Our Favorite Feel-Good Movies on Netflix

By Olivia Manthey

Movies and music have a way of taking our minds off the bad things in the world. With everything that’s going on right now, we’re all in need of great movies! From classics and comedies to family-friendly picks, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite feel-good movies on Netflix. Boost your spirits if you’re finding yourself in a slump, watch with the family, or host a virtual watch-party with your friends thanks to the new Netflix Party app!

Julie & Julia (2009)

 

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A hilariously brilliant cooking movie based on the ever-so-talented Julia Child, played by goddess Meryl Streep, is a funny and encouraging movie! As Julie Powell (Amy Adams) decides to cook and blog her way through Julia Child’s classic The Art of French Cooking cookbook, she’s faced with struggles of failing dishes, highs of cooking the perfect dinners, and learning about life and relationships along the way. Watch as both Julie and Julia power through their hardships and joys and keep their “Bone-Appetite” spirit!

Murder Mystery (2019)

 

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One of Netflix’s great original movies, Murder Mystery, stars Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler as a couple finally departing for a long-awaited European trip when they find themselves invited aboard a billionaire’s yacht in a murder mystery situation! As the NYC couple pales in classiness comparison to the billionaires, they find themselves undoubtedly standing out. The laughs are as plentiful as the suspicions!

Failure to Launch (2006)

 

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Failure to Launch is definitely a fan-favorite rom-com. With a star-studded cast including Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Bates, Terry Bradshaw, Bradley Cooper, and Zooey Deschanel, it’s become a popular comedy pick for both the girls and guys. As parents attempt to get their 30-something son out from under their roof, they hire a relationship consultant to pry him out of their home and into the arms of a woman!

The Karate Kid (2010)

 

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An adaptation of 1984’s classic—now starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan—The Karate Kid is kickin’! As a wayward kid finds himself in a new city halfway around the world and gets into trouble for fighting in his new school, a lonely handyman takes it on himself to teach the boy respect, discipline, and, of course, how to stand up for himself. This movie will have the whole family smiling faster than you can say “Wax on, wax off.”

Family Friendly:

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

 

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If you haven’t checked out the sequel to this beloved Disney classic, you must! As many adaptations can often seem inferior to the original, Mary Poppins Returns is a fantastic addition that will bring back all the themes you loved about the first one. Although it is hard to beat Julie Andrews, Emily Blunt does a superb job of making Mary Poppins her own while still keeping the nostalgia of the 1964 original! Lin-Manuel Miranda joins her as Jack, a charming lamplighter, and Meryl Streep steals her scenes as the whimsical Topsy.

Bolt (2008)

There nothing better than a sweet dog movie, and Bolt is one of our newer all-time favorite Disney movies! Miley Cyrus and John Travolta lend their voice talents to this hilarious action-comedy about young actress Penny and her dog, Bolt, who believes he really has superpowers as he does on their hit TV series. When Bolt gets loose after filming a cliffhanger episode, he embarks on a wild mission to find Penny again—and he’s in for a rude awakening when he finds his powers “aren’t working” anymore. On his journey home, he meets some other quirky animal friends and learns some of the joys of being a regular dog.

Tarzan (1999)

Tarzan is another Disney classic that never gets old! When the unlikely couple of Jane and Tarzan meet, it shows the kindness and understanding that can be shared when meeting people who are different from us. A man raised by apes will swing his way right into your heart. With the award-winning Phil Collins–led soundtrack and that feel-good warmth, Tarzan is the perfect family movie! Check out the new Legend of Tarzan as well—starring Margot Robbie and Alexander Skarsgard, its a great live-action remake!

Spy Kids (2001)

 

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Spy Kids is so nostalgic, especially for those millennial and gen-z kids! Something about being a spy when you were a kid was so cool and exciting, and, let’s be honest, we haven’t changed much. Spy Kids is a great family-friendly action movie! Grab some popcorn and get ready for a spy-tacular time!

What are some of your top Netflix feel-good picks? Let us know in the comments or on social media @viemagazine!