Why is this good for your emotional health and wellbeing?
A ‘feel good’ movie is a great pick-me-up if you’re feeling down. Whether it’s a romantic comedy, a Disney classic or an action-hero adventure, either watched with friends and family or tucked up in bed, films help us experience a dream world where anything is possible and this can leave us feeling inspired.
Our movie suggestions for 90 Minutes of Feel-Good:
Wicked: For Good (2025) PG
About Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
How to train your dragon (2025) PG
About the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, and how both species forge a new future together.
The Life of Chuck (2024) 15
Story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) PG13
About a city-raised foster child, who is taken in by a couple on a remote farm but things don’t turn out well. Ricky takes off into the woods causing a national manhunt in the wild New Zealand bush.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) PG
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is an inspirational and heart-warming film based on a true story.
Big Hero 6 (2014) PG
About a boy who is bereaved after losing his older brother and befriends a loveable inflatable robot.
The Princess Bride (1987) PG
A princess who is betrothed to a nasty prince – an 80s classic.
10 things I hate about you (1999) PG
A classic 90s high school flick about a popular teenager who can’t go on a date until her ill-tempered older sister does.
Forest Gump (1994) 12
The real life story of a brave man from Alabama with a low IQ who faces many obstacles growing up, but doesn’t let them ruin his happiness.
The Lion King (1994) U
A lion cub and future king Simba searches for his identity.
One of the best Disney films showing the highs and lows, sorrow and laughter of the ‘Circle of life’.
Ever After: Cinderella Story (1998) PG
The ‘real’ Cinderella story. Shows the darker side of the Cinderella story, portraying Cinderella as a strong-minded heroine whose not afraid to fight for her happiness.
The Goonies (1985) 12A
A bunch of misfits set out to find pirates ancient treasure, so they can save their home – classic 80s film known for ‘Hey You Guys!’
The Greatest Showman (2017) PG
Tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create the birth of the Circus which became a worldwide sensation. A modern musical about ambition and imagination.
Sing (2016) and Sing 2 (2021) U
A koala stages a grand singing competition for the world’s animals in order to save his elegant theatre.
A funny and quirky animated musical.
Inside Out (2015) and Inside Out 2 (2024) U
The film takes place in the head of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, and her five emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—which are portrayed by characters who help Riley to deal with moving to a new city, house, and school.
If you’re looking for a feel good Anime movie take a look at Studio Ghibli
Page updated on February 4th, 2026 at 04:24pm