The best films of all time set out to accomplish a wide variety of goals. They may be designed to instill fear, increase adrenaline, or cause sorrow. As such, these characteristics usually run parallel to whatever genre they’re a part of, whether it be horror, drama, or high-octane action. Yet when it comes to feel-good movies, the categorization seems to be much more fluid. People tend to loosely slap the term onto different cinematic works, but in their most basic form, these projects are meant to make the viewer happy.
This style of entertainment isn’t a new concept in Hollywood but has demonstrated a particularly strong presence in recent years. For instance, the Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso is one of the best modern examples of television that’s made to be uplifting. The entire dynamic of the show is built around leaving a positive mark on the audience. Yet even if a series or film isn’t originally built to elevate emotions, there are many examples of feel-good endings from all genres.
10 The Truman Show (1998)
Directed By Peter Weir
After The Truman Show hit theaters in 1998, it left millions of audience members feeling superstitious. The movie centers around Jim Carrey’s Truman Burbank who has been unknowingly living on a TV set since he was born. The concept alone is enough to cause a certain degree of paranoia. After all, if Truman had been in the dark for most of his life, anyone could have experienced something similar.
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The plot culminates when Truman, who has finally become aware of his situation, takes his exit from the fabricated world. He has been through so much deception, and, for the first time, has the chance to break free. In a beautiful scene, Truman waves goodbye and slowly walks up the stairs to a life devoid of surveillance. There are a lot of theories surrounding the real meaning of The Truman Show, but specific opinions aside, it’s awfully difficult not to root for the guy by the time the curtains close.
9 Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Directed By Daniel Scheinert & Daniel Kwan
In Everything Everywhere All at Once, a middle-aged laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis. With just her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to support her through the confusion, she must contend with her overbearing traditional father (James Hong), a pencil-pushing auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her emotionally-distant daughter (Stephanie Hsu).
- Release Date
- March 25, 2022
- Runtime
- 132 minutes
- Director
- Daniel Kwan , Daniel Scheinert
- Writers
- Daniel Scheinert , Daniel Kwan
Everything Everywhere All at Once is arguably one of the greatest movies of the decade. A24 is known for creating many memorable titles, but they reached new levels with this film. The premise, dialogue, and cinematography are masterfully crafted, which makes Everything Everywhere All at Once‘s conclusion even more influential. It’s a story about interconnected versions of individuals across dimensions and how love persists between them.
There is a ridiculous amount of content to take in throughout the plot, making it difficult to even quantify why the ending is so uplifting. Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) has gone through an indescribable journey across dimensions, and consequently, she comes to embrace every version of herself. When she reaches out to touch her daughter Joy’s (Stephanie Hsu) hand, it’s representative of the individual connection they hold. In an existence with infinite possibilities, she would always be her mother.
8 The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
Directed By Gabriele Muccino
The Pursuit of Happyness is a drama film based on the life of Chris Gardner, a salesman who chronicled the year he spent his life homeless. Looking to reverse his fortunes and do what’s best for himself and his son, Gardner pursues an unpaid internship that strains his marriage and forces him to struggle against harrowing odds.
- Release Date
- December 15, 2006
- Runtime
- 117 Minutes
- Cast
- Will Smith , Todd Black , Jason Blumenthal , James Lassiter , Steve Tisch , DeVon Franklin
- Director
- Gabriele Muccino
- Writers
- Steven Conrad
Gabriele Muccino’s 2006 drama The Pursuit of Happyness is guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings. It’s easily one of Will Smith’s best movies, and the onscreen chemistry with his son Jaden is incredible. This heartwarming story follows Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a single dad struggling to make ends meet. Amid a stressful brokerage internship, Chris and his son (Jaden Smith) are forced to live on the streets.
The Pursuit of Happyness
is based on the true story of Christopher Paul Gardner.
At the end of the film, he is finally granted the position he painstakingly worked for, and the scene where Chris walks out of the brokerage firm says it best. He stumbles into a crowd of individuals on their way to work, eternally grateful to simply be among them. For his entire life, Chris had been waiting for an opportunity. Given the circumstances, it was one of the most difficult things he ever had to do, but it was ultimately worth it. After such a miserable journey, it’s great to see Chris make it.
7 Whiplash (2014)
Directed By Damien Chazelle
Whiplash
Whiplash is a drama that delves into the intense relationship between a young jazz drummer and his ruthless music instructor, exploring themes of ambition, perfectionism, and the costs of success.
- Release Date
- October 10, 2014
- Runtime
- 107 Minutes
- Cast
- Miles Teller , J.K. Simmons , Paul Reiser , Melissa Benoist , Austin Stowell , Nate Lang , Chris Mulkey , Damon Gupton , Suanne Spoke , Max Kasch , Charlie Ian , Jayson Blair , Kofi Siriboe , Kavita Patil , C.J. Vana , Tarik Lowe , Tyler Kimball , Rogelio Douglas Jr. , Adrian Burks , Calvin C. Winbush , Joseph Bruno
- Director
- Damien Chazelle
- Writers
- Damien Chazelle
In consideration of movies that are traditionally characterized as “feel-good,” Damien Chazelle’s 2014 drama Whiplash doesn’t fit the bill by a long shot. Part of the purpose of the film is to evoke a sense of stress and uneasiness. At the forefront of the plot lies Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), an ambitious jazz drummer determined to become the best. His motivation is put to the test when he meets the intense Terrence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons), a terrifying and violent music instructor.
Part of the reason Whiplash‘s ending is so elevating is due to the stark contrasts. For the entirety of the plot, Andrew is berated and brought down by his teacher. After Fletcher humiliates him during the last concert, it seems like he is all out of options. However, Andrew makes a last-ditch effort with his solo to defend his honor. Up until this point, Fletcher hadn’t shown Andrew an ounce of respect. Yet, in the final moment when the two characters’ eyes meet, it’s clear they’ve come to understand each other.
6 Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)
Directed By Peter Jackson
The final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King concludes the epic saga of the Fellowship’s quest to destroy the One Ring and put an end to Sauron’s reign of terror. As Frodo and Sam continue on their way to Mordor and Mount Doom, accompanied by Gollom, the rest of the Fellowship work to defend Minas Tirith from Sauron’s forces. The film’s ensemble cast includes Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Vigo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan.
- Release Date
- December 17, 2003
- Runtime
- 201 Minutes
- Cast
- Elijah Wood , Ian McKellen , Liv Tyler , Viggo Mortensen , Sean Astin , Cate Blanchett , John Rhys-Davies , Bernard Hill , Billy Boyd , Dominic Monaghan , Orlando Bloom , Hugo Weaving , Miranda Otto , David Wenham , Karl Urban , John Noble , Andy Serkis , Ian Holm , Sean Bean
Peter Jackson’s legendary Lord of the Rings franchise needs no introduction. In a trilogy that has 17 Academy Award wins across the installments, these films are some of the greatest to ever grace the silver screen. The epic finale, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King arrived in 2003, closing out the beloved tale in style while captivating audiences around the globe. Fittingly, The Return of the King’s feel-good ending is a product of its masterful story.
Considering the trilogy’s runtime is 558 minutes, or 683 for the extended versions, the audience is quite literally taken on a journey through Middle-earth. It’s like being a part of a family that finally comes together safely at the conclusion. The world has just been saved from impending doom, and there isn’t much else to do than be happy and peaceful. As Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) tells the Hobbits “My friends, you bow to no one,” it’s hard not to smile.
5 The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Directed By Frank Darabont
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman star in Frank Darabont’s 1994 adaptation of Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. After being sentenced to life in prison for the alleged murder of his wife, Robbins’ Andy Dufresne learns the value of hope, persistence, and true friendship as he befriends kindhearted convicts like Freeman’s “Red” Redding and uses his wits to expose the secret crimes of Bob Gunton’s cruel penitentiary warden Samuel Norton.
- Release Date
- October 14, 1994
- Runtime
- 142 minutes
- Director
- Frank Darabont
The Shawshank Redemption is also one of the most illustrious examples of masterful cinematic storytelling there is. It’s currently ranked #1 on IMDb’s Top 250 movies list, and it deserves nothing less. Although the premise is relatively straightforward, the film does more with its provided space as few other works ever have. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) enters prison as one man but overcomes his obstacles and leaves as another.
The Shawshank Redemption
was a complete box office flop when it was first released in 1994.
The Shawshank Redemption‘s ending is so powerful because it represents the culmination of several intertwining storylines and established themes. Not only does Andy escape his unfair incarceration, he does so in a style that puts all his old demons to rest. Better yet, it doesn’t just show Andy in his newfound haven south of the border. Rather, the conclusion is brought about naturally through Red’s (Morgan Freeman) point of view, which reveals Andy’s final whereabouts through their heartwarming reunion.
4 Good Will Hunting (1997)
Directed By Gus Van Sant
Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting centers around a gifted janitor, Will Hunting, whose mathematical genius is recognized by professors. As he navigates his complex personal life and inner struggles, he is guided by a therapist who helps him confront his past and realize his potential.
- Release Date
- December 5, 1997
- Runtime
- 126 minutes
- Cast
- Matt Damon , Robin Williams , Ben Affleck , Stellan Skarsgård , Minnie Driver , Casey Affleck , Cole Hauser , Vik Sahay , John Mighton , Rachel Majorowski , Colleen McCauley , Matt Mercier , Ralph St. George , Rob Lynds , Dan Washington , Alison Folland , Derrick Bridgeman , Shannon Egleson , Rob Lyons , Steven Kozlowski , Jennifer Deathe , Scott William Winters , Philip Williams , Patrick O’Donnell , Kevin Rushton , Jimmy Flynn
- Director
- Gus Van Sant
It’s incredibly impressive that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were only in their mid-twenties when they helped bring Good Will Hunting to fruition. An intricate story about love, friendship, and intelligence, this film was truly ahead of its time on several levels. After learning many valuable lessons about moving through life, the conclusion shows Will (Matt Damon) setting off for California to be with Skylar (Minnie Driver).
Good Will Hunting‘s ending demonstrates Will’s journey and exemplifies just how far he’s come since the beginning of the plot. While it took a while to get through to him, Sean (Robin Williams) finally makes Will understand that it’s okay to let others in and dive into the unknown. As he makes his exit, Will says goodbye to his loved ones in the most fitting way he possibly can. Although there are many great quotes from Good Will Hunting, Will’s “I have to go see about a girl” sums everything up perfectly.
3 The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)
Directed By Ben Stiller
Based on the short story by James Thurber, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty stars Ben Stiller as the titular character, a mild-mannered employee as Life Magazine who daydreams about a more exciting life for himself. When he is sent on a whirlwind mission by his boss to retrieve a negative of the perfect cover photo for the magazine, Walter finds himself suddenly living the exciting life he has only dreamed about. Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Kathryn Hahn, and Sean Penn also star.
- Release Date
- December 25, 2013
- Runtime
- 114 Minutes
- Writers
- Steve Conrad
For those looking for movies that are feel-good from start to finish, Ben Stiller’s The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is perhaps the best place to begin. It’s a shame that this film garnered a subpar critical reception given how well-crafted the story is. The plot follows Walter Mitty (Stiller), a Life magazine negative asset manager who constantly loses himself in daydreams. After the final print cover art goes missing, he’s taken on a journey across the world.
By the end of the movie, Walter is a completely different person. Once a timid man with little ambition, the expedition has transformed him into a seasoned traveler with newfound courage. It’s extremely touching to see Walter come into his own and make the whimsical experiences of his daydreams a reality of the world around him. His final conversation with Ted Hendricks (Adam Scott) says it all. Instead of shying away, Walter confidently enlightens Hendricks about the importance of life.
2 Gravity (2013)
Directed By Alfonso Cuarón
Unsurprisingly, Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity kicked off an impressive streak of Hollywood space movies after its 2013 release. In this critically acclaimed sci-fi, astronauts Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) become marooned in the atmosphere after their shuttle gets destroyed. With no line of contact, the two are effectively stranded with no hope of escape. Audiences can guess ahead of time that the ending of Gravity isn’t feel-good in the traditional sense.
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After all, the film is a thriller about a life-or-death situation in space. With that being said, the conclusion is surprisingly uplifting. After experiencing total hell, Stone ultimately survives her journey in a lake crash landing. In a beautiful scene, Stone emerges from the water, eternally grateful to be one with the Earth again. Instead of despairing, she looks at the sky in triumph. Thus, the ending exemplifies her powerful rebirth and resilience.
1 Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Directed By Richard Marquand
The third film released and the sixth film chronologically in the Star Wars Saga, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi is a sci-fi epic adventure film that continues the adventures of Luke, Leia, Han, and friends as they battle against the Empire. After a narrow escape but crushing defeat at the hands of the empire, the rebel alliance learns that a new Death Star has been constructed above the moon of Endor. With the war reaching its conclusion, the heroes will team with the forest planet’s inhabitants and prepare themselves for one final showdown with Darth Vander and the Galactic Empire.
- Release Date
- May 25, 1983
- Runtime
- 131 Minutes
- Cast
- Mark Hamill , Carrie Fisher , Harrison Ford , James Earl Jones , Billy Dee Williams , Ian McDiarmid , Peter Mayhew , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , David Prowse , Frank Oz , Sebastian Shaw , Alec Guinness
In 1983, George Lucas put the crown jewel on one of the most beloved fictional universes ever with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Although it may not have surpassed the quality of the first two installments, the finale brought the original Star Wars trilogy to an epic end with style. The franchise has grown exponentially since then, considering new Star Wars movies are still frequently being released.
Truth be told, the conclusion of Return of the Jedi is so uplifting that someone wouldn’t even have to watch the rest of the movie to experience the feeling. The ending sequence is essentially a montage of different locations celebrating their victory. People are lighting off fireworks, dancing, and merrymaking all around. After sparing his father, Luke (Mark Hamill) finally gets to reunite with his loved ones in a moment of pure joy. With the Empire destroyed, there is peace within the galaxy at long last. It’s a tender, lighthearted, and elevating finish to a legendary film.