10 Dramas That Oddly Look Like Good Movies

Most of the time, drama Films mix elements of comedy, tragedy, horror and any other genre into their stories to make them more attractive. Although most dramas are marked by serious themes and difficult subjects, many of them take advantage of the darkest moments of the narrative to make room for the happy ending, which makes them easy to consider feel-good films. While not every dramatic story needs to have a positive conclusion to be considered comforting or a repeatable project, there is usually some uplifting aspect that gives hope to the audience and the characters.

The best feel-good films of the last decade have come from a variety of genres, as it's up to individual audience members to determine what makes a film calming. Most people have films that they return to again and again because they provoke feelings of contentment and security, even if the narrative isn't joyful from beginning to end. However, it wouldn't be attractive or interesting to watch a movie without ups and downs. Furthermore, it is often thanks to the skillful performances of the actors that viewers are able to connect with the characters on screen.

10

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Directed by Frank Darabont

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman lead The Shawshank Redemption like Andy and Red, two prisoners who form a close bond throughout the events of the story. Based on the novel by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption It has stood the test of time and is widely discussed to this day as a classic of the genre. Although the story is fictional, it deals with real corruption in the US prison system, as well as the harsh and inhumane treatment that prisoners face.

However The Shawshank Redemption is full of hard and brutal moments, the film's conclusion provides some relief and a sense of justice for the audience and the characters. However, there is no doubt that it is uplifting, despite the difficult moments that the viewer must face to reach a satisfying ending. The Shawshank Redemption it was voted the best film of 1994 in a Rotten Tomatoes poll, proving its goodwill with audiences and its staying power as a work of art.

9

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

Directed by Marc Webb

Praised for its non-linear storytelling and subversive take on the rom-com genre, (500) Days of Summer is known for the controversial relationship between Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel). Although there are many comical moments in the story, (500) Days of Summer lets the viewer know from the beginning that Tom and Summer aren't in a love story, but it soon becomes clear that they shouldn't be. Instead of Tom having the girl as his happy ending, he finds himself.

(500) Days of Summer is a non-musical film with a musical sequence that works within the context of the tone and story. Tom's imagination and inner life span the world, showing the audience the ups and downs of his relationship with Summer. Those moments of magical realism are part of what makes (500) Days of Summer so easy to watch again, despite its nihilistic themes and tougher moments. However, Both Tom and Summer get the ending they deserve, even if it's not the one they imagined.

8

The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)

Directed by Gabriele Muccino

There are moments along The search for happiness when it seems like Chris (Will Smith) will never escape his circumstances and that the world really is against him, but that makes his success all the sweeter. Starring Smith and his son Jaden Smith as father and son Chris and Chris Jr. The search for happiness is based on the real life of Christopher Gardner. The film follows his time working to support his son and find shelter for him during a period of immense poverty and hardship in his life.

One of the reasons that The search for happiness has been elevated to such a high position and has been praised for years since its release because of how low the story takes Chris. Your path to comfort and relief is paved almost exclusively by setbacks, and the idea of ​​giving up becomes more tempting with each disappointing scene. However, Smith makes it worth watching thanks to his dedicated performance, and The search for happiness uses delayed gratification to make the happy ending as touching as possible.

7

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Directed by Gus Van Sant

Goodwill Hunt is one of the films that defined Robin Williams' career. Although audiences already knew he had dramatic acting chops, his performances as Sean, Will's (Matt Damon) therapist, are one of the most moving of his career. If someone had played Sean, it is unlikely that Goodwill Hunt would be so well remembered today, as Williams not only brought his character to life perfectly, but was also the ideal scene partner to complement the young Damon when he was at the beginning of his career.

However, Damon still holds his own as he anchors the play as Will, the troubled young man who doesn't know what he wants and struggles to process his past. As he excels in his career and makes advances with Sean, Will's relationship with Skylar (Minnie Driver) creates a compelling romantic angle for the viewer to invest in. Watching Will sabotage himself and refuse to think about his future can be frustrating, but when he realizes what he needs, it's an unforgettable moment.

6

Forrest Gump (1994)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Forest Gump touches on the many difficult parts of American history, but the film is not meant to be an accurate historical drama, but rather a subjective personal drama. Starring Tom Hanks in one of his best-known roles as the titular Forrest, the story follows him from childhood to adulthood as he encounters pivotal moments in American history and realizes what he wants in life. Based on the novel by Winston Groom, Forest Gump It takes a lot of liberties with the source material, making it more familiar.

The relationship between Forrest and Jenny (Robin Wright), his childhood sweetheart, is a driving force behind the narrative, as she is an enduring force of kindness in Forrest's life, even when others are cruel. Although Forrest is no stranger to tragedy and loss, his positive attitude and determination to move forward are an inspiring part of the film. Despite being a polarizing film, there is no doubt that Forest Gump is a drama that focuses on its uplifting moments.

5

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Directed by Peter Weir

Many iconic actors grace the screen in Dead Poets Societywith Robin Williams, young Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard making up some of the central characters. The atmosphere and aesthetics Dead Poets Society are part of the reason it is an oft-discussed drama from the late 1980s as it has a warm academic style that is popular in film and literature today. However, this does not mean that Dead Poets Society relies on her appearance to connect with the audience while facing an immense tragedy.

However, Dead Poets Society is a great example of a film that addresses the importance of education and how a teacher's encouragement can change someone's outlook on life. While it is far from a diverse story, it communicates a progressive message of breaking away from the predetermined role or destiny that society's authority figures have carved out. At the end of Dead Poets Societythe audience saw the characters realize that it is up to them to control their destiny.

4

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Directed by Robert Mulligan

Based on Harper Lee's seminal 1960 novel of the same name To Kill a Mockingbird is a beloved drama of this era of Hollywood and is more progressive than many of its contemporaries. It could be argued that Gregory Peck stars in his best film as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. In his role as Atticus, Peck takes on an even more prominent role in the film than in the novel, as it cannot be told solely through the eyes of his daughter, Scout (Mary Badham).

At once an intimate portrait of a small town and a universal story about prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird​​​​​​​ remains relevant today. ​​​​​​Although there are inherent problems with the narrative itself, as it leans heavily into the white savior trope, it is a skillful work of filmmaking and a moving piece of cinematic history. There are much harsher, more realistic portrayals of this period in history and the violent discrimination faced by black Americans, but To Kill a Mockingbird It's an accessible place to start, which is probably why so many young people read it.

3

Bright Side Handbook (2012)

Directed by David O. Russell

Despite being released in the same year as The Hunger Games, Silver linings Playbook sees Jennifer Lawrence in a very different role as Tiffany. Co-starring Bradley Cooper as Pat, Silver linings Playbook sees its combative but compatible characters clash until they finally realize they are made for each other. With a distinctly romantic point of view and an unabashedly sentimental tone, Silver linings Playbook punctuates these moments with crushing realizations so that the drama never goes beyond the limits of sentimentality.

Lawrence won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Tiffany, establishing her as one of the greatest actresses of the 2010s. Family dysfunction is a recurring theme in Silver linings Playbookwho sees Both Pat and Tiffany struggle to readapt to life after significant losses that alter their perceptions of themselves and the world. However, through their connection, they find a new meaning, which easily wins the hearts of the audience.

2

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton

The all-star cast that brings dark humor to life Little Miss Sunshine are the champions of the film, as they deal with horrific tragedies and heartwarming moments at the same time. Little Miss Sunshine proves that comedic actors can be some of the best dramatic actors, as Steve Carell provides a career-defining portrayal of his character, Frank. However, it is the moments when the whole family is together that Little Miss Sunshine is at its best, proving that there is joy in life's darkest moments.

With their frank discussions about death and life's disappointments, it's funny to think Little Miss Sunshine like a feel-good film, but it uses these difficult moments to juxtapose its real message. Little Miss Sunshine it's actually about overcoming obstacles and focusing on the good things in the world rather than what you can't control. However almost everything that could go wrong happens in Little Miss Sunshine, It's an incredible journey joining the characters.

1

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Directed byStephen Chbosky

The central character in The perks of Being a WallflowerCharlie (Logan Lerman), is a soulful young man who struggles to adapt to high school while grappling with his traumatic past. Writer-director Stephen Chbosky also wrote the 1999 novel on which the film is based, making the film a true adaptation of Chbosky's vision and the heart of the story. None of the characters in The perks of Being a Wallflower have an easy life, but through their relationships they find a way to persevere.

Regarding the age of majority dramas go, The perks of Being a Wallflower is a definitive work for the beginning of 2010 and corresponds to the aesthetics and ideals of the generation struggling with the transition to adulthood during this period. Although this does The perks of Being a Wallflower Particularly impactful for this group, the story is relatable to anyone who struggled with coming of age. Never shying away from Charlie's difficulty navigating the world around him, The perks of Being a Wallflower helps make your audience feel seen and understood.