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Are you searching for feel good movies on Netflix? In times of trouble, Netflix comes to us — maybe not with words of wisdom, but we’ll take a calming balm of nostalgia when the going gets tough. The streaming giant takes pride in its hefty stock of feel-good films, featuring eras long gone by, and actors from around the world, and stories that remind us not all is lost.
With a little more free time on hand, you might be enticed to work through a list of Best Picture winners or critics’ favorite dramas. But when Saving Private Ryan is more sensitive than you can handle, we get it.
Fortunate for you, there are lots of happy and fun movies, and they aren’t all corny B-list flicks either. We scoured the Netflix archives to find the films guaranteed to make you laugh, dance, and believe in all that is good. So, inject a little joy into your day with one of these wonderful feel-good films.
Feel Good Movies on Netflix
Coco (2017)
This Pixar movie will give you laugh, cry, and make you want to hug your family. The story centers around the revered Mexican holiday El Día de Los Muertos, and a boy named Miguel is trapped in the land of the dead when he decides to become a musician against his family’s wishes. The colorful 3D scenery is just one thing that will put a smile on your face.
Available on: Netflix
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
There’s no more suitable for a girl’s night than this chick flick, starring Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Alexis Bledel. Assume plenty of coming of age drama, Greek scenery, and all the best friend feels. (Plus some Blake Lively hair envy).
Available on: Netflix
Now and Then (1995)
Your favorite 90’s film has finally come to Netflix, and it’s just as good as you remember it. The coming of age film is a hefty nostalgia dose as four girlfriends’ recall a past summer they spent together in 1970. Get set for the best of seventies music, fashion, and décor.
Available on: Netflix
The Spectacular Now (2013)
This film, starring Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller, is about a high school romance between an unlikely couples. He’s hard-partying; she’s driven and focused. It the story of first love and is heartfelt, emotional, and inspiring.
Available on: Netflix
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Paul Rudd takes on a heavier role, starring in this dark comedy with Selena Gomez. Rudd stars as a caregiver to a young boy with muscular dystrophy, and the two take a road trip together. It’s an inspirational story of friendship.
Available on: Netflix
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
If you want to feel good, you can never go wrong with a Nancy Meyers film. This one stars Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, and you can anticipate plenty of romance, laughs, and design envy.
Available on: Netflix
Julie & Julia (2009)
There are lots of reasons this movie is destined to make you feel good. Not only is it managed by the timelessly charming Nora Ephron, but it also stars Amy Adams as Julie Powell, a woman who is committed to cooking the entirety of Julia Child’s learning the Art of French Cooking in a year.
As she does so, the movie flashes back in time to make the famed cookbook, with Meryl Streep playing Child. It’s filled with gorgeous shots of delectable food, stunning scenes of midcentury Paris, and an ongoing message of determination to reach two shared goals.
Available on: Netflix
The King’s Speech (2010)
Based on the actual story of Prince Albert’s unlikely succession to the throne after his brother’s tumultuous abdication, this period drama—which stars Colin Firth in an Oscar-winning role—explores how a sudden change in the making of history comes with its hurdles.
Prince Albert has a speech impairment, and he and his wife Elizabeth know that public appearances and speeches will be a part of his future. So Elizabeth, played by Helena Bonham Carter, uses an Australian actor and speech therapist to help. The friendship that forms between the two men culminates in one incredibly moving oration.
Available on: Netflix
Mamma Mia (2008)
If you’re not into a stage drama, perhaps you’d like to see Colin Firth in a decidedly different role. In this openly happy film, he plays one of three men who could be the father of a growing woman, played by Amanda Seyfried.
Her mother, performed by Meryl Streep, never told her who her father is but did keep a diary of that time—which the daughter finds. She asks the prospects for her wedding, and with the help of catchy ABBA songs and silly dance moves, the plan doesn’t end in disaster. Watch this movie if you’re seeing it for a feel-good escape.
Available on: Netflix
Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
This film is the story of how Walt Disney acquired the rights to the book Mary Poppins. Tom Hanks delivers another flawless performance, while Emma Thompson is touching as author P.L. Travers. Expect nostalgia and heartwarming Disney magic.
Available on: Netflix
What a Girl Wants (2003)
This Amanda Bynes film is a regular chick flick that will also make you a little bit emotional. The coming-of-age film follows a young girl going to know the father she’s never met. There’s also Colin Firth and lots of London scenery to inspire your wanderlust.
Available on: Netflix
Eat Pray Love (2010)
There’s plenty to laugh about in this Julia Roberts movie, in addition to significant food and travel envy, but the real-life tale will also stir up your emotions. T’s a movie regarding finding yourself, spirituality, and love, set in Rome, India, and Bali.
Available on: Netflix
The Ugly Truth (2009)
Opposites draw in this rom-com starring Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl. A chauvinistic morning show host attempts to prove his relationship theories right, bringing on all the laughs and romance.
Available on: Netflix
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
When an Indian chef and his family decide to open a restaurant in the south of France, they clash with a snooty restauranteur across the street, played by Helen Mirren. The film will warm your heart—and also make you hungry!
Available on: Netflix