It’s important to watch a feel-good, happy film once in a while, whether it’s to cheer you up from the grey weather outside, a stressful day at work or just because you’re in need of a good, old giggle.
Whether it’s a romantic comedy like Jerry Maguire or La La Land to watch while tucked up in bed, or animated films like Up, Soul and Enchanted to accompany you while you sit with a takeaway in your pyjamas, there’s nothing quite like a film to lift your spirits.
As we all know, life is better with cheer, laughter and a bit of a singalong.
In Need Of A Mood Booster? Here’s Our Top Picks Of Happy Films That’ll Do Just The Ticket:
1) The Women, 2008
Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) grapples with the decision as to whether she should leave her cheating husband who is having an affair with Crystal Allen (Eva Mendes).
Along with the help of her supportive, unapologetic and brash friends, she tracks down Allen, and is forced to contemplate what she should do. Haines is also a talented fashion designer who takes time out to throw her energy into her work and career, before it’s crunch time.
It’s a joyous watch with a relatable and heartfelt storyline at its core.
2) How to Be Single, 2016
A feminist take on a traditional rom-com, How to Be Single shows a group of friends approaching single life differently in New York City. Used to playing the field, toying with dating sites and then some, they go onto shake things up further.
Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann and Alison Brie star as a wild foursome who break boundaries. They are shocking, free-spirited and full of life.
3) It’s Complicated, 2009
Thought a film about a divorced couple had to be sombre? Think again, as Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin play a daring, scandalous and reckless one in this comedy.
Jane Adler (Streep) is a single mother-of-three to adult children, whom she shares with ex-husband Jake (Adler). While she is single after their marriage ends, he’s remarried, with a much younger wife.
After reuniting at their son’s university graduation, sparks fly, and thereafter, we see the two mixed up in a racy affair.
4) A Simple Favor, 2018
Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) is a widowed, single stay-at-home mum with a parenting vlog and small-town life, who befriends mysterious elitist Emily Nelson (Blake Lively), who also has a child at the same elementary school. Smothers is taken aback by Nelson and the glamorous life she leads.
Events soon take an unexplainable turn when Emily suddenly goes missing, leading Stephanie to investigate her disappearance.
It’s gripping, fun and explosive.
5) Bridesmaids, 2011
Whether you or a close one are getting hitched or not, this hilarious bridal film will have you in stitches. Themed around friendship, romance and jealousy, it depicts two longtime friends – one who appears to have their life together (Lillian), while the other is at war with herself (Annie).
From the moment Annie learns of Lillian’s engagement, she’s encounters a rollercoaster of emotions, taking stock of where she is in her own life.
Her thoughts and feelings play out in stupendously funny ways, as she rivals another woman from the bridal party to win over Lillian’s attention.
6) Bridget Jones’s Baby, 2016
Hopeless romantic Bridget Jones returned for this wholeheartedly entertaining rendition of the film we loved from the Noughties.
Having left the latter films as a thirty-something who tirelessly seeks self-improvement and love, this time around she is navigating her 40s as an expectant mum, though she doesn’t know who her baby’s father is.
While a love triangle emerged between herself, Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in the first two films, the paternity drama in this film involves Darcy and billionaire mathematician Jack Qwant.
7) White Chicks, 2004
Brothers Marlon and Shawn Wayans play FBI agents Marcus and Kevin who go undercover as two ‘queen bee’, elitist heiresses – twin sisters Brittany and Tiffany – to protect them from kidnapping plots.
Exploring privilege, race, scandal and relationships in a light-hearted way, it’s a chick flick coupled with a crime drama – one full of action, laugh-out-loud lines and fierce characters.
It’s the kind of movie to watch again and again.
8) The Devil Wears Prada, 2004
Graduate Andy Sachs is an aspiring journalist with no experience of fashion and lands a job as an assistant to a notorious and icy boss at a high-fashion magazine.
Starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, the latter of whom made her breakthrough in this film, it’s a repeat watcher.
The film is based on the namesake novel by Lauren Weisberger, who was hired as a personal assistant to a renowned editor-in-chief and had to grapple with a demanding schedule and callous orders.
Watching ambitious Sachs navigate a career at a magazine, that couldn’t be further from what she’s used to, is insanely entertaining.
9) Clueless, 1995
Cher Horowitz, a privileged high school student from Beverly Hills, and her friend Dion tackle teenage life – friendship, boys, sex and how to accessorise a plaid skirt – while trying to makeover new girl at school Tai, before realising they might need a lifestyle makeover themselves.
From the pure optimism of Cher, laugh out line one liners, and that happy making wardrobe – everything about Clueless will make you feel good.
10) La La Land, 2016
Damien Chazelle’s romantic musical comedy-drama sees coffee shop girl/aspiring actress Mia and die-hard jazz pianist Seb struggle to make their dreams a reality in Hollywood. Cue tap dancing, singing, musical numbers and Los Angeles shot at magic hour. The most beautiful film, ever.
Sun-drenched Hollywood cinema at it’s best – anyone who doesn’t feel happy watching Emma and The Gos together is the grinch personified.’
11) Up!, 2009
Right, let’s get it out of the way. Yes, you will be weeping buckets after that scene early on in the Pixar film but you’ll soon feel inspired by Carl, a septuagenarian balloon salesman, who has always dreamed of traveling South America. Little does he know his life is about to be changed by an eight-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell. Oh, and a talking dog. This film is sure to turn that frown upside down.
12) Mamma Mia!, 2008
Call us cheesy but the cast alone of the romcom-cum-musical has us smiling. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Julie Walters steal the show in this adapted-from-Broadway story. Non-stop ABBA tunes, the glorious sights of a Greek island and Colin Firth in platform boots. Enough said. Oh, and now you’ve got 2018’s Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again to watch once you’ve finished the first.
13) Breakfast At Tiffany’s, 1961
Step back in time to this 1960s classic; a story that tells the life of eccentric socialite Holly Golightly who reluctantly falls for her neighbour, struggling writer Paul Varjak. The music alone will have leave you feeling nostalgic and with the urge to throw on a black dress and fetch a croissant. Pure perfection.
14) Pitch Perfect, 2012
Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp and Brittany Snow are but a handful of stellar comedic actresses that star in this musical comedy film. The plot follows all-girl a cappella group, The Barden Bellas, as they compete to win Nationals. Sarcasm, self-deprecation and music at its finest. Sure, they’re now working on the forth Pitch Perfect film (and you should definitely watch the other two), but this is still our favourite.
15) Toy Story, 1995
Needs no explaining, really, does it? While you might need to grab the tissues at the end of this one, this comedy adventure film will have you reminiscing about your childhood and toys as you watch Woody and Buzz defeat the odds to become firm friends and devoted toys for Andy. As Woody says: ‘Reach for the sky’. Has there ever been a more inspirational phrase?
16) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 1986
The high school boy who bunked off school for the day to hang out with his best friends Cameron and Sloane before graduation is one of the most inspiring and touching films of the century, teaching us all that there’s more to life than rules and conformity.
17) It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946
Many make the mistake of reserving this film for Christmas and New Year but we think it’s a timeless classic, perfect for all occasions. Watch as George Bailey learns how different his town would’ve been if he wasn’t there – it’s a story to warm the coldest of hearts and encourages us all to appreciate life that bit more.
18) Four Weddings and a Funeral, 1994
Richard Curtis perfectly straddles the reality of humour and tragedy in life, depicting a group of friends who appear to be unlucky in love, until their luck changes. Rowan Atkinson’s part as Father Gerald alone will have you chuckling along with the cast. Genius.
19) Little Miss Sunshine, 2006
A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus. Starring Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Toni Collette and Steve Carell, this film is about dreams and illusions and the beauty of a dysfunctional family. Pure joy. Abigail Breslin literally brings sun in to the rainiest cold days in this heart walking family drama.
20) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001
One line of that iconic music and you’ll be in your pyjamas, sat down on the sofa gorging on a Terry’s Chocolate orange and wondering what life would’ve been like if you’d attended Hogwarts.
Take a journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione and relive your childhood once more. And no, we don’t care if you prefer the books. It’s essential viewing for improved happiness.
21) Matilda, 1996
Danny DeVito, Roald Dahl, Mara Wilson – can you really get a better combination? This fantasy comedy is sure to cheer you up, with genius girl Matilda beating the odds (her horrid parents and Miss Trunchball) to find happiness with Miss Honey. The chocolate cake scene alone will make you feel inspired. Everyone together now: ‘Bruce, Bruce, Bruce…’
22) One Fine Day, 1996
After viewing this film you’ll immediately be in search of a partner willing to pick you up and carry you through a puddle so not to damage your heels. It’s inevitable.
Single Melanie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and (Jack) George Clooney are forced to take care of their children on the most important days of their careers and juggle looking after each other’s sprogs amid deadlines and pressures from their bosses. Proof that work isn’t your top priority.
23) Mary Poppins, 1964
A spoonful of sugar really does help the hangover, a temperature or the grumps go down, and is perfect if you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke are an essential pairing for a mood lifter.
24) Mary Poppins Returns, 2018
Decades after her first visit to the Banks family, Mary Poppins (this time played by Emily Blunt), returns to help young Michael’s (Ben Whishaw) children through a pretty scary point in their lives. With tunes and acting courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda (who plays chimney-sweeper Jack) and appearances from Julie Walters, you know this is a good’un.
25) Forrest Gump, 1994
Overly sentimental? Perhaps. Heart-warming to the level it will make you want to hug a puppy? Definitely. This Award-winning film sees the astonishing life of Forrest Gump, a man who lives charmed life of success and love. A stunning film about overcoming adversity and the cards you were dealt with. ‘Stupid is as stupid does,’ says Forrest. Don’t be stupid, watch the film.
26) Legally Blonde, 2001
‘Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands,’ says Elle Woods. Well, happy people also watch Legally Blonde, the story of an innocent Beverly Hills sorority girl who defies judgement and heartbreak to become Harvard’s top lawyer. She’s a one girl revolution, after all.
27) Pride, 2014
Based on a true story, this LGBT-related comedy-drama depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised funds to help those affected by the British miners’ strike in 1984. Tackling subjects of prejudice, homophobia and community spirit, this is essential viewing to restore your faith in humanity.
28) Bridget Jones’ Diary, 2001
This wanton sex goddess is a woman’s life-long friend and confident who makes sense of life, love and London with a group of mismatched friends in the Big Smoke. Big knickers aside, this film will have you cheering for the underdog and debating who is hotter, Daniele Cleaver or Mark Darcy.
29) Sister Act (1 and 2), 1992 and 1993
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face is Whoopi Goldberg, we believe. And if that won’t do it, then surely the angelic tones of Lauryn Hill’s voice will. So both the original and sequel of the Sister Act franchise makes this list. Deloris (Goldberg) ends up in witness protection and is reluctantly placed as a nun in a convent in a deprived area of San Francisco. But Deloris, with her singing credentials, soon invigorates the convent’s choir and in the second film takes this same energy to a struggling school. The final performance of the schoolkids is a rendition of ‘Joyful, Joyful’ – need we explain again why this film makes the list?
30) Sing Street, 2016
The film that will make you wish you’d formed a music band as a teenager, Sing Street is about a boy called Conor growing up in Dublin during the 1980s and starts a band to distract himself from his troubled schooling and strained family life, in order to get the girl. The fashion and music references to Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet are enough to get you dancing. Available now on Netflix.
31) Rush Hour, 1998
Mismatched cops are on a mission to rescue the Chinese consul’s kidnapped daughter. The perfect police pairing. There’s no better classic comedy duo than Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Broken up with the boyfriend? Bad grade at school? Crippling anxiety? Disconnect yourself from the world and switch this on.
32) The Blues Brothers, 1980
In the mood for a pick-me up? Look no further than The Blues Brothers.
Aretha Franklin, Carrie Fisher, Twiggy, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi star in this hilarious musical crime comedy. Jake and his brother Elwood are on a ‘mission from God’ to reunite their old band to play at a fundraiser to save their childhood orphanage.
33) Despicable Me, 2010
Nothing defines happiness like a minion – fact. With the help of Gru, the world’s most evil/adorable super villain/father and a group of yellow, denim dungaree-clad friends, you’ll find it hard not to smile at this heartwarming animated comedy.
34) Julie and Julia, 2009
If you love cooking, Nora Ephron, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci and Amy Adams, then this is the film for you. Adams plays Julie Powell, a young blogger who is desperate to emulate Julia Child’s cooking skills. With a shared passion for food, this Ephron-written plot is sure to warm the cockles of your heart and feed your appetite for comedy and drama. Just make sure you have snacks at the ready.
35) Enchanted, 2007
Never heard of a land called Andalasia? Neither had we until Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) stepped onto the scene in this adorable live action musical fantasy rom-com after she was banished by her evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon). Despite being set to wed Prince Edward (James Marsden), the princess finds herself falling for New York-based businessman Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey). With tunes like ‘Ever Ever After’ and ‘That’s How You Know’, this is a film you’ll want playing all day long.
36) Crazy Rich Asians, 2018
There’s a reason why we’re all obsessed with this rom com. Based on the 2013 novel of the same title by Kevin Kwan, the film has a stellar cast including Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu and Awkwafina. It follows New Yorker Rachel Chu (Wu) as she accompanies her boyfriend, Nick Young (Golding) to his best friend’s wedding in China and soon realises he’s wealthy beyond comprehension. With Sex and the City and Mean Girls vibes, we can’t get enough of this film.
