Buzz
The past few weeks have been challenging. Now is the perfect time to lift your spirits. What better way to do that than by enjoying a heartwarming film? These movies will inspire you, touch your heart, or simply make you burst into laughter.
We’ve curated a list of films that are sure to help you forget your worries. Grab some popcorn, a box of tissues, and get ready to feel better.
10. Amélie
Arguably one of the most joyful films ever made, Audrey Tautou stars as Amélie, a solitary waitress in Paris who dedicates herself to bringing happiness to others. With her vibrant imagination, Amélie finds joy in the simplest of things.
When she discovers an old box filled with a child’s cherished belongings, she resolves to return it to its rightful owner. She makes a vow: if returning the box brings him joy, she will dedicate her life to spreading happiness to others.
The box doesn’t just bring him happiness—it inspires him to become a better person and spread joy to others as well. This happiness begins to ripple outward . . . like a contagion. (But let’s not delve into that metaphor.)
Amélie isn’t merely a joyful film; it’s also a visually stunning one. Don’t miss it.
9. As Good As It Gets
As Good As It Gets features Jack Nicholson, which alone is a compelling reason to watch. He portrays Melvin, a grumpy writer with OCD/ASD traits, who insists on being served by his favorite waitress, Carol, played by Helen Hunt. Is that too much to ask? Carol certainly thinks so, as she has her own priorities to manage.
As Good As It Gets is essentially a road trip film, featuring Jackson as a reclusive writer resistant to change, Hunt as a waitress struggling with her son’s chronic illness, and Greg Kinnear as Nicholson’s neighbor whose life is unraveling.
The storyline, however, takes a backseat. The true delight of this movie lies in the evolving bond between Melvin and Carol, as well as Kinnear’s standout portrayal of an artist grappling with financial woes and other challenges.
The film balances humor with raw honesty. Carol refuses to let Melvin use his mental health struggles as an excuse, holding him accountable for his often careless and sometimes hurtful actions. Through this, Nicholson’s character learns to grow into a better person.
8. Up!
Arguably Pixar’s greatest masterpiece, Up tells the heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between a solitary elderly man and an enthusiastic boy scout. Voiced by Ed Asner, the old man is on the brink of fulfilling his lifelong dream to visit South America when a boy scout, Jordan Nagai, shows up at his door, determined to earn his Assisting the Elderly badge.
Up transcends the label of a mere children’s movie. It delves into themes of loneliness, unrealized dreams, and the overwhelming weight of grief—topics that may not sound uplifting at first. Yet, it also celebrates love, friendship, and the magic of bucket lists. While it features surreal moments, the film masterfully explores the profound themes of companionship and personal fulfillment.
Asner’s character is reportedly inspired by Spencer Tracy’s role in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, blending just the right amount of gruffness to mask his inner sorrow. The film earned a well-deserved Oscar for Best Animated Feature and continues to be one of Pixar’s most cherished creations.
7. Edward Scissorhands
Edward Scissorhands is a timeless Christmas fairy tale that extends beyond the holiday season. It tells the story of a poignant bond between Johnny Depp’s Edward Scissorhands and Winona Ryder’s Kim, crafted with a magical, fairy-tale essence by Tim Burton.
Edward is a modern-day Frankenstein, created by Vincent Price’s character, who passes away before completing Edward’s hands, leaving him with only scissors in their place. This unique condition makes it difficult for Edward to fit in, isolating him from the world.
Like the finest fairy tales, Edward Scissorhands carries a touch of darkness while remaining deeply moving. Depp delivers a stellar performance, Ryder holds her own, and Diane West, as Kim’s mother, is simply extraordinary. The film explores themes of belonging and exclusion, serving as a reminder that those deemed 'different' aren’t always the ones with scissors for hands.
One of the film’s standout moments features Diane West, who moonlights as an Avon representative, attempting to conceal Edward’s scars with foundation. The scene is both humorous and touching as she blends and blends and blends.
6. Mrs. Doubtfire
While a story about a man losing custody of his children might not sound uplifting, this film defies expectations. Robin Williams shines as the carefree father, and Sally Fields portrays his wife, who’s tired of being the sole responsible adult in their relationship.
The logic behind Robin Williams disguising himself as an elderly Scottish (or perhaps Irish—the accent isn’t consistent) woman is unclear, but it hardly matters. The result is a delightfully entertaining film that’s impossible not to enjoy.
The film also introduces Mara Wilson, the child star with the world’s most adorable lisp, in her debut role as Williams’ youngest daughter. It’s a story that underscores the value of family in all its forms and the importance of stepping up to responsibility. Plus, it’s a showcase for Robin Williams’ hilarious antics, complete with silly voices and a wig.
The movie’s standout moment is undoubtedly Williams dancing to 'Dude Looks Like a Lady,' but let’s not forget the scene where he hurls fruit at Pierce Brosnan’s head. Honestly, who hasn’t fantasized about doing that?
5. Dead Poets Society
The quintessential emotional teenage film, Dead Poets Society has the power to bring tears to the eyes of even the most stoic adults. Merely uttering the phrase, 'O Captain! My Captain!' is enough to make strong men and even stronger women weep.
Also featuring Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society is a coming-of-age tale enriched with poetry. Who wouldn’t want to watch that? Thankfully, it’s not just about poems or teenagers. It’s about inspiration, beauty, and embracing your emotions. It’s about friendship, living extraordinary lives, and, yes, poetry too.
So, what’s holding you back? Seize the day and watch it right now.
4. A Night At the Opera
If you’re feeling down, A Night At the Opera is guaranteed to lift your spirits. This Marx Brothers masterpiece is a timeless classic.
If you can’t locate this particular film, almost any Marx Brothers movie will suffice. However, only this one includes the legendary Contracts Scene, which is comedy gold and nearly flawless in execution.
The film stars the usual suspects—Groucho, Chico, and Harpo—alongside Margaret Dumont, who, as always, becomes the target of Groucho’s wit. Playing a wealthy socialite, she’s approached by Groucho, who’s seeking investors for an opera company. That’s all the setup required; the rest is pure Marx Brothers magic.
Groucho Marx delivers his signature wit in this film, often hailed as one of the Marx Brothers’ finest works. While the Contracts Scene is worth replaying endlessly, the Stateroom Scene also deserves applause—it’s essentially the cinematic equivalent of the 'How Many People Can You Fit in a Mini?' challenge.
3. Groundhog Day
If you’re in search of a heartwarming film, look no further than Groundhog Day—even if you’ve already watched it countless times. The story follows a self-centered man forced to relive the dullest day imaginable until he gets it right. It’s a simple yet brilliant concept, elevated by Bill Murray’s genius (though, let’s be honest, Murray could make reading a phonebook captivating!).
Murray plays Phil Connors, a pompous weatherman, alongside Andie MacDowell as his earnest producer. The exact duration Phil spends reliving Groundhog Day remains a mystery, but it’s long enough for him to master the piano, learn French, and befriend nearly everyone in town. It’s astonishing how much can change in a single day.
2. Fermín Glorias del Tango
If Al Pacino’s tango in Scent of a Woman captivated you, then The Glories of Tango is a must-watch. Hector Altiero portrays Fermin, an 85-year-old shell-shocked mental patient confined to a mental institution for decades. It’s only when a new psychiatrist arrives that someone questions why Fermin communicates solely through tango lyrics. The film beautifully narrates Fermin’s life story through the lens of tango music.
The music transports Fermin back to 1940s Buenos Aires, rekindling his passion for dance and more. With its stunning soundtrack and cinematography, the movie serves as a poignant reminder that the elderly were once young and vibrant. As Fermin’s psychiatrist delves into the world of tango to understand his patient, he also uncovers truths about his own life.
While not a blockbuster, Fermín Glorias del Tango is guaranteed to touch your heart and leave you feeling uplifted.
1. Scent of a Woman
Al Pacino has starred in numerous exceptional films, but this 1992 gem stands out. It features a young Chris O’Donnell as a high school student who takes on the job of caring for a blind veteran grappling with anger issues.
Pacino portrays Lt. Colonel Frank Slade, a blind and deeply unhappy man on the brink of ending his life. O’Donnell plays Charlie, a well-meaning teenager who can’t seem to catch a break. Frank imparts lessons about women, love, and life to Charlie, while Charlie helps Frank realize that his life still holds value, even without his sight.
While the film has its somber moments, they serve to heighten the joy of its uplifting scenes. Charlie and Frank embark on a road trip that broadens Charlie’s perspective in ways he never expected.
The movie’s standout moment isn’t Pacino’s tango, though that’s impressive. It’s his powerful speech to the school board near the film’s conclusion. 'Out of order? I’ll show you out of order.'
+ Little Miss Sunshine
If you’ve watched all 10 of these films and still feel a chill in your heart, give Little Miss Sunshine a try. Its star-studded cast and heartfelt story are sure to warm you up.
Olive is a young girl from a highly dysfunctional family who earns a spot in The Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Determined to support her, the entire family piles into a run-down yellow camper van for an 800-mile journey. In most families, this setup might spell disaster, but here, it’s the beginning of something special.
Along the way, Olive’s family discovers the importance of leaning on one another and working together. They also master the art of starting the van—a task far more complex than it seems. Most importantly, they learn to embrace each other’s quirks, which is essential given how wildly different they all are. The journey is long, but the payoff is immense, especially when Olive’s unconventional 'dancing' steals the show at the pageant.
Oh, and this film happens to be a favorite of our esteemed leader, JFrater, so you know it’s worth watching!
