We’re into our first official week of lockdown and it’s safe to say we’re already running low on viewing inspiration. But, streaming services like Netflix and Showmax are here to help. This is our official list of the top 21 feel-good films to watch during this isolation period – there’s really never been a better time to vegetate in front of the TV. We’re now a few days into the isolation period, so feel free to double up as you see fit.
ALSO SEE: Netflix’s Tiger King: What’s The Big Deal?
Here’s our list of the top 21 feel-good films…
And, let us know if you have any other favourite feel-good films to add to our list.
21. Sleepless in Seattle
A classic rom-com from the early nineties. Who wouldn’t want to re-watch Annie and Sam finally find each other – with the help of the adorable Jonah. Also the film that inspired us to try to peel an apple in one go.
Stream it on Netflix.
20. Chef
Jon Favreau is at the helm of this delightful, food-filled drama as lead actor, producer and director. Though, really, it’s the edible goods that take centre stage. Performances by Scarlett Johansson and Sofia Vergara are also bright.
Stream on Netflix.
19. Finding Your Feet
You’ll love this charming English rom-com about ‘Lady’ Sandra who, when her marriage falls apart, goes to live with her sister, Bif. Through exploring the joy of dance, Sandra learns to embrace the changes life brings. The all-star cast includes Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie, Timothy Spall and Joanna Lumley.
Stream on Showmax.
ALSO SEE: Best Escapist Series To Watch During Lockdown
18. The Hustle
A relatively new film to the streaming repertoire, this light comedy is great for a quiet afternoon. It’s nothing ground-breaking, but there are many laughs to be had as con-artists played by Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson get up to their hijinx.
Stream on Showmax.
17. Eat Pray Love
One of our all-time favourites and always worth re-watching. Julia Roberts plays author Elizabeth Gilbert, who journeys across continents to discover more about who she really is. Exploring Italy, India and Bali will seem terribly tempting after this one.
Stream on Netflix.
ALSO SEE: The Best Books To Read While In Self-Isolation
16. Love, Rosie
Sam Claflin and Lily Collins star in this sweet British comedy about two friends who can never quite decide if they should be more than that. As always, it’s not over until the very end.
Stream on Showmax.
15. Mamma Mia
How could this all-singing, all-dancing Abba-infused musical not make it onto our list? If you’re a fan of the music, you’ll love this toe-tapping comedy. And, the cast isn’t bad either.
Stream on Netflix.
14. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Don’t let the incredibly long title put you off, this beautiful English tale is full of heart. Though based around the end of WWII, and the story of a woman who wishes to write about the occupation of Guernsey, it’s truly heart-warming. And, might inspire you to switch off the TV and pick up a book.
Stream on Showmax.
13. You’ve Got Mail
Another Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks rom-com that sees the duo pull at our heart strings once more. And, it’s a roller coaster as they go from pen pals to business rivals to lovers.
Stream on Netflix.
12. Bridesmaids
Definitely more comedy than romance, but the cast of this brilliantly-written feel-good film is bound to keep you entertained. It stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy and is, in a word, hysterical. If an instant pick-me-up is what you’re after, this one’s for you.
Stream on Showmax.
ALSO SEE: 21 Small Businesses You Can Support During Lockdown
11. The Blind Side
The moving sports drama that landed Sandra Bullock an Academy Award for Best Actress. This feel-good film tackles big topics like racial prejudice, class and equality, but in the most compassionate and kind way. It’ll have you reaching for the tissues.
Stream on Netflix.
10. Death at a Funeral
This is a somewhat dark British comedy, but after giggling your way through this one, there’s no way you won’t feel slightly better about life. Even with a funeral as the setting, eccentric cast members like Alan Tudyk, Kris Marshall and Matthew Macfadyen don’t need much to get the sniggers slipping out.
Stream on Showmax.
9. Grease
Where would we be without John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John jiving along to hits like ‘You’re The One That I Want’ and ‘We Go Together’? We’re so glad this one’s available to stream, because it’s an absolute classic feel-good film all the way from 1978.
Stream on Showmax.
8. Crazy, Stupid, Love
A family comedy with an all-star cast, if you haven’t seen this yet, you’ve been missing out. Steve Carell and Julianne Moore star as a couple going through a divorce, but there’s more than one relationship plot in this one. Also, Ryan Gosling does his famous Dirty Dancing lift, so look out for that.
Stream on Netflix.
7. Silver Linings Playbook
Quirky, we’ll admit, but it’s no less feel-good. Actress Jennifer Lawrence bagged her Academy Award for this one and her performance is more than stand-out. Both she and Bradley Cooper dazzle as an unlikely pair struggling with mental health issues, but brought together for one memorable dance moment.
Stream on Showmax.
6. Spanglish
Adam Sandler may be the king of feel-good films so of course one or two of his movies made it onto the list. In this unusual romance, two families are merged with multiple ripples. It’ll leave you smiling.
Stream on Netflix.
5. About Time
Another British favourite, this time with the added twist of time-travel. But, the idea is explored and underplayed in a simple, subtle and typically English way. A father and son navigate the ups and downs of regular life, sometimes using their unique gift to help them out. This one’s witty and wonderful.
Stream on Showmax.
4. 50 First Dates
Here, Adam Sandler makes his second appearance on the list, now starring opposite Drew Barrymore in a classic rom-com. Follow the unique love story of Henry (Sandler) and Lucy (Barrymore) whose lives are made that much more complicated as Lucy’s memory only lasts 24 hours.
Stream on Netflix.
ALSO SEE: Best Escapist Series To Watch During Lockdown
3. Two Weeks Notice
If you’ve seen it once, you’ve probably seen it 10 times – but that’s no reason not to give it another go. With Hugh Grant, Sandra Bullock, tennis matches, emotional eating and romantic helicopter rides, what’s not to love?
Stream on Netflix.
2. How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days
Down to the last two, this was a tough call. We adore Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey’s on-screen charisma almost as much as we love seeing them torture each other for 10 days. And, who could forget the importance of the love fern?
Stream on Netflix.
1. Dirty Dancing
Our number 1 feel-good film, and it probably would be whether or not it was available to stream any time. We love the story of Baby’s first real summer romance, complete with watermelons, river lifts, late night visits, and the most romantic final number of all time.
Stream on Showmax.
By Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
