone down a storm with audiences of all ages and genders across the globe. The film tells the story of the March sisters as they enter the threshold of womanhood. Naturally, they go through a fair few ups and downs, making us feel every sort of emotion you could possibly imagine in its 2hr 15m run time. Don't worry, though, you'll be left feeling all sorts of warm and fuzzy by the credits.
A cathartic watch in the best of ways.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
If you thought Sex and the City (and that criminally bad second movie) did Aidan dirty, put your soul at rest by watching and drooling over John Corbett in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This classic rom com – which tells the story of Toula, a Greek woman trying to come to terms with her heritage, who falls in love with a non-Greek man, and has to convince her family to accept him – offers laughs a plenty from start to finish. In fact, forget feel-good, you might just wee yourself a tad.
Clueless (1995)
I'm not going to lie, I am totally but crazy in love with Clueless. Always have been, always will be.
A lot of high-school comedies have come into our lives over the decades, but none of them got me the way 90s mega-hit Clueless did. I actually don't know why it makes me feel so good (insert 'clueless' joke here), it just does. In fact, I'm going to lie again, I have it playing in the background right now and, for the record, for someone with a mood disorder, I'm feeling good. Inspiring.
Matilda (1996)
Matilda is one of those films that everyone remembers watching as a kid, no matter how old or young you are (which is rather magical, if you ask me). The nostalgic bond so many of us have to this film is indescribable; from wanting to be the bestest of friends with Miss Honey, to pretending we had god-like, bad b-tch, telekinetic powers like Matilda. It lifts you. Oh, and for you spook lovers, may we take this opportunity to remind you of when Matilda made Trunchball think she was being haunted by Miss Honey's dead dad? Iconically creepy.
Up (2009)
Sometimes you just need a good cry to feel good, don't you? To achieve that, you need something to really get you in the feels (and not in a traumatising way) - Disney's Up is that way. I am still yet to see this film without crying at THAT intro scene and, honestly, it'll be a sad day when I don't.
Mamma Mia (2008)
Need I say more? ABBA music, Meryl Streep, July Waters, Christine Baranski and even the dulcet tones of Piers Brosnan's singing voice?
Iconic all round.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
All of the above but add Cher taking the film entire duration to make a dramatic entrance via helicopter. Oh, and Lily James' STUNNING voice is enough to turn any frown upside down.
What's another word for iconic?
Girls Trip (2017)
If you're yet to see Girls Trip, you've been missing out on a comedy genius for half a decade. Bridesmaids meets all the good parts of the Sex and the City Movie meets The Hangover and starring comedy queens, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith.
You'll laugh so much it hurts. Come to think of it, will that make you feel good?
Love, Simon (2018)
I won't go into too much detail about Love, Simon or I will genuinely start crying. This coming out/gay love story tells the story of Simon Spier, who keeps his sexual orientation a secret. However, when a blackmailer threatens to reveal that he is gay, he goes on a roller-coaster journey to come to terms with who he is.
Basically, if you're looking for a big, ugly, happy cry, then stream Love, Simon immediately.
Saying that, although Love Simon is an undeniably inspiring watch for queer people, be gentle with this one if you're still on that journey yourself.
The Prom (2020)
I've tried to blank most of lockdown out, but I do remember the day The Prom arrived on Netflix being a good day. This beautiful queer story, sadly based on a true story, is beyond inspiring and effortlessly brought to life by queer icons such as Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Ariana DeBose (who won an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award and a Golden Globe Award for her role in the West Side Story reboot).
James Corden is in it, too, but even feel-good movies can't be one hundred percent perfect.