The 10 best feel-good films of the past decade

Happy movies have always been an intrinsic part of the broader cinema. While there will always be a time and a place for an epic drama, a nail-biting action film, or a blood-curdling horror film, audiences will always need feel-good films that they can gravitate toward when they simply need a pick-me-up. after a long day. Lifting the spirits of countless viewers over the years, these films provide an audiovisual reminder of the fact that life is beautiful amidst the many tribulations the human experience has to offer.

This is also not a mere substitute for quality. Many of cinema’s most prominent uplifting offerings are considered some of the best and most influential films of all time, with accolades such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Aboveand When Harry met Sally earning universal acclaim from fans and critics. While the previous decade had failed to produce an offering that seriously rivaled legendary names of its ilk, the last decade has seen a number of excellent light-hearted productionsfrom feel-good musical numbers to epic superhero films.

10

Yesterday (2019)

Directed by Danny Boyle

A charming and thought-provoking showcase of music and humor, Danny Boyle’s Yesterday chronicles a series of extremely unlikely events. After being hit by a bus, musician Jack Malik discovers that he is the only person on the planet who can remember the existence of the Beatles, allowing him to pass on the iconic band’s music as his own.

Yesterday It may not be the most refined cinematic experience out there, but it is undoubtedly one of the happiest films of the last decade. The expressions of amazement on the faces of Jack’s audience as he plays Beatles tracks capture a moving snapshot of the nostalgic feeling associated with hearing the legendary band for the first time in glorious clarity. The film’s wry sense of humor and uplifting nature Yesterday the narrative combines for a thoroughly enjoyable experience that rarely fails to leave a broad smile on the viewer’s face.

9

Pride (2014)

Directed by Matthew Warchus

Led by the talents of a British cast, Pride portrays an uplifting true story; a group of LBGTQ+ activists who sought to raise money to help families suffering as a result of the 1984 British miners’ strike. Featuring the likes of Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Paddy Considine, Matthew Warchus’ film received a glowing response from critics. after launch in 2014.

A compassionate crowd pleaser of the highest order, Pride radiates optimism and good feelings from the first second. It’s a passionate ode to the inherently good aspects the human experience has to offer that will leave viewers laughing and crying in equal measure. An inspiring story accompanied by a series of magnificent performances from a star-studded cast, Pride is one of the most unabashedly joyful outings in recent cinema.

8

Sing Street (2016)

Directed by John Carney

A moving coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of south Dublin during the 1980s, John Carney’s Sing Street follows Conor’s story; a boy who starts a band to impress a girl. Aided by a killer soundtrack featuring endlessly catchy original songs interspersed with contemporary classicsCarney’s photo is all heart; a moving snapshot of the innocence and optimism of youth.

Sing Street it doesn’t break particularly new ground, but the familiarity of the film’s premise, themes, and characters gives it a relentlessly optimistic air; one that elevates the film from just another musical drama to one of the most joyful outings of the last decade. Not surprisingly, for a film about Ireland, there are sad moments throughout. Sing Streetbut they only serve to worsen the comforting feeling when things end up working out.

7

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Directed by Jon M. Chu

A romantic comedy film based on the book of the same name, Jon M. Chu’s Crazy rich Asians tells the story of Rachel, a young woman who discovers that her new boyfriend comes from one of the richest families in Singapore. Carried by two standout performances from Constance Wu and Henry Golding, the 2018 film also benefits from the excellent efforts of an all-Asian supporting cast, who help bring this raucous ride to life in stunning fashion.

A glorious, heartfelt blast of a film that utilizes sizzling dialogue and impeccable comedic timingChu’s photo is one of the most unlikely wellness offerings of the last ten years. While the film’s promotional material may have suggested a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy, Crazy rich Asians transcends any preconceived notions with an uplifting and hilarious story that radiates warmth and humanity and stands as the best genre offering in recent memory.

6

Eddie the Eagle (2016)

Directed by Dexter Fletcher

An Underdog Story Forever, 2016 Eddie the Eagle offers a dramatized look at the true story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards; a lovable, clumsy skier who becomes the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping in sixty years. Led by Taron Egerton in one of his finest film roles and supported by a glorious performance from Hugh Jackman, Dexter Fletcher’s film is a joyful testament to the indomitable nature of the human spirit that rarely fails to bring a smile.

Although the film makes liberal use of virtually every inspirational cliché in the sports movie playbook, Eddie the Eagle The relentless optimism and sentimentality create a cinematic experience that leaves the viewer up in arms, roaring Egerton’s unlikely hero as he soars from the dizzying heights of the ski jumping platforms. A story of redemption and perseverance which unabashedly hits the audience like a boxer stirring up a crowd, Fletcher’s film is one of the most crowd-pleasing offerings of the last decade.

5

22 Jump Street (2014)

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

The successor to the 2012 smash hit Rua do Pulo 21, Rua do Pulo 22 picked up where the original left off perfectly. The sequel sees Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s characters sent undercover to root out a mysterious drug supplier once again, this time swapping high school for college.

Effortlessly avoiding the pitfalls associated with subsequent films, Rua do Pulo 22 is the rare example of a sequel that improves on the original. Hill and Tatum face each other with ease, bringing one of cinema’s most fun and adorable bromances to life in an uproarious way once again. In truth Salto Street Fashion, the 2014 film manages to be relentlessly silly while also hitting all the right feel-good notes through the unshakable bond of friendship between Schmidt and Jenko, eliciting laughs and sentimental smiles in equal measure.

4

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Directed by Joel Crawford

2022 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish saw Antonio Banderas step back into the boots of popular culture’s favorite talking feline with a moving offering of the highest order. Chronicling the Cat’s attempts to reclaim his nine lives while being pursued by Death, Joel Crawford’s picture is a tender love letter to the elements that made the original film. Shrek films are a huge success, while also providing a stunning new visual look at the character and his universe.

As serious as it is charming, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish It’s an infectiously encouraging offer. The film still manages to offer poignant commentary on themes of mental health and mortality without missing a beat in terms of the feel-good factor, aided by Banderas’ usual polished talent in his signature role and a strong array of voice acting from the supporting character. cast. There may be hope for the Shrek franchise yet.

3

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsay and Rodney Rothman

An animated origin story for Sony’s Spider-Man wannabe Miles Morales Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an unwavering triumph for the superhero genre. The first in a planned trilogy of films, the 2018 film received rave reviews upon release, with particular praise aimed at the film’s stunning visuals, thrilling action sequences, and excellent voiceover performances.

Loaded with heart and humor from start to finishMiles’ mentoring bond with Jake Johnson’s Peter Parker is a notably touching element of the film, while his chemistry with Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacey and the deep love he has for his family never fail to tug at the heartstrings. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse A cocktail of lovable characters, hilarious jokes, and witty dialogue produces a relentlessly entertaining experience that conveys a warm and fuzzy sense of comfort that never feels forced.

2

La La Land (2016)

Directed by Damien Chazelle

At first sight, La La Land’s The reputation of one of the most prominent feel-good offerings of the last decade may seem controversial, given that it doesn’t end with the traditional “happily ever after” conclusion for the film’s would-be star-crossed lovers. The film’s ending finds Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s characters going their separate ways despite their deep love for each other, leading to a moving climax to the proceedings that consistently leaves viewers reaching for the tissues.

So, it says a lot to the uplifting nature of the film’s magnificent musical numbers and dance sequences what La La Terra it remains such a joyful ride despite its emotional ending. Aided by two moving performances that exude the raw humanity of the film’s lead duo, Damien Chazelle’s film remains a passionate love letter to a bygone era that gets better with each viewing.

1

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Directed by James Gunn

Irreverent, moving, and aided by one of the most iconic cinematic soundtracks in recent memory, Guardians of the Galaxy is controversially the MCU’s best offering to date, as well as being the best happy film of the last ten years. Depicting the origin story of the ragtag band of unwanted aliens, James Gunn’s outing spawned two sequels that never came close to achieving the feel-good aura of the first film.

The rare superhero film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Guardians of the Galaxy is loaded to the brim with material that will make even the most cynical of viewers smile; from Rocket’s penchant for unwavering chaos to Groot’s relentlessly lovable nature. The fact that all of these elements are set against the backdrop of a thrilling, top-tier superhero film is simply icing on the cake.