Top 50 Feel Good Movies To Watch In 2023 [Wholesome Movies]

 

What on earth is a 'feel good movie'? Aren't movies in general supposed to make you feel good by taking your mind off reality?

 

That's just the thing, movies that do not contain tragic real-life or fictional themes can be termed 'feel good films'.

 

But, come to think of it, you can't feel good about a story unless its characters have something tragic to overcome in it.

 

In this list, we feel mighty good about recommending the top 50 feel-good/wholesome films you simply must see or rather feel.

 

They cover multiple genres and themes, but each one was cherry-picked by this writer for containing enough 'feel good' elements to qualify for this special ENTOIN list.

 

 

1. La La Land (2016)

 

 

 

This story sees aspiring actress Mia (played by Emma Stone) trying to find her 'big break' in show business.

 

Journeying with her is jazz musician Sebastian (played by Ryan Gosling). In their ways, the two struggle to make ends meet while holding fast to their dreams and ambitions.

 

Modern-day LA serves as the perfect backdrop in this Oscar-winning musical. It explores the importance of finding opportunities to not only further one's career but also discover a once-in-a-lifetime romance.

 

Dance and song merge with relatable life moments in this amazing title.

 

 

2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

 

 

 

A single 30-something Greek woman still living with her parents and brother in a Chicago Greek community, Toula Portokalos (played by Nia Vardalos).

 

This character brings plenty of heart and comedy to her role in this movie. She convinces her dad to let her attend an out-of-town university, where Toula ends up meeting and falling in love with Ian Miller (played by John Corbett).

 

Their decision to wed ends up causing chaos in Toula's family, owing in large part to Ian's non-Greek nationality.

 

The story has some nice twists and plenty of humor to balance it out.

 

 

 

3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

 

 

 

An unforgettable romantic movie, this one features a random couple – Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (played by Meg Ryan) – meeting by chance around the time they complete college in Chicago.

 

They end up spending eighteen hours in a car together as they make for New York.

 

They start talking, and it becomes clear that the two can never quite get along.

 

Harry believes men and women can never be friends, and that there's always going to be a sexual angle between the genders.

 

Sally believes otherwise. The next decade sees them meeting on and off without any real plan or purpose.

 

Over time, Harry and Sally become thick friends, sharing intimate life details. They end up falling in love with one another, even having sex.

 

Things don't look like they will ever be the same since Harry met Sally.

 

 

 

4. Legally Blonde (2001)

 

 

 

President of her sorority, a gorgeous natural blonde, her campus calendar's 'Miss June', a 'Hawaiian Tropic' girl, and lover of pets and fashion.

 

Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon) looks like the perfect 'girly girl' beauty queen who can have anything she wants.

 

She dreams of marrying her longtime boyfriend, and someday becoming Mrs. Warner Huntington III. Warner (played by Matthew Davis), however, seems to prefer 'serious' women, in line with his East-Coast blue blood upbringing.

 

He finds himself being drawn to his childhood friend Vivian (played by Selma Blair). Elle and he don't look like they have a future together.

 

When Warner leaves to pursue Law at Harvard, he never would've guessed that Elle would incredibly pass the test and join as a fellow student at the prestigious institute.

 

What began as a desire to win Warner back soon leads Elle on a whole new path in life.

 

Before long, she meets and falls for Emmett (played by Luke Wilson), and receives all the support she needs from her bestie Paulette (played by Jennifer Coolidge).

 

Elle finds herself on a self-appointed mission to prove that blondes can do anything they set their mind to.

 

 

 

5. Forrest Gump (1994)

 

 

 

Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks) has his challenges but he also has a spirit of unrelenting determination.

 

Though naturally disadvantaged, he finds a way to live a normal life, thanks in large part to his mother's (played by Sally Field) support.

 

His childlike optimism coupled with multiple distinct experiences makes Forrest a source of inspiration for many.

 

But his romantic sentiments toward a childhood friend, Jenny Curran (played by Robin Wright), have their troubles and challenges, one that Forrest does not seem capable of overcoming.

 

This movie has heart, in the truest sense of the word.

 

 

 

6. It's Complicated (2009)

 

 

 

A family event brings together a divorced couple whose kids are the only reason they even said yes to the event.

 

One thing leads to another, though, and Jane Adler (played by Meryl Streep) and Jake Adler (played by Alec Baldwin) end up relighting their fire.

 

After ten years of being divorced, they are still attracted to one another. As much as they want this part of the family get-together to remain a brief phase and soon end up forgotten, it ends up disrupting their personal lives instead.

 

Both Jane and Jake have their romantic interests, but their burgeoning passion for each other keeps drawing them back.

 

Jane's desire to nurture a bond with Adam Schaffer (played by Steve Martin) adds comedic value to this unconventional romantic movie.

 

 

 

7. Bridesmaids (2011)

 

 

 

Maid of Honour Annie (played by Kristen Wiig) is off to attend her best friend Lillian's (played by Maya Rudolph) wedding.

 

Traveling along are other bridesmaids Helen (played by Rose Byrne), Megan (played by Melissa McCarthy), Rita (played by Wendi McLendon-Covey), and Becca (played by Ellie Kemper).

 

While Annie's personal life is in chaos, she manages to put on a happy face for her bestie whom she adores.

 

This movie is as touching as it is funny and focuses on not just romance but the love among best friends who will do anything for each other.

 

Other popular cast members include Matt Lucas, Joe Nunez, Elaine Kao, Terry Crews, Tom Yi, and Rebel Wilson.

 

 

 

8. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

 

 

 

Plenty of fun and humor abound in this movie featuring Steve Carell as Cal and Julianne Moore as Emily.

 

They are happy together and are practically living the American Dream. Until Emily seeks a divorce from Cal, the man loses all hope of finding love again.

 

He ends up relying on his handsome best friend Jacob (played by Ryan Gosling) who makes bachelor life seem like an art form.

 

Cal slowly learns to navigate the singles scene with Jacob's help, which is not exactly as fruitful or as useful as he needs it to be.

 

Other notable A-listers in this memorable movie include Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Joey King, Kevin Bacon, John Carroll Lynch, and Josh Groban.

 

 

 

9. The Blind Side (2009)

 

 

 

The movie captures the real-life story of Leigh Anne Tuohy (played by Sandra Bullock) after she adopts and supports a homeless African-American boy named Michael Oher (played by Quinton Aaron).

 

As controversial as it is emotional, the movie redefines inspiration, and what it truly means to connect as human beings regardless of race or gender.

 

Michael's life challenges are enough to break most people. His budding passion for football finds an ardent supporter in Leigh.

 

Who goes out of her way to ensure that Michael not only has a loving home.

 

She makes sure he gets all the opportunities he needs to do what he loves. And also maintain good grades in school so that someday he can outgrow the limitations of his circumstances.

 

When Michael lands the coveted NCAA Division I athletic scholarship, few people are as proud of him as Leigh.

 

Over time, Michael became the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft.

 

Other notable cast members include Lily Collins, Adriane Lenox, Tim McGraw, RayMcKinnon, and Kathy Bates.

 

 

 

10. 13 Going On 30 (2004)

 

 

 

A teenager's birthday party can sometimes turn out more humiliating than celebratory. This is precisely what happens to thirteen-year-old Jenna Rink (played by Jennifer Garner) who inadvertently wishes she turns into a thirty-year-old overnight.

 

Her wish comes true, with help from a handful of magic dust, and she wakes up in a dream apartment with a gorgeous wardrobe and a body to match.

 

She soon learns that not only does she hold an enviable job, but she also has amazing friends and an athlete boyfriend.

 

Her life seems perfect until Jenna eventually realizes that her true happiness rests in her childhood friend Matt.

 

She wrongly assumed that Matt was responsible for ruining her thirteenth birthday. As her thirty-year-old self, she discovers a very different man in Matt, one who holds the answers to her heart's numerous questions.

 

 

 

11. Death Becomes Her (1992)

 

 

 

Helen Sharp (played by Goldie Hawn) is a writer who's harbored a 'frenemy' relationship with actress Madeline Ashton Menville (played by Meryl Streep).

 

Madeline stealing her fiancé Dr. Ernest Menville (played by Bruce Willis) only adds fuel to their never-ceasing fire.

 

A mental breakdown later, Helen vows revenge and plots to kill Madeleine. Circumstances lead both women to the same mystic who gives them a magical cure that returns lost youthful beauty and vigor.

 

However, they seem to also gain a type of immortality where any physical harm done to their person is permanent, and they can never die no matter how grave the injury.

 

There's a reason why this movie became a cult classic. It simply has to be seen to be appreciated.

 

 

 

12. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

 

 

 

Rachel Chu (played by Constance Wu) is a well-to-do Chinese-American New Yorker who is en route to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick Young (played by Henry Golding) in tow.

 

She is off to attend her best friend's wedding. Only later does Rachel realize that Nick is one of Asia's wealthiest men, who hails from a prominent family.

 

She soon finds herself a commoner among elites and is constantly tested in multiple ways.

 

Many single women desire Nick, to say nothing of his disapproving mother Eleanor Young (played by Michelle Yeoh), who simply wants the best for her son.

 

Rachel is not surprised when she learns that Eleanor wants Nick to break up with her.

 

This fun movie is rife with amusement as well as heartwarming moments. It was adapted from Kevin Kwan's novel of the same name.

 

 

13. Dead Poets Society (1989)

 

 

 

Todd Anderson (played by Ethan Hawke), is an unusually shy man who finds himself in a school where his older brother graduated as valedictorian.

 

Neil Perry (played by Robert Sean Leonard), his roomie, is quite popular and twice as bright – his biggest problem is having an overbearing father.

 

Other friends slowly come together, particularly in English class where the new teacher John Keating (played by Robin Williams) is giving them lessons they won't soon forget.

 

He tells them about the made-up Dead Poets Society, a group of open-minded thinkers who fight against the status quo and see the world through clear eyes.

 

Each of the students takes John's words to heart and genuinely sees their hearts and minds change for the better.

 

 

14. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

 

 

 

Seven-year-old Olive Hoover (played by Abigail Breslin) has one aim, to become a beauty queen.

 

So when the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest comes up, she and her supportive family – Sheryl (played by Toni Collette), Frank (played by Steve Carell), and Dwayne (played by Paul Dano) – head out from Albuquerque to California.

 

The road trip in a 1978 Volkswagen Station Wagon has its ups and downs, and adventures galore.

 

Each of the family members brings their character quirks to the fore, making for a surprisingly refreshing and heartwarming story that viewers won't soon forget.

 

 

15. The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)

 

 

 

The movie was based on the true story of Christopher Gardner (played by Will Smith in the film) who invests in bone density scanners and feels he's doing alright.

 

One thing leads to another and he finds his life is not exactly going on track.

 

As a result, his wife Linda (played by Thandiwe Newton) leaves him. Having lost his apartment but still having custody of his little son Christopher (played by Will's real-life son Jaden Smith), he strives to succeed in a fast-changing world.

 

Before long, Chris finds himself interning for a stockbroker, a job that does not seem to offer any guarantees of a permanent paid position.

 

Through several months of training, Chris works as hard as he can to stand out in the competitive crowd.

 

And make a killing in the stock market, all the while still selling scanners to keep going and provide for his son.

 

This is a heart-wrenching movie in several regards, and unforgettable once seen.

 

 

16. Mamma Mia! (2008)

 

 

 

Using songs from the mega-hit band Abba, this movie delves into the lives and times of a bride-to-be and her mother whose past and present are portrayed through multiple evergreen Abba hits.

 

The musical stars Meryl Streep as Donna, Pierce Brosnan as Sam, Amanda Seyfried as Sophie, Julie Walters as Rosie, Christine Baranski as Tanya, Colin Firth as Harry, Stellan Skarsgård as Bill, and Dominic Cooper as Sky.

 

Unraveling on a gorgeous Greek island, Donna is prepping to give her baby girl Sophie's hand away in marriage.

 

Sophie, however, wishes her biological father was in attendance. But said the father could be one of three men – Sam, Bill, or Harry.

 

Donna is in for a pleasant surprise when her former backup singers – part of Donna and the Dynamos – Rosie and Tanya come over.

 

Donna is even more surprised when all three of her former lovers also head over to the island.

 

 

17. Sleepless In Seattle (1993)

 

 

 

Sam Baldwin (played by Tom Hanks) was recently widowed. After a while, he seeks someone to love again, not just for himself but also for the sake of his son Jonah (played by Ross Malinger).

 

His kid succeeds in putting his dad on national radio asking for a life partner, which results in hundreds of women writing Sam.

 

One of them happens to be Annie Reed (played by Meg Ryan) who's engaged to a man named Walter (played by Bill Pullman) whom she does not prefer.

 

Annie goes out of her way to meet Sam and the sparks between them generate a steady flame worth fanning.

 

 

18. Grease (1978)

 

 

 

The summer of 1958 is almost over and Danny (played by John Travolta) exchanges oaths of eternal devotion with his longtime sweetheart Sandy (played by Olivia Newton-John).

 

They know they're going to part ways soon, and hope to meet again in the future.

 

A sudden change of circumstances reunites the dream lovers at Rydell High for the new term.

 

Ladiesman and leader of the greaser gang T-Birds, Danny finds himself caught between maintaining his Romeo reputation and giving in to Sandy's love.

 

Outstanding song and dance routines and memorable rom-com moments highlight this cult classic.

 

 

19. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

 

 

 

The Stratford sisters Bianca (played by Larisa Oleynik) and Kat (played by Julia Stiles) are as different as they come.

 

Bianca wants to start dating but their dad Walter (played by Larry Miller) says that she can only if Kat does.

 

This is a well-nigh impossible scenario because Kat is a headstrong intellectual who is least interested in silly romantic teenage pursuits.

 

A plan is soon hatched to get Kat to fall in love. Rising to the deceptive occasion is Patrick Verona (played by Heath Ledger) who does it for money because he too is just as uninterested in high school teen drama as Kat is.

 

Bianca's wannabe boyfriend Cameron (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) tries to do right with his desired girl.

 

Meanwhile, Joey (played by Andrew Keegan) is the boy behind the scheme and is poised to break more than one heart with his plan.

 

One thing leads to another and Kat gradually falls for the sullen and mysterious Patrick.

 

The film takes on a life of its own and highlights some of the most wonderful meanings of the human heart.

 

 

20. Kate & Leopold (2001)

 

 

 

Kate McKay (played by Meg Ryan) shares her New York life with her actor-brother Charlie (played by Breckin Meyer).

 

Her ex, Stuart Besser, lives just above her in the apartment. Stuart (played by Liev Schreiber) ends up discovering a rift in space-time near the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

He transports to the 19th century and starts taking photos in sheer shock and awe.

 

A man living in that era (the 1870s) named Leopold (played by Hugh Jackman) encounters Stuart and is puzzled by his camera device.

 

He secretly follows Stuart back through the space-time rift and into modern-day New York. Now it is Leopold's turn to be struck by awe at the sights and sounds around him.

 

He bumps into Charlie who assumes the man is fully committed to being in character and acting the part without a break.

 

Eventually, Leopold meets Kate in her apartment, and a stirring romance gradually blooms between them.

 

As they see just how perfect they are for one another. The time comes when one of them has to decide whether or not to leave their actual era behind so they can be with the one they love in their respective timeline.

 

 

21. Chicago (2002)

 

 

 

When vaudeville star Velma Kelly (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones) is accused of murdering her husband and sister, whom she caught in bed together, she stirs up a media frenzy.

 

Wannabe artist Roxie Hart (played by Renée Zellweger), meanwhile, killed the man she was cheating on her husband with because the agent made promises he never intended to keep.

 

Prison beckons, but one or both of the ladies could go free if slick silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn (played by Richard Gere) finds a way to convince the court and jury of their innocence.

 

Alibis are twisted into fresh meanings through musical verse and dance routines. Matron Mama Morton (played by Queen Latifah) has her agenda when it comes to helping the criminal ladies under her 'care'.

 

In this sensational movie, song and situation merge into a realistic picture of society, legality, and crime.

 

 

22. Clueless (1995)

 

 

 

Cher (played by Alicia Silverstone) is popular in all the ways that matter. Her social skills are top-notch.

 

However, her grades start to take a hit and she fails to convince a teacher to help her out.

 

She exchanges notes with her bestie Dionne (played by Stacey Dash) to matchmake said teacher with another teacher.

 

After all, if he finds the happiness he may feel more than inclined to help Cher pass.

 

One thing leads to another and Cher gradually learns that there is more to life than simply being popular.

 

She learns that love matters, and she starts to pursue a romance of her own.

 

 

23. Postcards From The Edge (1990)

 

 

 

Hollywood actress Suzanne Vale (played by Meryl Streep) has a substance addiction problem. Under insistence from her film studio, she checks into rehab and later has no choice but to go live with her mother Doris Mann (played by Shirley MacLaine).

 

Doris used to be a star but now enjoys her drink more than she does anything else.

 

Suffice to say, Suzanne and she doesn't get along. Doris always treated her daughter as if she were still a child, and Suzanne had to fight her way out from under her shadow.

 

One thing leads to another, and the two of them gradually start to reconcile their differences and learn to understand and appreciate the struggles they each went through in life.

 

This heartwarming story also stars Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, Simon Callow, Annette Bening, and Richard Dreyfuss.

 

 

24. To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

 

 

 

Teenager Lara Jean Covey (played by Lana Condor) indulges in her high school life in all the expected ways.

 

Until strange letters are mysteriously sent to her former crushes. The love letters were extremely private and meant solely for her eyes.

 

Lara later learns that her own sister Kitty (played by Anna Cathcart) dispatched the letters to all the boys Lara loved before, all so she can finally find the one who'll make her happy.

 

However, back at school, the boys who received her letters gradually start approaching her. One of the boys is her own next-door neighbor Josh (played by Israel Broussard).

 

Lara finds her life is thrown into turmoil as she tries to grapple with a lot of things at once.

 

This becomes especially true because Josh happens to be Lara's older sister Margot's (played by Janel Parrish) boyfriend.

 

Then there is Peter (played by Noah Centineo), who is her arch-rival Gen's (played by Emilija Baranac) boyfriend.

 

Unusual events unravel and Lara learns to sort through the chaos and find herself.

 

 

25. Sister Act (1992)

 

 

 

Nevada lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (played by Whoopi Goldberg) witnesses her mob-boyfriend Vince LaRocca (played by Harvey Keitel) kill a man in cold blood.

 

Before long, she seeks help from the police and Detective Eddie Souther (played by Bill Nunn) puts her in witness protection.

 

But he chooses to send her to the one place the flashy Deloris won't ever be found, a church run by nuns.

 

In her new temporary home, Deloris exchanges her nightlife glamour for a nun's habit. She soon befriends Sisters Mary Robert (played by Wendy Makkena), Mary Lazarus (played by Mary Wickes), and Mary Patrick (played by Kathy Najimy).

 

Under the watchful eye of Mother Superior (played by Dame Maggie Smith), Deloris finds the going tough.

 

She joins the choir and gives it a boogie-woogie twist, one that gradually draws attention in both good and bad ways.

 

Good, because people finally come to Church hearing the new music playing there. Bad, because Vince and his hoodlums finally learn where Deloris was stashed away.

 

 

26. Julie & Julia (2009)

 

 

 

The year is 1949 and Julia Child (played by Meryl Streep, and based on the real-life chef of the same name) finds herself in Paris when her diplomat husband has to shift.

 

Wondering how best to spend her time, she takes up cooking lessons at Cordon Bleu where she soon discovers a passion for French cuisine.

 

In an alternate timeline, in 2002, Julie Powell (played by Amy Adams) is turning thirty and has an unpublished cookbook she strives to complete.

 

Titled "Mastering the Art of French Cooking", the book takes numerous points from Julia Child's illustrious career in the industry.

 

The story goes back and forth between the two women and chronicles their ups and downs in some of the most amazing ways.

 

 

27. Father Of The Bride (1991)

 

 

 

George Banks (played by Steve Martin) is from a middle-class background. His 21-year-old daughter Annie Banks (played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley) is getting ready to wed Bryan MacKenzie (played by George Newbern) who comes from an upper-class family.

 

George grows worried about what life will be like now that his baby girl is leaving home.

 

His wife Nina Banks (played by Diane Keaton) does her best to calm his nerves.

 

However, when the wedding eventually does happen and eccentric European wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer (played by Martin Short) comes on the scene, George gradually reaches boiling point.

 

 

28. Singin' In The Rain (1952)

 

 

 

Set during Hollywood's 'golden age' just as the film industry was transitioning to 'talking pictures'.

 

This timeless movie features celebrities Don Lockwood (played by Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (played by Jean Hagen) who rose to stardom during the silent film era and are now facing a great transition.

 

The two of them always made a great on-screen pair, when the film was silent that is.

 

Now that speech is in, Lina's high-pitched almost screechy voice stands at odds with her otherwise glamorous appeal.

 

One thing leads to another and Don encounters Kathy Selden (played by Debbie Reynolds) who doesn't have any keen interest in becoming a star.

 

But as Don and she get close, Kathy agrees to lend her voice to Lina's first talking film.

 

Love, friendship, comedy, dance, and song confluence in one of the most unforgettable ways in this outstanding movie that has withstood the test of time.

 

 

29. Patch Adams (1998)

 

 

 

The year is 1969 and Hunter Adams (played by Robin Williams) admits himself to a mental institution owing to his troubles.

 

He soon starts to help fellow inmates by giving them something to look forward to in life.

 

After he leaves the asylum, Hunter decides to become a doctor professionally so he can help more people.

 

When he starts to attend medical school, however, he is appalled by the 'arm's length' attitude that they teach there.

 

He believes such an attitude won't resolve the emotional needs of patients let alone the quality of their lives.

 

Hunter "Patch" Adams strives to find a better way to help people even if it means risking the rules set in stone by authorities in the medical field.

 

 

30. The Princess Bride (1987)

 

 

 

A grandfather shares a fantastic tale of adventure with his grandson. The story has been passed down from father to son for many generations in their family.

 

As he reads the tale, the actions contained in it come alive around them, taking both grandad and grandson on an adventure rife with love and heroism.

 

The gorgeous Buttercup (played by Robin Wright) is the titular Princess Bride who is soon engaged to the intolerable Prince Humperdinck (played by Chris Sarandon).

 

She was kidnapped and held in custody all to start a war. Her childhood sweetheart Westley (played by Cary Elwes) has a new life as the Dread Pirate Roberts.

 

He seems to be Buttercup's only hope. Westley encourages a thief and his friends to team up to save Buttercup.

 

He also finds and recruits an expert swordsman and a strong giant to help him.

 

 

31. The First Wives Club (1996)

 

 

 

While attending a mutual friend's funeral, three ladies reignite their friendship after almost three decades.

 

Elise (played by Goldie Hawn) has become a Hollywood actress. Brenda (played by Bette Midler) remains as mouthy as ever.

 

And Annie (played by Diane Keaton) has turned into a quiet homemaker. All three have one thing in common, they are divorced following their husbands' infidelity.

 

Finally finding the courage and inspiration to exact justice from their exes. The three ladies hatch a plot to get even with the men who wronged them by leaving them for other women.

 

They form the 'First Wives Club' and through it find opportunities for soul-satisfying vengeance.

 

 

32. Mary Poppins (1964)

 

 

 

Edwardian London and George Banks (played by David Tomlinson) are finding it increasingly challenging to find a competent nanny for his intolerably mischievous children Jane (played by Karen Dotrice) and Michael (played by Matthew Garber).

 

One enchanting evening, a magical Mary Poppins (played by Julie Andrews) arrives at his door – by sheer magic.

 

Her disciplinarian aptitude and musical charm bring order to an otherwise chaotic household. She takes the kids on an exciting adventure, a rather magical one at that.

 

Following her on the journey is chimney sweep Bert (played by Dick Van Dyke). Together, they forge a life-changing transformation in Jane and Michael's lives, and they do it all, indulging in some of the most unforgettable songs and dances in cinema.

 

 

33. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

 

 

When renowned candy and chocolate maker Willy Wonka (played by Gene Wilder) announces that he plans to give an all-access tour of his factory to five lucky children, the town goes wild with excitement.

 

He slips five golden tickets into his signature chocolate bars and leaves the field open for luck to choose the winners.

 

Young Charlie (played by Peter Ostrum) hails from an impoverished family. He considers himself genuinely lucky to have found one of the tickets in the chocolate bars he could afford to buy.

 

The first one he bought didn't have a ticket. But, thanks to the positive attitude and kindness of his grandpa Joe (played by Jack Albertson), Charlie perseveres.

 

He soon finds a dollar bill, buys himself another bar, and strikes gold. Willy Wonka, on the other hand, is silently searching for the right child on whom to bestow his vast inheritance.

 

He observes each of the five kids who won the golden ticket. Willy hopes to find the one who has what it takes to carry on the joyous legacy he built over many years.

 

This musical delivers fine inspiration through fantasy, one that won't soon be forgotten.

 

 

34. Big (1988)

 

 

 

Unable to take being bullied anymore, twelve-year-old Josh Baskin (played by Tom Hanks) becomes convinced that his problems will dissipate as soon as he becomes an adult.

 

A magical card dealt by an enchanted fortune-telling machine called Zoltar changes everything. Josh makes a wish at the local fair where the machine is at, and it changes his life, quite literally.

 

He wakes up the next morning as the thirty-year-old version of himself. Before long, Josh starts to realize that the adult world is not what he thought it would be.

 

There are commitments to meet, a job to find, and responsibilities to uphold. All the while, he strives to keep his secret safe, that he is in truth a little boy stuck in the body of a man who, in turn, can't help but see the world through the eyes of a child.

 

 

35. Moonstruck (1987)

 

 

 

Italian-American widow Loretta Castorini (played by Cher) says yes to a proposal of marriage. That was from her silly boyfriend Johnny Cammareri (played by Danny Aiello), she never would have expected to start falling for his younger brother Ronny (played by Nicholas Cage) instead.

 

She does everything she can to resist her growing feelings for Ronny. But as revenge for an accident involving his brother in which he lost his hand, Ronny is determined to get Loretta for himself.

 

He pursues her in earnest once Johnny is out of the country. Loretta falls for Ronny and, before long, learns of another secret romance in the family.

 

 

36. The Parent Trap (1998)

 

 

 

Pre-teens Hallie Parker (played by Lindsay Lohan) and Annie James (double-acted by Lindsay Lohan) meet for the first time at a summer camp and only there realize that they are identical twins.

 

Their parents are Brit's mom who is also a renowned dress designer Elizabeth James (played by Natasha Richardson).

 

And an American dad who is also a winemaker Nick Parker (played by Dennis Quaid).

 

Seeing as how their divorced parents have no clue about the other twin's existence, the girls decide to swap so they can spend time with the parents they never knew growing up.

 

Only later do Hallie and Annie reveal their little deception, which takes their folks by complete and utter surprise.

 

The divorced couple finally reunites and remarries, learning to fall in love with one another and their identical twin daughters.

 

 

37. A Star Is Born (1976)

 

 

 

When talented rock star John Norman Howard (played by Kris Kristofferson) observes his career going downhill, he realizes his time in the spotlight is coming to a close.

 

He has had his fair share of managers and concerts, and enough moments spent on the road.

 

All of it has only made him cynical and bored. Until he meets an enchanting singer named Esther Hoffman (played by Barbra Streisand) who is as pure as she is innocent.

 

He guides her toward stardom at the cost of his career. Before long, the two fall in love.

 

He soon observes that her success is eclipsing any chance of his making a comeback.

 

Their bond is fraught with complexity and some of the most memorable moments and tunes in cinema.

 

 

38. Moulin Rouge (2001)

 

 

 

It is 1899 and young English writer Christian (played by Ewan McGregor) is in Paris tracking the city's Bohemian Revolution, particularly in its seedy underworld.

 

The thrill of this life is apparent in a nightclub called Moulin Rouge where gorgeous dancers come out to entertain rich and poor alike.

 

Christian can't help but fall for its star courtesan Satine (played by Nicole Kidman). Thus sparking a deadly love affair in which he has to compete with the club's patron, known simply as the Duke (played by Richard Roxburgh).

 

A love triangle begins and Christian is forced to do whatever it takes to make Satine his own.

 

But something bigger even than love is guiding Satine's particular choices in the matter.

 

 

39. The Birdcage (1996)

 

 

 

Armand Goldman (played by Robin Williams) is the owner of a popular nightclub for the drag-queen community.

 

Albert (played by Nathan Lane) is one of the stars there, and he is also Armand's longtime lover.

 

Armand was married to a woman once, a long time ago, and they had a son together.

 

Val Goldman (played by Dan Futterman) comes to see his estranged father share some happy news: he is engaged to Barbara Keeley (played by Calista Flockhart).

 

The fun begins when Armand and Albert realize that Barbara is Kevin Keeley's (played by Gene Hackman) daughter.

 

Not only is Kevin a US Senator, but he is also co-founder of the Committee for Moral Order.

 

Suffice to say two entirely different lifestyles are set to clash. Kevin and his wife Louise (played by Dianne Wiest) fly over to meet Val, unbeknownst to the fact that Val enjoys being gay but has to hide it all from Kevin for the sake of his son.

 

 

40. The Princess Diaries (2001)

 

 

 

An awkward teen and hidden beauty, Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway) comes to learn of a father whom she never knew she had.

 

Philippe Renaldi (played by Rene Auberjonois) was the Crown Prince of Genovia, a place Mia never knew even existed.

 

A rival family is after the throne, forcing Queen Clarisse Renaldi (played by Julie Andrews) to find Mia and prepare her to take the reins of power.

 

Her estranged granddaughter, however, is far from ready for such a grand change in lifestyle.

 

Her grandmother is determined to extricate her from being a social misfit and transform her into an elegant and poised Crown Princess of Genovia.

 

Mia finds love in the strangest of places and learns to understand the difference between blood and bloodlines.

 

Through it all, she is supported admirably by her best friend Lilly Moscovitz (played by Heather Matarazzo).

 

 

41. Love Actually (2003)

 

 

 

A variety of characters are falling in and out of love, some with the right people and others, with the wrong ones.

 

Different shades of romance and desire prevail in this strangely realistic rom-com where flirting and love merge into an interesting tale, with humanity at the heart of it.

 

The setting is London at Christmas time, and the movie's assorted characters find themselves enjoying a distinctly uplifting season of giving.

 

The movie stars popular names like Bill Nighy, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Martine McCutcheon, Emma Thompson, Martin Freeman, Sienna Guillory, Kris Marshall, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, and Keira Knightley.

 

Each of these couples goes through the ups and downs of the relationship to finally understand what love means.

 

 

42. You've Got Mail (1998)

 

 

 

Kathleen Kelly (played by Meg Ryan) owns a well-known bookstore that prides itself on children's fiction.

 

Despite being with journalist Frank Navasky (played by Greg Kinnear), she can't help but be drawn to Joe Fox (played by Tom Hanks).

 

The two interact exclusively via email at first, via a chat room. Before long, fate sees the two of them crossing paths in real life when the new corner bookstore, Fox Books, sells at a discount, drawing customers away from Kathleen's store.

 

The owner of that store has a son, who happens to be Joe. Kathleen is completely put off by Joe's attitude toward business matters.

 

She has no clue that Joe's the same person as her email 'pen pal'. As time goes by, the cat is let out of the bag, and romantic chaos ensues, with a dash of confusion sprinkled on top.

 

 

43. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

 

 

 

Daniel Hillard (played by Robin Williams) is a caring dad and an eccentric actor. At his son Chris's birthday party, one thing after another goes wrong, which prompts his wife Miranda (played by Sally Field) to file for divorce.

 

Daniel will hereafter get to see his three kids only once a week. He abhors the limited time frame, and so decides to put his acting skills to good use.

 

With help from his makeup friend Frank (played by Harvey Fierstein), Daniel completely transforms into a matronly older woman and applies for the nanny position that his wife posted in the paper.

 

Calling himself Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel has a huge balancing act to perform from the second he slips into the skin of his new avatar.

 

Additionally, he has to deal with Miranda's new boyfriend Stu Dunemyer (played by Pierce Brosnan) whom he does not approve of in the least.

 

 

44. Oliver! (1968)

 

 

After being sold to an undertaker, Oliver Twist (played by Mark Lester) finds his life-changing the worse.

 

One evening at the orphanage, the boy gathers enough courage to ask for more food, which only gets him kicked out.

 

Staring at a harsh life on the streets, Oliver's fate soon leads him to join Fagin's (played by Ron Moody) troupe of child pickpockets.

 

One day, he is wrongly accused of a robbery by a gentleman who ends up taking Oliver in and giving him a chance at a better life.

 

One of Fagin's old 'students', Bill Sikes (played by Oliver Reed), finds Oliver standing between him and free life of crime.

 

This sets in motion a series of dangerous events. Smack in the middle of all this is bar waitress Nancy (played by Shani Wallis) whom Oliver trusts and wants to save from Bill's clutches.

 

This musical adaptation of Charles Dickens's unforgettable classic is a brilliant deep dive into the human condition, and how love can take many diverse forms.

 

 

45. Pretty Woman (1990)

 

 

 

Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere) is a wealthy businessman who has made an art out of corporate takeovers.

 

He later sells those companies off slice by slice. On one of his business trips to Los Angeles, Edward indulges his desire for a prostitute.

 

Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts), whom he soon ends up wanting only for company.

 

They indulge in long talks and, soon, Vivian starts to accompany Edward to 'rich' events.

 

One thing leads to another and the two develop romantic feelings for one another. Edward's business ethics starts to shift in the opposite direction thanks to Vivian and finally he bonds with her.

 

 

46. The Sound of Music (1965)

 

 

 

Maria (played by Julie Andrews) has always harbored an interest in becoming a nun. However, when she finally joins an order, she finds her free-spirited nature ever at odds with what the nuns expect of her.

 

Her personality gets so difficult for the other nuns to tame that they send Maria away to serve as a governess.

 

The home she goes to belongs to a widower who served in the military, Captain Georg von Trapp (played by Christopher Plummer).

 

Georg runs his household like a strict ship. His seven kids – Liesl (played by Charmian Carr), Louisa (played by Heather Menzies-Urich), Friedrich (played by Nicholas Hammond), Kurt (played by Duane Chase), Brigitta (played by Angela Cartwright), Marta (played by Debbie Turner), and Gretl (played by Kym Karath) – feel too over-controlled, but don't quite show it.

 

They truly start to unwind only after Maria enters their lives. Her music and songs help the kids see the world through wider eyes.

 

The Captain is not happy with the blooming change, but he soon sees the need for it.

 

He even develops feelings for Maria who, in time, returns it. Maria sacrifices her life as a nun to marry the man, whom she believes is more in need of her love and support than anyone or anything else.

 

Surprising to many fans, this movie was based on actual people and real-life events.

 

 

47. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

 

 

 

Journalism graduate Andrea Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) is seeking work in New York. She has an interview at a major fashion publication (Runway) whose editor-in-chief is the gorgeous, powerful, and intimidating 'dragon boss' Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) who does not tolerate mediocrity or incompetence in the least.

 

One year working for Miranda promises to open a world of opportunities for Andrea, so she begrudgingly attempts to survive her time at Runway.

 

From fashions to galas, and luxuries to losses, Andrea's experiences transform her into a new woman.

 

Working with 'first assistant' Emily (played by Emily Blunt) and stylist Nigel (played by Stanley Tucci) makes Andrea gradually gain an appreciation for all things stylish.

 

Before long, she becomes a workaholic, which directly affects her relationship with longtime boyfriend Nate (played by Adrian Grenier).

 

This movie is one of the best 'feel good' choices in the fashion category and teaches plenty of life lessons in some of the most fabulous ways.

 

 

48. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

 

 

 

The movie that kickstarted a whole new fan craze for a franchise already well-established in the literary world, both the books and the films.

 

They inspired some of the most unforgettable generation-defining moments in literature and cinema. This first movie tracks the coming of age story of Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe), aka 'the boy who lived.

 

He soon learns that he is a wizard destined for great things, and all at the ripe young age of eleven.

 

His adopted aunt and uncle, along with their son Dudley, treat him terribly. Harry lost his parents for reasons he only later discovers had nothing to do with the 'car crash' lie his aunt and uncle told him.

 

Rubeus Hagrid (played by Robbie Coltrane) comes to collect Potter when he is ready to attend Hogwarts.

 

A school for magical learning headed by Albus Dumbledore (played by Richard Harris in the first few HP titles).

 

Dangers, friendships, romances, lessons, memories, and adventures all confluence into one of the richest, most heartwarming stories ever adapted for the silver screen.

 

This is the first of eight films to carry on the intricate and highly acclaimed stories created by the talented J.

 

K. Rowling.

 

 

49. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

 

 

 

When a tornado wreaks havoc through a small portion of Kansas, little does Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland) and her little dog Toto know that it will whisk them away to a whole new world.

 

They leave the intentionally black-and-white 'cinema scope' of her home and land in a vibrant technicolor world called Oz.

 

Before long, Dorothy finds herself on a quest to the Emerald City where resides the titular wizard (played by Frank Morgan) who alone has the power to send her back to Kansas.

 

Dorothy is offered this advice by the Good Witch Glinda (played by Billie Burke). Along her route, Dorothy meets three curious characters: Hunk the Scarecrow (played by Ray Bolger), Hickory the Tin Man (played by Jack Haley), and Zeke the Cowardly Lion (played by Bert Lahr).

 

Each of them is seeking a brain, a heart, and some courage; respectively. Together, they are 'off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz'.

 

But dark powers stand in their way, taking the form of the Wicked Witch of the West (played by Margaret Hamilton).

 

Who seeks revenge against Dorothy for accidentally killing her sister – Dorothy's house landed on the other witch upon her arrival in Oz.

 

Musical magnificence, menacing moments, and meaningful melodies suffuse this one-of-a-kind movie.

 

 

50. Matilda (1996)

 

 

 

An unusually intelligent girl, Matilda Wormwood (played by Mara Wilson) finds herself in a family who barely understands her, let alone accepts her love of learning.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood (played by Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, respectively) are grubby folk who are as distanced from their daughter and her needs as they are from one another.

 

Only Matilda's teacher Miss Honey (played by Embeth Davidtz) sees potential in the little girl, and actively supports her.

 

However, the sadistic principal Trunchbull (played by Pam Ferris) runs a ship so tight it might as well be sunk.

 

Matilda soon grows fed up with Trunchbull's cruelty – to not only the other students but also to Miss Honey.

 

The little girl soon releases a power she never knew she had. Matilda's penchant for telekinesis (moving objects with her mind) comes into play.

 

When the time is right, and with Miss Honey's help, Matilda escapes the destructive cycle of her life.

 

And goes to live with Miss Honey where her true potential promises to shine.