Joyful films to combat Isolation
Isolation getting you down? Sometimes film needs to be a mood booster, a medicine, a break from the sad realities of the world. If you’re looking for a feel-good film to enjoy then here’s 12 spots of joy to improve your day.
Kiki, a 13-year-old trainee witch moves to a new town with her talking cat Jiji and starts up a flying courier service from the back of her broomstick. A charming and beautifully illustrated coming of age story from animation masters Studio Ghibli.
Pride– Set in 1984 this comedy drama tells the true story of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign. A funny and moving story about culture clash and overcoming prejudice it’s a joyful film about solidarity that will restore your faith in humanity and, if you’re me, shed many happy tears.
Back to the miners’ strike and 11-year-old Billy has a secret dream of becoming a ballet dancer. The dance scenes are riotously good fun but it’s the relationship between Billy and his dad that will truly warm your heart.
Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles. I refuse to believe there is a person on earth who does not love this film. A host of loveable characters and endlessly quotable lines will have you coming back to watch it time and time again.
Director Gurinder Chadha’s latest film is the coming-of-age story of Javed, a British-Pakistani teenager who goes on a journey of self-discovery after falling in love with the music of Bruce Springsteen. It’s an exhilarating film about the power of music and will resonate with anyone who’s had a musician or an album that just spoke to them.
so NOT the romcom you might have it billed as. Pink princess Elle Woods goes to Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend but instead learns the power of self-worth and hard work. Reese Witherspoon exudes sunshine in this smart comedy – come on now everybody, bend and snap!
Related: Read 10 Top picks from Netflix to take your mind off lockdown here
A delightful family fantasy from writer Neil Gaiman, it stars a pre-Daredevil Charlie Cox as a young man on a quest to find a fallen star. In a similar vein to The Princess Bride, its packed full of fun performances including a scene stealing Robert De Niro as a flamboyant sky pirate.
A love letter to rock and roll performed by an in-his-element Jack Black and a class full of talented child musicians. For anyone who hasn’t watched School of Rock since they were a kid: revisit it. It’s a wholesome romp with good jokes and an absolutely killer soundtrack.
Singin’ in the Rain – the greatest movie musical of all time and acclaimed for a reason. A good-natured satire about Hollywood and the movie business, it’s bright colours, catchy songs and clever dance numbers are sure to lift anyone out of a grey mood. “Make ‘em laugh’’ alone is a tonic committed to film.
Sing Street – a modern musical by John Carney, the writer and director of the hugely acclaimed Once, it tells the story of an MTV obsessed boy in 1980s Ireland who starts a band to impress the girl he likes. A really sweet film packed full of genuinely fantastic original songs that you’ll be humming for weeks.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – Ben Stiller plays Walter, a lonely office dweller who finds himself on an extraordinary adventure that takes him to the remote edges of the world. Surprisingly tender and beautifully photographed, the stunning locations featured in this film will inspire you to get off your sofa and dream big.
Cool Runnings – who doesn’t love an underdog story? This Disney classic about the 1988 Jamaican bobsleigh team is a perennial favourite. John Candy and Doug E. Doug are absolute treasures, the jokes truly stand up and if you don’t cheer when the team fights to cross the finish line in the final race then you truly have a heart of stone.
What are your go-to films when you’re feeling down? Let us know in the comments!
Some great films there.
I would add a couple that whilst you wouldn’t look at them and think of them as typically feel good, by the end I defy you not to have shed a tear and had your heart warmed.
Firstly Up in the Air with George Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick. Underrated film about a travelling salesman less interested in social connection than reaching his 1 million air miles. But his ways of thinking are slowly changed by a new slightly emotionally naive but sweet, optimistic colleague. A quiet, unassuming but life affirming film about the power of connection!
Secondly, Ghost Town with Ricky Gervais. Love him or hate him his films always have heart. I wont give too much away here, but has me in tears everytime..in a good way!