Wholesome, Uplifting or Light-hearted
With last week's challenge being about war, this week we're going in the opposite direction and watching something a little less dark.
This week’s movie challenge is all about finding joy and warmth in contrast to last week's War challenge. The idea is to pick a movie that lifts your spirits, tugs at your heartstrings, or simply makes you smile. Below are some subgenres to explore and a few recommendations for each. Let’s dive in!
Coming of Age Films
Coming of age movies are perfect for rediscovering the beauty of growing up and figuring life out. Films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), where a shy teen finds solace and healing in a quirky group of friends, or Lady Bird (2017), which explores the chaos of adolescence and the complicated bond between a daughter and her mom, show how these stories capture universal experiences. Another great pick is Sing Street (2016), where a boy in 1980s Dublin forms a band to impress a girl and ends up on a journey of self-discovery.
Feel-Good Dramas
Sometimes you want a story that’s a little heavier but still leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling by the end. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) follows a struggling single father who fights to build a better future for his son, while Little Miss Sunshine (2006) offers a chaotic road trip story about a family coming together to support their daughter in a beauty pageant. For something lighter, The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) tells the tale of a young chef whose passion for cooking bridges cultural divides in a quaint French village.
Inspirational Biopics
True stories of resilience and hope remind us that we’re capable of amazing things. Hidden Figures (2016) highlights the brilliance of three women who broke barriers at NASA during the space race. Julie & Julia (2009) brings us the inspiring parallel stories of Julia Child and a modern-day food blogger finding purpose through cooking. For a heartfelt option, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) explores the life-changing impact Fred Rogers had on a journalist’s worldview.
Romantic Comedies
If you’re in the mood for love and laughter, rom-coms bring the charm without being too heavy. In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), a clever Shakespearean twist leads to a high school romance filled with witty banter. Crazy Rich Asians (2018) dazzles with humor and heart as a woman meets her boyfriend’s ultra-wealthy (and intimidating) family. For a cozy seasonal pick, The Holiday (2006) follows two women who swap homes for Christmas and find unexpected love and healing.
Family Films
These are the kinds of movies that feel like a warm hug—fun for everyone but full of heart and meaning. Paddington (2014) tells the delightful story of a lovable bear who brings joy and chaos to his new family in London. Finding Nemo (2003) is an animated classic about a clownfish father’s epic journey to reunite with his son. And The Muppet Movie (1979) is a charming musical adventure where Kermit and the gang chase their Hollywood dreams.
So, there's just a few of many areas to look in to find a movie that fits this week's challenge. Below we’ve added some suggestions/recommendations for movies that would count for the challenge. Let us know what you’ve watched, what you’re thinking of watching, or whether you’ve got any recommendations to pass to your fellow CineChums.
Suggestions
These movies are mentioned in the video as potential suggestions for the challenge.
