Adulthood can be tough, and that’s exactly why feel-good movies exist. Sometimes, you just don’t want to strain your brain with an Oscar-worthy thriller or a heavy documentary. Watching a comforting, easygoing movie is totally valid—in fact, we think it’s an essential part of a healthy media diet. So why deprive yourself? Here are 24 feel-good films to escape into the next time you need a little warmth and comfort.

### 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Need a reminder of how great adulthood can be (your own place! No curfew! Money that’s theoretically all yours!)? Rewatching Jenna Rink’s overnight transformation from awkward teen to confident 30-year-old is the perfect pick-me-up.

### The Philadelphia Story (1940)
I could go on and on about this classic screwball comedy starring Katharine Hepburn as a spoiled socialite juggling suitors, but the bottom line is: this movie is pure joy.

### Groundhog Day (1993)
If you don’t mind reliving the same day over and over (at least in movie form), this Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell comedy will leave you smiling—and grateful for the normal flow of time.

### Ratatouille (2007)
Sure, this charming tale of a rat-turned-chef in Paris is technically for kids. But has it saved me from a bad mood more times than I’d care to admit? Absolutely.

### The Princess Diaries (2001)
Finding out you’re secretly a princess (ruled by Julie Andrews, no less) isn’t as easy as it sounds—just ask Mia Thermopolis. But watching this movie with popcorn and a cozy blanket? Pure delight.

### Last Holiday (2006)
Queen Latifah is a guaranteed mood-lifter in any role, but especially here, as she snowboards, BASE jumps, and flirts her way through a luxurious Czech spa town.

### Bring It On (2000)
I’ve lost count of how many times this cheerleading comedy has pulled me out of a funk—and it never fails. “I’m wanted, I’m hot, I’m everything you’re not!”

### A League of Their Own (1992)
As Jess from New Girl put it, this movie is about “sisterhood… and the war.” Sure, there are tense moments, but mostly it’s about swooning over young Tom Hanks and watching Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell tear up the baseball field in vintage uniforms—instant happiness.

### Finding Nemo (2003)
Yes, it’s a kids’ movie, but after that opening scene, it’s smooth sailing—like a beautiful underwater screensaver with a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and bravery. (And Thomas Newman’s score is perfection.)

### Amélie (2002)
Amelie Poulin, a quirky Parisian waitress, dedicates her life to spreading joy—and this movie will do the same for you every time you watch it.

### When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Arguably Nora Ephron’s most uplifting film, this is the perfect antidote when you’ve convinced yourself love is dead after one too many heartbreaks. (Why didn’t Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan ever team up again?)

### Julie & Julia (2009)
Wait—is this actually Nora Ephron’s most feel-good movie? With Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and endless shots of buttery, flaky pastry, the answer is yes.

### Shrek (2001)
This animated favorite sneaks in enough clever humor for adults while still delivering a touching story. And let’s be real—who doesn’t tear up when Shrek learns to love Fiona?

### Mamma Mia! (2008)
No offense, but if you can make it through this ABBA-filled Greek island adventure without singing along, you might be emotionally broken.

### The Princess Bride (1987)
A timeless classic for good reason—this epic adventure is the ultimate comfort watch.Here’s a more natural and polished version of your text:

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Pretty much any time I’m grumpy on a Sunday (and want to bask in the beauty of Robin Wright).

Blue Crush (2002)
The ultimate early-2000s surfer-girl rom-com! (Okay, fine—maybe it’s the only one.) Kate Bosworth and her sun-kissed crew are so charming, you’ll want to flee to Hawaii and learn to surf alongside them.

Clueless (1995)
Arguably the gold standard for Austen-inspired rom-coms, this movie is a masterclass in making nosy popular girls look good.

Father of the Bride (1991)
If you’re craving some delightfully low-stakes ’90s drama—seriously, the biggest conflict here is wedding planning—Nancy Meyers’ Father of the Bride is your perfect escape. (Also, was Steve Martin kind of hot? Just me?)

It’s Complicated (2009)
Speaking of Nancy Meyers and Steve Martin, nothing is more soothing than watching Meryl Streep whip up meals in a stunning Santa Barbara kitchen.

Across the Universe (2007)
A Beatles soundtrack reimagined in a way that actually works—and isn’t (completely) cringey? I’d be skeptical too, but trust me, it’s magical—and the coziest watch for a lazy Friday night.

March of the Penguins (2005)
I never gave much thought to emperor penguin migration before this movie, but now I’m obsessed with how ridiculously adorable they are.

Booksmart (2019)
Even if you weren’t the “one weird friend” type in high school (ahem, hi), this movie will make you laugh and leave you feeling like maybe the kids are alright.

Home for the Holidays (1995)
Holly Hunter’s irresistible charm makes this Thanksgiving movie a year-round rewatch, not just a November tradition.

Little Women (2019)
To paraphrase Ariana DeBose: Greta Gerwig (and Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, and Meryl Streep) absolutely nailed it—and we’re all better for it.

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Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!