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Feel good movies bring a world of imagination to life that lifts our spirits. They carry messages that remind us of the things that truly matter, like love, friendship, and family. Whether animated adventures with magical creatures or nostalgic recollections of childhood memories, these feel good films are sure to warm your heart.
1. Song of the Sea
Experience an enchanting adventure in this visually stunning animated movie based on Gaelic folklore. An Irish boy named Ben discovers that his mute sister is a selkie who can turn into a seal. Together they go on a quest to find her voice through a world of supernatural creatures to free her from the spell of a Celtic goddess.
2. Up
As a retired balloon salesman mourns the loss of his soulmate, he decides to finally fulfill the couple’s lifelong dream of visiting the exotic Paradise Falls. He ties thousands of balloons to his home to begin his high-flying adventure soaring to his destination. To his surprise, he discovers 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer Russell in tow. Together, the unlikely duo explore the exotic land, meeting talking dogs and a rare 13-foot tall flightless bird along the way.
3. Hook
Anyone who grew up in the 90s loves this childhood flick starring Robin Williams as a grown up Peter Pan. When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, Peter Pan must return to never-never land to realize his past, reclaim his youthful spirit, and challenge his old enemy. This movie will bring out the inner child in anyone.
4. Flavors of Youth
This nostalgic anime flick features an anthology of three storylines which all take place in China. The film begins with The Rice Noodles as a man recalls his youth and special moments sharing soup with his grandmother. Next, comes a tale of sisterly devotion in A Little Fashion Show, followed by Love in Shanghai’s story of modern-day romance. Stream this feel-good film on Netflix.
5. Mary Poppins
This Walt Disney classic never goes out of style. The Banks family must hire another caretaker to look after their mischievous children. Then a strange wind blows through London, and the charming Mary Poppins arrives. She brings joy back to the household, performing beloved musical numbers like “A Spoonful of Sugar” or “Super‐cali‐fragi‐listic‐expi‐ali‐docious”.
6. Cinema Paradiso
In this Italian movie, a young boy named Salvatore with a love for filmmaking recalls his youth growing up in his home village in Sicily, when he formed a close friendship with the local cinema's projectionist. As he grows up, Salvatore falls in love with a beautiful woman. A turn of events challenges Salvatore with the decision of whether or not to leave his village and pursue his passion in filmmaking.
7. My Neighbor Totoro
Japan’s Studio Ghibli produces the ultimate feel-good movies told through enchanting anime with themes like magic, family, and coming of age. In My Neighbor Totoro, two young sisters move to the countryside while their mother recovers from an illness. As they explore their new surroundings, they discover mystical forest creatures. This childlike treasure reminds of the important things in life like love and family.
