Need to Escape the Global Doom and Gloom? These Feel-Good Movies On Netflix Will Help
Siriol Dafydd
Entertainment Writer | Urban List, Sydney
Whether you’re depressed by the increasingly horrifying news cycle or it feels like your algorithm is out to get you, you’re definitely not alone. It seems that you only have to glance at your phone these days to get bombarded by a bleak combination of general human suffering, impossibly beautiful influencers, and exes, annoying colleagues, and mean people from high school living their best lives (urgh).
But fear not, because we — and the good people at Netflix — are here to help.
From rom-coms to nostalgic kid movies to cheesy based-on-a-true-story vibes, we’ve put together a list of the best feel-good movies to watch on Netflix. So sit back, relax, and let yourself escape to a world where everything ends up A-OK.
27 Dresses
When it comes to feel-good movies, you cannot beat a classic rom-com you’ve already seen a bajillion times. But, if you somehow haven’t seen this one yet, it’s about a perpetual yet ridiculously devoted bridesmaid whose life totally unravels when her boss (whom she has been secretly in love with for years) and her spoiled-brat sister get engaged. It’s got all the notes you’d expect from a rom-com, and a healthy dose of James Marsden being adorable in general as the romantic lead. This one is best served with ice cream, choccies, and/or a large glass of red (especially if it’s that time of the month).
Matilda
Fancy a delightful mix of subversive optimism and nineties nostalgia? If you’re not familiar with this whimsical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, the story follows a young girl who uses her newly discovered telekinetic powers to fight back against her neglectful parents and abusive headmistress. It’s a heartwarming, family-friendly movie about good triumphing over evil and finding your place with your chosen family.
The Bucket List
This one will make you both laugh and cry, so have your tissues at the ready. The story follows a billionaire and a blue-collar mechanic who meet as roommates in a terminal cancer ward. After bonding over a shared desire to get a bunch of stuff done before they “kick the bucket”, they head off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure all over the world. Think inspirational scenery, adventure, banter, and a heartwarming message about life, friendship, and a bittersweet ‘it’s never too late to find joy’ kind of vibe.
Free Willy
This is another one for the nostalgic among us (or anyone who loves a movie about unbreakable bonds between humans and animals). This family-friendly nineties classic follows a rebellious kid who befriends a captive orca whale (Willy) while serving a ‘graffiti cleaning’ sentence for vandalism. And, when he learns about a plot to kill Willy for the insurance money, he attempts a daring rescue to release him back into the ocean where he belongs. It’s a touching family drama that will hit all the right notes. And if you’re still just a big child inside, you’ll probably giggle at the title too (no judgment, we’ve all been there).
Happiness for Beginners
If you fancy a low-key romantic comedy that leans more on the drama side, Happiness for Beginners should do the trick. The story follows a recently divorced teacher who joins a tough survival course through the Appalachian Trail in an attempt to reset. But, as her younger brother’s best friend shows up on the same trip, things don’t quite go to plan. It’s more of a subdued, slow-burning romantic storyline mixed with themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and facing your fears. It’s not the best movie of all time, but it is a cute and cosy one you can half-watch on a lonely Sunday evening as you munch on a much-needed pizza (or whatever it is that floats your culinary boat).
Nonnas
This 2025 film starring Vince Vaughn and Susan Sarandon will have you feeling all of the feels. After losing his mother, Joe (Vaughn) feels he’s been wasting his life, so decides to open a restaurant with Italian grandmothers (Nonnas) as the chefs. It is such a wholesome movie and has that Vince Vaughn humour and charm, sprinkled with the class and acting chops of Sarandon.
Dog Gone
After a young man and his beloved dog are separated on the Appalachian Trail, he and his father begin a desperate search to find him before it’s too late. The stickler for this one is that it's based on an incredible true story and stars Rob Lowe, who basically wrote the manuscript for feel-good movies. It's cliche and the script has more cheese than Switzerland so it's perfect for your weekend streaming. Watch it now.
Look Both Ways
On the eve of her college graduation, Natalie’s (Lili Reinhart) life diverges into parallel realities: one in which she becomes pregnant and remains in her hometown, and another in which she does not and moves to Los Angeles. In both alternate realities, Natalie experiences life-changing love, pursues her dream career as an artist and rediscovers herself. Watch it now.
Love & Gelato
Oh yes, let the escapism begin. While this film isn't for everyone (bar those that absolutely loved Emily In Paris or The Bold Type), it's the kind of flick you can switch on for a well-deserved break from the news or you know, heavy true crime documentaries. Lina, a 17-year-old American, finds herself having to travel to Rome to honor her mother's memory. Catapulted into an unknown country, too messy and full of chaos for her serious, methodical and even a little nerdy nature, she has to reckon with her obsessions, anxieties and fears. For us, we're loving this one for the Italian fashion montages and beautiful Roma scenery. Watch it here.
Rescued By Ruby
We mean, nothing will bring your spirits up more than a dog movie, right? State trooper Dan (Grant Gustin) dreams of joining the K-9 Search And Rescue team, but no one will give him the chance. Shelter dog Ruby has been unlucky finding her forever home. When fate brings Dan and Ruby together, it's their unshakable bond that helps them face their toughest challenge yet. The best bit? it's based on a true story. Watch Rescued By Ruby here.
Holidate
Netflix continues to serve us cliche rom-coms that are just excellent, doesn’t it? Holidate follows Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Roberts) as strangers who agree to be each other’s platonic plus ones to avoid the “why are you single?” questions. All goes well, until one develops feelings. Like I said, it’s cliche, but you don’t mind with such an excellent cast and genuinely fun plot. If you want a wholesome and funny movie, this is it.
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Eurovision
It may seem a strange time to be enthralled by a Netflix movie in the midst of a global pandemic, racial injustice riots, anti-terror protests, a sport standstill, a climate crisis and political campaigns that outwardly discriminate against LGBQTI+ rights, but Will Ferrell’s latest comedy is the sort of brilliance that kicks back at the world’s divide right now. It’s not hard to realise why Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga is a glorious success. Written by Will Ferrell, the comedy follows aspiring Icelandic musicians Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) who are given the opportunity of a lifetime to represent their country at Eurovision and from here — the Eurovision cameos and references literally spiral out of control.
Moxie
Directed by Amy Poehler, Moxie is the kind of movie bound to lift your spirits. Vivian (Hadley Robinson), a seemingly shy 16-year-old, has always preferred to keep her head down and fly under the radar. But when the arrival of a new student (Alycia Pascual-Peña) forces her to examine the unchecked behaviour of her fellow students running rampant at her high school, Vivian realizes she’s fed up. Inspired by her mother’s (Amy Poehler) rebellious past, Vivian anonymously publishes an underground zine called Moxie to expose bias and wrongdoing in her high school and unexpectedly sparks a movement. Watch it here.
The Fundamentals Of Caring
Based on the novel by Jonathan Evison and written, directed and produced by Rob Burnett, The Fundamentals of Caring stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Ehle, Megan Ferguson and Frederick Weller. The film follows the story of Ben, a retired writer who becomes a caregiver after suffering a personal tragedy. After six weeks of training, Ben meets his first client, Trevor, a foul-mouthed 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, Ben and Trevor take an impromptu road trip to all the places Trevor has become obsessed with while watching the local news, including their holy grail: the World's Deepest Pit. Watch it here.
Vacation
If you grew up watching National Lampoon’s Vacation, you’ll want to hit play on its next-generation spin-off. Vacation follows the infamous Clark Griswold’s son, Rusty, as he tries to reconnect with his family in true Griswold style. Rusty (Ed Helms) basically goes all or nothing and forces his family into a week-long road trip to the nostalgic Walley World and, as you might have guessed, everything that can go wrong absolutely does. The Vacation also stars the hilarious Christina Applegate and Aussie talent Chris Hemsworth.
Someone Great
If you need a break from the seemingly dark world of Netflix right now, Someone Great is your fix for laughs, the reality of relationships and the beauty of amazing best friends. Extremely relatable, this hilarious film stars Gina Rodrigues as Jenny, an aspiring music journalist who has just landed her dream job across the country. Things fall through with her boyfriend of nine years which naturally means her two best friends rally together to give her a mammoth send off and hit one last adventure around the city for old times sake.
Dumplin’
Not only is Dumplin’ one of the best Netflix Originals, it’s also one of the best feel-good movies you could treat your soul to. Dumplin’ (you know her as Aussie star Danielle Macdonald) is the plus-size, teenage daughter of a former beauty queen, played by Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her mum’s pageant in protest. When this escalates and more contestants follow suit, the pageant and town it's based in, are slowly revolutionised.
Need more binge content? Then binge your way through the best shows on Netflix.
Image credit: Netflix
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