“Feelgood” films are often considered to be heartwarming romantic comedies, timeless classics, or beloved childhood favorites that continue to bring joy even after many years. In our series, “My Feelgood Movie,” Guardian writers share their favorite films that they love to rewatch and explain why these picks are so enduring. This list will be updated weekly with new selections. Looking for more options? Check out our previous lists of the top 10 escapist movies and 52 comforting, rewatchable titles.
1. Rush Hour
Starring: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker
Directed by: Brett Ratner
Why it’s loved: “Rush Hour captures the genuine camaraderie between Chan and Tucker, turning the east-meets-west tropes into characters with real depth and stakes, all while maintaining a sense of fun.” (Tammy Tarng)
Read the full review for Rush Hour
Available on Netflix (US) and Amazon Prime (UK).
2. Father of the Bride
Starring: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short
Directed by: Charles Shyer
Why it’s loved: “Despite my initial reservations about marriage, I find myself drawn to the charm and humor of the Banks family, making me want to be part of their world. The performances of Martin, Keaton, and Short are simply delightful.” (Laura Snapes)
Read the full review for Father of the Bride
Available on Hulu and Disney+ (US) and Disney+ (UK, Australia).
3. Diggstown AKA Midnight Sting
Starring: James Woods and Louis Gossett Jr
Directed by: Michael Ritchie
Why it’s loved: “Diggstown is a perfect feelgood movie that effortlessly blends genres, providing both entertainment and excitement. It’s a film that you can enjoy casually or get completely absorbed in.” (Zach Vasquez)
Read the full review for Diggstown aka Midnight Sting
Available on Amazon Prime.
4. Burlesque
Starring: Cher and Christina Aguilera
Directed by: Steve Antin
Why it’s loved: “Burlesque, often criticized upon its release, is a glittering homage to backstage musicals and melodramas, featuring a stellar cast and a captivating narrative. Despite its mixed reception, the film has its own charm and allure.” (Guy Lodge)
Read the full review for Burlesque
Available on Netflix (US), Sky Cinema (UK), and ABC iView, Amazon Prime (Australia).
5. Head of State
Starring: Chris Rock and Bernie Mac
Directed by: Chris Rock
Why it’s loved: “Head of State is a go-to movie for laughs, especially during election seasons. Chris Rock’s humor and wit shine in this politically themed comedy that never fails to entertain.”
The complete picture serves as a more explicit allegory for Kamala Harris’s defeat than Obama’s victory. Similar to Harris, Chris Rock’s portrayal of Mays Gilliam, a small-time politician turned presidential hopeful, was a sacrificial pawn of the party. He was thrust into the spotlight to soften the blow of an anticipated loss, hastily inserted into the political arena at the last minute, integrated into a well-oiled campaign machine, and hailed as a trailblazer. It prompts contemplation on the thin line between comedy and horror.” (Andrew Lawrence)
Head of State is available for streaming in the US on Freevee, Tubi, Paramount+, and MGM+, in the UK on Paramount+, and on Amazon Prime in Australia.
A Knight’s Tale, featuring Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossamon, and Paul Bettany, directed by Brian Helgeland, holds a special place for our writer. “Watching a feelgood film evokes intense nostalgia for me. When a film deeply resonates with you, revisiting it becomes a journey to reconnect with a past version of yourself. A Knight’s Tale is tinged with the sorrow of Ledger’s untimely passing, but it transports me back to a time when I, a girl who adored jousting because her older brother did, secretly embraced the sentimental nature of an action film.” (Francesca Carington)
A Knight’s Tale is accessible on Amazon Prime in the US and available for digital rental in the UK and Australia.
Alita: Battle Angel, starring Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, and Jennifer Connelly, directed by Robert Rodriguez, serves as a comforting escape when disillusioned with humanity. “My go-to feelgood movie for moments of disappointment with humanity is Alita: Battle Angel, set in a dystopian world littered with technological debris. While I don’t consciously choose it for this reason, it offers a glimpse into a future where things have gone awry, yet unexpected triumphs emerge from the wreckage. While traditional feelgood movies provide temporary solace, sci-fi films like this offer a unique perspective on restoring faith in humanity.” (Jesse Hassenger)
Alita: Battle Angel can be viewed on Hulu in the US, on Netflix and Disney+ in the UK, and on Disney+ in Australia.
I Know Where I’m Going!, featuring Wendy Hiller, Roger Livesey, and Pamela Brown, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, captivates our writer with its blend of mystique, romance, and whimsy. “I Know Where I’m Going! effortlessly weaves moments of profound mystical and romantic significance with comedic interludes and vibrant eccentricity. This disarming approach leaves the audience spellbound, much like the film’s protagonist Joan. In this enigmatic realm, anything seems plausible, even an ancient curse.” (Pamela Hutchinson)
I Know Where I’m Going! is accessible for viewing on Tubi, Amazon Prime
