15) High Fidelity (2000)
First on our list is the undeniably brilliant, High Fidelity. We all have a friend like Rob; the unlucky-in-love underachiever who can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to the opposite sex. Throughout the film, he recounts the 5 worst break-ups of his life. Fresh from his break-up with Laura, his latest girlfriend, we find he happily revels at her inability to make the cut. Later, we find him miserably listing the 5 reasons that he misses her most. John Cusack plays a character here that we all know, and that we have all been at some point in our lives, meaning the heart-warming conclusion is even sweeter.
“Charlie, you fucking bitch. Let’s work it out.” – Rob
14. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
There are so many things to make you happy in Wes Anderson films. The colours, the soundtrack, the symmetry (see here); they all make for a perfect blend of whimsical and uplifting. Fantastic Mr. Fox features of all of these plus some awesome one-liners and a tons of charm from it's main characters. A fast paced adventure with a feel-good message about being yourself and never giving up.
"We're all different. Especially him. But there's something kind of fantastic about that, isn't there?" - Mrs. Fox
13) National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
I’ll start off by stating the obvious: Animal House is an absolute classic. Nearly every scene in this film is so iconic in its own right that’s it absolutely impossible to condense it into a few sentences. It is THE college movie, with all of the vulgar, outrageous and downright disgusting behaviour you can imagine. But what makes it stand out from other films is how unforced and unrelentingly funny it is. It perfectly balances insanity and accuracy, and all with a legendary soundtrack to boot. There’s pot-smoking teachers (Donald Sutherland), brawls, and the toga party to end all parties. Basically it may not be one to watch with your parents if you’re off to university any time soon. But to those of you who are, you better cross your fingers for a mate like John Belushi’s Bluto, perhaps one of the funniest film characters of all time.
“Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.” – Dean Vernon Wormer
12. Song of the Sea (2014)
Song of the sea is beautiful in pretty much every way. It's an Irish animated fantasy film about two young siblings trying to find their way home, obstructed at every turn by an array of magical creatures. Despite sounding like a kids fairytale, this film really does have an appeal to all generations with an engaging story as well as the gorgeous hand-drawn animation. I feel like it had a whole lot of heart poured into it by everyone involved in the making, and it really paid off. Oh, and the heavy Irish accents are a constant source of pleasure.
"You're her big brother. You must always look after her" - Conor
11) Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Yes, it may be another film where Michael Cera plays a chronically awkward teen trying to win the affection of a girl. No, it is nothing like those other films. In Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, we learn almost immediately that Scott (Cera) must battle and defeat an army of 7 evil ex-boyfriends (or girlfiends) to win the heart of the mysterious Ramona Flowers. Everything from this point onwards is so fast-paced and utterly bizarre that the entire films rushes past you in a blur of unrelentingly entertaining chaos. The film incorporates the 8-bit design of the graphic novels from which it is based with tantalising visual flair, leaving the end result feeling like an acid trip through the arcade of your dreams.
“When I’m around you, I kind of feel like I’m on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case I do them all the time. All of them.” – Scott
10) Superbad (2007)
Chances are you’ve seen this one, but that’s absolutely not an excuse to not watch it again right now. When Superbad was released, it became one of the most quotable comedies of all time, and for good reason. Seth (Jonah Hill), Evan (Michael Cera) and Fogell (real name Mclovin) are the ultimate trio. The three of them are so equally nerdy; so equally inept at socialising, and so ridiculously likeable that this film never fails to bring a smile to your face. The three underdogs endure some of the most painstakingly embarrassing moments in cinema history so that we don’t have to, and for that reason, they are heroes.
“You know when you hear girls say ‘Ah man, I was so shit-faced last night, I shouldn’t have fucked that guy?’ We could be that mistake!’ - Seth
9. Ponyo (2008)
We couldn't have a feel-good list without some Studio Ghibli. Like all of Miyazaki's films, Ponyo is an example of a kids film that's packed with so much detail and beauty that it's appeal stretches way beyond it's target audience. The tale of a fish-girl who leaves her overprotective father underwater to befriend a human boy, Ponyo takes a well-known fairytale (The Little Mermaid) and turns it into something original - full of innocence, positive morals and magic.
"What do you know about humans? They spoil the sea. They treat your home like their empty, black souls." - Fujimoto
8. Amélie (2001)
Amélie has a simple story, but one that'll easily win you over; a Parisian waitress decides to dedicate herself to improving the lives of others, whilst at the same time ignoring her own. It's a French film with a playful narrative and quirky style that leaves you with the desire to get out and do something nice for someone. Some people might find it too sugary, but we think it's a perfect bit of escapism.
"Life's funny. To a kid, time always drags. Suddenly you're fifty. All that's left of your childhood... fits in a rusty little box." - Bretodeau
7. School of Rock (2003)
School of Rock was definitely a defining film of our childhoods, and we're sure others born in the 90's would agree. Watching it now with a combined age of nearly 40, we still wish we were in that class. A failing musician lies his way into forming a band of fourth grade schoolkids in order to win the Battle of the Bands and pay off his rent; it's a ridiculous story with ridiculous characters, and it just works. The songs are catchy, the lines are memorable and Jack Black is in his prime as the hilariously over the top lead Dewey Finn/Mr. S.
"I have been touched by your kids... and I'm pretty sure that I've touched them." - Dewey Finn
6) Juno (2007)
When Juno was released in 2007, it was included by countless critics in their end-of-year lists. This is largely due to the fantastic performance from Ellen Page as Juno MacGuff, a boundlessly likeable 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant following an ‘experiment’ with a typically awkward Michael Cera (this time playing Juno’s friend, Paulie). The film deals with the subject of teenage pregnancy with stark honesty, following Juno closely through the 9 tumultuous months of her term. While the many hardships were to be expected, her quick wit and hilarious one-liners come as a welcome surprise, with Page’s presence and timing carrying the film beautifully. This film really is very smart, and very funny.
“Vanessa: Your parents are probably wondering where you are.
Juno: Nah… I mean, I’m already pregnant, so what other kinds of shenanigans could I get into?”
Juno: Nah… I mean, I’m already pregnant, so what other kinds of shenanigans could I get into?”
5) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
There’s very little to be said about this film that hasn’t already been said. But if you haven’t seen it, do it right now. Chances are, a number of your favourite movies have borrowed a thing of two from it. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a uniquely innocent and warm-hearted comedy, something that we rarely see. We follow three best friends, Ferris (Matthew Broderick), Cameron (Alan Ruck) and Sloane (Mia Sara), as they enjoy the ultimate day off around New York. We see them exploring art museums, leading parades and destroying Ferraris, all whilst dodging both their clueless parents and infuriated teachers. The result is a whirlwind film that is truly impossible not to love.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller
4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Another Wes Anderson film for the list. We seem to be featuring a lot of films with children as their central characters, and perhaps that's a recurring component of a feel-good film; simple, innocent characters who are untainted by the world around them. Moonrise Kingdom is a great example of this - 12 year old's Sam and Suzy run away to live in the forest together, and their families do everything they can to keep them apart. It's a beautifully paced film with an unashamedly indie style, which can't help but leave you feeling warm and fuzzy afterwards.
"We just want to be together. What's wrong with that?" - Suzy
3. Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous has a hugely wide appeal - it's a coming of age tale of epic proportions, with great music, glamour, a whole host of genuine characters and a strong emotional impact. It's the story of a teen wannabe-journalist who (somewhat unwittingly) tags along with a famous 70's rock band, experiencing the highs and lows of the celebrity lifestyle. While watching you'll feel like you've been transported to another era for the near 3 hours, but will be happy to have been on a journey as exciting as the one witnessed on screen.
"Rock stars have kidnapped my son!" - Elaine Miller
2) Frances HA (2012)
After much debate, we decided that this underrated gem only narrowly misses out on being our favourite feel-good movie of all time. Greta Gerwig, plays Frances, an ambitious but clueless 20-something living in New York with an enormous heart, and an equally enormous lack of direction. Shot completely in black-and-white, the film finds its warmth in her goofy and exuberant character. We follow her as she flits between jobs, friendships, and even countries, taking with her only a handful of possessions and an spontaneous and infectious persona. If you are looking for a conventional film with a structured plot, look elsewhere. If however, you are looking to be introduced to one of the funniest characters in recent years, look no further. Frances HA is a contagious burst of fun that fully immerses you in the life of the best friend you wish you always had.
“Sometimes it's good to do what you're supposed to do when you're supposed to do it.” - Frances
1) Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
And here it is, the most feel-good film in the world. Little Miss Sunshine is a film that other films want to be. It is tremendously funny, honest, and at times, almost inhumanly human. To say much more would be to underplay how truly amazing this film is, and how amazing it will make you feel. So if you are yet to see this masterpiece, drop whatever you’re doing and put it on right now. You won’t regret it.
“A real loser is someone who’s so afraid of not winning he doesn’t even try.” - Grandpa
