Buzz
Films fulfill various roles in our cultural consumption: some educate, others inspire, many highlight societal injustices, and yes, some are simply light entertainment to enjoy with your breakfast or to relax after a long day. Occasionally, a movie can do all of the above. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of films designed to lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face.
Some of our picks might seem silly—watching Jackass Number Two won’t exactly challenge your intellect, though it might make you laugh or cringe. Yet, each film on this list, in its own unique way, aims to restore a bit of faith in humanity (yes, even Jackass Number Two). Dive into this collection of feel-good movies that inspire hope, provoke thought, or simply make you laugh out loud.
1. Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen co-directed and choreographed this iconic musical, capturing the journey of three 1920s Hollywood stars transitioning from silent films to sound. Kelly and Donald O’Connor shine as a down-to-earth film star and his loyal friend, navigating fame and industry shifts, while Debbie Reynolds dazzles as a chorus girl on the brink of stardom—if only her dancing and singing could be seen and heard together. Singin' in the Rain is a burst of pure joy, guaranteed to leave you grinning by the final scene.
Where to watch it: HBO Max
2. A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
Richard Lester’s comedy brilliantly captures and critiques The Beatles’ meteoric rise to fame, as the Fab Four dodge fans and prepare for a media frenzy leading to a televised concert. Packed with unforgettable pop tunes and sharp wit, John, Paul, George, and Ringo prove their comedic chops as they hilariously maneuver through one chaotic situation after another.
Where to watch it: HBO Max
3. Rocky (1976)
Despite the franchise’s evolution—culminating in the excellent Creed series—it’s worth revisiting the modest origins of the saga that catapulted Sylvester Stallone to stardom. Stallone stars as the titular underdog, a down-and-out boxer given a shot at glory when world champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) selects him for a title bout. While the film set the template for the iconic “big fight” trope, its true strength lies in Rocky’s heartfelt relationship with the shy Adrian (Talia Shire), ensuring the story had a beating heart beneath its action-packed exterior. This emotional core defined not just the first film but the entire series.
Where to watch it: HBO Max
4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Steve Martin and John Candy elevate this John Hughes comedy beyond mere laughs, delivering a story that’s as touching as it is hilarious.
Where to watch it: Hulu
5. Almost Famous (2000)
Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical tale follows a budding music journalist as he steps into the world of his rock idols. The script was so compelling that Steven Spielberg funded it on the condition that Crowe didn’t alter a single word. A poignant exploration of first love and the complexities of meeting your heroes, the film celebrates the beauty of being “uncool” and underscores a vital truth often missing in coming-of-age narratives: growing up may hurt, but holding onto your passion is what truly matters.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
6. Keeping the Faith (2000)
Edward Norton wrote, directed, and starred in this film, which sounds like the start of a joke: a priest and a rabbi both fall for the same woman. As the priest alongside Ben Stiller (the rabbi) and the radiant Jenna Elfman (the woman), the movie becomes a thoughtful exploration of how faith enriches lives while also presenting challenges. With standout performances from Hollywood legends like Anne Bancroft, Eli Wallach, and Milos Forman, the film transforms its quirky premise into something profound. The chemistry among the three leads captures the delight of a well-told story about connection and love.
Where to watch it: HBO Max
7. Jackass Number Two (2006)
Johnny Knoxville and his crew from this series are undeniably foolish, with their pranks often being juvenile and gross. Yet, it’s rare to find a group of friends—especially on a prank show—who are so genuinely good-humored about both the chaos they create and the consequences they face. The film features plenty of male nudity, which they handle with ease, even celebrating it with a chaotic, painful musical finale. By directing their antics only at each other and responding with humor rather than anger, they subtly challenge toxic masculinity, making their absurd antics surprisingly refreshing.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime via Paramount+
8. Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
British director Mike Leigh, known for his heavy dramas, delivers a heartwarming tale that feels like a soothing balm for the soul. Poppy (Sally Hawkins), a cheerful English schoolteacher, appears carefree at first but reveals a deep, infectious kindness toward everyone she meets, including a bitter driving instructor (Eddie Marsan). The film subtly shifts your perception of Poppy, transforming her seemingly lighthearted outlook into a profound and empathetic worldview, leaving viewers with a much-needed reminder of the power of kindness.
Where to watch it: Netflix
9. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
After crafting intricate, dollhouse-like films, Wes Anderson realized his vision with this entirely artificial adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel. George Clooney voices the titular fox, torn between his wild instincts and the demands of family life after moving near three farms run by hostile humans. What starts as a clash of wills becomes a heartfelt lesson about making choices that benefit not just oneself but the entire community. With a stellar voice cast, the film brims with charm and humanity.
Where to watch it: Disney+
10. Moneyball (2011)
Brad Pitt delivers a standout performance as Oakland A's manager Billy Beane in this inspiring true story. Faced with budget constraints, Beane turns to unconventional strategies to build a competitive baseball team.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
11. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
In the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America could have been seen as a symbol of American military dominance. However, Joe Johnston, with a stellar script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely and a perfectly cast Chris Evans, transformed him into a representation of America’s core values: justice, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. The film shines in moments like when a frail Steve Rogers throws himself on a grenade to save his comrades, but its true strength lies in its celebration of heroism, making it one of the most uplifting superhero tales ever told.
Where to watch it: Disney+
12. The Muppets (2011)
Following a muppet-inspired segment in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller penned this revival of Jim Henson’s beloved characters. The story reunites Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang to save their old theater from ruin. Balancing adult humor with family-friendly charm, Segel and Amy Adams lead a delightful array of musical performances that honor the original film, while a parade of celebrities deliver witty, self-aware cameos. This heartfelt homage captures the enduring spirit of these lovable puppets.
Where to watch it: Disney+
13. Begin Again (2013)
While John Carney’s Once and Sing Street are rightly adored, this 2013 musical drama deserves equal acclaim. It’s both a love letter to New York City and a reflection on the evolving music industry, seen through the eyes of a fallen record executive (Mark Ruffalo) and a talented singer-songwriter (Keira Knightley) grappling with the echoes of a past romance. The soundtrack is exceptional, but the film’s true strength lies in the tender, nuanced relationship between its two richly developed characters, blending raw honesty with poetic grace.
Where to watch it: Amazon via IMDb TV
14. Magic Mike XXL (2015)
While the original Magic Mike launched Channing Tatum to stardom, its sequel feels like the celebratory encore fans craved. Mike (Tatum) and his crew reunite for a wild road trip to Myrtle Beach, culminating in a no-holds-barred male stripper competition. Beyond its self-aware humor, XXL excels in delivering electrifying dance sequences featuring incredibly fit men shedding their clothes to infectious beats. A standout dance film that prioritizes female enjoyment while entertaining male audiences, Magic Mike XXL is that rare sequel that outshines its predecessor.
Where to watch it: HBO Max
