Promoting Wellness through Feel Good Movies
One of my favorite books is about a bookstore owner in Paris who calls himself a literary apothecary. He has the unique talent of recognizing what his customers’ hardships are and prescribing a book to ease their troubles. Even though I lack the magic and whimsicality in The Little Paris Bookshop, I know we all need a little peace sometimes. The following prescriptions are feel-good movies that can inspire optimism, hope, and positivity.
The University Counseling Center at FSU has a page about different types of wellness and how to take steps towards achieving them. They recommend making positive, healthy changes and pursuing a lifestyle that “is consistent with your own personal needs, values, and goals.” Below are the different kinds of wellness listed on the site as well as a movie that relates to each category.
Physical
sleep, exercise, healthy diet
Rocky (1976): This movie arguably has the most iconic training montage in film. Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” has since been used in other training and workout scenes. I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to get up early, put on a headband, and do push-ups or something.
Available on Hulu with Showtime Add-On
Environmental
caring for nature and the community
Our Planet and Our Planet: Behind the Scenes: These docuseries showcase a wide variety of natural spectacles, habitats, and species from all over the planet. Part of the focus is how human activity affects wildlife and it encourages viewers to help save the planet.
Available on Netflix
Cultural
knowing more about your culture and others
Travel Man: 48 Hours In… and Huang’s World: These two travel shows on Hulu walk the viewer through wonderful cities and explore vastly different cultures. Beware the cravings, though, since local cuisine is a big part of the episodes.
Available on Hulu
Social
healthy relationships
Mean Girls (2004): At first glance, Mean Girls is definitely not the kind of movie to take relationship advice from. If anything, it’s a great example of what not to do. I listed it here because despite the cartoonish characters, toxic friendships, and overall messy relationships, this comedy finds peace at the end. The main character apologizes for her mistakes, regains her friends, and re-prioritizes her academic endeavors.
Available on Hulu with Showtime Add-On
Spiritual
relaxation, prayer, meditation
Soul Surfer (2011) and Heal (2017): These are very different options but they both encourage spiritual wellness. Soul Surfer is about the true story of Bethany Hamilton and how she persevered after her accident through faith and love. Heal is a documentary about the power of the mind and its ability to heal almost any malady. It features leaders and pioneers like Deepak Chopra.
Available on Netflix
Occupational
fulfilling job and major
The Theory of Everything (2014): Based on the life of Stephen Hawking, this exceptional movie is a rollercoaster of emotions. This is the story of a brilliant young student pursuing something that fascinates him and that he has a natural ability for. There is something comforting about how well young Hawking fits into his career, and it’s a feeling I hope to find as well.
Available on Netflix
Intellectual
practices that help you study
Good Will Hunting (1997): There are a lot of gems in this movie, one of them being Matt Damon. His character, Will, is a well-read genius who captures the attention of a professor at MIT. However, Will’s potential is limited by a few factors, including his propensity to drink with friends and get into fights. In order to help him reach his full potential, – and stay out of jail – the professor gets Will to agree to therapy sessions and attend classes.
Available on Hulu with Showtime Add-On
Financial
awareness and ability to maintain a budget
Wall Street (1987) and The Untouchables (1987): These two are listed in a U.S. News article about movies with financial lessons. These movies prompt you to pay taxes, manage your budget, and not to spend much more than what you have. They do so with exorbitant examples, like the case of Al Capone, but they are good reminders nonetheless.
The Untouchables is available on Hulu with Starz Add-On.
Emotional
mental health and well-being; embracing positive and negative emotions
Inside Out (2015): By personifying emotions, the filmmakers behind Inside Out give audiences a whole new way to interpret the way our minds work. The story itself is a brilliant reminder of how important it is to understand all emotions, even sadness.
Available on Disney +
If none of these films interest you, consider watching some of these other feel-good movies. Some are guilty pleasures, some are sweet reminders of childhood, and some are just laughing fests:
Available on Netflix:
- Clueless
- Christopher Robin
- The Edge of Seventeen
- The Little Prince
- Yes Man
- Groundhog Day
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Available on Hulu:
- Booksmart
- Sorry to Bother You
- Hitch
- Dirty Dancing
- Bend It Like Beckham
- Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
I hope these movies cheer up anyone in need of a little pick-me-up. Sometimes all we need is a nudge in the right direction, a two-hour escape, a captivating story, and/or gorgeous landscapes to improve the day. None of these movies are problem-solvers alone but with the right mindset, they can inspire viewers to take steps towards their own wellness.
