15 Feel-Good Movies on Netflix Right Now That'll Make You Smile

Good vibes only.

written by

updated May 25, 2021

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — IMDb

We've all used Netflix as a distraction. Maybe it helped to push off a project that eventually needed to get finished or it delayed sleep until it was late enough to go to bed. Perhaps it also was a welcome form of entertainment when Saturday night plans changed or even a way to make a Wednesday evening more exciting. But more than being a common distraction, Netflix offers the chance to escape. And that's especially true of feel-good movies, which manage to pass the time with transformative stories of love, friendship, and personal growth.

We gathered 15 feel-good movies on Netflix that encapsulate those three heartwarming themes and more for those moments when you just want to get away from the comfort of your couch. Some of the picks are romantic, some are dramas, and others are laugh-out-loud comedies. These will provide you with all the distractions you need to recharge, so go ahead and delve into these feel-good flicks. By the end of one—or three, no judgment—you'll likely feel the calm that comes from feeling connected to an optimistic story.

Here are our picks for the 15 best feel-good movies on Netflix right now.

01 of 15

Julie & Julia (2009)

There are plenty of reasons this movie is destined to make you feel good. Not only is it directed by the timelessly charming Nora Ephron, but it also stars Amy Adams as Julie Powell, a woman who is committed to cooking the entirety of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in a year, with Meryl Streep playing Child in flashbacks. It's filled with beautiful shots of delectable food, stunning scenes of midcentury Paris, and an ongoing message of determination to meet two shared goals.

Available on: Netflix

02 of 15

What a Girl Wants (2003)

This Amanda Bynes film is a typical chick flick that will also make you a little bit emotional. The coming-of-age film follows a young girl getting to know the father she's never met. There's also Colin Firth and plenty of London scenery to inspire your wanderlust.

Available on: Netflix

03 of 15

Eat Pray Love (2010)

There's plenty to laugh about in this Julia Roberts movie, in addition to major food and travel envy, but the real-life tale will also stir up your emotions. It's a movie about finding yourself, spirituality, and love, set in Rome, India, and Bali.

Available on: Netflix

04 of 15

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Paul Rudd takes on a heavier role, starring in this dark comedy with Selena Gomez. Rudd stars as a caregiver to a young boy suffering from muscular dystrophy, and the two take a road trip together. It's an inspirational story of friendship.

Available on: Netflix

05 of 15

A Christmas Prince (2017)

OK, so this one might be a little cheesy, but aren't all great feel-good movies? An aspiring journalist is sent abroad to report on a foreign prince, who's soon to be king. It's part romance, part comedy, pure holiday magic.

Available on: Netflix

06 of 15

Patrick (2019)

If you're a dog-lover, this movie is a must. The British feel-good film is about a school teacher who inherits an adorable pug. Warning: It might make you want a puppy.

Available on: Netflix

07 of 15

The Princess Switch (2018)

Another feel-good, romantic Christmas movie, Vanessa Hudgens stars in this flick that's The Parent Trap meets The Princess Diaries. Trust us—you won't want to wait for Christmas to watch this one.

Available on: Netflix

08 of 15

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

This rags-to-riches tale takes place in New Orleans during the Jazz Age. A beautiful girl has a fateful encounter with a frog prince who longs to be human again. Oprah Winfrey lends her voice to this film.

Available on: Netflix

09 of 15

Legally Blonde (2001)

We know, we know. If you're like us, you've seen this movie 100+ times. So what's one more? Elle Woods' bubbling personality and her surprising aptitude for law and not at all surprising aptitude for beauty will most definitely put you in a good mood.

Available on: Netflix

10 of 15

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

The Pursuit of Happyness movie poster — Shah al Ghazali

Will and Jaden Smith's performances in The Pursuit of Happyness are the perfect reminder to never give up your dreams. Based on the memoir by the same name, a homeless dad struggles to make ends meet and works to climb the ladder at a stock brokerage firm in the hopes of giving his son a better life. Tissues will be required.

Available on: Netflix

11 of 15

Notting Hill (1999)

Notting Hill movie poster — Too Many Posts

Move over, Richard Gere. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant bring this quintessential rom-com to life when a chance encounter brings them together. They find themselves falling in love despite being from two totally different worlds. But really, can you think of a more swoon-worthy couple? We'll wait.

Available on: Netflix

12 of 15

Dumplin' (2018)

It's not easy finding cinema that perpetuates a positive body image and sense of self—this feel-good movie does, though. A texas teen enters a local pageant run by her ex-beauty queen mother (portrayed by none other than queen Jennifer Aniston herself) to prove a point about measuring up and fitting in.

Available on: Netflix

13 of 15

50 First Dates (2004)

Looking for a familiar favorite? This sweet love story is one for the ages. You know the drill—guy falls for girl, girl falls for guy, girl wakes up the next day and doesn't remember a thing. Doesn't sound familiar? If you haven't seen this one, let's fix that ASAP, and if you have, it's time for another watch.

Available on: Netflix

14 of 15

Marriage Story (2019)

We all know that real life isn't like a movie—unless you happen to be talking about this one. The Academy Award-winning flick takes a critical look at the very relatable scenario of a marriage falling apart while a family fights to stay together. Trust us when we say this one is a must-watch.

Available on: Netflix

15 of 15

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Always be my maybe movie poster — Netflix

This charming (and hilarious) rom-com takes a twist on an old classic storyline. After 15 years apart, a recently dumped chef reconnects with her childhood best friend, a musician. Sparks fly as they desperately try to deny their feelings for each other and struggle to fit into one another's worlds.

Available on: Netflix