David Farnor | On 20, Dec 2020

Let’s face it. Sometimes, life isn’t easy. Sometimes, there isn’t an easy solution. Sometimes, elections, referendums or other global events seem completely beyond your control. And sometimes, you just need something to distract you, cheer you up and make you feel that bit better about the world.

For any emergency you may encounter, here are the best feel-good movies on Netflix UK:

La La Land

“City of stars…” Damien Chazelle’s bittersweet Hollywood romance, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, is a toe-tapping delight.

Groundhog Day

Harold Ramis’ comedy about a weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again is funny, sweet, profound and features a superb central turn from Bill Murray. A verifiable classic.

The Incredible Jessica James

“I’m tall. I’m pretty. I’m smart. Obviously, I will have many great loves in my life.” That’s Jessica James in Netflix’s original film, The Incredible Jessica James. And spoiler alert: she really is.

Safety Not Guaranteed

There’s something about time travel and indie films that seems guaranteed to produce briliance. “Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed.” That newspaper classified ad was enough to inspire director Colin Trevorrow to exploire the idea of a homemade time machine. Played heartwarmingly by Mark Duplass, is the writer of the ad a genius, a madman or liar? The film’s charm lies in its open-hearted acceptance of all of the possibilities, as Aubrey Plaza’s outcast intern gradually becomes friends with the reclusive traveller. The result is a stunning little gem: a romantic, funny, serious drama… that just happens to be about time travel.

Matilda

Loved the stage show? Then now’s the perfect time to revisit Danny DeVito’s pitch-perfect screen adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale.

Kiki’s Delivery Service

This empowering Studio Ghibli anime sees a 13-year-old witch learn to overcome her self-doubt to set up a flying courier service.

Game Night

Pass Go, collect £200, and enjoy one of the funniest movies of 2018.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Wholly unique and jaw-droppingly stylish, this progressive, post-modern story of parallel realities is one of the best superhero movies ever made.

Life of Brian

Life of Brian isn’t just Monty Python’s best film: it’s one of the best comedies of all time.

Rocks

This refreshing ensemble piece is a funny, sensitive, sincere tale of friendship and resilience.

A United Kingdom

A powerful story of romance and race, A United Kingdom is a crowd-pleaser that deserves the biggest crowd possible.

Zoolander

Ben Stiller’s sharply written comedy about a male model is really, really, ridiculously funny.

Hot Fuzz

Endlessly quotable and deliriously over-the-top, Pegg, Frost and Wright serve up one of the best British comedies of the last decade.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

This winningly sincere comedy about Eurovision is a warm-hearted surprise.

Scott Pilgrim vs the World

Mature, childish and energetic, Scott Pilgrim is awesome, surprising no one.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Monty Python’s historical epic is endlessly inventive, wonderfully funny and very, very silly.

The Peanut Butter Falcon

This heartfelt, funny road trip is warm, enjoyably earnest buddy movie.

Nativity!

A charming cast and catchy songs make Debbie Isitt’s school play silliness an infectiously fun Christmas comedy.

The Holiday

This earnest ensemble rom-com is full of charming sincerity.

The Other Guys

This odd-couple cop comedy starring a deadpan Mark Wahlberg and intense Will Ferrell never shoots to kill, but frequently finds your funny bone.

Chalet Girl

The fantastic Felicity Jones gets a chance to take the lead in this hugely enjoyable film about a snowboarder-turned-chalet-girl for a wealthy family. But don’t be fooled: this is more sports movie than rom-com, which makes it a welcome piece of character-driven fun. Think Bridget Jones on ice.

Ocean’s 8

This refreshing, female-led sequel makes up for low-key heist thrills with sheer fun.

Bumblebee

Hailee Steinfield is superb in this charmingy low-key character drama that just so happens to feature giant robots.

Galaxy Quest

The late Alan Rickman leads a stellar cast in this affectionately hilarious Star Trek spoof.

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