The weather outside is frightful, and your bed looks so delightful. Staying in seems the way to go: stay indoors, stay indoors, stay indoors. 🎵
I am not promoting rotting in bed since we all need to go out in nature and enjoy the little bit of sun we get on these long, cold winter days. However, we can all agree that on some days and nights, staying warm and cozy with some comfort food, a blanket, and some good-feeling movies is simply the best thing we can do for ourselves.
In honor of these colder months, I have compiled my good-feeling movie list to enjoy while the weather might make us slightly more gloomy than usual. These are written in no particular order of enjoyment or ratings.
1. Last Holiday
This movie is very cherished in my heart since my mother loves it, and it can be considered a Christmas movie. It’s one of those movies where nothing bad happens (well…not really bad), even though it starts with terrible news.
The movie stars Queen Latifah, playing the role of Georgia, a rather timid and reserved woman who never dares to do anything different or to reach for her dreams. One day, she receives the terrible news that she has a terminal illness; this makes her ponder about her life and makes her realize she has been missing out on almost every aspect of her life. Believing this to be her last adventure, she sets off to fulfill whatever she has always desired to experience in the little time she has left.
2. Chef
This movie starring Jon Favreau, the director behind the esteemed Christmas movie “Elf,” is one full of comfort. The film is filled with delicious scenes (literally) since you see Carl (Jon Favreau), the main character, cooking up the best food in the most authentic way. Carl is a chef at a prestigious restaurant and has to follow strict rules based on the owner’s expectations and routines. Carl is an inventive chef who likes to explore different cooking methods and enjoy the most delicious food. I won’t give away many details, but Carl sets out to start his own business, leading to a happier chef, hard work, a heart-warming road trip, and much-deserved success.
3. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This movie is filled with wonders and beautiful shots. Starring Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty, an ordinary man working for the infamous magazine “Life,” developing their photos. Since Walter’s life is monotonous, he spends much time daydreaming, making him appear like a lost individual on the moon. The magazine threatens the livelihood and jobs of many employees working for them since they want to terminate the company. However, they are missing the final picture for the final print issue. That is when Walter sets out on the biggest adventure yet to obtain the last picture. He travels, meets people, conquers his fears, and finds himself.
4. Mrs. Doubtfire
I assume this movie is well-known, yet it deserves a mention for being timeless and wonderful. Mrs. Doubtfire stars the late and brilliant actor Robin Williams as the nanny Mrs. Doubtfire.
Daniel (Robin Williams) is a father struggling with a separation and imminent divorce from his wife, making it difficult for their children as well. Daniel is no longer living with them. Therefore, he only gets the kids on a schedule, which makes Daniel quite miserable. Struggling with his job and missing his children, he hears his ex-wife looking for a nanny and gets the idea of applying for this “job.” After hours of makeup and costume prep, Daniel is welcomed and accepted as the new nanny.
5. The Green Book
The Green Book is based on a true story; it includes heavy topics such as racism and segregation. It stars Mahershala Ali (Dr. Don Shirley) as a talented and world-class pianist embarking on a concert tour in the southern area of the states. He needs a driver and protector, which is when Viggo Mortensen (Tony Lip) comes into the picture, as he is known as a man who can handle any trouble as he has experience working at a club. As the South was known to be crueller about segregation, we witness these 2 characters' journey and all the good and bad times. The bond and the lessons the characters learn from each other (despite their differences) make this movie all the more moving.
6. The Intouchables
The Intouchables is another movie based on a true story—a wonderful depiction of a friendship between two unlikely individuals. The film stars Omar Sy as Driss, a young man with no luck regarding work and struggling with a cramped household, trying to help his mother. He stumbles upon a job that requires taking care of a Parisian aristocrat who has quadriplegia. Driss only goes to the interview to show he is actively seeking work. However, Philippe (Francois Cluzet) is intrigued by Driss. He prefers him over other candidates who seem to forget Philippe is just like anyone else and wants to be treated as such despite his disability. Driss does not walk on eggshells with Philippe, which ignites a genuine connection between the two.
7. School of Rock
I watched this movie as a child and thought it was the coolest movie ever. It might be nostalgia, but it always makes me feel good, and I still, to this day, sing the songs included in the film.
It stars the well-known and loved comedian Jack Black as Dewey, a washed-up rock singer who is good for nothing. One day, as he is kicked out of his band and broke, he decides to identify himself as Ned Schneebly, his friend with whom he lives and takes a job as a substitute teacher at a private school. He does it for the money with no care in the world. Upon realizing the children are skilled in music while observing their music class, he decides to start a band with them. What could possibly go wrong? No, but seriously, it’s a funny and uplifting movie.
8. Sister Act
Another great movie involving music full of funny moments and sweet interactions. I will also assume this movie is well-known and add that it is a trilogy; therefore, you can enjoy the 3 and do a marathon. The story follows Deloris Van Cartier (played by Whoopi Goldberg), a lounge singer romantically involved with a mobster with whom she no longer wishes to be involved. One night, as she returns a gift he had presented her, she witnesses a murder by him and his men. Dolores manages to get to the police, and they send her to a nun convent to protect her. Since this is the opposite of what Deloris represents, she completely hates it at first but finds her place once she is chosen to be in charge of the convent's choir. Her presence and talent help the nun and the church a great deal.
9. Daddy Day Care
Daddy Day Care is a charming movie with nice themes, like dismantling preconceived female/male roles and the importance of a parent's presence and involvement in a child's life. It stars Eddie Murphy as Charlie, a formerly employed advertising executive who finds himself out of work. With a younger son to care for, Charlie's wife is currently the family's primary breadwinner. That's when Charlie gets the idea of starting his Daycare with the help of his former business partner, Jeff, who is also laid off and takes care of his own son in his free time. The idea sounds wild as they both have no experience, but Charlie thinks it can be easy to take care of a bunch of kids. At first, people were skeptical, but since they were well-known in their neighbourhood, the parents quickly enrolled their kids in this new Daycare. As chaos ensues, Charlie and Jeff learn a lot on this journey to find the right balance and benefit the children in their care.
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
A classic Christmas movie starring Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, aka Santa Claus. Since the holidays are coming around, this wholesome movie about the magic of Christmas is an excellent pick for a cozy night, especially with kids.
The film involves Scott and his son Charlie embarking on an adventure on Christmas night, as Scott is obligated to fill in Santa Claus' shoes and deliver the Christmas gifts. At the end of the night, Scott and Charlie go to the North Pole to meet Santa's workers. They are finally transported home, and Scott is convinced it was all a crazy dream. However, Charlie tells him that it's not the case. As time goes by, and the following Christmas gets closer, Scott has to face the fact that he is now Santa Claus, and he has a job to fulfill, elves to take care of and must keep the magic of Christmas alive for all the children around the world.
There you have it, a list of feel-good movies. I could name many more, but for now, these will suffice. Most of these are kid-friendly and very amusing at the parents’ discretion. I am sure you all have good-feeling movies you like to watch year-round or even specifically during the holidays. Whichever it is, enjoy those warm moments and share them with loved ones or by yourself if you prefer. Enjoy your blankets, warm meals and all the snacks in between this season.
