There's a movie for every mood. For days when one's seeking a rush of adrenaline, there's a vast repository of action movies one can turn to. Then, for other days, when movie buffs want to explore the darker side of the world, true crime can offer some much-needed thrills and chills.
But every once in a while, there comes a time when the dire circumstances of life take over. During times like these, the mind of a cinephile craves nothing but some uplifting feel-good films. Luckily, Netflix offers a repertoire of some lighthearted dramas that not only make life a bit easier but also leave viewers with a lesson or two.
Updated on May 22nd, 2021 by Mark Birrell: Those looking for the best movies on Netflix right now should certainly check out these lighthearted and generally uplifting movies that are available for subscribers to stream right now. We've updated the list to keep the entries current, replacing anything that's left the streaming service since it was originally written with something just as thought-provoking and funny. There are plenty of good movies on Netflix for those looking for a pick-me-up or a lighthearted escape from the pressures of life, and these 10 great examples are the perfect places to start.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Writer and director Taika Waititi delivered one of his most popular comedies to date with this quirky indie hit set in the wilderness of New Zealand. The story follows a foster kid and his equally tough-fronted foster father as they start a manhunt by a series of humorous misunderstandings.
Full of the lighthearted comedy and impactful emotional moments that Waititi's movies have become known for since breaking into the mainstream with movies like Thor: Ragnarok, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is an easygoing but brilliantly crafted movie that's almost guaranteed to lift spirits and lighten any mood.
Back to the Future (1985)
Between the uplifting score of composer Alan Silvestri and the catchy tunes of Huey Lewis and Chuck Berry, it's hard not to be swept up in the infectiously upbeat attitude of Back to the Future.
The story of a hapless high schooler and his bizarre friendship with an aging inventor that sends him on an adventure through time has inspired many movies and TV shows since its release. Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly is an endearing and relatable hero who learns a lot about life and how to shape it throughout the movie, making it not only a vibrant comedy but a heartfelt experience too.
The Fundamentals Of Caring (2016)
Although Paul Rudd is now well-known for his adorable roles in rom-coms and feel-good comedies, The Fundamentals of Caring remains among his lesser-known heartwarming dramas that fans should definitely see.
The Ant-Man star plays the role of a retired writer named Ben, whose life turns around after a tragedy and so he decides to become a disabled teen's caregiver. Even though it takes the two a while to break the ice, they eventually strike a chord and end up learning a lot more from each other than they had initially anticipated.
About Time (2013)
Time travel movies are divided into two sub-genres. While some are high-concept sci-fi flicks, others are more inclined towards fantastical gimmicks. About Time falls into the latter category. But those expecting intricate sci-fi elements will be left disappointed. However, the ones who'll watch for the warm and fuzzy family drama will find themselves coming back to it time and again.
Domhnall Gleeson plays Tim Lake, a man who learns that he comes from a generation of time travelers. After knowing about his abilities, Tim uses them to find love, protect his family, and change history. But he soon learns that there are things he cannot fix, no matter how many times he travels back in time.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
One of the most irreverent and effective slapstick comedies ever made, The Naked Gun was the first of three feature-length continuations of the short-lied TV show Police Squad! The quickfire barrage of sight gags and puns that writers Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and David Zucker (A.K.A. ZAZ) are known for more than lives up to their defining 1980 movie Airplane!
Star Leslie Nielsen, also, finally steps up to the great recurring comedic role that he was so clearly born to play after his hilarious deadpan turn in Airplane! Lt. Frank Drebin is a cinematic clown for the ages, bumbling his way through ordinarily drab and overserious mystery thriller situations and flipping them into something hilarious.
Chef (2014)
A food-centric movie is a bang for one's buck if it leaves a viewer with a growling stomach. Chef not only does this but celebrates friendship and its central father-son dynamic like no other.
Unraveling its premise with a road trip, the movie tells the story of chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), who quits his prestigious job and decides to follow his dreams of launching a food truck business. Accompanying him is his best friend (John Alberto Leguizamo) and son (Emjay Anthony), who help him realize that his passion for cooking goes far beyond the confinements of a restaurant kitchen.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009)
Brimming with imagination and slapstick comedy, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs revolves around Flint Lockwood, an ingenious inventor. Believing that he can solve his town's food crisis, he invents a device that makes food rain out of the sky.
At first, he's lauded for his brilliance, as the world rejoices in an abundance of food. But when his machine malfunctions, his invention threatens an apocalypse in which the entire world could be buried under layers of food. It's an irresistibly colorful ride that seems as if it were filled with neverending gags in the spirit of ZAZ.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Suckers for good rom-coms will get a lot more from Always Be My Maybe than they can ask for. For starters, the movie gives a unique look at Asian-American culture. Adding to this, it has wonderful performances, be it from the primary or the secondary cast.
At its fore are childhood sweethearts, Sasha and Marcus, who run into each other after 15 years. Their old feelings for one another still exist, but being from completely different worlds now, their fateful meeting leads to hilarious consequences.
I'm No Longer Here (2019)
In its initial moments, I'm No Longer Here fascinates viewers with the groovy dance moves and eccentric hairstyle of its main character. Ulises Sampiero sports a zany hairdo that demands respect in his community. He and his friends, known as "Los Trekos," spend their days dancing to decelerated cumbia music.
But everything begins to change when Ulises is forced to leave his hometown and move to Queens, New York. As much as he tries to settle in his new world, he struggles to leave his cultural identity behind. Although not entirely uplifting, the film offers a slice of life by showing how, like Ulises, we often struggle to choose between fitting in and staying true to our identities.
Julie & Julia (2009)
In Julie & Julia, Amy Adams plays New Yorker Julie Powell, who reaches her wits' end at her day job. That's when she decides to take on a passion project which involves cooking all the recipes in Julia Childs' renowned cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."
Going back and forth between the two characters, the movie takes viewers on a gastronomic journey that defies the boundaries of time and culture. Put simply, Julie & Julia makes for a "bon appetit" indeed.