Movies have a way of making viewers feel a wide range of emotions, but some movies stick with audiences throughout their life as feel-good comforts. These films are the ones that offer joy in times of need, whether that be a laugh that viewers desperately need or a push towards their dreams when they may be lacking self-belief for.
The impact movies can have on their viewers is no secret, and Redditor Boo_and_Minsc_ was quick to recognize this before asking other users to compile a comprehensive list of movies that make them feel good. The thread was littered with feel-good flicks that Reddit users never get tired of. But which are the best of the best?
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Dumb And Dumber made viewers hysterically laugh when it was first released in 1994 and it continues to inspire the same reactions today. The movie is listed as a classic due to its wholesome but hilarious story of friendship and adventure through a wacky and offbeat comedy.
The movie is a great treat for anyone needing a good laugh, with Obi_Wan_Benobi claiming that "Dumb And Dumber has never failed" them. For many fans, the flick allows them to temporarily return to that childhood silliness whilst also providing entertainment that continues to make viewers happy even now.
Eddie The Eagle (2016)
Eddie The Eagle is a real-life story based on the Olympic ski jumper Michael David Edwards, which is just one reason why viewers felt so empowered after watching this movie. The movie provided the audience with a heartwarming story of self-belief in the face of others who didn't believe in someone else's ability to achieve.
Eddie The Eagle encouraged viewers to laugh, cry and go after the things they thought they would never accomplish, it made people feel positive about themselves and the potential they had to succeed. SkipLarouche explained how "one of the producers was inspired to get the film made after watching Cool Runnings with his family and wanting more feel-good movies", which is exactly what Eddie The Eagle ended up being.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
The Wedding Singer didn't just produce some great quotes, but also some great tunes, a heartwarming romance, and handfuls of laughter. According to benopo2006, The Wedding Singer was Adam "Sandler at his comedic peak with catchy songs, good cast, and a feel-good ending".
The movie originally starts with heartbreak but is soon turned around by the blossoming romance between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, whose onscreen romance is innocent and heartwarming. The Wedding Singer may have been released back in 1998, but it's safe to say that it still warms the hearts of many even today while simultaneously making them laugh due to Robbie's no-nonsense charm.
Begin Again (2013)
Begin Again is a movie to watch when seeking a change in life, it focuses on two individuals going through a difficult patch but who come together to build something great. The movie was a wholesome story that prompted many to remember that when life feels like it can't get worse, it can only get better, which is why it remains such a lovely story of unlikely friendships.
Redditor wpmason explained how the movie "really doesn’t get enough attention. It’s not a revelation or anything, but it is just so sweet". The movie was both hilarious and somewhat inspiring, prompting many viewers to evaluate those that are in their lives and how they can change the life they are living, offering viewers the motivation they require to begin again.
Uncle Buck (1989)
Uncle Buck is amongst John Candy's top movies, with his performance leaving fans in tears from laughter while simultaneously wanting a hug from Uncle Buck. Whilst Buck provided many heartwarming moments, he also terrified some fans, as he posed as the relatable overprotective relative who approached some situations in a chaotic manner that left fans open-mouthed and wide-eyed.
Redditor psuedo_cineast shared how they thought "anything with John Candy in" was a feel-good movie due to "his range in empathy" which is only emphasized in his role as Uncle Buck, with his protective side being complemented by his willingness to make Miles, Maizy, and Tia happy.
The Commitments (1991)
The Commitments is a movie that inspires viewers to once again chase those far-off dreams despite where they come from. The movie focuses on a working-class group of friends trying to make it as a soul-rock band and represents the realities of friendship, working together, and trying to make it in a poor area of Ireland.
It had viewers giggling, crying, and singing along with its incredible soundtrack of soul tunes that are part of the reason the movie still holds up today. It is full of feel-good music that mirrors the friendship that viewers see develop on screen, kanedeath31 listed it as an "awesome movie" that continues to uplift audiences now with its soul and energy.
Legally Blonde (2001)
There are many reasons why Elle Woods is Reese Witherspoon's best role, and her performance is also what led to fans loving and continuing to love the movie even today. The movie pinpoints how damaging stereotypes can be in a light-hearted manner that hooks viewers from the offset and leaves them feeling somewhat empowered by the very end, especially for its female audience who know what it's like to be labeled dumb just because they like makeup and clothes.
Redditor pzzaco called the movie "funny, light-hearted, empowering, and genuinely heartfelt" not to mention being incredibly quotable. Legally Blonde continues to find a place on viewers' TV sets even today, with many listing Elle Woods as their role model!
Three Men And A Baby (1987)
Three Men And A Baby proved to be a hit with fans when it was released in 1987, and it continues to be a great movie that is loved by fans today. The story provided viewers with 3 unlikely bachelors that were charismatic and hilarious, especially when faced with looking after a baby despite having no prior experience.
Whilst being hilariously funny the movie is also charming especially when the men themselves undergo personal development mirrored through their love of Mary. Three Men And A Baby is a thoroughly entertaining and endearing watch created by none other than Disney, who at this time according to ToyVaren "put out their grownup films [with many] light comed[ies] like 3 men and a baby".
Cool Runnings (1993)
Cool Runnings is one of the best sports movies for viewers who aren't necessarily sports fans, with the Jamaican bobsled team winning over viewers from the very beginning of the movie due to their infectious levels of energy and positive attitude. The movie goes way beyond a story about sports due to its focus on friendship, fighting against the odds, and building a great support system.
It is an inspiring watch that continues to give many the motivation and self-belief they lack, with the movie's rewatch factor only increasing through the years as emphasized by Cptnonsense who shared how their "Cool Runnings VHS tape is about to snap from overuse".
Chef (2014)
According to l5555l, "Chef is like a warm hug" that provides a familiar comfort for many, especially in times of difficulty, due to the plot of the movie following a similar story. The movie is a heartwarming representation of rock bottom meaning someone can only go up, as when Carl loses his job, he finally decides to pursue running a food truck. The movie has a vibrancy to it that is infectious and inspiring for many fans.
It showcases how one bad event can spiral into a series of good luck, providing many viewers with the hope they may require when going through something similar. It is a funny, endearing, and motivating representation of pursuing something that makes one happy and the positive impact that can of family bonds, which is why Chef remains such a great feel-good film.