Today officially marks three weeks since I have not been into work and one week since being laid off (for the time being, fingers crossed). Everyone’s experience of this international crisis has been difficult in different ways and at different levels, but I believe most of us, myself included, could use a little pick-me-up in the form of feel-good movies. So here is my attempt at creating my own unique list of twenty feel-good films that I have seen and would recommend.
But first I must ask, what makes a movie a feel-good movie? Is it positive all the way through? Is it a film for the whole family? Does it have a fantastic cathartic ending that makes all the previous suffering worth it? Does it make you laugh nearly every scene? Does it make you cry happy tears? You’ll find all these cases on here and more. But, since there are so many of positive movies out there in the world, I decided to get a little experimental with this list by creating something I call The Movie Chain.
Unlike my other posts, this list is organized in a particular order, as I am trying to link each film to the next using a core similarity between the two. For example, if I were to include Jaws and the next film were to be Jurassic Park, the link between the two would be that they were both directed by Steven Spielberg and that they are monster movies with great visual effects with a cautionary tale. At the end I will attempt to link the final film on the list back to the first one.
Some links in The Movie Chain may be stronger than others so bear with me on the idea. Most importantly though, I hope you come across something that catches your eye, or perhaps one of your favorites you want to re-watch for the umpteenth time. And if anything reminds you of another film that is not on this list, heck, throw that on too. Whatever makes you smile.
I will be sure indicate if films are available for free on certain streaming services.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is the oldest film on this list, but one I find relevant, as it deals with subject of corruption and neglect on Capitol Hill, a theme many of us are probably tired of hearing about. While this cynicism serves as the opposition in the film, the movie’s source of hope shines in the form of the naïve Jefferson Smith, a young man who arrives to D.C. as a newly appointed U.S. Senator aiming to restore some faith in his world and ours.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A Christmas flick, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the all-time uplifting movies. After an unfortunate string of events, protagonist George Bailey finds himself in a state of suicidal depression but is approached by the angel Clarence who shows him what life would be like if he never existed. The film rises from nightmare to optimistic dream, making it one of the most effective at what it achieves.
The link with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: The films, both directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart, have mirroring structural premises and unforgettable final scenes.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Neal is an executive who must make it back home to Chicago for Thanksgiving but gets stuck with a talkative salesman named Del through constant travel delays and hurdles. John Hughes veers away from his patented teen-angst genre with PT&A and shows us a movie about overcoming initial judgement and looking out for others.
The link with It’s a Wonderful Life: Del comes out of nowhere as his own version of Clarence only clumsier and more annoying, and both movies are holiday films that left me with similar uplifting feelings.
Available for free on Crackle
A Goofy Movie (1995)
I lost my first baby tooth when I was five years old dancing during the credits of A Goofy Movie. My favorite father-son film, Max Goof is trying hard to be cool at school, especially since Goofy is his dad. And just when things start going his way, Goofy decides to go on a bonding-time road trip which leads to its fair share of memorable moments, whether they be funny, tense or joyous.
The link with PT&A: They are both road trip comedies that in the end prove to be something more than just a comedy.
Available for free on Disney +
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001)
Jimmy Neutron can solve pretty much any science problem, but when his parents get abducted by aliens, he must pull off his biggest stunt yet. Filled with many zany, hilarious moments about kids growing up, it’s a blast seeing Patrick Stewart and Martin Short voice the villainous egg aliens. Jimmy’s ridiculous friends and wacky parents are just as memorable.
The link with A Goofy Movie: Two of my favorites from childhood, these films deal with the inevitable moment of a child’s rebellion, and the love that endures in the relationship with their caring parents.
Available for free on Netflix
WALL-E (2008)
More than any other Pixar film, WALL-E does more with less words. Years into the future, Earth has been abandoned and WALL-E, a cleaning robot, does his daily routine of stacking blocks of scrap into towers and admiring Hello, Dolly! in his trailer full of collections. One day he meets EVE, a droid sent from space to find signs of habitable life, who ignites a spark within him that proves to be monumental.
The link with Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius: Both are children’s movies that begin on Earth and then blast off into space for a wild adventure.
Available for free on Disney +
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
An amazing film about childhood, My Neighbor Totoro is the prime example of what Hayao Miyazaki can create with such simplicity and grace. We follow sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move into a new home and meet the fantastical beings in the natural world around them.
The link with WALL-E: These are the two best films I’ve seen bring out the youthful innocence of their characters through their actions more so than their dialogue. Not only is WALL-E like Totoro in that he can barely speak, but he is also like Satsuki and Mei: curious and adventurous.
E.T. – The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
Not without its share of emotion, Steven Spielberg creates a grand experience with E.T., one of his most influential movies. In the film, E.T. is an alien who has been stranded on Earth and builds a powerful connection with a boy named Elliott who aims to protect E.T. from harm and get him back to his home.
The link with My Neighbor Totoro: Totoro and E.T. are similar as beings that present themselves to children in difficult family situations. I found similarities in the nighttime flying scenes as well.
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Lilo & Stitch is a hilarious, touching and wonderfully animated film following an alien who crash lands in Hawaii, only to get adopted by a young girl named Lilo. The strength of Lilo & Stitch lies in stressing the importance of family instead of romance, a premise that for a Disney movie was well ahead of its time.
The link with E.T.: You can instantly see the inspiration E.T. has on Lilo & Stitch. An alien ends up on Earth only to be found and cared for by a child in a single guardian household. Which movie am I talking about here?
Available for free on Disney +
Coco (2017)
Coco may have a reputation as a tear-jerker, but it’s happy tears that flow as we follow the story of young Miguel, who uncovers his family history in his journey to the Land of the Dead with the help of his guitar and passion for music.
The link with Lilo & Stitch: As I see it, Coco follows Lilo & Stitch’s lead as a major animated film centering on familial love instead of romance. The cultural settings of Mexico and Hawaii both have connections to the continental US that are not commonly represented in mainstream American films.
Available for free on Disney +
Holes (2003)
Based on the novel by Louis Sachar, Holes is a must-see. Protagonist Stanley Yelnats’ is subject to a five-generation old family curse, his most recent misfortune being his sentence at Camp Green Lake, a penitentiary where he has to dig holes in the desert all day. Filled with great performances from A-list actors, Holes is an adventure both heartbreaking and liberating.
The link with Coco: How did we make this jump? Besides orange being a prominent color in both, they both feature genealogical curses that must be lifted to restore family unity, pride and memory.
Available for free on Disney +
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption, while dark at times, follows Andy Dufresne, a prisoner who quickly earns a reputation among the guards as a useful money launderer. The film explores the exploitative nature of these prisons, as Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman put on great performances in this memorable story. It’s hopeful, liberating message amid all the odds makes it a fan favorite.
The link with Holes: In many ways, I see The Shawshank Redemption as Holes for adults due to the setting and the way the prisoners themselves are exploited. Or perhaps Holes is Shawshank for kids.
Available for free on Netflix
Victory (1981)
Also known as Escape to Victory, John Huston’s film follows a group of Allied prisoners of war in WWII who plot to escape during an exhibition soccer match against a propaganda-thirsty Nazi team. Sylvester Stallone stars as the tough American goalie, with appearances from Michael Caine and soccer legend Pelé as well. Despite its setting and a couple of graphic scenes, Victory is one of my favorite sports films due to the way it depicts its historical context.
The link with The Shawshank Redemption: Parts of Victory’s premise and setting as a prison movie are echoed in those of Shawshank’s.
The Sound of Music (1965)
The Sound of Music is a classic film in which Julie Andrews plays Maria, a nun who becomes the governess of a wealthy military household in Austria. Her musicality comes in handy, as her singing lessons strengthen her relationship with the family. And when danger arrives in the form of the Nazi invasion of Austria, the foundation the family has built with Maria proves to be crucial.
The link with Victory: They are both films that use the development of a talent and then a performance of that talent as a means to escape the Nazis.
Available for free on Disney +
School of Rock (2003)
School of Rock may have a ridiculous premise, but it’s a lot of fun. Jack Black plays a down-on-his-luck musician named Dewey who pretends to be a substitute teacher to make some cash. But once he finds his students have musical talents, he aims to turn them into rockers.
The link with The Sound of Music: In each film we follow an instructor inspiring a group to embrace their unique and creative side using music. I enjoy thinking Dewey’s initial creation of a student rock ensemble is a comedic version of The Sound of Music’s “Doe a Deer” scene.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
In one of cinema’s most popular high school movies, we follow Ferris Bueller and his friends’ joy ride through the city of Chicago as they decide to play hooky. Although Ferris Bueller’s Day Off captures the essence of living carefree, it does not come without its lessons in the form of its crazy happenings and Ferris’ signature breaking of the fourth wall.
The link with School of Rock: Both deal with schoolkids who go against the grain and whose protagonists delve into situations with little to no regard for the ramifications.
Available for free on Netflix
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Oh, The Blues Brothers. A super funny film to jam along with, musical hooligans Elwood and Jake Blues encounter blues and soul music legends, cops, and Illinois Nazis in their mission from God to save the catholic orphanage that raised them. With legendary cameos and a hilarious script, The Blues Brothers will make you laugh till you yourself are blue in the face.
The link with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: There is a good argument to be made that The Blues Brothers and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off are the two definitive Chicago comedies.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Ghostbusters, as wild of a movie as they come, is about a group of goofy ghost hunters trying to make a living. Extremely quotable (“don’t cross the streams!”), Ghostbusters showcases a group of comedians at the peak of their powers in their eventual battle against the ultimate evil. And there is no better place for such a showdown than Manhattan.
The link with The Blues Brothers: If The Blues Brothers is the premier 80s comedy about Chicago, then Ghostbusters is the equivalent for New York City. Not only that, the films are Dan Aykroyd’s two most famous theatrical roles.
Back to the Future (1985)
Next up, the classic comedy Back to the Future. The movie follows Marty McFly, who has accidentally been sent back thirty years to 1955, where he must convince his mom to fall for his dorky dad after she falls for him instead. Filled with unforgettable lines (“Great Scott!”) and wild supporting characters like the genius Doc Brown and the villainous Biff, this movie withstands the test of time.
The link with Ghostbusters: The wild gadgets and memorable dialogue make these movies the ultimate sci-fi comedies of the 80s.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day, one of my favorite movies, follows the literal daily routine of Phil Connors, a meteorologist brilliantly played by Bill Murray who wakes up to and relives February 2nd every day. The film gets hilariously creative exploring the multitude of possibilities in such a situation, but also successfully takes the commendable step of making it a film about bettering oneself, even if one can be omnipotent.
The link with Back to the Future: Both top-notch comedies, Back to the Future and Groundhog Day are original in the way they play with time in their stories.
Available for free on Netflix
The final link: But how does Groundhog Day relate back to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington? It’s kind of a leap, but I’ll go ahead and jump. These are the two films on this list that remind me the most about what is going on in the world right now. As I previously mentioned, Mr. Smith recalls to me the political corruption or inaction that is not done in the name of the people. Groundhog Day to me represents another side of what many are facing, the feeling that we are stuck in a perpetual daily loop for who knows how long. Both films, I hope, bring a certain optimism despite those facts, as they tell us that we have the individual power to fight against and alleviate heavy circumstances like the one we face now.
If you made it this far, thank you for following my little experiment. Here is the chain without all the descriptions:
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington --> It’s a Wonderful Life --> Planes, Trains and Automobiles --> A Goofy Movie --> Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius --> WALL-E --> My Neighbor Totoro --> E.T. --> Lilo & Stitch --> Coco --> Holes --> The Shawshank Redemption --> Victory --> The Sound of Music --> School of Rock --> Ferris Buller’s Day Off --> The Blues Brothers --> Ghostbusters --> Back to the Future --> Groundhog Day --> Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Once again, I hope you and your loved ones are safe, sane and healthy. Throw on that movie you want to watch, you deserve it.
-Ish
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