As a college senior in a liberal-arts world, I find the daily traumas of graduation-preparation, job-hunting, GRE-studying, and overall loss of comfort to be destabilizing and terrifying. Therefore, when I just don’t want to worry so much about what will happen to the cozy present I enjoy, I like putting on a movie that makes me realize that life in general isn’t always certain – and that’s okay! One thing I’ve encountered while growing up is that adults don’t have it together from day one, and by recognizing that nobody’s perfect all the time, it’s become a lot easier to accept myself.
Therefore, without any further ado, here are my Top 7 favorite feel-good movies that are guaranteed to help you realize that we’re all in the same boat, all clamoring to reach that comfort and security we hope, one day, to find.
Trainwreck
This new movie, starring comedians Amy Schumer and Bill Hader, focuses on the journey of party-girl Amy to finally learn to grow up. Raised by an adulterous father, Amy lives by the mantra that ‘monogamy isn’t realistic,’ a mantra that prevents her from falling in love for as long as she can remember. Coupled with her consistent smoking habits and rampant alcohol usage, Amy also sleeps with a multitude of men. However, when writing an article about a sports doctor, Aaron Connors (played by Bill Hader), she begins to fall for him. Although their love was rocky at times, sprouted by Amy’s insecurities and Aaron’s inflexibility, they eventually bring out the best in each other. In sum, even though Amy did not have herself together for much of her life, opening herself up to love brings her that much closer to accepting who she is and learning to finally grow up.
Die Hard
Although an unconventional choice for a ‘Feel Good’ column, Die Hard has always made me laugh with its dark humor and triumphant good vs. evil themes. Bruce Willis stars as NYC Cop John McClane, who tries to save his estranged wife Holly and her coworkers from German terrorists. Packed with hysterical jokes and intense action sequences, Die Hard can be a great distraction for anyone bogged down by the daily worries of life; not to mention, Bruce Willis is a hot mess throughout. Bruce and Holly’s reuniting, despite the circumstances that led to their estrangement, also gives one hope that love will win in the end, even if Alan Rickman gets in the way.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A genuine favorite of mine, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story about a troubled boy named Charlie beginning high school, focused both on making friends and from moving on from his past. Although struggling at first, Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, ends up becoming close with a group of misfit seniors, including Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). Their friendship brings him to life again, restoring his hopes to finally feel normal within his world of abnormality. The obstacles he faces can be triggering, but when he begins to accept himself in all of his flaws, I believe it helped me accept myself, as well.
Knocked Up
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Forgetting Sarah Marshall, in which Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) tries to move on from his famous ex-girlfriend Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). Peter’s attempts to change his life, to embrace the extraordinary, and to finally love who he is despite who he’s with makes for a wonderfully feel-good film. In sum, if you fall in love with yourself, you’ll be surprised who else could fall in love with you, too.
Adventureland
Jesse Eisenberg is known to play roles of highly intellectual and abrasive characters (e.g. Now You SeeMe, The Social Network); however, once in a blue moon, this young actor also thrives as an awkward young adult trying to prove himself. In Adventureland, Eisenberg is in between college and graduate school and has to get a job to please his parents. When there’s nothing available for him, he’s forced to work at a grimy amusement park full of misfits. In time, his co-workers and bosses show him the real lessons of growing up: that it’s messy, confusing, and often heartbreaking. Within this film (and life), anyone can be anything – and being somewhere in between is okay too.
Good Will Hunting
A classic coming-of-age film, Good Will Hunting presents a darker story than most of the ones on this list. Centered on a troubled yet brilliant teenager, Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon), and his appointed meetings with therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), the movie follows the journey of acceptance and learning that their conversations create. While neither man has his life figured out – Hunting full of anger, and Maguire, regretful – they bring the darkness out of each other and force themselves to confront their pasts. Making the top spot on the list, this movie can teach any viewer to finally believe in themselves and chase what matters to them most.
