25 Best Movies to Watch When You're Sad

Cinematic comfort food — guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Updated March 23, 2026 · ThumbScore Editorial
1
Paddington 2 (2017)
A warm hug in movie form
2
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Pure optimism and warmth
3
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Bursting with charm and heart
4
School of Rock (2003)
Overwhelmingly positive, warm hug
5
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Charm and heart, incredibly rewatchable
6
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Pure optimism and warmth
7
Legally Blonde (2001)
Never fails to lift your spirits
8
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Wholesome and positive energy
9
Chef (2014)
Pure optimism, perfect antidote
10
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Bursting with charm
11
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Ultimate comfort watch
12
The Princess Bride (1987)
Wholesome and positive
13
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Bursting with charm
14
Matilda (1996)
Lovable characters, incredibly rewatchable
15
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Iconic moments, positive message
16
Babe (1995)
Wholesome positive energy
17
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Ultimate comfort watch
18
The Goonies (1985)
Bursting with charm and heart
19
A Hard Day's Night (1964)
Wholesome positive energy
20
Mary Poppins (1964)
Iconic, warm hug in movie form
21
Shrek (2001)
Overwhelmingly positive message
22
Toy Story (1995)
Bursting with charm
23
Ratatouille (2007)
Wholesome positive energy
24
Up (2009)
Wholesome and positive
25
Coco (2017)
Bursting with charm, incredibly rewatchable

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