More often than not, drama movies blend elements of comedy, tragedy, horror, and any other genre into their stories to make them more compelling. Even though most dramas are marked by their serious topics and difficult subject matter, many of them use the darkest moments of the narrative to make room for the happy ending, which makes it easy to consider them feel-good films. Though not every dramatic story has to have a positive conclusion to be considered comforting or a rewatchable project, there’s usually some uplifting aspect that gives both the audience and characters hope.
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The best feel-good movies of the past decade have come from a variety of genres, as it’s up to individual audience members to determine what makes for a soothing film. Most people have movies that they return to many times over because they elicit feelings of contentment and safety, even if the narrative isn’t joyful from beginning to end. However, it wouldn’t be compelling or interesting to watch a film that has no ups and downs. Additionally, it’s often thanks to the skilled performances of the actors that viewers are able to connect with the characters onscreen.
10 The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Directed by Frank Darabont
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15 9.4/10 The Shawshank Redemption RDrama
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.
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*Availability in US Release Date October 14, 1994 Runtime 142 minutes Cast Tim Robbins , Morgan Freeman , Bob Gunton , William Sadler , Clancy Brown , Gil Bellows , Mark Rolston , James Whitmore Director Frank Darabont Writers Stephen King , Frank Darabont Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Expand
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Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman lead The Shawshank Redemption as Andy and Red, two prisoners who form a close bond throughout the events of the story. Based on the novel by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption has stood the test of time and is widely discussed to this day as a classic of the genre. While the story is fictional, it deals with the very real corruption within the U.S. prison system as well as the harsh and inhumane treatment that the prisoners face.
There’s no question that it’s ultimately uplifting, despite the difficult moments the viewer must grapple with to get to the satisfying ending.
Though The Shawshank Redemption is filled with plenty of harsh and brutal moments, the film’s conclusion provides some relief and a sense of justice for the audience and characters. However, there’s no question that it’s ultimately uplifting, despite the difficult moments the viewer must grapple with to get to the satisfying ending. The Shawshank Redemption was named the best movie of 1994 in a Rotten Tomatoes poll, proving its goodwill with audiences and staying power as a work of art.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) |
89% |
98% |
9 (500) Days Of Summer (2009)
Directed by Marc Webb
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500 Days of Summer PG-13ComedyDramaRomance
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, 500 Days of Summer follows Tom Hansen, an employee at a greeting card company who meets and falls in love with Summer Finn at work, beginning a fraught relationship with her that lasts for 500 days. The film’s story is mostly told in flashbacks, with Tom telling his friends and his young sister about his relationship with Summer in the present. Chloë Grace Moretz, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Minka Kelly make up the supporting cast.
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*Availability in US Release Date August 7, 2009 Runtime 95 Minutes Cast Zooey Deschanel , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Geoffrey Arend , Chloe Grace Moretz , Matthew Gray Gubler , Clark Gregg , Patricia Belcher , Rachel Boston Director Marc Webb Writers Scott Neustadter , Michael H. Weber Studio(s) Searchlight Pictures Expand
Praised for its non-linear storytelling and subversive take on the rom-com genre,(500) Days of Summer is well-known for the controversial relationship between Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel). Though there are plenty of comedic moments in the story, (500) Days of Summer lets the viewer know from the beginning that Tom and Summer are not in a love story, but it soon becomes clear that they’re not meant to be. Instead of Tom getting the girl as his happy ending, he finds himself instead.
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( 500) Days of Summer is a non-musical movie with a musical sequence that works in the context of the tone and story. Tom’s imagination and inner life spill out into the wider world, showing the audience the highs and lows of his relationship with Summer. These moments of magical realism are part of what makes (500) Days of Summer so easy to rewatch despite its nihilistic themes and tougher moments. However, both Tom and Summer get the ending they deserve, even if it isn’t the one they imagined.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
(500) Days of Summer (2009) |
86% |
84% |
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8 The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
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7/10 The Pursuit of Happyness PG-13BiographyDrama
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.
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*Availability in US 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 Budget $55 Million Studio(s) Columbia Pictures , Relativity Media , Overbrook Entertainment , Escape Artists Expand
There are moments throughout The Pursuit of Happyness when it feels like Chris (Will Smith) will never escape his circumstances and that the world truly is against him, but this makes his eventual success all the sweeter. Starring Smith and his son Jaden Smith as the father and son Chris and Chris Jr. in the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness is based on the real life of Christopher Gardner. The film tracks his time working to provide for his son and find shelter for them during a period of immense poverty and hardship in his life.
Related 1 Of Will Smith’s Best Movies Is Secretly A Remake Of A 1948 Italian Classic
In the tradition of Italian Neorealism, Will Smith’s “The Pursuit of Happyness” shares similarities with Vittorio de Sica’s “Bicycle Thieves.”
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One of the reasons that The Pursuit of Happyness has been elevated to such a high standing and has been praised for years since its release is because of how low the story brings Chris. His path to comfort and relief is paved almost exclusively with setbacks, and the thought of giving up grows more tempting with each disappointing scene. However, Smith makes it worth watching thanks to his dedicated performance, and The Pursuit of Happyness uses delayed gratification to make the happy ending as poignant as possible.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) |
67% |
87% |
7 Good Will Hunting (1997)
Directed by Gus Van Sant
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10/10 Good Will Hunting RRomanceDrama
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.
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*Availability in US 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 Writers Matt Damon , Ben Affleck Studio(s) MiraMax Expand
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Good Will Hunting is one of the movies that defined Robin Williams’ career. Though audiences already knew that he had dramatic acting chops, his performances as Sean, Will’s (Matt Damon) therapist, is one of the most moving of his career. Had anyone else played Sean, it’s unlikely that Good Will Hunting would be as well-remembered today, as Williams not only perfectly brought his character to life but was the ideal scene partner to complement the young Damon when he was early in his career.
However, Damon still holds his own by anchoring the piece as Will, the troubled young man who doesn’t know what he wants and struggles to process his past. As he excels in his career and makes breakthroughs with Sean, Will’s budding relationship with Skylar (Minnie Driver) makes for a compelling romantic angle for the viewer to invest in. Watching Will sabotage himself and refuse to think about his future can be frustrating, but when he realizes what he needs, it’s an unforgettable moment.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Good Will Hunting (1997) |
97% |
94% |
6 Forrest Gump (1994)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
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33 8.7/10 Forrest Gump PG-13RomanceDrama
In this iconic piece of American film history, the presidencies of Kennedy and Johnson, the events of the Vietnam war, Watergate, and other history unfold through the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75.
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*Availability in US Release Date July 6, 1994 Runtime 142 minutes Cast Mykelti Williamson , Gary Sinise , Tom Hanks , Robin Wright , Sally Field Director Robert Zemeckis Writers Winston Groom , Eric Roth Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Expand
Forrest Gump skims over the many difficult parts of American history, but the movie is not supposed to be an accurate historical drama but rather a subjective personal one. Starring Tom Hanks in one of his best-known roles as the titular Forrest, the story follows him from childhood to adulthood as he stumbles upon pivotal moments in American history and realizes what he wants out of life. Based on the novel by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump takes many liberties with the source material, making it more family-friendly.
Though Forrest is no stranger to tragedy and loss, his positive attitude and determination to keep moving forward is an inspirational part of the movie.
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The relationship between Forrest and Jenny (Robin Wright), his childhood sweetheart, is a driving force behind the narrative, as she’s an enduring force of kindness in Forrest’s life, even when others are cruel. Though Forrest is no stranger to tragedy and loss, his positive attitude and determination to keep moving forward is an inspirational part of the movie. Despite being a polarizing film, there’s no question that Forrest Gump is a drama that leans into its uplifting moments.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Forrest Gump (1994) |
75% |
95% |
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5 Dead Poets Society (1989)
Directed by Peter Weir
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10/10 Dead Poets Society PGDramaDocumentary
Set in an all-boys prep school in the 1950s, Dead Poets Society follows John Keating (Robin Williams), an English who inspires his students to appreciate poetry, think critically, and see life from a new perspective. The cast also includes Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Josh Charles.
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*Availability in US Release Date June 2, 1989 Runtime 128 minutes Cast Robin Williams , Robert Sean Leonard , Ethan Hawke , Josh Charles , Gale Hansen , Dylan Kussman Director Peter Weir Writers Tom Schulman Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Expand
Many iconic actors grace the screen in Dead Poets Society, with Robin Williams, a young Ethan Hawke, and Robert Sean Leonard making up some of the central characters. The atmosphere and aesthetics of Dead Poets Society are part of why it’s a frequently discussed drama from the late 1980s, as it has a cozy academic style that’s popular in film and literature today. However, this isn’t to say that Dead Poets Society relies on its look and feel to connect with the audience as it grapples with immense tragedy.
Related Dead Poets Society & 19 Other Movies For Fans Of The Dark Academia Aesthetic
Dead Poets Society and these other films are perfect for any fan of the dark academia aesthetic and they contain many of the common expected tropes.
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However, Dead Poets Society is a great example of a movie that touches upon the importance of education and how the encouragement of a teacher can change someone’s outlook on life. While it’s far from a diverse story, it communicates a progressive message of breaking away from the predetermined role or fate that authority figures of society have drawn. By the end of Dead Poets Society, the audience has seen the characters realize it’s up to them to control their destiny.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Dead Poets Society (1989) |
85% |
92% |
4 To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
Directed by Robert Mulligan
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To Kill A Mockingbird ApprovedCrimeDrama
To Kill A Mockingbird is a 1962 film directed by Robert Mulligan. It follows young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus Finch in 1930s Alabama. As a lawyer, Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, exposing his children to racial prejudices.
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*Availability in US Release Date December 25, 1962 Runtime 129 minutes Cast gregory peck , John Megna , Frank Overton , Rosemary Murphy , Ruth White , Brock Peters Director Robert Mulligan Writers Harper Lee , Horton Foote
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Based on Harper Lee’s seminal 1960 novel of the same name,To Kill a Mockingbird is a beloved drama from this era of Hollywood and is more progressive than many of its contemporaries. It could be argued that Gregory Peck stars in his best movie as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. In his role as Atticus, Peck takes on an even more prominent role in the film than in the novel since it can’t solely be told through the eyes of his daughter, Scout (Mary Badham).
Both an intimate portrait of a small town and a universal story about prejudice,
To Kill a Mockingbird
remains relevant today.
Both an intimate portrait of a small town and a universal story about prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird remains relevant today. While there are inherent problems with the narrative itself, as it leans heavily into the white savior trope, it’s a skillful work of cinema and a moving piece of film history. There are much harsher and more realistic portrayals of this period of history and the violent discrimination faced by Black Americans, but To Kill a Mockingbird is an accessible place to start, which is likely why so many young people read it.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) |
93% |
93% |
3 Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Directed by David O. Russell
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8/10 Silver Linings Playbook RComedyDramaRomance
Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, Silver Linings Playbook stars Bradley Cooper as Pat Solitano Jr., a recently released psychiatric patient struggling with bipolar disorder and living with his parents in rural Pennsylvania. Determined to win back his ex-wife, Pat teams up with Tiffany Maxwell to both rekindle his relationship and help Tiffany win a dance competition. Jennifer Lawrence stars alongside Cooper as Tiffany, with Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, and Chris Tucker also making up the cast.
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*Availability in US Release Date November 16, 2012 Runtime 122 Minutes Cast Bradley Cooper , Jennifer Lawrence , Julia Stiles , Robert De Niro , Chris Tucker , Dash Mihok , Jackie Weaver Director David O. Russell Writers David O. Russell Studio(s) The Weinstein Company Expand
Despite being released the same year as The Hunger Games, Silver Linings Playbook sees Jennifer Lawrence in a very different role as Tiffany. Co-starring Bradley Cooper as Pat, Silver Linings Playbook sees their combative yet compatible characters clash until they finally realize that they’re made for each other. With a distinctly romantic point of view and unabashedly sentimental tone, Silver Linings Playbook punctuates these moments with crushing realizations so the drama never crosses the line into sappy.
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Lawrence earned her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Tiffany, cementing her as one of the biggest actresses of the 2010s. Family dysfunction is a recurring theme in Silver Linings Playbook, which sees both Pat and Tiffany struggle to readapt to life after significant losses that alter their perceptions of themselves and the world. However, through their connection, they find new meaning, which easily captures the audiences’ hearts.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) |
92% |
86% |
2 Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Directed by Valerie Faris & Jonathan Dayton
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Little Miss Sunshine RAdventureComedyDrama
Little Olive’s dream is to take part in the Little Miss Sunshine contest. To do so, she embarks on a funny and moving journey with her father, uncle, grandfather, brother and mother. The family has to race against time to ensure that Olive arrives on time and is able to give the performance created by her grandfather.
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*Availability in US Release Date July 26, 2006 Runtime 101 minutes Cast Abigail Breslin , Greg Kinnear , Paul Dano , Alan Arkin , Toni Collette , Steve Carell Director Jonathan Dayton , Valerie Faris Writers Michael Arndt
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The all-star cast who bring to life the darkly comic Little Miss Sunshine are the champions of the film, as they handle horrible tragedy and heartwarming moments in the same breath. Little Miss Sunshine proves that comedic actors can be some of the best dramatic performers, as Steve Carell provides a career-defining portrayal of his character, Frank. However, it’s the moments when the entire family is together that Little Miss Sunshine is at its best, proving that there’s joy to be found in life’s most bleak moments.
Little Miss Sunshine
is really about overcoming obstacles and focusing on the good things in the world instead of what can’t be controlled.
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With its frank discussions of death and life’s disappointments, it’s funny to think of Little Miss Sunshine as a feel-good film, but it uses these difficult moments to juxtapose its real message. Little Miss Sunshine is really about overcoming obstacles and focusing on the good things in the world instead of what can’t be controlled. Though almost everything that could possibly go wrong happens in Little Miss Sunshine, it’s an incredible journey to join the characters on.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) |
91% |
91% |
1 The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
Directed by Stephen Chbosky
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10/10 The Perks of Being a Wallflower PG-13RomanceDrama
Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells the story of Charlie Kelmeckis, a high school freshman with a troubled past and history of mental health issues whose friendship with two seniors comes to define his first year of high school in surprising and dramatic ways. Logan Lerman stars as Charlies, alongside Emma Watson and Ezra Miller.
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*Availability in US Release Date September 20, 2012 Runtime 105minutes Cast Emma Watson , Logan Lerman , Ezra Miller , Paul Rudd , Nina Dobrev Director Stephen Chbosky Writers Stephen Chbosky Studio(s) Summit Entertainment Expand
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The central character in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie (Logan Lerman), is a heartbreaking young man struggling to adapt to high school while grappling with his traumatic past. Writer-director Stephen Chbosky also penned the 1999 novel the movie is based on, making the film a truthful adaptation of Chbosky’s vision and the heart of the story. None of the characters in The Perks of Being a Wallflower have an easy life, but through their relationships, they find a way to persevere.
As far as coming-of-age dramas go, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a definitive work for the early 2010s and matches the aesthetics and ideals of the generation grappling with the transition to adulthood during this period. While this makes The Perks of Being a Wallflower particularly impactful for this group, the story is relatable to anyone who struggled as they came of age. Never shying away from Charlie’s difficulty navigating the world around him, The Perks of Being a Wallflower helps make its audience feel seen and understood.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) |
85% |
89% |