Now, I am a big fan of sad, gritty movies, but every so often my soul longs for something joyful—something so relentlessly happy that I forget what sad even means. I’m thinking here of that one movie—we all have at least one—you can rely on to be whatever you need it to be. You’ve probably seen it more times than you can count, so if you need it to be a mindless distraction, it can be just that. But if you need to laugh, fear not, the jokes are still funny, regardless of how many times you watch it. Of course, a feel-good movie need not be a comedy; anything that soothes your soul will do. Watching this kind of movie is like being with a puppy or an infant. You might not be intellectually stimulated by them, but you will most certainly feel better after a couple hours in their presence. Here are a few picks from your editors.
Editor: Jacob Kortenhoeven
Choice: Megamind (2010)
This hilarious take on the perils of super-villainy has become a go-to feel-good flick for my family—perhaps tied with Tangled for our most-watched animated movie. Each scene of Megamind’s giant blue shenanigans is delightful to watch, and the witty jokes never get old. It’s the best thing for bad since bad became good.
Editor: Suzannah Guthmann
Choice: Emma (2020)
I grew up watching the 1996 Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow. Story wise, I prefer that version and it is closer to the book. However, Anya Taylor-Jane does an incredible job as the matchmaking aristocrat in the 2020 version and the entire film is beautiful and absolutely ridiculous. Think of a really chill Planet Earth with pretty dresses—it’s very zen.
Editor: Will Payne
Choice: My Cousin Vinny (1992)
I hadn’t watched this classic courtroom comedy until recently, and it’s a seriously funny and heartwarming film. (Use of language is extensive, however, so it’s not quite a family movie.) My Cousin Vinny tells the story of two New York teenagers who get arrested in Alabama on suspicion of a crime they didn’t commit. Their hapless cousin, who only recently passed the bar exam after several tries, is called to Alabama to defend them. Hilarity ensues in the cultural contrast between New York and the rural South, and through a series of clever maneuvers, the inexperienced Vinny eventually triumphs. (Spoilers, sorry—but it’s a feel-good movie, so what did you expect?)
Editor: Elias Ferenczy
Choice: The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
After a narcissistic emperor fires his administrator Yzma, he finds himself in her home for a special dinner that night. The mislabeled potion in his drink, while intended for his death, shockingly transforms him into a llama. Dejected and humiliated, the emperor bonds with a friendly peasant herder on his journey to regain his humanity and rightful place on the throne. Not only will you be dazzled by its popping color palette and luscious cartoon landscapes set to the energetic melody of Emperor Kuzco’s theme song, but you’ll also be exposed to what I believe is an excellent depiction of the turbulent, often-unexpectedly hilarious world we call home. Each thoughtfully-crafted character teaches lessons about humanity, virtue, and selflessness in this family-friendly film.