Feel-good movies will leave you revived and full of happiness- that’s what we truly need right now. If you are feeling low, then this may be the right time to watch some feel-good English movies that are known for their power to make you happy, lift your mood, and keep your spirits up.
This piece includes some of the top feel-good English movies to add to your streaming queue.
Little Women (2019)
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern
The March sisters-Meg, Beth, Jo, and Amy are always committed to supporting each other. From girls playing in the attic to women living with purpose, they always stood for one another. When Jo March, a teacher, moves to New York to write a novel, her editor gives her critical feedback and challenges her to write about something more interesting. Jo comes to know that her younger sister Beth’s illness has worsened, and all the siblings getting back together takes on a whole new meaning as Jo tries to console Beth when she becomes sick.
La La Land (2018)
Cast: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, and J. K. Simmons
La La Land is a romantic musical comedy-drama film starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Being listed as one of the top feel-good English movies. This is a must-see film that will be loved by anyone who is fond of music, romance, and jazz. A struggling pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) fall in love while trying to accomplish their dreams in Los Angeles. The movie is so musical and you will be encouraged to pursue your dreams.
Love, Simon (2018)
Cast: Nick Robinson, Logan Miller, Alexandra Shipp, Katherine Langford, Keiynan Lonsdale
A gay romantic film, Love Simon, centres around Simon Spier, a closeted gay high school student. Simon begins communicating with another closeted kid known only by the pseudonym “Blue”. While the two continue their email communication, confiding their personal details, Martin, another student, who discovers their emails, threatens Simon to make their emails public unless he supports Martin to win over Abby. Simon, at the same time, tries to find the anonymous classmate named Blue. Warm and funny, Simon Love is a feel-good entertainer with a good soundtrack.
To all the boys I’ve loved before (2018)
Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Anna Cathcart, Janel Parrish, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac, Israel Broussard, John Corbett.
Those who have watched To all the boys I’ve loved before will truly admit that it is a feel-good teen romantic comedy that everyone would love to watch multiple times. This 2018-released Netflix breakout movie is one of the perfect feel-good English movies that can make your day charming. It plots Lara Jean’s (Lana Condor) intense feelings for her old crushes. The exciting part is that her secret love letters somehow got sent to her five crushes, upending her high school life.
Set it up (2018)
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs, Joan Smalls
Set it up is an American romantic comedy that features two corporate assistants who plot a plan to set up their workaholic-demanding bosses for a date in New York City, to make their life easier.
Girls trip (2017)
Cast: Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith
As the name suggests, this American comedy-drama is a feel-good female movie. Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) of the gang Flossy Posse relive their college days on their trip to the annual Essence Festival in New Orleans. But during their holiday trip, the four ladies realize that there’s more to life than dance parties, drunken nights, and grapefruit sex.
Sing Street
Cast: Lucy Boynton, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Kelly Thornton, and Jack Reynor
Sing Street is one of the best feel good English movies of 2016. This 80s-set coming-of-age mustical story is written and directed by filmmaker John Carney. The story is about an Irish boy who starts a music band to win the attention of a young girl. While the story features young love, it doesn’t run away from the harsh realities of life. The performances and songs in this movie are incredible, and the ending is outstanding.
Frozen (2013)
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds, Chris Williams, Stephen J. Anderson
Frozen, the 53rd Disney animated feature film, portrays a princess, Anna, on a quest to find her estranged sister. She set off on her journey alongside an iceman, his reindeer, and a snowman, and later her icy powers and inability to control them accidentally trapped their kingdom in eternal winter. Realizing that love is the key to breaking the curse and controlling her magic, Elsa ends the winter.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Alexis Knapp
Pitch Perfect is another musical comedy film that features an ensemble cast. The plot follows Barden University’s all-female a cappella group, the Barden Bellas, as they compete to win Nationals against their rival a cappella group from their college, the Barden Treblemakers
Bridesmaid (2011)
Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, and Wendi McLendon-Covey
A single woman in her mid-thirties, Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig), has to suffer several misfortunes after being asked to assist as a bridesmaid for her best friend, Lillian, played by Maya Rudolph. After a series of mishappenings, Annie takes control of her life, resuming baking and fixing all things once damaged.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Cast: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard
A fantastic comedy film, Midnight in Paris is set in Paris. The film centres around Gil Pender, a screenwriter, who confronts the issues with his materialistic fiancee and their conflicting life goals. Gin Pender discovers himself strangely travelling back to time every day at midnight.
The Help (2011)
Cast: Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Cicely Tyson, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, and Octavia Spencer.
Directed by Tate Tayler based on Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel The Help, this 2011 period comedy-drama. The film features an ensemble cast with Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone), a young white lady and aspiring journalist, as the protagonist. The story takes place during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 in Mississippi and focuses on her relationship with two black maids, Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson. The story progresses with Skeeter’s decision to write a book from her maid’s perspective, exposing the racism they experience as they work for white families. It is definitely a feel-good English movie that gives us the lesson change begins with the whisper “You is smart, You is kind, You is important”
Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon
Sex and the City: The Movie is a continuation of the popular 1998-2004 HBO series Sex and the City. It is a continuation of the television series which featured Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), and their lives as women in New York City. The movie plots Carrie’s best friends Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha helping her sort out things and mend her broken heart when her big day turned devastated and finally reconciles with Mr. Big (Chris Noth)
Mamma Mia (2008)
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Stellan Skarsgård, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Colin Firth, and Julie Walters.
Mamma Mia is the journey of a bride-to-be looking for her biological father is depicted through hit songs by the popular 1970s pop band ABBA. Without telling her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep), Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfried), a 20-year-old bride-to-be secretly invites three men to her wedding in the hope that one of them could be her father, without telling her mother.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Cast: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Russell Brand, Mila Kunis
Having truly emotional earnestness threaded together, Forgetting Sarah Marshall stands out as a comedy film with so many real-life moments. The film features the love and breakup life of Peter Bretter and his ex-girlfriend, Sarah Marshall. After 5 years of relationship, Sarah breaks up with Peter; the devastated Peter goes on a vacation to Hawaii to move forward in his life. But unfortunately, he runs into Sarah in Hawaii when she is staying at a resort with his new boyfriend.
Ratatouille (2007)
Voice cast: Patton Oswalt (Remy), Lou Romano (Alfredo Linguini)
Ratatouille, an American animated comedy movie released in 2007 is one of the ever-time feel-good English movies to make you smile and feel happy. A rat named Remy has quite a sophisticated palate and dreams of becoming a chef like his idol, the late Auguste Gusteau. When Remy and his brother Emile, living in the attic of a woman, accidentally reveal their colony to her, they are forced to flee from the place. Remy becomes separated and ends up in the sewer beneath a restaurant, which was owned by Gusteau. Remy there becomes friends with Alfredo Linguini, the restaurant’s garbage boy, and helps him in cooking, thereby realizing his long-time wish.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton
Brian Howe as Jay TwistleThere is no doubt that ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ is one of the best feel good English movies that can make you shed happy tears. This 2006 biographical drama is based on the true story of a struggling homeless salesman named Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) who is desperate to find his purpose and make a critical career move by joining as an intern stockbroker. You will be amazed by Chris’s strong bond with his son, Christopher Jr. because the son’s character is portrayed by none other than Smith’s own son, Jaden Smith. After a lot of hardships and struggles Chris wins a full-time position at the brokerage firm, and later the epilogue reveals that Chris Gardner founded his own multimillion-dollar brokerage firm. After watching the whole movie, you will certainly suggest it as a feel-good movie that anyone should watch.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley, Tucci
Directed by David Frankel, this American comedy-drama is based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel of the same name. This is a forever feel-good English movie, starring Anne Hathaway as an aspiring writer named Andrea (Andy), who gets a job at a Vogue-Esque fashion magazine. There she has to work under the powerful editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), who is a complete nightmare.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Cast: Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin
Though a tragicomedy, Little Miss Sunshine is a feel-good movie that offers some fun-filled moments that can make you smile and keep your stress away. The film revolves around the Hoover family on a road trip to California to support their daughter Olive in her attempt to win the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. Piling into their rusted VW bus, the family rallies behind her, and their quirkiness causes tremendous problems, ending up in riotously funny consequences. With some life lessons, family bond formations, and home truths, the film shares some happy moments.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Christa B. Allen, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer
13 Going on 30 is a fantasy romantic comedy that can be truly listed as a feel-good English movie because of its humorous plot and self-empowering thoughts. It follows Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner), a 13-year-old girl who dreams of becoming popular. In 1987, on her 13th birthday, she was humiliated by her friends and wished to become “30, flirty, and thriving”. The next morning, Jenna wakes up in a luxurious apartment and it is 2004. Though she has the appearance and career she wished for, she was still a child at heart. Watching all the funny moments in the movies will definitely chase the blue away.
Fifty First dates (2004)
Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Sean Astin, Rob Schneider
Fifty First Dates is a story of Henry, a womanizing marine veterinarian, who falls in love with Lucy, an art teacher. When he realizes she has amnesia and forgets him a day later, he vows to win her over again each new day. You can see a man in love going to any length to win back the girl of his dreams.
The Terminal (2004)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chi McBride, Diego Lun, Stanley Tucci
The Terminal is a heart-warming and interesting feel-good English movie everyone would love to watch. The film is about Viktor Navorski, an Eastern European man who got stuck in New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport terminal when he was denied entry to the United States and found himself unable to return to his native country because of a war break out in his country. Because of the war, the Department of Homeland Security didn’t allow him to enter or exit the USA.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Cast: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Kathryn Hahn, Annie Parisse, Adam Goldberg
A romantic comedy, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days follows Andie Anderson, an advice columnist, who tries pushing the boundaries of what she can write about in her new piece, taking inspiration from her friend’s breakup story. She comes up to write about how to get a man to leave you in 10 days, and her editor, Lana loves it. While Andie sets out to find a man for the experiment, enters the advertising executive Ben Berry bets that he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days. The plans of Andie and Ben backfire when they meet.
Love Actually ( 2003)
Cast: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy, Rowan Atkinson
Love Actually, a Christmas-themed movie is actually a romantic comedy-drama that can be watched and enjoyed all year. The story begins five weeks before Christmas and is narrated on a weekly basis. It has a huge ensemble cast and revolves around ten love stories involving different couples whose love life is intertwined as the story progresses. The story begins a few weeks before Christmas and is shown on a weekly basis with an epilogue that takes place after one month.
Elf (2003)
Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Edward Asner, Bob Newhart
Though Elf is a Christmas holiday film, it can be watched 360 days a year. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film centres around Buddy (Will Ferrell), who is born as a human but raised by Santa’s elves. The adult Buddy comes to know about his origin and leaves the North Pole and heads to New York City to find his biological father.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin
Directed by Joel Zwick, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a feel-good English movie that comes under romantic comedies. The story is about a middle-class Greek woman named Toula who falls in love with a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant Ian Miller, despite her family’s apprehension. Considered a sleeper hit, the film was one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time.
Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
You may not feel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as the best of the series, but you won’t disagree with me if I say it is one of the most hopeful and feels-good ones. It is in this first film series that the viewers are introduced to the magical journey of Harry Porter—from an orphan boy to a wizard with magical powers. When you watch Harry Potter, you may feel goosebumps when good wins over evil, friendship, and the triumph of love over hatred.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, and Jennifer Coolidge
Legally Blonde features Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a sorority girl who tries to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington by getting a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School, which he also wants to achieve. Amidst several distrusts and humiliations, she overcomes blonde stereotypes and becomes a successful lawyer through self-confidence and hard-working. What we all could take away from the film is not to judge a book by its cover.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Héctor Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore
A coming-of-age comedy film, The Princess Diaries is a Disney film that follows Mia (Anne Hathaway), a shy American girl who comes to know she is heir to the throne of Genovia, a European kingdom. Mia’s paternal grandmother Clarisse wants to groom Mia into a refined princess of the kingdom that Clarisse now presides over. Mia initially refuses to attend her grandmother’s “princess training” until Helen persuades her to do so, convincing her that she need not make the final decision until the Genovian Independence Day Ball in three weeks’ time.
Bring it on (2000)
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union
The narrative of the movie centres on the preparation of a high school cheerleading team for a national competition. Torrance, played by Kirsten Dunst, is the captain of her high school’s prestigious cheerleading squad. However, they discover on their way to the championships that their routines are perfect replicas of The Clovers, their rival team led by Isis starring Gabrielle Union.
The parent trap (1998)
Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
A feel-good English movie, The Parent Trap is an American romantic comedy, which is a remake of the 1961 film of the same name. It is actually a story of Hallie Parker and Annie James, two identical twins who got separated immediately after their birth, following the divorce of their parents, starring Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson. The twins who were raised without knowing each other’s existence fortuitously meet at a summer camp, and hatch a plan, swapping themselves to reunite their divorced parents.
The Birdcage (1996)
Cast: Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest.
The Birdcage is an American feel-good comedy-drama starring Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, and Dianne Wiest. Armand Goldman (Robin Williams), a gay club owner along with his life partner Albert (Nathan Lane), owns the club ‘The Birdcage’ and pretends to be straight in order to convince the future in-laws of his son, who was born of Armand’s drunken one-night stand with a woman.
Matilda (1996)
Cast: Mara Wilson, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris
Matilda is a fantasy comedy film which centres around the child prodigy Matilda who develops psychokinesis to deal with her disreputable family and tyrannical principal. You can feel her positive energy contagious and she maintains a cool temperament throughout amidst her chaotic parents and the ruthless principal Ms. Agatha Trunch bull.
Clueless (1995)
Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy
Clueless is a coming-of-age teen comedy movie based on the story of Jane Austen’s Emma. Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) lives in a Beverly Hills house with her affluent father Mel, is a stylish but dull-witted girl who uses her charm to get what she likes, including attractive boys, good grades, etc. This is a pure entertainer and soft satire that makes fun of typical teen films.
Sister Act (1992)
Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Nunn, Maggie Smith, Wendy Makkena, Mary Wickes
Sister Act is a 1992 film that revolves around Deloris Wilson (played by Whoopi Goldberg), a lounge singer. Deloris is forced to join a convent after being placed in a witness protection programme by police lieutenant Eddie Souther (Bill Nunn). Though she objects initially, she then befriends the other nuns. Later, as a punishment for her sneaking out to a bar, Deloris was ordered to join the convent choir. With her singing experience, she brings life to the choir and the parish starts to thrive. The plot progresses with the amazing success of Deloris’ choir and her boyfriend trying to kill her.
Coming to America (1988)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, John Amos
An American romantic comedy movie directed by John Landis, Coming to America is a feel-good English movie based on the story of Eddie Murphy, who also played the lead role. Released in 1988, the movie revolves around Akeem Joffer (Eddy Murphy), the crown prince of the fictional African country Zamunda, who travels to America in the hope of finding a woman he loves instead of the one that his father chooses for him. With his best friend & confidante, Semmi, in the New York City borough Queens, they start living in a squalid tenement under the guise of a poor foreign student. The film imbibes so much happiness and fun for the audience.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Cast: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Donald O’Connor
Singin’ in the Rain, a perfect example of the best musical is a feel-good English movie for film lovers. The movie is a depiction of three stars caught in the transition phase of silent movies to talkies. Don Lockwood (played by Gene Kelly) is a studio star who falls for an aspiring actress Kathy Seldon, played by Debbie Reynolds. Her wonderful voice wins her a role opposite him in the new “talkie” films, casting aside his screechy-toned female Lina Lamont, played by Jean Hagen.
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