Are you looking for the top 20 feel-good movies of all time? Then, welcome to an enchanting world of feel-good movies!
Choosing the top feel-good movies of all time helps you to get full entertainment with a sense of joy and inspiration and also to utilize your free time properly.
However, it is awful work to select the top ones from thousands of feel-good movies of all time. And, everybody claims that their favorite ones are the top feel-good movies.
Hence, we’ve reviewed all the popular feel-good movies and chosen the top 20 feel-good movies for you. All the movies listed below are selected by watching them, reviewing other websites, and based on ratings.
Table of Contents
1. Forrest Gump
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Release Date: July 6, 1994 (USA)
Running Time: 2 Hours 22 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Casts: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field, Mykelti Williamson, Haley Joel Osment, Hanna R. Hall, Michael Conner Humphreys, etc.
Synopsis: This is a heartwarming story of a simple man with a low IQ who experiences extraordinary adventures, reminding us that life is full of unexpected moments and infinite possibilities. This movie teaches us about love, friendship, and the beauty of life.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Release Date: December 15, 2006 (USA)
Running Time: 1 Hour 57 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 8/10
Casts: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, Takayo Fischer, Dan Castellanita, James Karen, Kevin West, etc.
Synopsis: It is a powerful and inspiring film based on the true story of Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith. It follows Chris’s journey as a struggling unpaid intern in a brokerage firm and a single father (left by his wife) who overcomes immense challenges and achieves his dreams through determination and unwavering optimism. The movie highlights the invincible human spirit and the pursuit of happiness against all odds.
3. October Sky
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Release Date: February 19, 1999 (USA)
Running Time: 1 Hour 48 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Casts: Jake Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott, Chad Lindberg, Scott Thomas, Randy Stripling, etc.
Synopsis: It is the story of a coal miner’s son, Homer, who becomes interested in Rocket Science after seeing Sputnik 1 in the sky. But his father wants him to follow in his footsteps as a coal miner. However, Homer keeps building the rockets with the help of his best friends and a teacher until he succeeds.
4. The Intern
Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Release Date: September 25, 2015
Running Time: 2 Hours and 1 Minute
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Casts: Robert De Niro, Anna Hathaway, Adam DeVine, Rene Russo, Zack Pearlman, Jojo Kushner, Christina Scherer, Anders Holm, etc.
Synopsis: This movie revolves around the life of Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who becomes an intern at an online fashion retailer, led by the ambitious and vibrant boss, Jules Ostin. As the film unfolds, it beautifully explores the long-lasting friendship between an intern, Ben, and the boss, Jules despite their age gap.
5. Legally Blonde
Directed by: Robert Luketic
Release Date: July 13, 2001 (USA)
Running Time: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
Casts: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Coolidge, Luke Wilson, Mathew Davis, Selma Blair, Linda Cardellini, Ali Larter, etc.
Synopsis: Here is the story of Ell Woods, who was only involved in the fashion and glamour world, who is left by her boyfriend saying that he needed a serious woman. Then she enrolls in Harward Law School to win back her boyfriend. But she encounters the adventurous events there and finds her true self.
6. The Holiday
Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Release Date: December 8, 2006 (USA)
Running Time: 2 hours 18 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Casts: Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Rufus Sewell, Eli Wallach, Emma Pritchard, etc.
Synopsis: The Holiday is a romantic comedy movie where two women, Iris Simpkins, and Amanda Woods frustrated with their love lives, decide to switch homes for the Christmas holidays. As they settle into their new surroundings, both of them unexpectedly fall in love with new people in that new places.
7. The Shawshank Redemption
Directed by: Frank Darabont
Release Date: September 22, 1994
Running Time: 2 Hours 22 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 0.3/10
Casts: Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins, Clancy Brown, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, James Whitmore, etc.
Synopsis: Andy Dufresne, who is a famous banker, is sentenced to lifetime imprisonment for the cause of the murder of his wife and her lover. He builds a strong friendship with Red, another prisoner. At last, he escapes from that prison, The Shawshank Redemption, from where no one had ever escaped and fulfills his dream.
8. Working Girl
Directed by: Mike Nichols
Release Date: December 21, 1988
Running Time: 1 Hour 54 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Casts: Melanie Giffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, John Cusack, Alec Baldwin, Kavin Spacey, Philip Bosco, etc.
Synopsis: It shows the story of Tess McGill, a secretary, who decides to fight back by using the identity of her boss, Katharine, while she was hospitalized after knowing the fact that she had stolen her business idea. With the support of an unlikely ally, Jack Trainer, Tess navigates the complexities of love, deception, and corporate politics.
9. The Freedom Writers
Directed by: Richard LaGrevenese
Release Date: January 5, 2007
Running Time: 2 hours 3 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Casts: Hilary Swank, April Lee Hernandez, Patrick Dempsey, Jason Finn, Imelda Staunton, Dance
Synopsis: The Freedom Writers is a powerful and inspiring film based on the true story of teacher Erin Gruwell. The movie revolves around a racially divided and troubled high school in Long Beach, California, where Erin, a young teacher, embarks on a mission to make a difference in the lives of her students. Facing resistance and skepticism, she employs unconventional teaching methods, encouraging her students to express themselves through writing and sharing their stories.
10. Mamma Mia!
Directed by: Phyllid Lyold
Release Date: July 10, 2008
Running Time: 1 Hour 48 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Casts: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski, Stellen Skargard, Julie Walters, etc.
Synopsis: The story centers around Sophie Sheridan, a young bride-to-be who invites three men from her mother’s diary to her wedding in hopes of discovering her true father. “Mamma Mia!” is a delightful celebration of love, family, and friendship, offering a feel-good experience that will have audiences tapping their feet and singing along.
11. When Harry Met Sally
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Release date: July 21, 1989
Running Time: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Casts: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steven Ford, etc.
Synopsis: The film follows the lives of Harry Burns and Sally Albright as they encounter each other at different stages of their lives over several years. From their initial animosity to a deepening friendship, the movie explores the question of whether men and women can truly be just friends or if romantic feelings always get in the way.
12. Mona Lisa Smile
Directed by: Mike Newell
Release Date: December 19, 2003
Running Time: 1 Hour 57 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Casts: Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles, Kristen Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Marcia Gay Harden, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dominic West, John Slattery, etc.
Synopsis: Here, Katherine, an art history professor, challenges the traditional expectations placed upon women at Wellesley College, an all-female college known for its conservative values. In her quest to inspire her students and encourage independent thinking, Katherine faces resistance from both the faculty and some of her students. But she keeps teaching them in unique ways and encouraging them to question social norms established for women and follow their passions.
13. Julie and Julia
Directed by: Nora Ephron
Release Date: August 7, 2009
Running Time: 2 Hours 3 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 7/10
Casts: Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Amy Adams, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jane Lynch, Linda Emond, etc.
Synopsis: This movie shows the stories of two women from different times who find inspiration and fulfillment through cooking. The movie follows Julie Powell, a frustrated government employee who embarks on a year-long project to cook every recipe from renowned chef Julia Child’s cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” As Julie documents her culinary journey through a blog, she discovers her passion for cooking and finds purpose in her life.
14. The Terminal
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Release Date: June 18, 2004
Running Time: 2 Hour 8 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
Casts: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Diego Luna, Zoe Saldona, Kumar Pallana, Sasha Spieberg, Benny Golson, etc.
Synopsis: The story revolves around Viktor Navorski, a man from the fictional country of Krakozhia who becomes trapped in the terminal of a New York City airport because his passport becomes invalid due to war in his country. Unable to enter the United States or return home, Viktor must adapt to life in the terminal, forming relationships with airport staff and fellow travelers. As the film unfolds, Viktor’s resourcefulness, kindness, and unwavering spirit touch the lives of those around him, creating a sense of community within the airport walls.
15. Pride and Prejudice
Directed by: Joe Wright
Release Date: September 16, 2005
Running Time: 2 Hours 7 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Casts: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Carey Mulligan, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods, Jena Malone, Rupert Friend, Tom Hollander, etc.
Synopsis: Pride and Prejudice” is a classic novel by Jane Austen. It explores the complex relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in 19th-century England, highlighting themes of societal pressures, class divisions, and overcoming pride and prejudice to find love.
16. Eat, Pray, and Love
Directed by: Ryan Murphy
Release Date: August 13, 2010
Running Time: 2 Hour 13 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
Casts: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Billy Crudup, Hadi Sabiyantu, Viola Davis, I. Gusti Ayu Pushpawati, etc.
Synopsis: This movie follows Liz Gilbert’s journey of self-discovery after a difficult divorce. She explores pleasure in Italy, seeks spirituality in India, and finds love and balance in Indonesia. The film explores themes of self-discovery, healing, and happiness.
17. To All The Boys I Had Loved Before
Directed by: Michael Fimognari, Susan Johnson
Release Date: August 17, 2018 (United States)
Running Time: 1 Hour 39 minutes
IMDB Rating: 7/10
Casts: Lana Condor, Anna Cathcart, Noah Centineo, Jenny Han, Janel Parrish, Maddie Ziegler, Ross Butler, Jordan Fisher, Israel Broussard, Emilija Baranac, etc.
Synopsis: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is a film based on the novel of the same name by Jenny Han. This follows the story of Lara Jean Covey, a high school student whose secret love letters are unexpectedly sent to her past crushes. To navigate the situation, she enters into a fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky(one of them). As their pretend romance unfolds, Lara Jean begins to question her feelings and discovers the true meaning of love.
18. La La Land
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
Release Date: December 9, 2016
Running Time: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 8/10
Casts: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, J.K. Simmons, John Legend, Sonoya Mizuno, Finn Wittrock, Jessica Rothe, etc.
Synopsis: It is a musical romantic drama film set in Los Angeles, the story follows the passionate love affair between Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress as they chase their dreams in the entertainment industry. Through vibrant song and dance numbers, “La La Land” explores themes of love, ambition, and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of success.
19. Easy A
Directed by: Will Gluck
Release Date: September 17, 2010
Running Time: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 7/10
Casts: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Stanley Tucci, Lisa Kudrow, Dan Byrd, Aly Michalka, Patricia Clarkson, etc.
Synopsis: The lead character, Olive Penderghast, is a high school student who becomes the subject of rumors and gossip after she pretends to have lost her virginity to one boy from school. Then Olive’s life becomes increasingly complicated, and she learns important lessons about the power of perception and the impact of her actions. “Easy A” is praised for its witty humor, strong performances, and its exploration of teenage identity and social dynamics.
20. The Princess Bride
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Release Date: October 9, 1987
Running Time: 1 Hour 38 Minutes
IMDB Rating: 8/10
Casts: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Bily Crystal, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Fred Savage, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, etc.
Synopsis: The Princess Bride” is a fantasy adventure film based on the novel of the same name by William Goldman. It tells the story of a princess named Buttercup and her true love, Westley who is a farm boy. With its witty dialogue, quotable lines, and timeless charm, “The Princess Bride” has become a beloved classic that appeals to both children and adults alike.
We hope this article helped you to find the top feel good movies of all time.
