Feel-good movies that are also good?
July 10, 2017 5:27 PM Subscribe
Recently there was a thread on Metafilter about A League of Their Own, and I re-watched it and realized it hits the perfect tone of being feel-good, but also good quality. I'm looking for other movies like this!
Genre can be broad- documentaries, movies about relationships (familial and friendship preferred but romantic also okay). In general, looking for human stories, nothing too technical or super plot-heavy.
I really like "feel good" documentaries about people's lives- something with a little sadness and grit but also hope.
I have some tolerance for sappy stuff, but it should be balanced about by good acting, etc.
It'll be a bonus if the movie is streaming on netflix or otherwise available online, but ok if not.
Genre can be broad- documentaries, movies about relationships (familial and friendship preferred but romantic also okay). In general, looking for human stories, nothing too technical or super plot-heavy.
I really like "feel good" documentaries about people's lives- something with a little sadness and grit but also hope.
I have some tolerance for sappy stuff, but it should be balanced about by good acting, etc.
It'll be a bonus if the movie is streaming on netflix or otherwise available online, but ok if not.
I recently rewatched Breaking Away and it was wonderful.
posted by jalexei at 5:38 PM on July 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
posted by jalexei at 5:38 PM on July 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
Magic Mike XXL--trust me.
Altmanesque (I mean it) loosely plotted road movie about the healing power of friendship, doing what you love, making women happy, and cool dance numbers.
posted by kapers at 5:43 PM on July 10, 2017 [12 favorites]
Altmanesque (I mean it) loosely plotted road movie about the healing power of friendship, doing what you love, making women happy, and cool dance numbers.
posted by kapers at 5:43 PM on July 10, 2017 [12 favorites]
Ten Things I Hate About You scratches this itch for me.
posted by ChuraChura at 5:43 PM on July 10, 2017 [17 favorites]
posted by ChuraChura at 5:43 PM on July 10, 2017 [17 favorites]
"good" is such a subjective thing, but I have a few well-loved favorites that I push on everyone possible, so: Hector and the Search for Happiness and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Sadness and grit but feel-good ending describes how I felt about Philomena. Documentary-wise I love Maidentrip (if you don't mind reading subtitles). I'll keep thinking and pop back in if I come up with any more!
posted by carlypennylane at 5:45 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by carlypennylane at 5:45 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
I recently rewatched Beautiful Thing and it really held up for me. It's available in full on YouTube.
posted by rdnnyc at 5:45 PM on July 10, 2017
posted by rdnnyc at 5:45 PM on July 10, 2017
Legally Blonde is a solid entry.
posted by fshgrl at 5:45 PM on July 10, 2017 [26 favorites]
posted by fshgrl at 5:45 PM on July 10, 2017 [26 favorites]
Up.
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 5:53 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 5:53 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
"Big Night" with Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci. It's the film that's also home to the infamous Timpano.
posted by nightrecordings at 5:55 PM on July 10, 2017 [15 favorites]
posted by nightrecordings at 5:55 PM on July 10, 2017 [15 favorites]
Queen of Katwe, starring Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo. Marvelous little movie, full of heart.
posted by suelac at 5:59 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by suelac at 5:59 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
Defending Your Life. Maybe a little "sappy," but as for "good acting," well, Meryl Streep.
posted by John Cohen at 6:00 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by John Cohen at 6:00 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Babe.
posted by the duck by the oboe at 6:01 PM on July 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by the duck by the oboe at 6:01 PM on July 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
These are some of my favorite feel good movies (YMMV...they are probably a bit on the sappy side, but A League of Their Own is one of my favorites too - I'm hoping these would give you the similar feeling you are looking for!)
Chocolat
Billy Elliot
Under the Tuscan Sun
Now and Then
posted by Shadow Boxer at 6:07 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Chocolat
Billy Elliot
Under the Tuscan Sun
Now and Then
posted by Shadow Boxer at 6:07 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Pride really hit this spot for me.
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:12 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:12 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Oh, also, Chungking Express. It's two separate stories, both melancholic but with sweet, feel good endings that avoid treacle and sap. A 90s arthouse classic.
posted by nightrecordings at 6:15 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by nightrecordings at 6:15 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
Fly Away Home scratches this itch for me.
posted by chaoticgood at 6:16 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by chaoticgood at 6:16 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
Man on Wire (documentary about Phillipe Petit's 70s high-wire walk between the two WTC towers)
The King of Kong (documentary about dude determined to set and have recognized record Donkey Kong high score)
posted by praemunire at 6:18 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
The King of Kong (documentary about dude determined to set and have recognized record Donkey Kong high score)
posted by praemunire at 6:18 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Apollo 13, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Sneakers, Gravity, The King's Speech, Slumdog Millionaire, Shawshank Redemption, The Queen, River Wild, As Good As It Gets, The Terminal
musicals: Mama Mia, Pitch Perfect 1 & 2
2nding Breaking Away, a real gem.
posted by theora55 at 6:21 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
musicals: Mama Mia, Pitch Perfect 1 & 2
2nding Breaking Away, a real gem.
posted by theora55 at 6:21 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Bend It Like Beckham. Clueless. Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened. Any of John Carney's movies (Once, Sing Street, Begin Again). Cuarón's A Little Princess. Any Studio Ghibli movie. Seconding Pride!
posted by colorblock sock at 6:27 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by colorblock sock at 6:27 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
I clicked on this just to say BREAKING AWAY BREAKING AWAY BREAKING AWAY but I see jalexei beat me to it.
LOCAL HERO maybe?
posted by fedward at 6:28 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
LOCAL HERO maybe?
posted by fedward at 6:28 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
We loved Akeelah and the Bee!
Also, Crooked Arrow which is a movie about lacrosse. It isn't particularly good, it is quite cheesy, but it definitely hits that genre for me.
posted by Ftsqg at 6:30 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Also, Crooked Arrow which is a movie about lacrosse. It isn't particularly good, it is quite cheesy, but it definitely hits that genre for me.
posted by Ftsqg at 6:30 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Crossing Delancey
posted by Mchelly at 6:35 PM on July 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Mchelly at 6:35 PM on July 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
Hidden Figures!
posted by eeek at 6:36 PM on July 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by eeek at 6:36 PM on July 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
Little Miss Sunshine
And the upcoming Patticakes! Go see it!
posted by egeanin at 6:59 PM on July 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
And the upcoming Patticakes! Go see it!
posted by egeanin at 6:59 PM on July 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
Anvil: The Story of Anvil is exactly the documentary you're looking for.
posted by Diagonalize at 6:59 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Diagonalize at 6:59 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
In no particular order, here are some I really like:
Made in Dagenham
October Sky
Waking Ned Devine
Field of Dreams
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Moneyball
Air Force One
Erin Brockovich
Calendar Girls
The Birdcage
Easy A
About a Boy
Little Miss Sunshine
I also find Inglourious Basterds, at times, to be a feel-good movie. YMMV significantly, though.
posted by phunniemee at 7:11 PM on July 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
Made in Dagenham
October Sky
Waking Ned Devine
Field of Dreams
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Moneyball
Air Force One
Erin Brockovich
Calendar Girls
The Birdcage
Easy A
About a Boy
Little Miss Sunshine
I also find Inglourious Basterds, at times, to be a feel-good movie. YMMV significantly, though.
posted by phunniemee at 7:11 PM on July 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
Seconding Hidden Figures.
Some of Christopher Guest's stuff works -- I like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. Both are surprisingly sweet.
They're slightly more cynical, but some of Noah Baumbach's movies work for me here -- especially Kicking and Screaming and Mistress America. They may do have a certain perspective, though.
I like Whit Stillman here, too -- just about complicated, messy people who I like anyway. Love & Friendship is so delightful.
If you haven't watched the G.L.O.W. documentary, do that! Others by the same filmmakers -- The Rock-afire Explosion and County Fair, Texas are slightly less feel-good but have a lot of affection and empathy for the people they're about. I've been running around recommending them all the time now that GLOW is big.
Next Goal Wins is incredible.
A little weirder, but I find a lot Jacques Demy's stuff, especially The Young Girls of Rochefort & The Umbrellas of Cherbourg to be gorgeous and escapist (Donkey Skin is also wonderful there, but much more out there). But your level of "feel good" may vary on those.
posted by darksong at 7:14 PM on July 10, 2017
Some of Christopher Guest's stuff works -- I like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. Both are surprisingly sweet.
They're slightly more cynical, but some of Noah Baumbach's movies work for me here -- especially Kicking and Screaming and Mistress America. They may do have a certain perspective, though.
I like Whit Stillman here, too -- just about complicated, messy people who I like anyway. Love & Friendship is so delightful.
If you haven't watched the G.L.O.W. documentary, do that! Others by the same filmmakers -- The Rock-afire Explosion and County Fair, Texas are slightly less feel-good but have a lot of affection and empathy for the people they're about. I've been running around recommending them all the time now that GLOW is big.
Next Goal Wins is incredible.
A little weirder, but I find a lot Jacques Demy's stuff, especially The Young Girls of Rochefort & The Umbrellas of Cherbourg to be gorgeous and escapist (Donkey Skin is also wonderful there, but much more out there). But your level of "feel good" may vary on those.
posted by darksong at 7:14 PM on July 10, 2017
Husband and I were pleased to discover that Beautiful Girls really hits that spot for both of us
posted by sestaaak at 7:23 PM on July 10, 2017
posted by sestaaak at 7:23 PM on July 10, 2017
Secondhand Lions
Waking Ned Devine
The Way
East Side Sushi
Mr. Holland's Opus
Documentaries:
OT: Our Town
When I Rise
Becoming Santa
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 7:35 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Waking Ned Devine
The Way
East Side Sushi
Mr. Holland's Opus
Documentaries:
OT: Our Town
When I Rise
Becoming Santa
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 7:35 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Bagdad Cafe, Babette's Feast, Mad Hot Ballroom.
posted by FencingGal at 7:49 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by FencingGal at 7:49 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
Desperately Seeking Susan
Dave
Roxanne
The Goodbye Girl
About a Boy
Documentary: Art and Craft
posted by Nosey Mrs. Rat at 7:55 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Dave
Roxanne
The Goodbye Girl
About a Boy
Documentary: Art and Craft
posted by Nosey Mrs. Rat at 7:55 PM on July 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Bull Durham
Groundhog Day
White Men Can't Jump
posted by Ideefixe at 8:20 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Bull Durham
Groundhog Day
White Men Can't Jump
posted by Ideefixe at 8:20 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
The Secret Garden and Little Women (can't link on mobile, but the 90's versions of both). And Strictly Ballroom.
posted by lovableiago at 9:17 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by lovableiago at 9:17 PM on July 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
East Side Sushi, yay! I didn't know anyone outside the East Bay saw that...
posted by suelac at 9:37 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by suelac at 9:37 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox, which I saw pretty much by accident in theaters, is an eccentric delight.
posted by Mizu at 9:50 PM on July 10, 2017
posted by Mizu at 9:50 PM on July 10, 2017
Gregory's Girl.
posted by holborne at 10:29 PM on July 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by holborne at 10:29 PM on July 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
Harold and Maude.
posted by chococat at 10:40 PM on July 10, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by chococat at 10:40 PM on July 10, 2017 [7 favorites]
Kedi, a documentary about cats in Istanbul, is really lovely.
It features everyday people talking lyrically about their love for cats, and stunning panoramic shots of Istanbul. (The cats themselves are fascinating too, of course). It's a delightful film, and not twee or sentimental like some animal films can be.
posted by RubyScarlet at 10:45 PM on July 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
It features everyday people talking lyrically about their love for cats, and stunning panoramic shots of Istanbul. (The cats themselves are fascinating too, of course). It's a delightful film, and not twee or sentimental like some animal films can be.
posted by RubyScarlet at 10:45 PM on July 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
The Full Monty
Amelie (perhaps a bit too twee, but this movie understands introverts in ways most don't)
posted by Eikonaut at 10:49 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Amelie (perhaps a bit too twee, but this movie understands introverts in ways most don't)
posted by Eikonaut at 10:49 PM on July 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Millions
Chef
The Princess Bride
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Seconded!)
posted by cnc at 11:15 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
Chef
The Princess Bride
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Seconded!)
posted by cnc at 11:15 PM on July 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
The Studio Ghibli films have already been mentioned, but I wanted to give a special shout out to My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away at balancing poignancy and lightness.
posted by Magnakai at 2:00 AM on July 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Magnakai at 2:00 AM on July 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
The documentary An Honest Liar (aired on BBC as Exposed: Magicians, Psychics and Frauds) is just stunning. Its been on Netflix in the past, not sure if it still is.
I initially linked to the wikipedia page for the documentary but don't go there, massive spoilers in the first paragraph, the BBC page does a better job of describing it without spoiling it.
posted by Ness at 2:38 AM on July 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
I initially linked to the wikipedia page for the documentary but don't go there, massive spoilers in the first paragraph, the BBC page does a better job of describing it without spoiling it.
posted by Ness at 2:38 AM on July 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
Arrival.
posted by bluebird at 3:10 AM on July 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by bluebird at 3:10 AM on July 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'm not a boxing fan but thought When We Were Kings was really elating. So was Rize.
posted by bonobothegreat at 4:36 AM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by bonobothegreat at 4:36 AM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
The Milagro Beanfield War; My Life as a Dog; Amilie; The Gods Must Be Crazy; Monsoon Wedding; The Castle (Australian movie); Intimate Stories (Argentina).
posted by pushing paper and bottoming chairs at 6:47 AM on July 11, 2017
posted by pushing paper and bottoming chairs at 6:47 AM on July 11, 2017
Enthusiastically seconding Strictly Ballroom.
Mediterraneo.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 7:23 AM on July 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Mediterraneo.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 7:23 AM on July 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
The two Bogart-Hepburn movies: Sabrina with Audrey, and The African Queen with Katharine.
Also from Studio Ghibli (but not Miyazaki) - 'Omoide Poro Poro' aka Only Yesterday.
posted by Rash at 8:14 AM on July 11, 2017
Also from Studio Ghibli (but not Miyazaki) - 'Omoide Poro Poro' aka Only Yesterday.
posted by Rash at 8:14 AM on July 11, 2017
Housekeeping (my favorite Christine Lahti movie, has plenty of sadness and grit but a good dose of nontraditional hope)
How to Make an American Quilt (definitely has its moments of cheese, but otherwise a deep story about a young woman confronting her future through the lens of her mother, aunts, and other women in her life)
A Little Princess (Don't be fooled by the title, this covers dramatic changes in fortune for a young girl whose father is lost during WWI)
A Simple Twist of Fate (90s Silas Marner adaptation with Steve Martin)
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:27 AM on July 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
How to Make an American Quilt (definitely has its moments of cheese, but otherwise a deep story about a young woman confronting her future through the lens of her mother, aunts, and other women in her life)
A Little Princess (Don't be fooled by the title, this covers dramatic changes in fortune for a young girl whose father is lost during WWI)
A Simple Twist of Fate (90s Silas Marner adaptation with Steve Martin)
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:27 AM on July 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
I really like "feel good" documentaries about people's lives- something with a little sadness and grit but also hope.
Seconding The Full Monty based on this. Not a documentary (although there are documentarial aspects to it) but it hits that "a little sadness and grit but also hope" perfectly. Plus it's wonderfully quirky in that way only British films can be, as well as laugh out loud funny, especially at the end.
posted by Preserver at 8:48 AM on July 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Seconding The Full Monty based on this. Not a documentary (although there are documentarial aspects to it) but it hits that "a little sadness and grit but also hope" perfectly. Plus it's wonderfully quirky in that way only British films can be, as well as laugh out loud funny, especially at the end.
posted by Preserver at 8:48 AM on July 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Muriel's Wedding
posted by toby_ann at 8:49 AM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by toby_ann at 8:49 AM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Pleasantville
posted by yellowbinder at 10:06 AM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by yellowbinder at 10:06 AM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
nthing Waking Ned Devine/Gregory's Girl. They're underrated Irish & Scottish movies, respectively, and both are tremendously charming in their own right. The best part is, they're more than just feel-good - they're substantially satisfying, human movies.
posted by a good beginning at 10:37 AM on July 11, 2017
posted by a good beginning at 10:37 AM on July 11, 2017
Mona Lisa Smile is that film for me.
I'm also a sucker for sports movies because they have the classic against all odds story arc. Invictus is the best for me because - rugby. But We Are Marshall and The Blind Side are regular go tos as well.
posted by BAKERSFIELD! at 11:47 AM on July 11, 2017
I'm also a sucker for sports movies because they have the classic against all odds story arc. Invictus is the best for me because - rugby. But We Are Marshall and The Blind Side are regular go tos as well.
posted by BAKERSFIELD! at 11:47 AM on July 11, 2017
Mississippi Masala features a very young Denzel Washington in love with Sarita Choudhury. Directed by Mira Nair.
John Sayle's The Secret of Roan Inish has a lot in common with Billy Elliot, plus even better scenery.
posted by Jesse the K at 1:22 PM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
John Sayle's The Secret of Roan Inish has a lot in common with Billy Elliot, plus even better scenery.
posted by Jesse the K at 1:22 PM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Smoke Signals
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:16 PM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:16 PM on July 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
nthing Apollo 13, a longtime go-to for this purpose, and Hidden Figures, which is the Apollo 13 I wish I'd had growing up, as well as Man on Wire, Pride, and Strictly Ballroom. Also, Kedi is indeed lovely, and very soothing.
Other suggestions, which vary wildly in topic and tone but all work for me:
The Station Agent (it's melancholy in points, but it absolutely hits that affirming note)
Clueless
Monsoon Wedding
Twister (the best not-grim disaster movie ever made)
Chariots of Fire
Milk
Whale Rider
Junebug
Lagaan (if you don't object to sports movies that are also musicals)
posted by karayel at 6:41 PM on July 11, 2017
Other suggestions, which vary wildly in topic and tone but all work for me:
The Station Agent (it's melancholy in points, but it absolutely hits that affirming note)
Clueless
Monsoon Wedding
Twister (the best not-grim disaster movie ever made)
Chariots of Fire
Milk
Whale Rider
Junebug
Lagaan (if you don't object to sports movies that are also musicals)
posted by karayel at 6:41 PM on July 11, 2017
Home for the Holidays
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 11:53 PM on July 11, 2017
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 11:53 PM on July 11, 2017
If you want a silly comedy which plays a lot like a theatre play, give Oscar a try. Never fails to cheer me up.
posted by dominik at 5:24 AM on July 12, 2017
posted by dominik at 5:24 AM on July 12, 2017
Dope
posted by Grandysaur at 9:41 AM on July 12, 2017
posted by Grandysaur at 9:41 AM on July 12, 2017
Moana just came to Netflix streaming.
posted by ejs at 1:41 PM on July 12, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by ejs at 1:41 PM on July 12, 2017 [3 favorites]
Fried Green Tomatoes
posted by wannabecounselor at 2:27 AM on July 14, 2017
posted by wannabecounselor at 2:27 AM on July 14, 2017
My favorites:
My Life as a Dog
Thelma & Louise (I find it cathartic)
When Harry Met Sally!!! Cannot believe it hasn't been mentioned yet
Little Miss Sunshine
Inside Out
Up
Moana
I watched Moana 3 times in a row the first week it was in theatres. And not just because I have a 4yo :-)
posted by ohyouknow at 4:03 PM on July 15, 2017
My Life as a Dog
Thelma & Louise (I find it cathartic)
When Harry Met Sally!!! Cannot believe it hasn't been mentioned yet
Little Miss Sunshine
Inside Out
Up
Moana
I watched Moana 3 times in a row the first week it was in theatres. And not just because I have a 4yo :-)
posted by ohyouknow at 4:03 PM on July 15, 2017
Big Lebowski ... obviously.
posted by philip-random at 10:06 PM on July 16, 2017
posted by philip-random at 10:06 PM on July 16, 2017
and Together -- it genuinely earns its Abba.
posted by philip-random at 10:09 PM on July 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by philip-random at 10:09 PM on July 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by The corpse in the library at 5:37 PM on July 10, 2017 [7 favorites]