The best feel-good movies on Netflix right now-September 2024-www.zdask.com

If youve got more than enough drama in your life, you may be looking for the cinematic equivalent of a warm hug. Fortunately, Netflix has a lineup of feel-good movies that go a long way toward making viewers feel better. These flicks arent without drama or even a few thrills. But rest assured, none of our choices are dour or downbeat flicks that will leave you feeling miserable after having watched them. In these movies, everything works out in the end.

Our latest additions to the best feel-good movies on Netflix include The Edge of Seventeen, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Paddington, and a film celebrating its 40th anniversary this year: Moscow on the Hudson. For the rest of our selections, just keep scrolling down.

If this isnt what youre looking for, check out our other feel-good lists, including the best comedies on Netflix, the best stand-up comedy on Netflix, and the best romantic comedies on Netflix.

Recently added to Netflix

The Peanut Butter Falcon pg-13 2019

Paddington pg 2014

Moscow on the Hudson r 1984

　　 The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

77%

7.3/10 r 105m Genre Comedy, Drama Stars Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Haley Lu Richardson Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig Watch on Netflix Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld) faces a lot of inner and outer turmoil in The Edge of Seventeen, especially after her best friend, Krista (The White Lotus Haley Lu Richardson), starts dating her brother, Darian Franklin (Blake Jenner). Nadine didnt have the best relationship with her brother before this, and now she and Krista are barely speaking to each other.

Both Nadine and Darian are also dealing with their lingering grief over the death of their father. Nadine gets some guidance from her teacher, Max Bruner (Woody Harrelson), but shes ultimately got to get her own answers about her life and how she can reconcile with her brother and her friend.

　　 The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

70%

7.6/10 pg-13 97m Genre Adventure, Comedy, Drama Stars Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson Directed by Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz Watch on Netflix The most heartwarming thing about The Peanut Butter Falcon is the emotional bond that develops between two misfits: Tyler (Shia LaBeouf) and Zak (Zack Gottsagen), neither of whom knew each other before they both ran away from their lives in the hope of finding something better. Since Zak has Down Syndrome, Tyler becomes like an older brother to him. Tyler even tries to help Zak realize his ambition of becoming a professional wrestler.

Zaks caregiver, Eleanor (Madame Webs Dakota Johnson), is supposed to bring him back to his assisted living facility. But because she actually does care about Zaks well-being, Eleanor decides to stay with Tyler and see Zaks dreams come to fruition.

　　 Paddington (2014)

77%

7.3/10 pg 96m Genre Comedy, Adventure, Family Stars Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins Directed by Paul King Watch on Netflix If youre looking for a feel-good movie that will play especially well to children, then Paddington is an ideal choice. Even older viewers tend to be charmed by Paddington Bear (Ben Whishaw), a talking bear from Peru who is earnest, kind, and infallibly polite. All Paddington really wants is to find a new home in London and a family to love.

Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins), and their children, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), take Paddington in. But before Paddington officially becomes a member of the family, the Browns will have to protect him from Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman), a deranged woman who wants to have him stuffed.

　　 Moscow on the Hudson (1984)

67%

6.5/10 r 115m Genre Comedy, Drama, Romance Stars Robin Williams, Mara Conchita Alonso, Cleavant Derricks Directed by Paul Mazursky Watch on Netflix The late Robin Williams may not have had the most convincing Russian accent, but its hard not to feel for his character, Vladimir Ivanov, in Moscow on the Hudson. After impulsively defecting from Russia during a visit to the U.S., Vladimir is left with almost nothing except his newfound friends, Lucia Lombardo (Mara Conchita Alonso) and Lionel Witherspoon (Cleavant Derricks).

Despite having his freedom, Vladimir has some difficulties adjusting to life outside of the Soviet Union. And when both Lucia and Lionel go off in their own directions, Vladimir has to reconsider the course of his life and what he really wants out of it.

　　 Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2022)

80%

7.7/10 pg 90m Genre Animation, Comedy, Drama, Family Stars Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer Camp, Isabella Rossellini Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp Watch on Netflix Theres something inspiring about the way that Dean Fleischer Camp and Jenny Slate turned their viral videos about Marcel the Shell with Shoes On into one of the rare independently produced animated films. Although this movie does have some live-action characters, including Fleischer Camps Dean, a filmmaker who moves into an Airbnb only to discover a childlike talking shell named Marcel (Slate) and his grandmother, Nana Connie (Isabella Rossellini).

Marcel and Dean quickly bond and the latters videos of Marcel make him famous in a very short period of time. Thats not something that Marcel is entirely on board with, but he does really want to reunite with his shell family after years of missing them. Now, Marcel will get a chance to have that reunion.

　　 Love at First Sight (2023)

55%

6.8/10 pg-13 91m Genre Romance, Drama Stars Haley Lu Richardson, Ben Hardy, Rob Delaney Directed by Vanessa Caswill Watch on Netflix Do you believe in love at first sight? Its hard enough to find any person who will return your love, much less make an instant connection. But it does make for some fun romantic comedies. Netflixs Love At First Sight centers on Hadley Sullivan (The White Lotus Haley Lu Richardson) and Oliver Jones (Ben Hardy), a pair of strangers who meet at an airport and spend time together before getting on a long flight to London.

Fate steps in to give the two a push towards love by moving Oliver into the vacant seat next to Hadley during the flight. From there, its pure love right until the duo lose track of each other in customs. Hadley realizes that they may have had something special, and the only question is simple: How far will she go to find Oliver again?

　　 The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)

69%

7.9/10 pg-13 97m Genre Documentary, Music Stars Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick Directed by Bao Nguyen Watch on Netflix Theres something almost quaint about the idea of the biggest music stars in the world coming together to record a charity song to combat a famine in Africa. But it really happened in 1985 with the recording of We Are the World. Some of those superstars, including Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, and Harry Belafonte, are no longer with us.

One of the best Netflix movies of 2024 so far, The Greatest Night in Pop features an intimate look at the chaotic recording session that brought all these acts into the same room. Some participants, including Bruce Springsteen and Lionel Richie, participate in new interviews as they share their memories of the night they spent together almost 40 years ago.

　　 The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

pg 93m Genre Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy Stars Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day Directed by Michael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath Watch on Netflix One of the biggest animated movies of the year brought Mario, Luigi, Peach and Bowser back to the big screens in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Chris Pratt voices Mario in the film, though Jack Black is the one who steals the show as the big baddie by crooning Peaches and getting the earworm stuck in kids ears all year long. Its a faithful dive into the world of Nintendo, without ever getting too heavy. Read more

　　 Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

pg 97m Genre Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family Stars Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey Directed by Sam Fell Watch on Netflix For the first time in more than two decades, animated film fans can return to the world of Chicken Run with the long-awaited sequel to the 2000 classic. Dawn of the Nugget features much of the same British humor seen in the original, but with more advanced animation this time around. Its a worthwhile watch, particular for young adults who can remember when the first installment of the franchise escaped into theaters. Read more

　　 The Speed Cubers (2020)

7.4/10 g 40m Genre Documentary Stars Max Park, Feliks Zemdegs Directed by Sue Kim Watch on Netflix Most people have fiddled around with a Rubiks Cube, but a select few have taken the toy beyond a hobby and into a legitimate skill. The Speed Cubers takes a delightful look at the rivalry and friendship of two of these young speedcubing champions. Coming in at a breezy 40 minutes, the documentary will have you grabbing your Rubiks Cube out of the toy chest and trying to twist it into the desired pattern. Read more

　　 Your Place or Mine (2023)

pg-13 109m Genre Romance, Comedy Stars Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher, Jesse Williams Directed by Aline Brosh McKenna Watch on Netflix This movie is much in the traditional vein of romantic comedies, but that doesnt make it any less endearing. Debbie and Peter get a chance to kindle something anew when staying at each others places over the course of a week. Each gains new respect for the other while realizing what they were lacking: love. Tig Notaro and Jesse Williams are part of a stellar cast. Read more

　　 The Redeem Team (2022)

76%

7.4/10 98m Genre Documentary Stars Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony Directed by Jon Weinbach Watch on Netflix Nobody would be bold enough as to call the USA mens basketball team an underdog at any point in the last 30 years. But entering the 2008 Summer Olympics, the squad certainly had something to prove coming off a shocking bronze medal finish in 2004. The biggest names in basketball LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony put ego aside to come together and bring the gold back to the United States. The team came to be known as the Redeem Team, earning redemption (spoiler alert?) with a gold medal performance in Beijing. The documentary also offers an interesting view of the late Kobe Bryant, featuring his lethal mentality on the court and a more human side off of it. Read more

　　 Hustle (2022)

68%

7.3/10 r 118m Genre Drama, Comedy Stars Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangmez, Queen Latifah Directed by Jeremiah Zagar Watch on Netflix During the rare times that Adam Sandler gets serious, his performances get much better. Following his turn in Uncut Gems, Sandler stars in Hustle. While this Netflix original film feels at times like a chance for Sandler to simply hang out with people involved in the sport he loves, it tells a heartfelt story about an NBA scout at a crossroads in life when he stumbles upon the best-kept secret in basketball. The film stars real NBA player Juancho Hernangmez, who could have a career in Hollywood when his playing days are over. Fellow player Anthony Edwards also has a significant role. This feel-good story has a lot of dark turns and isnt for young viewers, but seeing Sandler and Hernangmezs characters try to rise above their faults is a satisfying experience. Read more

　　 The Harder They Fall (2021)

68%

6.6/10 r 139m Genre Western Stars Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King Directed by Jeymes Samuel Watch on Netflix When Nat Love (Jonathan Majors) learns that his adversary, the wretched Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) is being released from prison, its war as usual for both parties. Rounding up a formidable posse to take down old Buck, Nat is looking to settle the score once and for all. But true to the spirit of the Old West, Buck has his own band of outlaws lassoed up to go toe-to-toe with Nats crew. A mesmerizing take on the Western genre, packed with powerhouse performances and glorious set pieces, The Harder They Fallis sure to raise your spirits. After all, nothing says happy day like triumphing over an old foe. Read more

　　 Wine Country (2019)

56%

5.4/10 r 103m Genre Comedy Stars Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch Directed by Amy Poehler Watch on Netflix An ensemble laugh-fest featuring many great female comedy talents, Wine Countryfollows the likes of Rachel Dratch, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph into Napa Valley, California for a weekend of drinking and celebration, as one of the ladies is tying the knot. But as the long weekend ensues, the working-life tribulations of the six longtime friends start bubbling to the surface, upending their girls getaway entirely. The feature directing debut of Amy Poehler, the onscreen chemistry between the six main players is certainly undeniable. And whats not to like about the glorious sights and sounds of beautiful California vineyards? Read more

　　 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

68%

7.6/10 pg 113m Genre Drama, History, Family Stars Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Assa Maga Directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor Watch on Netflix The vast majority of feel-good films tend to involve romance and courtship. However, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind draws its inspirational and heart-warming moments from the true story of William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba). Chiwetel Ejiofor directed the film, wrote the script from Williams novel, and co-stars in the film as Williams father, Trywell Kamkwamba. As a young child in an impoverished village in Malawi, William struggles to educate himself after he is forced to withdraw from school. While nurturing his love for electronics and his ingenuity, William builds a working wind turbine that transforms the lives of his family, as well as his own. Read more

　　 The Half of It (2020)

74%

6.9/10 pg-13 104m Genre Comedy, Romance Stars Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire Directed by Alice Wu Watch on Netflix In The Half of It, Leah Lewis stars as a lonely yet academically successful high school student named Ellie Chu. Much to Ellies surprise, her classmate, Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer), earnestly approaches her to get help wooing Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire). What Paul doesnt know is that Ellie is also infatuated with Aster, and the feelings and words that she tells Paul to express are a reflection of her own. Additionally, Ellie is conflicted about what to do after graduation because she is reluctant to leave her father, Edwin (Collin Chou), behind to live out his life alone. Over time, Ellie comes to realize whom she can really rely on, even if she doesnt get everything that she wants. Read more

　　 Dumplin' (2018)

53%

6.5/10 pg-13 110m Genre Comedy, Drama Stars Danielle Macdonald, Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush Directed by Anne Fletcher Watch on Netflix In Dumplin, Danielle Macdonald plays the title character, Willowdean Dickson her mother, Rosie Dickson (Friendsstar Jennifer Aniston), calls her daughter Dumplin both as a sign of affection and because of her plus-size body. For years, Rosie has neglected her daughters needs in favor of running beauty pageants, while Rosies sister, Lucy (Hilliary Begley), essentially raised Rosie herself. In the wake of Lucys unexpected death, Willowdean enrolls in one of her mothers pageants as a form of protest. Willowdeans best friend, Ellen Elle Dryver (Odeya Rush), also joins the pageant to support her. However, their friendship is tested when Elle becomes more enthusiastic about the pageant. This also forces Willowdean to reexamine her own reasons for entering the pageant. Read more

　　 Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

50%

6.5/10 pg-13 123m Genre Comedy, Music Stars Rachel McAdams, Will Ferrell, Pierce Brosnan Directed by David Dobkin Watch on Netflix American fans may find this hard to believe, but the Eurovision Song Contest is very real and its also a pretty big deal across the Atlantic. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a very silly movie, but it is also a loving tribute to the annual competition. Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams co-headline the film as Icelandic singers Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdttir. The duos band, Fire Saga, has only a limited amount of success together. Yet through a freak occurrence, Fire Saga is chosen to represent Iceland in Eurovision. Unbeknownst to Lars, Sigrit is deeply in love with him. But the pressure of the contest may doom their personal and professional relationships. Read more

　　 Concrete Cowboy (2020)

67%

6.3/10 r 111m Genre Drama, Western Stars Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome Directed by Ricky Staub Watch on Netflix If you want the feel-good vibes from Concrete Cowboy, youre gonna have to be patient. Its a family drama first and foremost. Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things season 5) stars as Cole, a troubled 15-year-old boy who is sent to live with his estranged father, Harp (Idris Elba). As it turns out, Harp is really into the local horse riding subculture, and he clearly loves his horses more than most of the people in his life. Although Cole has an affinity for one of the more difficult horses, hes more drawn to his cousin, Smush (Jharrel Jerome). Smush was once a rider himself, but he turned to dealing drugs in order to fund his escape from the city. Ultimately, Cole will have to choose between following his fathers example or his cousins darker path. Read more

　　 The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

55%

7.3/10 97m Genre Comedy, Drama Stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez Directed by Rob Burnett Watch on Netflix When Ben (Paul Rudd) becomes a registered caregiver, nothing prepares him for the once-in-a-lifetime road trip he takes with 18-year-old Trevor (Craig Roberts), a boy with muscular dystrophy. Convincing Trevors mother, Elsa (Jennifer Ehle), to allow him and Trevor to leave Seattle on a quest to visit roadside oddities, including the worlds deepest pit, Ben and Trevor form an undeniable bond that weathers a number of emotional events on their journey. In this adaptation of Jonathan Evisons 2012 novelThe Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving, Paul Rudd delivers a stirring and grounded performance as Ben, helping this rather by-the-books road comedy become something much greater than just another buddy comedy. Read more

　　 Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

81%

7.8/10 pg-13 101m Genre Adventure, Comedy, Drama Stars Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata Directed by Taika Waititi Watch on Netflix Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), a foster child, is taken in by Bella Faulkner and her husband Hec. Living on a remote farm with the couple, city-raised Ricky isnt warming up to their goodwill, and his standoffishness is further challenged when Bella passes away unexpectedly. Emotionally distraught, Ricky takes off into the nearby woods with his dog, Tupac. Hec tracks the pair down but suffers a broken ankle in the process. Together, the trio must contend with the New Zealand wilderness as a search party tries to find the farmer and his foster son. Taiki Waititi brings a breath of fantastical fresh air to the typical childhood adoption sub-genre, giving us one of the most delightful feel-good flicks of this roundup. Read more

　　 Set It Up (2018)

62%

6.5/10 105m Genre Romance, Comedy Stars Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu Directed by Claire Scanlon Watch on Netflix Charlie (Twistersstar Glen Powell) and Harper (Zoey Deutch) are the dedicated assistants to two highly-demanding bosses, Kirsten (Lucy Liu) and Rick (Taye Diggs). Tiring of their lives as overworked go-getters, Charlie and Harper take it upon themselves to set their bosses up with the hope that once the two begin dating, their assistants will have more time to enjoy their lives. What ensues is a series of missteps and hijinks that hits all the major beats of the tried-and-true rom-com formula, but in a way that still feels fresh and authentic. Read more

　　 Work It (2020)

58%

6.1/10 93m Genre Comedy, Music Stars Sabrina Carpenter, Liza Koshy, Keiynan Lonsdale Directed by Laura Terruso Watch on Netflix Dance competition films tend to have a formula and Work It is no exception. The key difference between Work It and other movies in its genre is that it executes the formula extremely well. Sabrina Carpenter stars as Quinn Ackerman, a high school senior who is desperate to build up her resume with some extra-curricular activities so she can get into the college of her dreams. When Julliard Pembroke (Keiynan Lonsdale) denies Quinn a place on the dance team, she joins forces with Jake Taylor (Jordan Fisher) and forms her own team. However, the demands of Quinns ambitions and her mothers plans threaten to end Quinns burgeoning romance with Jake as well as her teams chances to go all the way. Read more

　　 The Princess Switch (2018)

6/10 pg 101m Genre Romance Stars Vanessa Hudgens, Nick Sagar, Alexa Adeosun Directed by Mike Rohl Watch on Netflix Vanessa Hudgens has a very charming dual turn in The Princess Switch as both an ordinary young woman named Stacy DeNovo and the Duchess of Montenegro, Margaret Delacourt. Because Stacy and Margaret feel trapped in their respective lives, they agree to pull a Prince and the Pauper-style caper and temporarily trade places. However, complications ensue when both women start having romantic feelings for the men in each others lives. But dont worry folks, there are no broken hearts in this movie. Read more

　　 Always Be My Maybe (2019)

64%

6.8/10 pg-13 101m Genre Romance, Comedy Stars Ali Wong, Randall Park, Keanu Reeves Directed by Nahnatchka Khan Watch on Netflix Ali Wong (Beef) and Randall Park co-star in this clever 2019 romantic comedy about a pair of childhood friends who rekindle their romantic relationship after their paths cross as adults. The pair co-wrote with Michael Golamco, and the story has the two lead characters deal with the stresses that fame, fear, and old memories can have on a new relationship. While the pairs experiences are funny enough on their own, the film also includes a cameo role for Keanu Reeves that ranks right up there among the actors most memorable performances of all time. Read more

　　 To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

64%

7/10 pg-13 100m Genre Comedy, Romance Stars Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish Directed by Susan Johnson Watch on Netflix A teenage girl, content to spend her days with her nose in a romance novel, discovers that several secret letters shed written to her crushes over the years were mysteriously mailed to them. This causes a domino effect of hilarious hijinks and heartwarming moments and leads this teen in a direction she never expected. This 2018 romantic comedy is based on Jenny Hans novel of the same name; it featured Lana Condor (X-Men: Apocalypse) and became an overnight hit on Netflix. Two sequels have since debuted on Netflix. Read more