Emma Thompson's most recent release Good Luck To You, Leo Grande made viewers laugh from its first trailer with its nonchalant attitude towards adult humor and love. But it seems that some viewers have grown tired of the need for romance and relationships in feel-good flicks.
Reddit users have carefully compiled a list of satisfying movies that are safe for those fans who may be heartbroken or just tired of seeing romance in movies. Whether it's a motivational film of self-belief or a cult classic that brings back that familiar childhood nostalgia, these ten movies avoid romance but still give viewers that warm, fuzzy feeling.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine is one movie that still finds itself mentioned across many different forums and often occupies a place among fans' favorite flicks. While the movie focuses on some deeper themes, its overall plot follows Olive and her family as they embark on a mission to get Olive to a beauty pageant, but their road trip also took them on their own journey of self-discovery.
The movie ultimately avoids a predictable plot and as recognized by Redditor littlemoonwitch "focuses on family dynamics rather than romance" by showcasing the family's closeness increase through conversation, conflict, and forced proximity. This wholesome movie combines humor with in-depth character development to create a hilarious flick that "always makes [viewers] feel good".
Billy Elliot (2000)
Billy Elliot is one of the best dance movies of all time and continues to tell a powerful story even today, with the movie shining a light on stereotypes, masculinity, and poverty. The only love story it focuses on is Billy's newfound love for ballet, seeing him finally let go of his own gender expectations thanks to the help of his no-nonsense dance teacher Mrs.Wilkinson.
The movie is still considered an important movie due to its vital social commentary on gender expectations. Billy Elliot ultimately uplifts its viewers by promoting the idea that one can achieve what they put their mind to. However, the movie also stresses the importance of educating others about the 'unknown', through stellar performances that caught the eye of one Redditor who shared that "Julie Walters and Jamie Bell were amazing".
Sing (2016)
Sing ignited onto viewers' screens with music, vibrancy, and positive energy. This fun flick follows Buster Moon as he attempts to save a dying theatre by hosting a singing competition that includes a series of animals with big personalities and loud voices.
The movie is bursting with fun as it caters to all the family with a combination of children and adult humor that is complemented well by the movie's revival of old-school hits that many fans bopped along to. HalXQuixotic explained how their "daughter randomly found [it] on Netflix" before stating that it "turned out [to be] a surprisingly fun movie" filled with laughter, friendship, and incredible tunes.
My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
My Neighbour Totoro is one movie so visually stunning that fans could watch it on mute, with many viewers just admiring its high-quality animation style and unique-looking characters. While the movie's overall plot is slightly darker than the storylines commonly associated with children's flicks, My Neighbour Totoro teaches younger and older viewers important messages about death, grief, and kindness.
The movie's vibrant animation style engages younger fans who may not understand the sheer gravity of its plot while also highlighting the importance of friendship. My Neighbour Totoro creates characters that play on the magic of childhood and offers a sweet tale that utilises nature to its full advantage, with EmilyamI sharing how "the Ghibli movies are good for [them] when [they're] in this mood".
Stand By Me (1986)
Stand By Me has definitely earned its place in the cinematic hall of fame, with many labeling it a cult classic. The movie follows a gang of four boys as they seek to recover the body of a missing boy but it's the group's journey along the way that steals the show, with its focus on friendship, childhood adventure, and nostalgia.
The movie captures the essence of growing up and the friendships one acquires through childhood that often follows them into adulthood. The charming group played on viewers' own memories through not only the banter shared between them but their vulnerable moments too, resulting in EnoughItem declaring it as "one of their favorite movies [despite] the ending [being] pretty sad" while still giving viewers that familiar feel-good vibe.
Men In Black (1997)
Men In Black is one of the goofiest sci-fi movies ever, and it's safe to say that the franchise's later movies also lived up to its zany charm. The movie abandons romance and replaces it with a dynamic duo that somehow seems to escape the strange goings-on they witness without as much as a scratch.
The movie's sophisticated edge is only made possible through the character's iconic suit and sunglasses combo, not to mention their cool gadgets. Men In Black provides a wacky storyline suitable for all the family and always guarantees viewers a laugh due to its grotesque alien antics, resulting in Redditor PegasusReddit sharing that "comedy science fiction makes [them] happy" among many other fans.
Wonder (2017)
Wonder follows Auggie as he navigates everyday school life with a condition often referred to as Treacher Collins syndrome, inspired by the author's own encounter with a similar condition. The movie strays away from creating a romantic storyline based on the impact Auggie's condition has on his parent's relationship and instead provides viewers with an uplifting storyline of friendship and difference.
Despite its feel-good vibe, the movie doesn't avoid the problems Auggie faces but shines a light on the bullying he encounters and provides both younger and older viewers with important reminders about how to teach others. Reddit user whitemm2 explained how "Wonder is an amazing movie" that highlights how love always outweighs hate through the sweet friendships Auggie makes along the way.
Pride (2014)
Despite advocating for people's rights to love, Pride actively avoids a predictable LGBTQ+ love story and instead provides viewers with a feel-good representation of the moment in history when two unlikely social groups became best friends. While the movie tackles deeper topics like homophobia, the majority of its runtime showcases the budding friendship that is progressing onscreen between the LGBTQ+ community and miners.
The movie contains a series of unique and loud personalities that fans soon became attached to as the story progressed, especially when those personalities sparked friendships with others similar to them. Pride played on 80s nostalgia and created a lighthearted romance-free watch that remained just as powerful a story now as it was then. One Redditor even explained how "it is a good one if you wanna cry [both happy and sad tears] but not about romance".
Hunt For The Wilderpeople (2016)
Hunt For The Wilderpeople is one of Sam Neill's best movies to date as he stars alongside Julian Dennison, whose character Ricky slowly befriends the man he refers to as Uncle after the death of his foster mother. However, it's not as simple as it sounds when the pair spark a manhunt as they take off into the wild, with the movie's zany plot being both hilarious and action-packed.
The duo both have a sarcastic wit and desire to see life as an adventure due to their combined imagination and sheer disregard for authoritative figures. Hunt For The Wilderpeople made viewers howl from start to finish, with Taika Waititi's unique film style winning a permanent place in fans' hearts as highlighted by one Redditor who declared how it's "one of [their] all-time favorites!".
Paddington (2015)
Paddington saw many viewers' favorite childhood story brought to life and is a feel-good flick that avoids any mention of romance unless it's Paddington and his beloved marmalade sandwiches. Paddington provides fans with a heartwarming story of a home away from home while also including many stunning shots of London and a little mischief to keep the laughter very much alive.
The movie entertained fans through its incredible scenery, great plot twists, and adorable messages of friendship that resulted in many viewers like MaxSupernova labeling it as "one of the most enjoyable films [they've] seen in a long time".