Let’s face it: Turn on the news and something tumultuous is always happening. And in the age of 24/7 internet connection, it’s easy to default to doomscrolling. Sometimes we need a little pick-me-up to lift our spirits—and indulging in that extra piece of dessert doesn’t always cut it. One of my go-tos when the world is feeling unbalanced? Cinema. As I previously wrote, movies provide blessed escapism, whether I’m watching a Wes Anderson flick for the umpteenth time or looking for an inspiring movie to perk me up. If you’re looking to dive into the comforting world of make-believe, too, I’ve rounded up 51 of the most inspiring movies that just might help. From feel-good rom-coms (hello, Love Actually!) to underrated classics like The Pursuit of Happyness and The Truman Show, here are a few uplifting movies that you can rent or stream right now.
The 83 Best Family Movies of All Time
Top Picks
1. Legally Blonde (2001)
Director: Robert Luketic
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair
Rating: PG-13
It’s hard not to love Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), what with her contagious optimism and her flawless sense of style. After getting into Harvard Law, Elle’s sole purpose is to win her ex-boyfriend back. But when he fails to take her seriously, Elle finds her motivation elsewhere and realizes her full potential, with the help of a new love interest, Emmett (Luke Wilson) and her manicurist, Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge). “As cheesy as it may be Legally Blonde has always resonated with me as a testament to staying true to yourself even if it means going at it alone,” says PureWow fashion editor Abby Hepworth. “Elle is incredibly smart, determined and capable and doesn't let the pressures of fitting into what a lawyer ‘should be’ change her. That's incredibly hard to do. And the fact that this movie is so hilarious and over the top makes that learning feel fun and less like a lesson.” The film, which was adapted from the 2001 novel of the same name, garnered Golden Globes nominations for “best actress” and “best musical/comedy,” as well as two spinoffs and a musical.
2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Director: John Hughes
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
Rating: PG-13
The classic teen comedy follows class-cutting connoisseur Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), who decides to have one last hurrah before graduation by using a fake sick day. Meanwhile, his sister and school dean will do anything to stop him. Ferris, his girlfriend, Sloane, and friend Cameron enjoy a day in Chicago, hitting all the iconic sites. For his performance, Broderick was nominated for a Golden Globe. What better way to be reminded that it’s okay to let loose and have some fun sometimes? As Ferris puts it, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
3. Clueless (1995)
Director: Amy Heckerling
Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
Rating: PG-13
On the surface, Cher (Alicia Silverstone) has it all: the social status, the looks and the kind of charm that gets her almost anything that she wants. Loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma, the high schooler sets about meddling in the lives of her teachers and peers. But when the new transfer student, Tai, becomes more popular after giving her a major makeover, Cher learns that there's more to life than popularity. Upon release, Clueless earned $88 million against a $12 million budget and is regarded as one of the best teen films of all time.
4. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Director: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan
Cast: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: R
Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) answers questions on India's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, but when the show breaks for the night, he’s arrested on suspicions of cheating. Malik, who grew up as an orphan, then reveals his past in flashbacks, which explain how he’s able to answer the show’s seemingly impossible questions. Spanning his early childhood losing his mother in the Bombay Riots, to his adolescence escaping gangsters and pickpocketing, the story traces Malik’s quest for a long-lost love. It's a great blend of feel-good comedy, romance and adventure (complete with a Bollywood musical number).
5. Back to the Future (1985)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
Rating: PG
The sci-fi comedy still stands out as one of the most iconic films ever made. When Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) accidentally time travels back to the '50s, he bumbles and prevents his own parents from falling in love, thereby jeopardizing his existence. What follows is Marty’s attempts to get his parents back together, while the younger version of his mother is infatuated with him. Cringey mother-son kissing scene aside, you're up for quite the adventure. And thus, it lives in history as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever created, having been nominated for a slew of Academy Awards and BAFTAs.
6. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Director: Peter Weir
Cast: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
Rating: PG
This touching film earned Robin Williams an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of English professor John Keating, who returns to his alma mater, Welton Academy, to teach. His unconventional methods, including ripping up poetry books and mathematical poetry rating systems, inspire his pupils to seize the day. (Or, as Keating says, “carpe diem.”) When they discover that he was once a member of the now-defunct Dead Poet’s Society, the students decide to reinstate it, and find it teaches them to live life on their own terms. Dead Poets Society was a winner of the National Board of Review’s 1989 awards and nabbed multiple nominations from the Writer’s Guild, Golden Globes and César Awards.
7. Home Alone (1990)
Director: Chris Columbus
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Rating: PG
When the holidays come around, one of the first movies that always comes to my mind is Home Alone. Although the premise is wildly far-fetched, it's by far one of the most entertaining holiday classics to this day. Here, 8-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) must defend the family home from intruders after being inadvertently left behind on the family vacation. When the “Wet Bandits” arrive, Kevin must use his wits (and some booby traps) to fend them off. Underneath all the intricate schemes and feel-good humor, there are definitely some important life lessons (such as the biggest don'ts of parenting). Aside from its Golden Glove and Academy Award nominations, Home Alone also has the distinction of being 1990’s second-highest grossing film (behind Ghost) and was selected in 2023 for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
8. The Help (2011)
Director: Tate Taylor
Cast: Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer
Rating: PG-13
I immensely enjoyed reading The Help and loved the movie, too. Set in 1960s Mississippi, the story follows Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), an aspiring journalist rejected from a big New York City magazine, and Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis), a domestic worker for Skeeter’s friend, Elizabeth Leefolt. As Skeeter, who now writes a housekeeping column in the local paper, befriends Aibileen and other maids, she realizes the mistreatment they face and decides to write a book. What follows is a heartwarming tale of friendship in unlikely places, as Skeeter’s activism encourages Aibileen and her friends, including Minny (Octavia Spencer) to stand up for themselves and create better lives. The Help was a critical and commercial success, with Spencer winning the 2012 Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress.
Award Winners
9. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Cast: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
Rating: PG-13
Will Smith’s performance as single dad Chris Gardner earned him Oscar, Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations in 2007. The film is based on real-life Gardner’s 2006 memoir, detailing his time as a homeless salesman trying to raise his son. After a chance meeting, Chris lands a position as an intern stockbroker—but the six-month contract is unpaid. He balances raising his son as they bounce from hotels to homeless shelters and train station bathrooms, all while hiding the circ*mstances from his colleagues with the hope of landing the only permanent position available. It’s an inspiring movie, and it’s even more touching when you realize that the kid playing the son is Jaden Smith, Will’s real-life son. (P.S. You’ll probably need to keep a few tissues handy for this one.)
10. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Director: Gus Van Sant
Cast: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Rating: R
When it comes to inspirational movies, Good Will Hunting is high on the list. And with legends Matt Damon and Robin Williams in the cast, there’s no doubt about it. (The latter won the 1998 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.) In the film, we meet Will Hunting (Damon), a brilliant yet misguided young man who, freshly out of prison and on parole, works as a janitor at MIT. Unbeknownst to all, he is a mathematical genius and solves Professor Gerald Lambeau’s (Stellan Skarsgård) difficult combinatorial problem that stumps even the graduate students. When Lambeau discovers Will’s abilities, he sets the latter on a path to realizing his true potential, all with the help of a gifted therapist, Dr. Sean Maguire (Williams).
11. Sister Act (1992)
Director: Emile Ardolino
Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Harvey Keitel
Rating: PG
Fair warning: This is one of those uplifting movies that could easily turn into a karaoke night if you already know the songs by heart. After Deloris (Whoopi Goldberg) accidentally witnesses a murder, she's placed in protective custody, where she pretends to be a nun. But when she's assigned to lead the convent's choir, she challenges the status quo and turns them into a colorful singing act. Sister Act was one of the ‘90s most successful films, pulling in $231 million and two spin-offs, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and a 2006 musical adaptation.
12. The Truman Show (1998)
Director: Peter Weir
Cast: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney
Rating: PG
The satirical comedy, which was nominated for three Oscars in 1999, offers commentary on privacy and the media (which, interestingly enough, is still relevant today), while promoting a strong message: Always listen to your heart. Unbeknownst to Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), his entire life from birth has been on full display via a live 24-hour TV show, and his “friends” and “community” are really actors paid to keep up the ruse that he lives on an island in a town called Seahaven Island. When Truman accidentally falls in love with an extra and not the actress in the script, the carefully-crafted world he inhabits begins to (literally) fall apart. In the end, it’s an inspiring movie that proves that we can all write our own destinies.
13. Forrest Gump (1994)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
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Forrest Gump is a cinema legend, with six Academy Awards (including Best Actor for Tom Hanks, Best Director and Best Picture) and myriad Golden Globe, BAFTA And SAG nominations. Released in 1994, the film earned $678 million, outdone only by The Lion King. Despite childlike tendencies and a low IQ, Forrest (Hanks) leads an extraordinary life against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America in the ‘60s. From a run-in with Elvis to playing football for the University of Alabama, serving in the Vietnam War, becoming a ping-pong star and being an early investor in Apple, Forrest is flying through life. But challenges arise when it comes to his relationship with his childhood sweetheart. It’s clever, it’s sentimental and, overall, such a fun watch.
14. Life Of Pi (2012)
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain
Rating: R
Life of Pi is the harrowing but uplifting tale of a young teenager, Pi (Suraj Sharma), who survives a deadly storm that kills his family as they attempt to cross the ocean with their menagerie of zoo animals. However, Pi soon realizes that he's not the only survivor. He develops an incredible bond with a Bengal tiger, who also braved the disaster, and the two must learn to coexist until they can reach land. With its breathtaking visuals and complex themes, this film is a true classic.
15. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Director: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan
Rating: R
Everything Everywhere All at Once dazzled the box office in 2022, becoming production company A24’s highest-grossing film at the time ($143 million). It swept the Academy Awards, including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis, respectively, in addition to a bevy of other awards. (Golden Globes, SAG, Critics’ Choice and BAFTA.) The absurdist film follows Evelyn Wang (Yeoh), who must journey across the multi-verse to save the universe she loves. In one of the most inspiring movies of all time, we get a story about family and the power of empathy.
16. CODA (2021)
Director: Sian Heder
Cast: Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur
Rating: PG-13
CODA is the American remake of a Franco-Belgian film I love, La Famille Bélier, which came out in 2014. Apple TV+ purchased the 2021 adaptation for a record $25 million after it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and the film went on to win three Oscars. Troy Michael Kotsur, who played Frank Rossi, was the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award and BAFTA award. The movie follows Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), a gifted high school student with a passion for music. As the only hearing person in her family, they often rely on her to connect them to the outside world. But when her choir teacher offers to help Ruby prepare for an audition at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she’ll have to learn that chasing her dreams doesn’t mean she’s abandoning her roots.
Based on Real Life
17. Joy (2015)
Director: David O. Russell
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper
Rating: PG-13
Joy is an uplifting movie based on the true story of inventor Joy Mangano, whose Miracle Mop was an instant success. The film charts Joy’s (Jennifer Lawrence) early days working as an airline booking agent under financial strain supporting various family members. When her best friend, Jackie (Dascha Polanco), encourages Joy to pursue her passion for inventing, the Miracle Mop is born. Before making millions, she’ll have to navigate a landscape of cunning manufacturers, meddling family and bumbling salespeople to get herself out of bankruptcy. Lawrence won a Golden Globe for Best Actress-Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, in addition to Oscar and Critics’ Choice nominations.
18. Moneyball (2011)
Director: Bennett Miller
Cast: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill
Rating: PG-13
It’s a general rule that inspirational movies need an underdog, and here, that underdog is the Oakland Athletics. Or, rather, the general manager, Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), who must build a winning team after losing star players, but with a limited budget. When he meets Yale economics grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), who proposes an unorthodox sabermetric method to recruiting players, things take a turn for the better. However, with the World Series at stake, Billy will have to convince the A’s old-school scouts, manager and owner to stay the course. Based on Michael Lewis’ book, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, the movie was a huge success, garnering six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
19. Hidden Figures (2016)
Director: Theodore Melfi
Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
Rating: PG
Had it not been for three talented African-American women—Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe)—astronaut John Glenn wouldn't have made it into space. Hidden Figures pays tribute to all the tribulations the three women had to endure while working at Langly Research Center. As they battle their superiors’ skepticism, new technology and racism, the three friends prove what they’re capable of: putting an American in space. According to Deadline, Hidden Figures was one of the top-grossing films of 2016 and was selected as a top ten film by the National Board of Review. It also garnered a Best Picture nomination for the 89th Academy Awards.
20. Remember The Titans (2000)
Director: Boaz Yakin
Cast: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
Rating: PG
When an all-black school integrates with an all-white school, causing the football teams to merge and be led by a black coach, racial tensions arise. At the center of it all are players and captains Gerry Bertier and Julius Campbell, as well as the new black head coach, Herman Boone. While the high school players must overcome their prejudices to play as a team, Boone’s career is on the line, as the school board chairman informs him that he will lose his job if the team loses a single game. Based on true events, this sports flick carries a life-changing message about equality and the importance of teamwork.
21. Same Kind of Different as Me (2017)
Director: Michael Carney
Cast: Greg Kinnear, Renée Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou
Rating: PG-13
Based on a true story, Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) and his wife Deborah (Renée Zellweger) are inspired to save their struggling marriage after they cross paths with a homeless man, Denver (Djimon Hounsou). After admitting to an affair, Ron agrees to Deborah’s request that they volunteer together at a homeless shelter, where they meet Denver and learn about his difficult childhood. The three’s subsequent friendship paves the way to mend other relationships in their lives, proving that it’s never too late to reconnect with people you love.
22. The Miracle Season (2018)
Director: Sean McNamara
Cast: Helen Hunt, Erin Moriarty, William Hurt
Rating: PG
Based on the true story, West Valley High's all-girl volleyball team must come together after losing their star player and captain, Caroline (Danika Yarosh) in a moped accident in order to defeat their long-time rivals, City High. When the coach names Caroline’s best friend, Kelley Fliehler (Erin Moriarty), team captain, she’ll have to rally the team and the school’s spirits to get the players through the 14 games needed to qualify for the championships. The film cast former volleyball players as extras on both school teams.
23. On the Basis of Sex (2018)
Director: Mimi Leder
Cast: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux
Rating: PG-13
We may know her as RBG, but before she sat on the nation’s highest court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) was a first-year student at Harvard law in 1956, trying to care for a cancer-stricken husband, Martin, (Armie Hammer) and their young daughter. Later, when the family moves to New York City, Martin presents Ruth with a tax law case that might be the unique opportunity she needs to challenge sex discrimination. The script was written by Ginsburg’s actual nephew, Daniel Stiepleman, and premiered at the AFI Fest in 2018 to positive reviews for Jones’s performance. It grossed nearly $40 million against its $20 million budget.
24. Tick, Tick...Boom! (2021)
Director: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesus
Rating: PG-13
Behind the iconic musical, Rent, was struggling playwright Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield). With just a week to go before his 30th birthday, Larson, who works as a waiter in Soho, is feeling the relentless pressure to succeed as friends around him are diagnosed with AIDS. As his birthday creeps up, so does a theater workshop, where he’s hoping to find a producer for his musical, Superbia, which he’s toiled over for the last eight years; all he needs is one last song to complete the story. Larson must overcome writer’s block and repair broken relationships as he reconciles with the reality that his dreams may never be realized, only to go on to write both Tick, Tick...Boom! and Rent, proving that sometimes, inspiration and success are just around the corner. The American Film Institute named Tick, Tick...Boom! one of the best movies of 2021, and Garfield won a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination for his role.
25. The Imitation Game (2014)
Director: Morten Tyldum
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
Rating: PG-13
When it comes to inspirational movies, Alan Turing’s is certainly remarkable. This independent film starring Benedict Cumberbatch tells the story of Turing and his work at Bletchley Park during World War II. The mathematical genius is tasked with decoding the German’s enigma machine, which resets each day. With the help of Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), Turing navigates the government politics, spies and his own damning secret to ultimately crack the code that experts estimate saved 14 million lives. The Imitation Game won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, along with Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Awards nominations.
Family Movies
26. Matilda (1996)
Director: Danny DeVito
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Rating: PG
Adapted from the beloved children’s book of the same name, Matilda follows Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a 6-year-old prodigy who uses her telekinetic powers to confront her dysfunctional family and the most terrifying school principal, Miss Trunchbull. From Miss Trunchbull’s (Pam Ferris) comical tantrums (who knew chocolate cake could be so revolting?) to Matilda’s heartwarming moments with Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), the childhood favorite is sure to leave you smiling from ear to ear.
27. Frozen (2013)
Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff
Rating: PG
Disney’s Frozen was a smash hit when it premiered in 2013, pulling in an impressive $1.28 billion at the box office. It won the 2014 Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year and spawned Frozen II, with Frozen III slated for release in 2026. When the kingdom of Arendelle is stuck in eternal winter, Anna (Kristen Bell) and Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) embark on a wild journey to break the spell, encountering trolls, snow monsters and the lovable snowman, Olaf (Josh Gad), along the way. For the record, very few things are as freeing as belting the words to “Let It Go” from the comfort of your couch.
28. Queen Of Katwe (2016)
Director: Mira Nair
Cast: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o
Rating: PG
So many uplifting movies are rags-to-riches stories. After all, who doesn’t love a good Cinderella moment? In Queen of Katwe, 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) is presented with a rare opportunity to escape poverty in her town of Kampala, Uganda, after learning to become a skilled chess player. As Phiona and her teammates set their sights on the Chess Olympiad in Russia, she also hopes that she’ll be able to give her family a better life. It’s a touching and powerful story with the simplest message: Don’t give up, no matter your circ*mstances.
29. Inside Out (2015)
Director: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
Cast: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
Rating: PG
A feel-good animated film that offers a refreshing (and realistic) take on important issues? Um, YES please. When Inside Out was released in 2015, it made a whopping $858 million and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The movie follows a young girl, Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), who moves with her parents to San Francisco. While learning to adjust to a new town and school, her emotions (which happen to be her guide) start to get quite messy. When Joy, Sadness and Riley’s “core memories” are accidentally siphoned out of Headquarters, Anger, Fear and Disgust are now in control. You'll definitely go through a rollercoaster of emotions right along with Riley. And in the end, we learn that happiness and sadness can (and often do) coexist.
30. Moana (2016)
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker, Don Hall
Cast: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
Rating: PG
Moana (Auli'i Cravalho), a fearless teenager who's determined to save her people, embarks on a challenging quest to become a wayfinder, with the help of the mighty demigod, Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Together, they must reunite the goddess Te Fiti with her heart, which Maui stole thousands of years ago. If they fail, her people risk losing their island home. As they battle monster crabs, a wild ocean and destiny, Moana is the personification of doing anything you set your mind to. Disney premiered the film at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, and it went on to earn $687 million. Moana 2 will be released in 2024, with a live action remake slated for 2026. And yes, Johnson will return as Maui in both projects.
31. Dangal (2016)
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Cast: Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh
Rating: not rated
When an ex-wrestler (Aamir Khan) fails to win the gold title for India, he later recognizes that there's potential in two of his daughters, Geeta (Fatima Sana Shaikh) and Babita (Sanya Malhotra). This inspires him to train them both as wrestlers, with hopes that they will achieve what he couldn't. As the girls (literally) fight their way towards the prestigious Commonwealth Games, they’ll have to battle societal expectations of what women should (and shouldn’t be) doing. Who can say no to a feel-good Bollywood flick that inspires girls to fearlessly pursue traditionally male-dominated fields? Very few—in fact, the film made $340 million on an $8.4 million budget, making it the world’s 16th-highest-grossing sports film.
32. The Lion King (1994)
Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
Rating: G
The Lion King will take you back to your childhood days, when you didn't have to worry about things like long workdays or paying bills. Hakuna Matata indeed. Relive Simba's epic hero’s journey from lost runaway to fearless king (and for the record, there's absolutely no shame in singing “I Just Can't Wait to Be King” at the top of your lungs). This inspiring family movie, loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is considered one of the best animated films ever, grossing nearly $1 billion in box office sales, two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe and a host of other accolades to its credit.
33. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Director: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Cast: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld
Rating: PG
After getting bitten by a radioactive spider, teenager Miles Morales develops powers that turn him into Spiderman, but there’s a problem: His father thinks the superhero is a menace. When Miles encounters Peter Parker, he discovers that there are different Spider-Men from alternate universes. Ultimately, they must join forces to defeat the Kingpin and his particle collider before it destroys New York City. The heartwarming scenes, brilliant animation and comic one-liners will definitely win you over. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse became the first non-Disney/Pixar film to win the Academy Award’s Best Animated Feature since Rango (2011) and it generated $384 million at the box office.
34. Black Panther (2018)
Director: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Rating: PG-13
Marvel’s Black Panther stars the late Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa, who has finally taken his rightful place on the throne as king of Wakanda, a vibrant and technologically advanced nation in Africa. But when an enemy steals his title and puts Wakanda at risk, he must fight to protect his country. *Cue the “Wakanda Forever” salutes* At the 91st Academy Awards, the film earned the distinction of being the first superhero movie to be nominated for Best Picture. With earnings of $1.3 billion, it’s the highest-grossing film by a black director. In 2022 a sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was released, and a Disney+ series is currently in development.
35. Mary Poppins (1964)
Director: Robert Stevenson
Cast: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson
Rating: G
We can’t be the only ones who wished we had a nanny as fun as Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews). The beloved nanny proves to be a breath of fresh air when she starts working for an uptight family. With the help of some chimney sweeps, friendly penguins and a spoonful of sugar, she shows miserable Jane and Michael that grown-ups know how to have fun. Mary Poppins scored a record-setting 13 Academy Award nominations for Disney, winning Best Actress for Andrews and Best Picture. The spinoffs Saving Mr. Banks and Mary Poppins Returns (starring Emily Blunt) appeared in 2013 and 2018, respectively.
36. School of Rock (2003)
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack
Rating: PG-13
Dewey Finn (Jack Black) may be the definition of a slacker, but he sure has a knack for inspiring his students to reach their full musical potential. After getting kicked out of his own band, No Vacancy, Dewey is determined to turn his uptight prep school students into an ensemble that can compete at the Battle of the Bands. Who's ready to rock? The movie held the record of highest-grossing music-themed comedy ($131 million) until the release of Pitch Perfect 2 ($287 million) in 2015.
37. High School Musical (2006)
Director: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale
Rating: TV-G
As someone who was raised on the High School Musical trilogy, I must say this is one of the most inspiring movies for kids of ALL time. (It is Disney Channel’s most successful original musical, ever.) In a modern twist on Romeo & Juliet, high school basketball star Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and math whiz Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) bond over a passion for music, which threatens the social hierarchy of East High School. With a touching message about the joy and freedom of breaking the status quo, it’s a film that champions the message that the best person to be is yourself.
38. Wonder (2017)
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic
Rating: PG
Wonder is based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name by R. J. Palacio and earned $306 million at the box office. It tells the story of 10-year-old August Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), who was born with mandibulofacial dysostosis, a rare facial deformity. After being homeschooled for years, his parents (Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson) decide to enroll him in private school. Here, Auggie must navigate friendships and bullies, while his sister, Via (Izabela Vidovic), feels increasingly isolated from her family. It’s an uplifting movie that shows that being different isn’t such a bad thing after all.
Romance
39. Love Actually (2003)
Director: Richard Curtis
Cast: Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson
Rating: R
Seeing an emotional Mark (Andrew Lincoln) declare his love for Juliet with giant poster cards just never gets old. Get your full dose of wit, charm and romance with this beloved holiday classic, which focuses on nine different love stories. A-listers abound, from Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson to Keira Knightly and Emma Thompson. As Christmas quickly approaches, the ensemble cast illustrates the various aspects and manifestations of love, heartbreak and betrayal. With a box-office total of $245 million and Golden Globe nomination, Love Actually has become a quintessential romantic comedy.
40. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Cast: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito
Rating: PG-13
It's got heart and humor with a dash of social commentary. After 15 years apart, exes Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) run into each other in San Francisco, where Sasha, a famous chef, has come to open a restaurant. (She’s also just broken up with her fiancé.) Estranged since the death of Marcus’s mom, they discover that there's still an attraction between them, but rekindling their old flame proves to be quite the challenge, considering their opposite lives. When Sasha decides to keep her plans of moving back to New York, Marcus will have to decide if he’s brave enough to follow.
41. Palm Springs (2020)
Director: Max Barbakow
Cast: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons
Rating: R
If you like your rom-coms served with a dash of sci-fi, look no further than Palm Springs. Not only does it have a refreshing take on Groundhog Day, but it also highlights a love story that doesn't feel super cliche. When Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) find themselves reliving the same day after a random wedding encounter, their lives start to get a bit complicated as the pair begins to fall in love, all while Sarah looks for an escape.
42. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh
Rating: PG-13
Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is in for the surprise of a lifetime when she travels with her boyfriend to his home country of Singapore. After learning that he and his family are basically royalty, she's forced to deal with the spotlight and his unconventional relatives, including his mother, Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh), who thinks Rachel is beneath them. Crazy Rich Asians is an inspiring story about staying true to yourself and your values, ultimately showing that love prevails. The movie was the first to have a majority Asian cast since Joy Luck Club in 1993, and with a $230 million box office performance, Crazy Rich Asians became the 2010’s top-grossing romantic comedy.
43. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Director: Gary Winick
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer
Rating: PG-13
From all the ‘80s nostalgia to Jennifer Garner's adorable, wide-eyed innocence, this delightful rom-com will take you back to your own childhood days. When 13-year-old Jenna (Garner) is granted her wish to be “30, flirty and thriving,” she magically wakes up on her 30th birthday and discovers that she has turned into a completely different person—but not in a good way. As Jenna struggles to piece together her new life with the help of her old friend, Matty (Mark Ruffalo), she gradually learns that maybe 30 isn’t everything she thought it would be.
44. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Director: Susan Johnson
Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish
Rating: TV-14
It’s surprisingly satisfying to be a part of Lara Jean’s world—even if it's just for an hour and 40 minutes. Based on Jenny Han's 2014 novel, the teen romance follows Lara Jean, whose life spirals out of control when all the love letters to her past crushes get mailed out. The inspiring movie follows her as she comes out of her shell and learns, thanks to one handsome Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) that falling in love in real life is much better than letting it stay in your head. The movie was so successful it produced two sequels and a spinoff, XO, Kitty.
45. 50 First Dates (2004)
Director: Peter Segal
Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider
Rating: PG-13
Anything that involves Adam Sandler is guaranteed to deliver some hearty laughs, but with this breezy rom-com, you can also expect some pleasant surprises. When Henry Roth (Sandler) falls for Lucy (Drew Barrymore), a woman with no short-term memory, he realizes that he'll have to win her over every single day. Here’s a touching, heartfelt nudge to your partner that, yeah, they should be trying to get you to fall in love with them daily, too. 50 First Dates was a commercial success, earning $198 million and multiple international remakes, including in India, Japan, Mexico and Iran.
46. The Proposal (2009)
Director: Anne Fletcher
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
Rating: PG-13
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have such great chemistry in this film and, if you ask us, it's impossible not to root for their relationship to work out. In order to avoid getting deported, high-powered book editor Margaret (Bullock) convinces her assistant, Andrew (Reynolds), to pose as her fiancé. However, convincing immigration officials proves to be way harder than they expect. As they actually get to know each other, both find that maybe, it’s not such a ruse after all. For her role, Bullock won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
Comedy
47. Babysplitters (2019)
Director: Sam Friedlander
Cast: Danny Pudi, Emily Chang, Ben Goldsmith
Rating: not rated
Two couples who have mixed feelings about giving birth decide to share one baby as a compromise. And, of course, this turns out to be way more complicated than they expected. This film is a unique (and equally funny) take on modern parenting, showing that sometimes, it does take a village to raise a child.
48. Little (2019)
Director: Tina Gordon
Cast: Regina Hall, Issa Rae, Marsai Martin
Rating: PG-13
When Jordan (Regina Hall), a tyrannical businesswoman, has an unpleasant encounter with a young girl, the kid proceeds to cast a spell on Jordan by having her turn into her 13-year-old self (Marsai Martin). Awkward flirting attempts, snappy comebacks, breadstick karaoke and an inspiring message ensue as Jordan attempts to return to her adult life, but not before she learns some important lessons. Marsai Martin, who plays the young Jordan, also served as one of the film’s executive producers, making her the youngest to ever hold that title in Hollywood.
49. Set It Up (2018)
Director: Claire Scanlon
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu
Rating: TV-14
Two overworked assistants, Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), decide to play cupid with their bosses in hopes that it will make their jobs less stressful, but instead, the duo find they need to work overtime to keep their managers together. It’s a light-hearted comedy with cheesy meet-cutes and Lucy Liu as Harper’s boss, Kirsten, who is Miranda Priestly reincarnate. And after all their effort, the pair find they’re still missing one thing: each other.
40. Coming to America (1988)
Director: John Landis
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Paul Bates, Garcelle Beauvais, Shari Headley
Rating: R
Akeem, a sheltered African prince, gets a major reality check and learns a lot about himself when he travels to America for his new bride. Clever one-liners, impressive celebrity cameos and the iconic 'Soul Glo' commercial are just a few reasons to watch this gem, as Akeem courts Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley) under the guise of being a poor foreign student. When his true identity is revealed, it’s the ultimate test of love’s strength. Coming to America was followed by the sequel, Coming 2 America, in 2021.
51. 3 Idiots (2009)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi
Rating: PG-13
I first watched 3 Idiots ten years ago, and it remains one of my favorites. The inspiring film tells the tale of the titular idiots, three friends who are enrolled in the cutthroat Imperial College of Engineering in Dehli. Raju (Sharman Joshi) and Farhan (R. Madhavan) are roommates with Rancho (Aamir Khan), a brilliant pupil with an unorthodox approach to learning and inventing, which clashes with the university president, Dr. Viru Sahastrabuddhe. Throughout their time in school, Rancho helps his friends discover they don’t want to be engineers, defying family expectations. When their friend mysteriously disappears after graduation, Raju and Farhan set out, along with an old nemesis, to find him. 3 Idiots was so successful it was remade in both Tamil as Nanban and in Mexico as 3 Idiotas, in addition to a slew of international awards.
20 Funny Movies on Netflix You Can Watch Over and Over Again
