There are days when nothing feels right—when things seem heavy, when we need a nudge to remind us that hope and joy still exist. In those moments, we either want to be alone, waiting for the feeling to pass, occasionally going for long, brisk walks to shake off the gloom, or we talk to close family and friends. And sometimes, we turn to books, movies and music. Books aside, movies can be like friends who step in with vivid characters and stories that make us laugh, cry, and feel alive again.
Here are five uplifting films that are more than just entertaining—they carry valuable lessons about life, hope, love and joy, and have a way of gently putting us in the right frame of mind.
It’s a Wonderful Life is the moving story of George Bailey, a family man weighed down by hardship, who is shown by an angel how deeply his life has touched others and what the world would be like if he had never existed. Steven Spielberg is believed to have said of the film: “It’s a Wonderful Life shows that every human being on this Earth matters—and that’s a very powerful message.” Rightly called “a holiday classic that never grows old,” the film is perfect for the whole family on Christmas or any other day.
This charming French film is about a shy waitress in Paris who quietly helps others get on with their lives. She overcomes her own loneliness by being good to others and bringing joy to those around her, and finds love along the way. It’s a delightful film that reminds us of beauty even in everyday life, and how small acts of kindness can influence others in unexpected and positive ways.
Little Miss Sunshine, 2006
A dysfunctional family takes a road trip from New Mexico to California in their beat-up VW so seven-year-old Olive can fulfil her dream of reaching the finals of the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Along the way, her parents, grandfather, brother and uncle navigate a chaotic and often hilarious journey. The film tells us that good things happen when families rally around each other, no matter what else is going on in their lives.
Based on a true story, The Pursuit of Happyness is one of those films you’ll want to watch more than once, because you can relate to Chris Gardner’s life on many levels—financial hardship, lack of steady income, hard work, single parenting, and even homelessness. Yet through it all, Chris, a struggling salesman, shows tremendous grit as he builds a better life—indeed, a life of dignity—for himself and his son. The film makes you both sad and joyful at the same time, but ultimately leaves you hopeful for better days ahead.
In The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, based on a short story by James Thurber, an office worker escapes his ordinary life by daydreaming—a daring commander one day, a brilliant surgeon the next and a fearless explorer the day after. Until one day, he stop dreaming and sets off on a real-life adventure to find a missing photograph for Life magazine. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping out of our comfort zones on an unexpected journey to discover who we truly are.
Which of these films have you seen and liked? Which other feel-good films would you add to the list? Share your favourites in the comments—we’d love to hear about them.
© Pocketful of Happiness
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