My Top 10 Favorite Feel-Good Movies

#1 - Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (9/10)

I watched this with a group of friends the first time, with my fiance the second time and my sister the third time. Every time I watch, I enjoy it even more. While it is a tear-jerker at times, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On is also a touching, feel-good film that reminds us to appreciate the little things and always remember what is truly important in life. A beautiful film I highly recommend.

#2 - The Sound of Music (8.5/10)

I grew up with this movie. My siblings and I would watch it with our babysitter as she knit on the couch, we would watch it when we were sick and we would even watch it every spring when our front lawn looked as green and fresh as Maria's mountain top at the start of the film. It was one of those rare movies we often agreed on watching together and our favorite part of the film was always the puppet show.

#3 - The Princess Bride (8.5/10)

So quoteable and fun to watch. I have probably watched this film a thousand times and would watch it a thousand more.

#4 - About a Boy (8.5/10)

While About a Boy does tackle some intense topics, it is a down to earth, sweet movie pretty much anyone could relate to. Countless people have dealt with bullying, problems with parents, mental health issues, finding romance and unfinished emotional business at some point in their lives. About a Boy truly speaks to how we choose to proceed: Do we run from those demons, or face them?

#5 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower (8.5/10)

A film that made me fall in love with Logan Lerman, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a film very near and dear to my heart. Teenagehood and young adulthood can be challenging, even terrifying chapters of our lives to navigate through. This film reminds us to surround ourselves with those who support and bring out the best in us so we never have to navigate through those challenges alone.

#6 - Spirited Away (8/10)

I avoided this movie as a kid, thinking I would be scared. I only watched it for the first time about a year and a half ago, but I am so pleased I finally gave it a try. Such a beautiful film and story, there is a reason why Spirited Away is widely considered one of Studio Ghibli's best.

#7 - As Good as It Gets (8/10)

A film that took me by surprise as Jack Nicholson is very hit or miss for me. As Good As It Gets is a fun, easy-to-love film about a rude, obsessive-compulsive man who finally finds love and connection. A very sweet movie.

#8 - Silver Linings Playbook (8/10)

I love Jennifer Lawrence's and Bradley Cooper's chemistry in this film, they work so well together. Silver Linings Playbook will lift your spirits through its unique storytelling and comedy style, shedding light on the challenges of mental health and two people's peculiar path to find healing and peace in their lives.

#9 - When Harry Met Sally... (8/10)

Such a classic. I am usually not a fan of romantic comedies, but When Harry Met Sally... is just so perfect. I highly recommend this film if you are ever having a bad day!

#10 - The Intern (7/10)

While it didn't receive overwhelmingly positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, I consider The Intern a unique, and objectively good movie. Featuring a heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship between a headstrong young entrepreneur (Anne Hathaway) and her new senior intern (Robert De Niro), The Intern is a lovely film and one I highly recommend.

***Honorable Mentions***

The Wizard of Oz (8/10)

Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, this classic film graced our living room TV. While I was terrified of the wizard until I was about 13 years old, The Wizard of Oz has always been a film I keep on the back-burner for a rainy day.

Overboard (7/10)

Goldie Hawn is insufferable at the start of this, but I promise, her growth as a character throughout the duration of this film is worth witnessing!

The Great Outdoors (7/10)

My family and I have a small cabin near the Great Sacandaga Lake we visit every summer, and this movie always reminds us of our summers spent at the lake. The family drama, lakeside shenanigans, water skiing fails, grilling hotdogs and grub, telling spooky stories about bears and other critters lurking in the dark... Just like the fun-filled madness experienced by the Ripley family in The Great Outdoors!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (7/10)

A heartwarming film I think every teenage girl should watch growing up. The importance of friendship and supporting those we love most in this world when they need us are so important, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants reminds us of this in a truly unique and inspiring way.

We Bought a Zoo (6.5/10)

Kind of an average film, but at the end of the day, it is very sweet and moving. A simple story of a widower who purchases a zoo with his family, We Bought a Zoo is all about overcoming grief through hard work, understanding, patience and love.