We all have those days. The ones where you feel a little off, low on energy, or just plain blah. When that happens, there’s no better medicine than diving into something that makes you feel good—something that reminds you of joy, laughter, and life’s simple pleasures.
After years of experimenting (and a few deep dives into popcorn and playlists), I’ve put together the ultimate “feel-good” list. These are the movies, music, and shows that can instantly boost your mood—even on your worst days.
Let’s get into it.
🎬 Feel-Good Movies: Pure Comfort on Screen
There’s nothing like a cozy movie to lift your spirits. Here are classics and hidden gems that bring warmth, laughter, and a happy ending.
1. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Adventure, beauty, and finding meaning in life. It’s uplifting in every frame.
2. Paddington 2 (2017)
Wholesome, charming, and surprisingly heartwarming. Paddington Bear just makes the world feel kinder.
3. Julie & Julia (2009)
Cooking, dreams, and Meryl Streep. You’ll smile and feel hungry.
4. Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods reminds us that being kind and driven can be powerful. Empowering and funny.
5. School of Rock (2003)
Jack Black, kids with instruments, and nonstop fun. A total mood booster.
6. The Intouchables (2011)
A French film about friendship and joy. It’s moving and uplifting at once.
7. About Time (2013)
Time travel meets love and family. Gentle, thoughtful, and full of heart.
🎶 Feel-Good Music: Instant Vibes for the Soul
Whether you’re cleaning, driving, or dancing in your pajamas, music can shift your entire energy. Here are songs and artists that never fail to lift spirits.
🌈 Classic Mood Lifters
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
- “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
✨ Modern Energy Boosters
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
- “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
- “Good as Hell” – Lizzo
🎧 Mellow But Uplifting
- “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
- “Banana Pancakes” – Jack Johnson
- “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
- “Budapest” – George Ezra
🎵 Pro tip: Make a “Feel-Good” playlist on your favorite streaming app and cue it up when you need an energy shift.
📺 Feel-Good TV Shows: Binge-Worthy Positivity
Need a serotonin shot? These series are cozy, hilarious, and low-stress. Perfect for unwinding without being overwhelmed.
1. Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
Kindness, optimism, and heart. Possibly the most uplifting show in years.
2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Hilarious, diverse, and full of loveable characters.
3. Parks and Recreation
Quirky, wholesome, and all about community and friendship. Plus: waffles.
4. The Great British Bake Off
Soft competition, lovely accents, and cakes galore. It’s therapy in TV form.
5. Schitt’s Creek
Starts off silly, ends up heartwarming. You’ll fall in love with the characters.
6. Queer Eye
Transformation, encouragement, and emotion-packed episodes. Real feel-good magic.
7. Bluey (Yes, even for adults!)
This short Australian kids’ show is calming, kind, and sneakily profound.
💡 Bonus: Quick Feel-Good Pick-Me-Ups
Sometimes you only have five minutes. Here are quick ways to lift your mood instantly:
- Watch a funny animal compilation on YouTube
- Revisit a favorite childhood song
- Read wholesome Reddit threads like r/MadeMeSmile or r/HumansBeingBros
- Text someone “thinking of you”
- Rewatch your favorite movie scene or TV moment
- Do a 3-minute dance break to your favorite song
Why Feel-Good Content Matters
This isn’t about escapism—it’s about nourishment. In tough times, we need emotional fuel. Laughter, inspiration, and comfort aren’t luxuries—they’re essential to emotional resilience.
When you choose to fill your space with light-hearted, life-affirming content, you regulate stress, uplift your energy, and return to the best version of yourself.
Final Thoughts: Choose Joy, Often
You have more control over your mood than you think. Sometimes all it takes is a feel-good movie, a song that hits just right, or 20 minutes with your favorite show.
This list isn’t just entertainment—it’s your emotional reset button.
So next time life gets heavy, hit play. Breathe. Smile. You deserve to feel good—every day.
FAQs
1. Is watching feel-good content just avoidance?
Not at all. It’s a healthy way to regulate emotions and boost your mental state. It can even help you return to hard tasks with more clarity.
2. What if I feel guilty for relaxing?
You recharge your phone—why not your mind? Rest and joy are essential, not optional.
3. How can I build a feel-good routine?
Create a weekly “joy block”—an hour where you intentionally watch, listen, or read something uplifting.
4. Can feel-good content really improve mental health?
Yes. Studies show that positive media can elevate mood, reduce stress, and even enhance resilience.
5. I don’t know what I like—where should I start?
Pick a category that feels familiar (comedy, music, food shows), try a few options, and notice what makes you smile.
