Sometimes feel-good movies get a bad rap for being too campy or cringey. I say that’s part of their charm. There’s something about the genre that nurtures the soul and keeps it from hardening you into a cynical mess.
10
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Watch Kiki’s Delivery Service on HBO Max
Kiki’s Delivery Service doesn’t really have conflict in the traditional sense—there are no bad guys, nor is someone trying to take over the world. Instead, it focuses on a young girl whose job involves delivering packages on her flying broom. Meanwhile, it faces the challenges of loneliness and self-doubt.
The movie makes it a point to show (not tell) the best aspects of independence, friendship, and why being part of a community is essential to your mental health. Despite the mistakes Kiki makes along the way, she keeps at it anyway because her job is her passion. I empathize and relate to Kiki a lot, so when impostor syndrome has me down, I give Kiki’s Delivery Service another watch.
9
What We Do in the Shadows
Watch What We Do in the Shadows on Disney+
I don’t know what kind of dark magic was used to make What We Do in the Shadows just as funny and heartfelt as the movie of the same name. It’s definitely somewhere on my top 100 favorite movies of all time, and now the show is in my top 100 favorite shows in the universe. It’s one I’d recommend binge-watching when life feels unstable!
Watching how much the vampires struggle to fit in and do normal things is cathartic; in fact, What We Do in the Shadows is a sort of comfort show when life is feeling unstable. The characters are charismatic and lovable, and the situations are incredibly absurd, but that’s what elevates the comedy.
8
I Love You, Man
Watch I Love You, Man on Disney+
I Love You, Man is good on so many layers—its simple and heartfelt premise, the cast, and its consistent comedy. The movie is by no means unheard of, and sits at an above-average score on Rotten Tomatoes, but I’m surprised by how few people I know have seen it, or even heard of it. Regardless, I think it deserves way more attention. For starters, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel have good chemistry. They aren’t just funny, but riff off one another really well, and the awkwardness of Paul Rudd’s performance (and sometimes Segel) gives their budding friendship authenticity.
What makes it particularly great is that I Love You, Man is basically set up like a rom-com, except there aren’t any romantic feelings between Peter (Paul Rudd) and Sydney (Jason Segel). It’s a unique subversion of the genre!
7
Dumb & Dumber
Watch Dumb & Dumber on Apple TV
Dumb & Dumber is one of the biggest reasons I started a Plex server. I was set on preserving my favorite movies and, ultimately, my collection. Dumb & Dumber takes the aspects of a road trip movie, a bit of crime, and Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels riffing off one another in one of the most convincing friendships I’ve ever seen in comedy.
The best way to describe Lloyd and Harry’s friendship (Carrey and Daniels, respectively) is like two dopey dogs. And despite being complete idiots, they treat each other better than most families do, and know when to admit their mistakes. It’s a genuinely positive message woven between farts and annoying noises.
6
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Watch Scott Pilgrim vs. the World on HBO Max
Not only is Scott Pilgrim vs. the World a work of art, but it also tackles some heavy topics, like past trauma negatively affecting future relationships. However, it’s not concerned with placing the blame on any one person—Envy (played by Brie Larson) is portrayed as cold, and Scott (played by Michael Cera) as the victim, but it’s obvious their toxic behavior is what caused the breakup.
That kind of setup runs throughout the entire movie. These characters are forced to reconcile with their toxic behavior, but are still given a chance to redeem themselves. I think that’s a very touching message; introspection isn’t a skill that comes naturally to people.
5
The Mummy Returns
Watch The Mummy Returns on Apple TV
The Mummy and The Mummy Returns are the two biggest reasons I love movies so much. In my eyes, they’re the perfect movies, and the sequel somehow avoids the Curse of the Bad Sequel. Brendan Fraser’s character, Rick O’Connell, is inspired by Indiana Jones, but his delivery and dialogue make it entirely unique. His mannerisms carry over into The Mummy Returns and fit beautifully into his life as a father.
I didn’t forget about the rest of the cast—Evelyn (played by Rachel Weisz) is just as ferocious when it comes to protecting her child, now that she’s learned to fight by Rick. You love to hate a villain like Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), and John Hannah as comic relief never gets old. I’ve watched this movie a thousand times, and it never fails to make me feel good and a little misty around the eyes.
4
School of Rock
Watch School of Rock on Paramount+
I can’t think of any movie starring Jack Black that I didn’t like, or was at least entertained by his performance, but School of Rock truly blew my expectations out of the water. It’s like Bad Teacher before Bad Teacher, but with way more punk attitude and rock ‘n’ roll.
What elevates this movie is Jack Black’s performance, which I have a gut feeling was less of a performance and Jack Black just being himself and truly loving the idea of teaching kids about music. And I do appreciate that School of Rock teaches kids the power of individuality, teamwork, and a pinch of disdain for authority.
3
13 Going On 30
Watch 13 Going On 30 on Amazon Prime Video
Although I’ve seen 13 Going On 30 soon after it was released, I didn’t fully appreciate it until I watched it as an adult with my significant other (at her request). I’m a sucker for rom-coms with wholesome messaging on being in the moment and expressing your true self.
Jennifer Garner plays the role of a 13-year-old stuck in a 30-year-old’s body perfectly. It’s the mannerisms and naivety, the high-energy giddiness you’d expect from a younger person that hasn’t been made cynical by life’s disappointments. Watching Jenna (the character, not the actress) find a more positive way to empower herself, make good friends, and get the guy is admittedly uplifting.
2
Step Brothers
Watch Step Brothers on Amazon Prime Video
If you need a reason to put yourself out there and create meaningful friendships, just watch Step Brothers. It shows you all the fun you get to have when you have that one buddy who will always have your back. On the flip side, Step Brothers is also explicitly clear: Don’t lose your dinosaur.
Or, in other words: it’s okay to be silly, it’s okay to like “childish” hobbies, friendships are awesome, and you should be doing what you love, even if you’re an adult. The adults who are chasing after money, like Derek (played by Adam Scott), are completely miserable!
1
Hot Fuzz
Watch Hot Fuzz on Hulu
I’ll watch just about anything Edgar Wright is involved in, with Hot Fuzz being one of my favorites (and another being Scott Pilgrim vs. The World). This is another movie that takes the power of friendship and gives it the buddy cop spin.
I don’t mind a character’s lawful-good nature being informed by a tragic backstory, but in the right setting, someone with an innate sense of good can be engaging. Nicholas Angel (played by Simon Pegg) seems like that kind of person—the kind of cop you want patrolling the streets and helping citizens out of the goodness of his heart. That ultimately rubs off on Danny Butterman (played by Nick Frost), and the two quickly progress from allies to best friends.
Despite the campy nature and sickly-sweet friendships on full display, I can’t help but melt like chocolate in the sun when I rewatch these movies. If you’re looking for a shift in delivery, there are numerous binge-worthy mini-series that are undeniably good.
