12 Feel Good Movies 

The oldies are often the best. Caoimhe Mahon rounds up some of the best movies to revisit when you need a pick-me-up

Mama Mia!

If ever there were the ultimate feel-good film, it is Mama Mia! and its sequel Mama Mia! Here we go again. The story unfolds on an exotic island where the sun never appears to set making it ideal to brighten up a grey day in Ireland. Grab a cocktail, slip on your dancing shoes, select the sing-along option and get set for your very own ABBA party night. You just won’t be able to sit still when the music gets going. Enjoy all your favourite ABBA classics along with an uplifting story about allowing yourself to fall fully in love, embodying your female strength and finding your own identity.

The Parent Trap

The 1998 adaptation of The Parent Trap, directed by Nancy Meyers and starring Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson, is a romantic comedy highlighting the importance of never giving up on true love. The plot centres around two identical twins who, after being raised apart from one another, meet at a summer camp. When the pair realise their parents' history, they conjure up a cunning plan to trap their parents into meeting again in the hope of striking up their romance and reuniting the family. This endearing movie will be sure to put a smile on your face as you will find yourself rooting for a happy ending. 

The Blind Side

Families come in all shapes and sizes and this 2009 movie, starring critically acclaimed actress Sandra Bullock, perfectly captures this message. Michael is 17 and comes from an impoverished background, moving from one foster home to another while his biological mother suffers from drug addiction. Michael is undeniably talented when it comes to sports with a fire and determination to go with it. After overcoming many hardships, Michael is taken in by a lovable family who teach him what it means to really be a part of a family unit. 

Dirty Dancing

This romantic dance movie released in 1987 is a timeless classic and personal favourite. There are a multitude of reasons to love this film, from its funky music to saucy dancing and, of course, its star actor Patrick Swayze. It follows Baby, a girl on a journey to becoming a young woman in a conservative society. Love, passion and dance overcome the obstacles of class and background which initially segregate the characters in the movie. The 80s fashion will be sure to take you back in time. That epic lift at the end of the movie might inspire you to don your dancing shoes and try something new. 

Fifty First Dates 

We have all been there at some point but imagine having to re-live a first date over and over again. Fifty First Dates, released in 2004, stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. When a young couple strike up a great conversation at a local café, things seem promising. However, obstacles appear when Lucy, played by Barrymore, is revealed to have been in a car accident which now impacts her memory. The love story follows a determined Henry, played by Sandler, as he creates multiple meet cues for the pair so that, each day, he can remind Lucy why they fell in love. 

The Proposal 

Sandra Bullock stars as a successful editor-in-chief of a publishing house who faces the threat of being deported back to Canada. She injects fear into everyone in her office, none more so than her devoted assistant whose work ethic and desire to please his editor knows no limits. This is comically evident when Bullock convinces her assistant to marry her for a green card. To pull this off, the pair will have to act the part, convincing family, friends and colleagues. 

How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days 

Kate Hudson, plays Andie, a journalist who has found her writing stuck in the ‘how to’ section. In a bid to help her best friend and break free from her writing limitations, Andie decides to date a guy with the intent of driving him away while writing about it for her column. However, Andie soon finds out that she is not the only one keeping secrets in the relationship. 

La La Land

Released in 2016, La La Land is written and directed by Damien Chazelle. It transports the audience back to the glory days of Hollywood, injecting a touch of glamour along with great jazz music and brilliant dance scenes. It was one of the most talked about movies when it was released and since then it has become a firm favourite of many. 

Notting Hill 

Julia Roberts plays a famous actress whose shiny celebrity life hides a more complicated private life, which she tries to shield from the peering eyes of the paparazzi. Her life becomes even more complicated when she meets and falls for a London book shop owner. 

Late Night

Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling star as powerful, intelligent and successful women who help each other in their professional and personal lives. It is a story of perseverance, female empowerment and creativity. Released in 2019, this comedy-drama has themes of friendship, displacement and determination set within the media bubble of late-night television. 

My Best Friend’s Wedding

Julia Roberts puts in a fantastic performance in this 1997 romantic comedy. Jules and Michael have been best friends for years. When Jules begins to question this, it's too late. She receives an invite to Michael’s wedding. This heart-warming yet comical display of love, friendship, love and loss will have you hooked from the outset. Enjoy a great soundtrack and endearing characters. 

Bridget Jones

With three movies based around the famous Bridget Jones, this is a movie marathon. We follow Jones through her relationship faux pas and her romantic victories. With love triangles abound as do body image issues.