11 Uplifting Movies to Make You Feel Good

Screen Therapy

Watching pleasant movies can boost the mood and lift the spirit. Whether you've had a bad week, your workload is overwhelming, or you're depressed because it's rainy season, you will feel refreshed and inspired by an uplifting film. In this lens, I will share with you a list of eleven of my favorite mood boosting movies.

Although they are numbered, the films are not listed in any particular order. I chose them based on the following criteria: A. I like each of them well enough that I've seen them each more than once. (A few of them I've viewed several times). B. Each one left me feeling happy or inspired afterward. C. They are either fun all the way through or, the ones that are more dramatic are inspiring and have a positive message.

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1. Gandhi - 1982

The life story of a true leader. Ben Kingsley gives an outstanding portrayal of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the man who encouraged others to resolve conflict peacefully. He served as an outstanding example to all of us. His determination and resoluteness were admirable traits that all of us should seek to acquire.

2. The Princess Bride - 1987

This one was directed by Rob Reiner and has a terrific cast. I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy this whimsical motion picture. It's a fairy tale type story that has a little bit of everything - comedy, adventure, romance, choreographed sword fights, silly looking swamp rats; there's something here for everyone. It's appropriate entertainment for all ages.

Inigo Montoya's Story of the Six Fingered Man (The Princess Bride)

 

3. Love Actually - 2003

I tried to steer clear of romantic comedies, and I'm not sure that's how I'd categorize this one. It does, however, have that Rom-Com label, but it's anything but the type of silly flick that typically falls into that category. It features a large cast of well known (and well loved) actors, and if it doesn't warm your heart... well, you may need to defrost.

4. The Shawshank Redemption - 1994

What's not inspiring about refusing to allow your spirit to be broken, refusing to give up hope? This story touched my heart the very first time I read it in Stephen King's Different Seasons. (Originally titled "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption"). In my opinion, this is one of the best screen adaptations of his works. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are perfect choices for the starring roles.

5. Forrest Gump - 1994

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this is another film that has a fantastic cast of talented actors. It's an off-the-charts feel good movie, and it's one of my favorite films of all-time. (I saw it twice at the theater, and I never do that). Despite his "limitations", the main character manages to accomplish more than most people do in one lifetime. The soundtrack is phenomenal.

Young Forrest Teaches Elvis Presley How to Dance (Forrest Gump)

 

6. Elizabethtown - 2005

 

Here's another one in the romantic comedy category, but I find that to be a very narrow label for this dynamic film. The romance is secondary (but helpful) to the main character coming to terms with job loss, the death of his father, and reuniting with family members he hasn't seen in a while. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe, here's another film with a terrific cast, featuring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst. Bonus: A stellar soundtrack!

7. The Goonies - 1985

Steven Spielberg's story about a group of kids who find themselves in over their heads when they set out on an adventure involving a family of bank robbers, booby traps, a pirate ship and more fun than a barrel full of monkeys is sure to please audiences of all ages, even to this day. The cast of young actors includes Josh Brolin, Sean Astin, Corey Feldman and Martha Plimpton. "Goonies never say die!"

8. The Music Never Stopped - 2011

Music is powerful. Especially so for Gabriel, who is unable to form new memories due to a brain tumor. He and his father use music to communicate and reestablish their relationship after a long estrangement. This touching film features a first rate soundtrack. The story is taken from one of Oliver Sacks' case histories. "The Last Hippie" was published in An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales in 1995. If you enjoy reading, and you are interested in the subject matter, I highly recommend the book. The case histories are fascinating.

9. Whale Rider - 2002

Set in New Zealand, this is the moving story of a little girl who refuses to be bound by tradition. I'm not sure what else to say about it without giving too much away. It's a positive, female empowerment film, and I recommend it to anyone with young girls.

10. The Full Monty - 1997

Robert Carlyle and Tom Wilkinson star in this hilarious flick about a group of regular guys who organize a strip show starring themselves. They're willing to learn a dance routine and shed their clothing in order to earn some money. The movie manages to be heartwarming, yet laugh out loud funny.

11. Enchanted - 2007

Yes, looking over my work, it surprises me that not one, but two, fairy tale films made the list. I can explain though. This is not your typical once-upon-a-time story that centers around a weak, dependent princess who's entire existence is focused on a knight in shining armor. Just in case you haven't seen it, I won't give away the ending, but it provides a happily-ever-after that sends a positive, empowering message to young girls. I took my niece to see this when it came out, and we were both in high spirits when we left.