What’s a good movie to watch when feeling happy? Well, sometimes, comedy isn’t the sole genre to watch when in a good mood, but it’s certainly one of the go-to choices. However, when someone is already in a great mood, that's the perfect time to watch something that isn't purely 'happy', but that has layers of drama and intensity, too (and Netflix has a ton of films and shows with this ambiance).
From rom-coms to the dark and dramatic comedies, these films are the perfect balance of drama, dark humor, and an uplifting message at the bottom of it all. They aren't so dark or intense that they would drive a good mood away, and they are inspirational at the core, but they also blend comedy with just a little bit of bittersweetness.
50 First Dates
Putting aside the dynamic duo that is Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, this film is full of visually appealing characteristics, and also slapstick jokes that are easy to laugh at. Falling in love with a woman who has no memory of the previous day, Henry has to find unique ways for Lucy to live a full life, and for them to be together as a couple.
With the picturesque beach backdrop, an upbeat soundtrack, and hilarious moments, 50 First Dates is the perfect movie for a day off. When it comes to this colorful and cheerful film, Netflix users can't go wrong in tuning in when they're feeling happy already.
Silver Linings Playbook
It's almost strenuous to not bust out laughing throughout this movie. With an all-star cast including Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert de Niro (just to name a few), Silver Linings Playbook focuses on Pat's emotional growth after dealing with catching his now ex-wife cheating, his diagnosis of bipolar, and falling in love with Tiffany.
The film contains a lot of dark humor, which challenges some viewers to question whether they should laugh or not. However, it's through the film's emotional moments of pain, love, and intense competition over the Eagles football games that establish this movie as an overall happy work of art.
The Edge Of Seventeen
This quirky and comical movie manages to make viewers laugh, cry, and gasp because of an amazing cast, but primarily through Hailee Steinfeld's performance. She gives Nadine such a relatable personality that all viewers can easily recognize her as someone they either were or met in high school.
Although there are clearly some dark turns the main character experiences, the lighthearted tone of Woody Harrelson's character adds another level of comfort, overall crafting a positive experience for viewers. It's a movie that's difficult to watch at some points but easy to connect with.
Soul Surfer
Some may have forgotten about this hidden gem on Netflix. Based on the real-life story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, AnnaSophia Robb plays the athlete that is bitten by a shark and has to learn how to adapt as a surfer with one arm.
The film includes a lot of soulful and emotional music that suits the motivational themes of the film. The beautiful Hawaiian landscape and the positive vibes throughout the movie convey an optimistic lesson for viewers. Happiness isn't immediately seen in the movie, but it's shown to grow exponentially in seeing a young athlete follow her dreams and beat the odds.
17 Again
Who doesn't want to see Zac Efron in another basketball, jock role? Of course, there's much more to just the sport in the film as Matthew Perry is brought back to being seventeen years old again as a lesson why he chose the path he is on with his wife. The love story between him and Scarlet gets a little bizarre because viewers see a teenager flirting with a woman who has kids his age.
However, 17 Again excels at making viewers slightly uncomfortable yet also bursting out laughing at that familiar awkwardness as a teenager, and the struggles of being a parent. It's an excellent movie for teens and older adults to laugh along with when they're feeling happy enough to grab some popcorn and watch a movie.
Saving Mr. Banks
This beautiful masterpiece tells a version of the reality for P. Traverse, the brains and author behind the entire Mary Poppins phenomenon. Emma Thompson portrays the jaded writer with such ease that it's hard not to believe her, while Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney who has to work with the author in order to earn the rights to make the film.
Some may claim that this is not the movie to watch when they're happy, but it's actually one of the most perfect ones to settle into. The innocent childhood in the Australian countryside is depicted with cheerful undertones but obviously is laced with the dark side of Colin Farrell's character struggling with alcoholism. Even through the struggle that the protagonist finds herself going through, the witty comments and bothered reactions by Thompson's character are ultimately met with her coming to terms with herself, ending with a happier side-to-side portrayal of the Mary Poppins film production and premiere, alongside the character's inner growth.
Easy A
While Emma Stone's character, Olive, carries a huge weight on her shoulders, she is so mature and relatable that it's impossible not to laugh at the experiences she has.
Dealing with the aftermath of helping one student reestablish his reputation as a stereotypical, heterosexual male by pretending to sleep with him at a party, Olive is deemed a “dirty skank,” but plays along with the rumored facade by embodying “The Scarlet Letter” protagonist. She dons a whole new wardrobe to make a statement against societal archetypes. From seeing her best friend turn on her to realizing her favorite teacher's spouse is cheating on him, Olive is hit with countless problems, but she manages to handle them all with real originality. The maturity in her character emerges when she takes her struggles and uses them to fight back against her peers and society as a whole in a brilliantly funny way.
Ladybird
Saoirse Ronan does it again with another brilliant performance, but this one is such an easy character for people to connect with that it's easy to watch the film when feeling happy already. The character, "Ladybird," dreams of leaving home and experiencing different parts of life. She broods over staying stuck in her home state of California but finds a way to get what she wants.
Ladybird's experiences with boys, her sweet best friend, cliquey and careless peers, and above all, her mother, create a visual mirror for viewers. They see a version of themselves within this character, even if it's just a sliver, and laugh along as she learns to roll with the punches, but defy the expectations as well.
The Theory Of Everything
A film based on the real-life story of the physicist, Stephen Hawking, and his intelligent, supportive wife, Jane, Eddy Redmayne and Felicity Jones pay homage to the couple that went through seemingly impossible difficulties.
With the movie's focus on true love and consequent sacrifice, it's easy to feel the pain of the characters, but also wonderful to revel in their eventual happiness. Watching Stephen and Jane struggle in their marriage may not be a comfort to watch, but seeing them conquer everything they face is ultimately inspirational.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
The topic of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is not comedic, but there is a reason why this movie is appreciated by so many. It centers on a young man who is coping with the aftermath of assault and trauma, and the friends that he makes that change his outlook on life.
Aside from the great David Bowie music, the film contains a heavy amount of sarcastic and witty statements and actions that are enough to make viewers smile. Rooting for the character becomes easy as the film progresses, and why wouldn't a happy viewer look for someone to cheer on from their seat?