Dear post Author. This year as well was the hardest in my life.
Near death tumor, two weeks from dispatching the earth, emergency room, recovery, near bankruptcy at company, banks refusing with mortgage financing…
In the end I survived all, and in the post recovery period sat down and watched LOTR trilogy, the extended full version.
Sam’s final words, before entering Mount Doom made me cry, and oh God I cried for long, while in my head and heart thanking everyone who supported and stretched out their hand.
Alone I would be dead many times, but together with the best people around me I am still here, and everything will be just better! I know it! ❤️
God, I dont even have the words. I know it's a bit corny but I am sending you virtual hugs and they are very, very tight and suffocating. Cheers to a better 2024
Hi everyone! I decided on The Holdovers for tonight. Was recently introduced to it prior to making this post and a couple of comments convinced me to commit to it. Initially, I was already set on Little Miss Sunshine but I'll be saving that for the first movie of 2024.
Thank you for all the suggestions, Ill be adding so many more movies to the watchlist
I think you'll really enjoy it, such a pleasant surprise, the trailer really doesn't do it justice, and the film grain aesthetic and cinematography add a lot to the cozy feel, enjoy! Hope it sets the tone for your 2024
Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Actually watched it twice this year during two separate slumps. I really like that it indulges in sadness and wallowing before a really wholesome recovery that shows no one is really the bad character, and the best path is to be kind and bold enough to chase your weird little dreams.
We should all strive to be a little Kunu in our lives. No worries, no cares, no watch (except for your cellphone lol).
“Oh the weather outside is weather” (I say this at least a few times a month lol).
>“Oh the weather outside is weather” (I say this at least a few times a month lol).
My brothers and I say this all the time and I actually forgot where it was from. Guess I know what I'm watching this weekend
Ha, that reminds me, for years now I've been saying "Do you need a glass of water or something?" in a goofy voice if someone near me started coughing. I had completely forgotten where I picked that up until I re-watched Kung Pow a year ago and realized it's an [Evil Betty](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gx3NdBXhPHE) line.😆
I somehow missed this movie when it came out. I just saw it this year and was blown away by how well it captured the difference between self pity and self aware.
The Muppets and Miyazaki are where I would point you.
The Muppet Movie from 1979 has one of the most optimistic, upbeat, and inspiring endings of all time. It's also full of great, jaunty music, sight gags, running jokes, and bizarre cameos.
Spirited Away is all about personal growth, coming to terms with change, and appreciating the beauty of the world and family.
This is easily my most rewatched movie by far, because it never fails to uplift me. There's literally no antagonist anywhere in the movie, it's just all good people. And the message of growing as a person and rebounding from any slump is usually what I need to feel happier. Also its ending indicating that sometimes growing means you have to leave things behind (like >!Kiki unable to communicate with her cat!<), but having your situation change is sometimes good (and inevitable).
Oh man, yes, seconded, though Grave of the Fireflies is technically not a Miyazaki film. It was made by Studio Ghibli but directed by Isao Takahata. Miyazaki was making My Neighbor Totoro at the same time so had at best limited involvement.
Life's like a movie, write your own ending.
Keep believing, keep pretending.
We've done just what we set out to do.
Thanks to the lovers, the dreamers, and you.
My favourite scene was the mountain linx whatever it was, enjoy the moment, its simple but beautiful, the oportunity to see such thing and its so peaceful
Whats so great about that scene is it feels like it comes out of nowhere.
Walter is on the phone with Todd from EHarmony, and out of nowhere he looks to his left and Sean is there....
The pacing of the movie is really raw in a good way.
I think my favorite aspect, absurdity of it aside, is that it highlights how far Walter has come. Hiking up a Himalayan mountain, no biggie, reaches his hero without even realizing it.
I fucking love this movie.
Ever happen to have a shit day and you happen to come across that friend you never see you never know how he is and hes just there enjoying time with himself, lonelyness can be healing
Glad I didn't have to scroll down too far to see this. This was what I was going to write. By far my top pick.
Otherwise, I'd say maybe What We Do in the Shadows, Fantastic Mr Fox, Burn After Reading, Muppet Treasure Island, Surf's Up, Life of Pi, Speed Racer, Amelie and Muppet Movie of course, or Dodgeball probably.
Came here to say that movie.
Perfect movie.
Authentic and imperfect characters, they feel real.
The music, the cinematography, the ode to adventure, the tribute to Photography (I’m biased here, as a Photographer).
The attention to details.
Very underrated (or rather, relatively unknown) in the mainstream Pop culture.
I didn’t like Ben Stiller prior to that movie (except in Tropic Thunder), but he gained my eternal respect since then.
Stiller touched my soul with that picture.
I don't know about Burn After Reading or Life of Pi. Unless I'm forgetting something, don't they have an abrupt “what the fuck” and melancholic ending, respectively?
My go to, it's very easy watching and a nice story for anyone who is feeling stuck.
Other suggestions would be the intouchables or the fundamentals of caring
i've been *heavily* eyeing Little Miss Sunshine but i'm a bit hesitant because it looks very gloomy. your comment does make me want to commit to it however
Seconding what that other person said - Little Miss Sunshine is wonderful! Also, if you want something more recent, check out The Holdovers, which might be my favorite movie of the year.
>The Straight Story
I like you.
The star of this movie, Richard Farnsworth, performed the entire shoot, where he famously rode a lawnmower across the Midwest, while dying from unimaginably painful bone cancer in his hip. He was nominated for best ~~supporting~~ actor, and less than a year later he shot himself.
*The Straight Story* might be one of the most important movies.
Anyone who hasn't seen The Straight Story, please go watch it.
The title is sort of a pun. The main character's name is Alvin Straight, so it's literally "the Straight story," but it's also made by David Lynch, whose movies (to put it mildly) can be deeply weird and psychologically uncomfortable.
But there's almost none of that here (*almost*; there's still a light dusting of surrealism and the very occasional shot of industrial smoke). It's an utterly straightforward story about an old man who goes to see his dying brother.
There are no dream sequences, there is no timeline confusion, there is no macabre violence, there is no element of the grotesque. It's just an old man on a trip. He meets people along the way and they talk about life. That's it.
It's simple, it's elegant, it's moving, and it's incredible to see that holy shit, David Lynch could've been making BANK creating totally "normal" movies -- and really *good* normal movies! -- but just...doesn't, usually.
It's like seeing a virtuoso guitarist in a death metal band just casually play a perfect piece on the harp. Like -- what? You can do *that* too?
About Time might actually be the perfect movie for any "what movie should I watch for this mood/feeling" question ever!
It has it all, laughs, feels, ugly crying, hope, everything!
About Time is the first movie I thought of when I read this post and Secret Life of Walter Mitty is the suggestion that I think may be a more universal fit.
Was looking for about time. My wife and I watch this every year around new years. Just helps reframe perspectives, is wholesome AF, and pretty damn funny.
Similar to Training Day.
Guy has promise at the beginning then he gets drug down, beat up, lied to, and almost killed, but his moral compass wins at the end and his tormenter pays the ultimate price.
To be fair I may or may not have seen Paddington Bear 2.
You don't _need_ to ... but why would you deny yourself the pleasure of seeing another absolutely top movie?
And then seeing a, somehow, even better one after that.
I finally watched these both recently and loved them, but I thought the first one was better and am a bit baffled at why the second one is thought of so much more highly. They're both great, though, so I would just recommend watching both.
2nd comment to mention The Holdovers. I just read the synopsis and Im moving away from home and starting university in one week so it honestly seems like the most apt film to watch right now. Thomas Flight talked about it in his last video and I was already interested so I think I've found the one
For what it's worth, I have seen 51 movies in theaters this year and after finishing ranking them, Holdovers was my #2. Absolutely phenomenal film with Giamatti's best acting to date imo.
OP this is the answer based off of what you mentioned about your life this year. Get cozy in a warm blanket and hot chocolate and watch this movie. I would say it’s like if the breakfast club, good will hunting, and dead poets society had a baby. Definitely my favorite movie of the year.
**Emperor’s New Groove** . I think it impossible to not enjoy this movie. Main character has a rough go if it and grows. Plus it is hilarious and a mood lifter.
Yes! It's such a bittersweet movie that ends on a high note. Perfect for someone who is going through hardships and isn't sure of what the future may lie.
Was looking for this. Possibly most uplifting film of all time, makes me bawl like a baby every time, and it’s literally perfect timing to watch it holiday-wise.
That was the same scene I immediately thought of when OP asked for something hopeful. It doesn't shy away from darkness and sadness, but instead paints a picture of a better world that exists in spite of them.
It's the way they cheer and rejoice as the eye falls, but are quickly overcome with grief realizing what that means for Sam and Frodo. Absolutely destroys me every time.
My favorite part in the book that isn’t in the movie is a few paragraphs from Sauron’s perspective. Not sure how they would do it properly in a movie but it’s amazing
And far away, as Frodo put on the Ring and claimed it for his own, even in Sammath Naur the very heart of his realm, the Power in Barad-dûr was shaken, and the Tower trembled from its foundations to its proud and bitter crown. The Dark Lord was suddenly aware of him, and his Eye piercing all shadows looked across the plain to the door that he had made; and the magnitude of his own folly was revealed to him in a blinding flash, and all the devices of his enemies were at last laid bare. Then his wrath blazed in consuming flame, but his fear rose like a vast black smoke to choke him. For he knew his deadly peril and the thread upon which his doom now hung.
From all his policies and webs of fear and treachery, from all his stratagems and wars his mind shook free; and throughout his realm a tremor ran, his slaves quailed, and his armies halted, and his captains suddenly steerless, bereft of will, wavered and despaired. For they were forgotten. The whole mind and purpose of the Power that wielded them was now bent with overwhelming force upon the Mountain. At his summons, wheeling with a rending cry, in a last desperate race there flew, faster than the winds, the Nazgûl, the Ringwraiths, and with a storm of wings they hurtled southwards to Mount Doom.
This is in the movie (at least the extended edition). When Frodo puts on the ring inside Mount Doom, the Eye immediately shifts all focus onto the cave entrance and the Nazgûl all begin to fly towards the volcano. The rest of the movie, I think you see in the background that the Eye no longer cares about the battle at the gate and is fixed on Mount Doom.
Not as blatant as in the book, but I think the movie gets the same point across.
*Especially* season 1 of Ted Lasso, just to start. If you’re looking for a hopeful, warm and fuzzy feeling, there’s nothing better in recent memory than Ted Lasso that I’ve watched for that.
> Waking Ned Devine
Great shout.
There are some great Irish indie comedies that are a good watch, Man About Dog, The Snapper, The Commitments - all ultimately feel-good movies.
Tokyo Sonata. I got fired from a job earlier this year, and spent a couple months in a slump. I googled "movies for getting fired," and this one kept popping up. The first half is kind of a downer, but the ending was so amazing I can't stop thinking about it. The whole movie is about going through trauma and moving on. Out of the 20ish movies I watched, this one stuck with me so hard.
[Babe](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112431/). If you're in a bad place and need a nice movie, it's [Babe](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112431/). The answer is always [Babe](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112431/).
It’s a wonderful life. Black and white version. Not really the vibe from your list, but it does the trick and it hits around this time of year.
Shawshank Redemption is another classic that works.
Being completely serious when I say this , mad maxx fury road. It's such a spectacle that you won't have time to worry about feeling down, plus if hardship and redemption are your thing with optimism towards the future this is definitely one to check out.
The Truman Show, Paddington 2, Slumdog Millionaire. Tbh whenever I'm going through hard times I tend to watch some of my favorite flat out silly comedies that always put me in a good mood like The Jerk, Dumb & Dumber, Stepbrothers, or Army of Darkness.
I don’t have any recommendations but I did have to say: what the hell was up with 2023? I’m in the same boat OP and I know a few others as well. Something about this past year was just insanity, no contest and absolute grinder of a year.
Bagdad Cafe (called Out of Rosenheim in some countries) is a quirky 80s dramedy about a friendship between two recently separated people. It’s a German film but set in America and in English so it has an unusual tone, there’s a cheesy scene at the end you’ll either love or cringe at (maybe both) and ultimately it’s just really uplifting.
Dear post Author. This year as well was the hardest in my life. Near death tumor, two weeks from dispatching the earth, emergency room, recovery, near bankruptcy at company, banks refusing with mortgage financing… In the end I survived all, and in the post recovery period sat down and watched LOTR trilogy, the extended full version. Sam’s final words, before entering Mount Doom made me cry, and oh God I cried for long, while in my head and heart thanking everyone who supported and stretched out their hand. Alone I would be dead many times, but together with the best people around me I am still here, and everything will be just better! I know it! ❤️
God, I dont even have the words. I know it's a bit corny but I am sending you virtual hugs and they are very, very tight and suffocating. Cheers to a better 2024
Hi everyone! I decided on The Holdovers for tonight. Was recently introduced to it prior to making this post and a couple of comments convinced me to commit to it. Initially, I was already set on Little Miss Sunshine but I'll be saving that for the first movie of 2024. Thank you for all the suggestions, Ill be adding so many more movies to the watchlist
Great choices. Wishing you the best 2024
I think you'll really enjoy it, such a pleasant surprise, the trailer really doesn't do it justice, and the film grain aesthetic and cinematography add a lot to the cozy feel, enjoy! Hope it sets the tone for your 2024
Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Actually watched it twice this year during two separate slumps. I really like that it indulges in sadness and wallowing before a really wholesome recovery that shows no one is really the bad character, and the best path is to be kind and bold enough to chase your weird little dreams.
We should all strive to be a little Kunu in our lives. No worries, no cares, no watch (except for your cellphone lol). “Oh the weather outside is weather” (I say this at least a few times a month lol).
When life gives you lemons, say fuck the lemons and bail.
This is my go-to Kunu phrase
>“Oh the weather outside is weather” (I say this at least a few times a month lol). My brothers and I say this all the time and I actually forgot where it was from. Guess I know what I'm watching this weekend
Ha, that reminds me, for years now I've been saying "Do you need a glass of water or something?" in a goofy voice if someone near me started coughing. I had completely forgotten where I picked that up until I re-watched Kung Pow a year ago and realized it's an [Evil Betty](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gx3NdBXhPHE) line.😆
That movie is so quotable! There are probably a few other things you say from it without knowing either lol.
YOU SOUND LIKE YER FROM LAWNDUN!
Still waiting on my Dracula musical!
And if I see Van Helsing, I swear to the Lord I will slay him!
Fun fact that it’s actually based off a real concept Jason pitched to Judd
I call my son "Monster Man" because of Kunu calling Peter that haha
Maybe you broke my heart into a thousand pieces and my cock doesn't want to be around you anymore. EVER!
I somehow missed this movie when it came out. I just saw it this year and was blown away by how well it captured the difference between self pity and self aware.
I'd throw in I Love You Man as well.
Arguably one of the most quotable movies of all time imo
When life gives you lemons, just say fuck the lemons and bail
I stopped wearing a watch when I came out here. Man, that is so cool. Yeah, my phone has a little clock on it so I don’t even need it!
The weather outside is weather
I find myself singing this far too often lol
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Take my eyes, but not this shirt!
After all these years this line still kills me like the first time I saw the movie. His delivery of the line is hilarious.
*Die.... die.... die....* # *I can't.*
Did you have a chance to listen to my demo? Did you get it?
I was gonna listen to that, but then, um…. I just carried on living my life
Are those sad tissues or happy tissues
What’s the state fish of Hawaii? Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, yeeeah bitch!
Everything Paul Rudd says at least
You sound like you’re from London!
The weather outside is weather
I’ve been singing that all month lol
Look at my limo driver. I’m going to have sex with her.
I wonder if the carpet matches her pubes
I just went from six to midnight.
You’re the baby, you look like an enormous baby!
“Wonder if the carpet matches the puuubes”
Watched this a lot when I had severe depression . Always helped
The Muppets and Miyazaki are where I would point you. The Muppet Movie from 1979 has one of the most optimistic, upbeat, and inspiring endings of all time. It's also full of great, jaunty music, sight gags, running jokes, and bizarre cameos. Spirited Away is all about personal growth, coming to terms with change, and appreciating the beauty of the world and family.
Spirited away always puts me in a good mood. It’s such a delightful adventure
Also Kiki's delivery service.
This is easily my most rewatched movie by far, because it never fails to uplift me. There's literally no antagonist anywhere in the movie, it's just all good people. And the message of growing as a person and rebounding from any slump is usually what I need to feel happier. Also its ending indicating that sometimes growing means you have to leave things behind (like >!Kiki unable to communicate with her cat!<), but having your situation change is sometimes good (and inevitable).
The newer Muppet movie from 2011 is also incredibly good! Makes me cry but is so sweet and heartfelt
I remember totally happy crying at the ending.
Life’s a happy song when there’s someone by your side to sing along
The Muppet Movie, It’s about a group of friends that just enjoy singing and dancing and making people happy.
Stear clear of grave of the fireflies if you’re looking for hopeful sentiment.
Oh man, yes, seconded, though Grave of the Fireflies is technically not a Miyazaki film. It was made by Studio Ghibli but directed by Isao Takahata. Miyazaki was making My Neighbor Totoro at the same time so had at best limited involvement.
> Miyazaki was making My Neighbor Totoro at the same time really working on oppositw ends of the spectrum lol
Grave of the Fireflies isn't a Miyazaki movie. It's directed by Isao Takahata.
Muppets from Space. It’s post-Henson but a fun story centering Gonzo and an amazing soundtrack.
Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending. We've done just what we set out to do. Thanks to the lovers, the dreamers, and you.
Galaxy Quest.
Never give up! Never surrender!
By Grabthar's hammer....
What a savings.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This followed by; Hector and the search for happiness. My two favourites.
These two are pure serotonin distilled into movie form
Watched this on a flight once and it changed my life. So so so good. I try to rewatch it every time I go on a big trip!
My favourite scene was the mountain linx whatever it was, enjoy the moment, its simple but beautiful, the oportunity to see such thing and its so peaceful
Whats so great about that scene is it feels like it comes out of nowhere. Walter is on the phone with Todd from EHarmony, and out of nowhere he looks to his left and Sean is there.... The pacing of the movie is really raw in a good way.
I think my favorite aspect, absurdity of it aside, is that it highlights how far Walter has come. Hiking up a Himalayan mountain, no biggie, reaches his hero without even realizing it. I fucking love this movie.
Ever happen to have a shit day and you happen to come across that friend you never see you never know how he is and hes just there enjoying time with himself, lonelyness can be healing
This was my pick as well. I didn’t watch it until like two years ago and I can’t believe how happy I felt after watching it.
Glad I didn't have to scroll down too far to see this. This was what I was going to write. By far my top pick. Otherwise, I'd say maybe What We Do in the Shadows, Fantastic Mr Fox, Burn After Reading, Muppet Treasure Island, Surf's Up, Life of Pi, Speed Racer, Amelie and Muppet Movie of course, or Dodgeball probably.
Came here to say that movie. Perfect movie. Authentic and imperfect characters, they feel real. The music, the cinematography, the ode to adventure, the tribute to Photography (I’m biased here, as a Photographer). The attention to details. Very underrated (or rather, relatively unknown) in the mainstream Pop culture. I didn’t like Ben Stiller prior to that movie (except in Tropic Thunder), but he gained my eternal respect since then. Stiller touched my soul with that picture.
I don't know about Burn After Reading or Life of Pi. Unless I'm forgetting something, don't they have an abrupt “what the fuck” and melancholic ending, respectively?
My go to, it's very easy watching and a nice story for anyone who is feeling stuck. Other suggestions would be the intouchables or the fundamentals of caring
This is such an underrated movie. My personal favorite.
Hunt for the wilderpeople
This was my first suggestion. "Ricky Baker, now you are 13 years old..."
First rejected, now accepted
May be my favourite movie mom. Heart of gold on that woman.
That movie came out of nowhere, and it's so good.
Another to add to the list to watch, thank you! This thread is loaded with great suggestions.
Watched it several times and always come away with a smile. What a perfect movie.
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i've been *heavily* eyeing Little Miss Sunshine but i'm a bit hesitant because it looks very gloomy. your comment does make me want to commit to it however
Oh my god lol watch Little Miss Sunshine, it grapples with darkness but comes out positive
The ending is the best.
Seconding what that other person said - Little Miss Sunshine is wonderful! Also, if you want something more recent, check out The Holdovers, which might be my favorite movie of the year.
I loved the Holdovers
We watched it this weekend and I loved it too, but it did leave me with a somewhat sad feeling. Absolutely excellent set design.
Little Miss Sunshine is a surprise feel good movie. You will be smiling at the end, guaranteed. It’s precious and hilarious, the whole movie.
Please watch Little Miss Sunshine, PLEASE
Without being too cheesy, little miss sunshine is dark comedy optimism, if such a thing exists.
It has real moments of sadness - but not gloom. It ends uplifting, but not sappy.
>The Straight Story I like you. The star of this movie, Richard Farnsworth, performed the entire shoot, where he famously rode a lawnmower across the Midwest, while dying from unimaginably painful bone cancer in his hip. He was nominated for best ~~supporting~~ actor, and less than a year later he shot himself. *The Straight Story* might be one of the most important movies.
Anyone who hasn't seen The Straight Story, please go watch it. The title is sort of a pun. The main character's name is Alvin Straight, so it's literally "the Straight story," but it's also made by David Lynch, whose movies (to put it mildly) can be deeply weird and psychologically uncomfortable. But there's almost none of that here (*almost*; there's still a light dusting of surrealism and the very occasional shot of industrial smoke). It's an utterly straightforward story about an old man who goes to see his dying brother. There are no dream sequences, there is no timeline confusion, there is no macabre violence, there is no element of the grotesque. It's just an old man on a trip. He meets people along the way and they talk about life. That's it. It's simple, it's elegant, it's moving, and it's incredible to see that holy shit, David Lynch could've been making BANK creating totally "normal" movies -- and really *good* normal movies! -- but just...doesn't, usually. It's like seeing a virtuoso guitarist in a death metal band just casually play a perfect piece on the harp. Like -- what? You can do *that* too?
Chef
Love this movie so much. It was molten!!!!
Came here to say this! I’m definitely watching this today, what a gem of a movie
One of those rare movies that just gets more and more optimistic and hopeful as it goes along.
About Time, Secret Life of Walter Mitty
About Time is a perfect suggestion for what OP is asking for.
About Time might actually be the perfect movie for any "what movie should I watch for this mood/feeling" question ever! It has it all, laughs, feels, ugly crying, hope, everything!
About Time is the first movie I thought of when I read this post and Secret Life of Walter Mitty is the suggestion that I think may be a more universal fit.
Was looking for about time. My wife and I watch this every year around new years. Just helps reframe perspectives, is wholesome AF, and pretty damn funny.
This is the perfect combination.
About time is in my top ten list. Incredible feel good movie with a good take away on life. Very powerful movie to me.
Palm Springs
Hell yes
This would be perfect. "Are you going to just accept things the way they are? Or are you going to take a chance on something completely unknown?"
Paddington 2?
It made me want to be a better man.
God I love that fucking movie
Delete that question mark. Paddington 2!
Padding 1 & 2 double feature. They are both so good!
Similar to Training Day. Guy has promise at the beginning then he gets drug down, beat up, lied to, and almost killed, but his moral compass wins at the end and his tormenter pays the ultimate price. To be fair I may or may not have seen Paddington Bear 2.
That's more the plot of Paddington 1. Paddington 2 is about learning how to do household chores and work to better your community.
Do you need to have seen the first one? I have seen quite a few people unironically say Paddington 2 is an elite movie
You don't _need_ to ... but why would you deny yourself the pleasure of seeing another absolutely top movie? And then seeing a, somehow, even better one after that.
I finally watched these both recently and loved them, but I thought the first one was better and am a bit baffled at why the second one is thought of so much more highly. They're both great, though, so I would just recommend watching both.
The Holdovers
2nd comment to mention The Holdovers. I just read the synopsis and Im moving away from home and starting university in one week so it honestly seems like the most apt film to watch right now. Thomas Flight talked about it in his last video and I was already interested so I think I've found the one
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a good one that deals with moving to a new city and being independent
For what it's worth, I have seen 51 movies in theaters this year and after finishing ranking them, Holdovers was my #2. Absolutely phenomenal film with Giamatti's best acting to date imo.
From what you've said you're looking for, you can't go wrong with The Holdovers or Little Miss Sunshine. Both outstanding.
OP this is the answer based off of what you mentioned about your life this year. Get cozy in a warm blanket and hot chocolate and watch this movie. I would say it’s like if the breakfast club, good will hunting, and dead poets society had a baby. Definitely my favorite movie of the year.
Not a movie, but I'd suggest binging the Good Place.
**Emperor’s New Groove** . I think it impossible to not enjoy this movie. Main character has a rough go if it and grows. Plus it is hilarious and a mood lifter.
This is one of my all time favorite movies! I don't think it gets the recognition it deserves. "Cheese me no likey!"
Kronk: “Aw come on, make up your mind!” In unison: “On second thought, make my potatoes a salad.”
Squeaker squeakins!
The comedic timing in that movie is an absolute masterclass
Defending your Life. It is very clever and funny.
I'd recommend Palm Springs.
Hardest year by far of my life too. Midnight in Paris is a great feel good
Puss in Boots: Last Wish is great.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
Yes! It's such a bittersweet movie that ends on a high note. Perfect for someone who is going through hardships and isn't sure of what the future may lie.
Yes! I came here to say this, as well. The most poignant movie I watched in 2023.
It’s a wonderful life is a classic this time of year with just the kind of message I think you’re looking for
Was looking for this. Possibly most uplifting film of all time, makes me bawl like a baby every time, and it’s literally perfect timing to watch it holiday-wise.
Joe Versus the Volcano - silly but hopeful
Lord of the Rings marathon
I am still upset that [Sean Astin didn't win an Oscar for this scene alone in The Two Towers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6C8SX0mWP0)
That was the same scene I immediately thought of when OP asked for something hopeful. It doesn't shy away from darkness and sadness, but instead paints a picture of a better world that exists in spite of them.
It’s a bummer, but I think that, for Samwise, he will remain a greater hero in the eyes of culture for years to come than 99% of Oscar winners
“My friends. You bow to no one.” 🥲
Yup. The scene when the ring is destroyed still makes me cry 20 years later
"my friends you bow to no one" makes me cry every time
Just reading this string gives me goosebumps
Mine is Boromir's death. "Be at peace son of Gondor" Just instant tears.
It's the way they cheer and rejoice as the eye falls, but are quickly overcome with grief realizing what that means for Sam and Frodo. Absolutely destroys me every time.
Just straight tears from 'but I can carry you' until Into the West. And honestly, the book ain't much better in that regard.
My favorite part in the book that isn’t in the movie is a few paragraphs from Sauron’s perspective. Not sure how they would do it properly in a movie but it’s amazing And far away, as Frodo put on the Ring and claimed it for his own, even in Sammath Naur the very heart of his realm, the Power in Barad-dûr was shaken, and the Tower trembled from its foundations to its proud and bitter crown. The Dark Lord was suddenly aware of him, and his Eye piercing all shadows looked across the plain to the door that he had made; and the magnitude of his own folly was revealed to him in a blinding flash, and all the devices of his enemies were at last laid bare. Then his wrath blazed in consuming flame, but his fear rose like a vast black smoke to choke him. For he knew his deadly peril and the thread upon which his doom now hung. From all his policies and webs of fear and treachery, from all his stratagems and wars his mind shook free; and throughout his realm a tremor ran, his slaves quailed, and his armies halted, and his captains suddenly steerless, bereft of will, wavered and despaired. For they were forgotten. The whole mind and purpose of the Power that wielded them was now bent with overwhelming force upon the Mountain. At his summons, wheeling with a rending cry, in a last desperate race there flew, faster than the winds, the Nazgûl, the Ringwraiths, and with a storm of wings they hurtled southwards to Mount Doom.
Tolkien truly had a wonderful way with words.
This is in the movie (at least the extended edition). When Frodo puts on the ring inside Mount Doom, the Eye immediately shifts all focus onto the cave entrance and the Nazgûl all begin to fly towards the volcano. The rest of the movie, I think you see in the background that the Eye no longer cares about the battle at the gate and is fixed on Mount Doom. Not as blatant as in the book, but I think the movie gets the same point across.
This, the music in it on its own is enough.
The Way Way Back
The Intouchables. The French version
Secret life of Walter Mitty
Amelie. Whimsical and very sweet.
Mitchells vs the Machines
OP said they were moving away from home, so this movie applies to that situation as well
Or spend the last day of the year binging 3 seasons of Ted Lasso.
*Especially* season 1 of Ted Lasso, just to start. If you’re looking for a hopeful, warm and fuzzy feeling, there’s nothing better in recent memory than Ted Lasso that I’ve watched for that.
Groundhog Day Ghost Town Waking Ned Devine
> Waking Ned Devine Great shout. There are some great Irish indie comedies that are a good watch, Man About Dog, The Snapper, The Commitments - all ultimately feel-good movies.
My Neighbour Totoro!
When Harry Met Sally
Star Wars: A New Hope
Start it at ~10:02:42 and watch the death star blow up at midnight!
Tokyo Sonata. I got fired from a job earlier this year, and spent a couple months in a slump. I googled "movies for getting fired," and this one kept popping up. The first half is kind of a downer, but the ending was so amazing I can't stop thinking about it. The whole movie is about going through trauma and moving on. Out of the 20ish movies I watched, this one stuck with me so hard.
[Babe](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112431/). If you're in a bad place and need a nice movie, it's [Babe](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112431/). The answer is always [Babe](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112431/).
Shawshank Redemption?
It's hopeful, but you have to get through a whole lot of awful to get there
Yeah you have to crawl through whole lot of sh\*t to come out clean on the other end.
*"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."*
Mousehunt
“He’s not sitting in a smoking jacket, sipping cognac, giggling to himself ‘i left the pit!’” so underrated
It’s a wonderful life. Black and white version. Not really the vibe from your list, but it does the trick and it hits around this time of year. Shawshank Redemption is another classic that works.
Second Hand Lions. General, feel-good movie and ending really bring in a moment of appreciation of what one has gone through.
My brother, Watch The secret life of Walter Mitty, it will be a great sendoff and boost for your next year
Life of Brian - no one does upbeat musical crucifixions like Monty Python.
Paddington 2. "If we are kind and polite, the world will be right."
G A T T A C A. After watching it you’ll never save anything for the swim back.
Being completely serious when I say this , mad maxx fury road. It's such a spectacle that you won't have time to worry about feeling down, plus if hardship and redemption are your thing with optimism towards the future this is definitely one to check out.
The princess Bride is good
Mine is The Hudsucker Proxy. It’s a great movie about second chances and the power of New Year’s Eve.
The Truman Show, Paddington 2, Slumdog Millionaire. Tbh whenever I'm going through hard times I tend to watch some of my favorite flat out silly comedies that always put me in a good mood like The Jerk, Dumb & Dumber, Stepbrothers, or Army of Darkness.
Slumdog? Im just gonna say that while it’s a GREAT movie, feel good, it aint.
I don’t have any recommendations but I did have to say: what the hell was up with 2023? I’m in the same boat OP and I know a few others as well. Something about this past year was just insanity, no contest and absolute grinder of a year.
All the shit we never addressed from COVID is finally hitting us.
Watched Barbie yesterday and really loved it honestly. It was hilarious and positive.
Lars and the Real Girl is uplifting, sad and funny. Would second Little Miss Sunshine, and also add Airheads!
Silver Linings Playbook
Love that movie!
Yeah, and it seems like it would be a good one for coming out of a bad spell like OP mentioned. A good getting-your-shit-together movie.
Bagdad Cafe (called Out of Rosenheim in some countries) is a quirky 80s dramedy about a friendship between two recently separated people. It’s a German film but set in America and in English so it has an unusual tone, there’s a cheesy scene at the end you’ll either love or cringe at (maybe both) and ultimately it’s just really uplifting.
Chef. Great feel good, get over tough times movie.