By Cam Gray
With winter now well underway, there’s nothing better than a cozy night in with a feel-good film and cup of hot chocolate… or something a bit stronger, to keep your winter blues at bay. Here’s our list of the 10 best feel-good films for the winter season, all of which are currently available on UK streaming services.
Please Note: Films available on streaming services named at the time of writing (20th November 2022).
1. CODA (2021)
Available at: Apple TV+
UK Certificate: 12A
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Trailer
CODA (child of deaf adults) follows the life of a hearing-impaired family and, as the name suggests, the focus of the storyline relates to one of the children, Ruby (Emilia Jones), who is the only member of the family who can hear. The family come from a working-class background, going out early every morning on fishing boats and living pay check to pay check. Ruby, however, has a talent her family are unaware of – she can sing… and well. The story follows a turbulent family relationship, with Ruby wanting to chase her dreams of singing, but being stuck in two minds knowing her family rely on her to communicate with the hearing-able and as such, need her support to live their day to day lives. This leaves Ruby and the rest of her family contemplating what is of greatest importance in each other’s lives.
A beautiful story exploring family and perfectly encapsulating the ups and downs of being a child, a mother, a father, and a brother; all brought together with a very strong cast, truly showcasing their talent as actors despite being hearing-impaired.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Available at: Prime Video
UK Certificate: 15
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Trailer
Everything Everywhere All at Once follows a Chinese family in a crazy multiverse experience, the film couldn’t have been named better. The mother of the family, Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) goes on a bizarre, funny, scary, sad, just all-round strange adventure across the multiverse. She finds out somebody wants to harm her and embarks on mission to stop them. The journey she goes on in the process is as odd as imaginable, impossible to put into words, showcasing the sheer creative minds of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the films directors.
If being high was a film, this would be it. A trippy, hilarious, completely unpredictable film with a deeper undertone of family love and togetherness that ties the apparent randomness together, creating one of the best films released this year and one that is sure to have multiple nominations at the next Academy Awards.
Available at: Netflix
UK Certificate: 15
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Our Rating: 5/5
Trailer
Whiplash follows the life of a young drummer, Andrew (Miles Teller), who dreams of becoming one of the drumming greats. However, his new band teacher, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), implements very unconventional and abusive training methods which ultimately push Andrew to his breaking point.
An intense watch with literal blood, sweat and tears put into each actor’s captivating performance. The story beautifully showcases one person’s dream and their determination to chase it no matter what, with an ending that perfectly encloses the story.
Initially released as a short film at the 2013 Film Festival, Whiplash impressed so much that it earned the backing of multiple investors allowing for it to be made into a full feature-length film. The full-length picture won 3 Academy Awards, 3 BAFTAs and a Golden Globe, along with 91 other awards an over 100 nominations.
Available at: Netflix
UK Certificate: 15
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Trailer
Based on a true story, I, Tonya follows the career of Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) as a competitive ice skater, her difficult rise to fame and her natural talent which put her far ahead of her competitors. However, her life and upbringing were extremely turbulent and once she lets her ex-husband back into her life, as well as his questionable choice in friends, everything falls apart in the space of one afternoon.
The film helps the viewer experience Tonya’s life from her perspective, rather than that seen in the news and media following her downfall. This helps create a feeling of sympathy for Tonya, and ultimately makes you appreciate how fortunate you may be.
Available at: Prime Video
UK Certificate: 12A
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
Our Rating: 4/5
Trailer
Based on a true story The Blind Side follows the life of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) who is a homeless teenager suffering from severe learning difficulties. A wealthy family take him in and raise him as their own, helping him with his learning difficulties as well as identifying his natural talent at American Football, born from his protective instincts caused by his tough upbringing.
The Blind Side embodies love and caring, with Aaron perfectly portraying the role of a misunderstood child who has had an unthinkably tough upbringing, as well as Sandra Bullock giving an extremely moving performance of an omnibenevolent mother. Being based on a true story makes the film even more profound, a beautiful picture showcasing how everyone deserves a family and to feel loved.
6. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Available at: Netflix
UK Certificate: 15
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Our Rating: 5/5
Trailer
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows the events that occur when Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) pulls a sickie to get out of school. Bueller, his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) and best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) all bunk off and have a fun fuelled day getting up to all kinds of mischief.
Ferris Buellers Day off is what we dreamed of as kids, becoming a reality. Ferris has a day to do anything he wants, and he definitely makes the most of it. A hilarious, fun and feel-good film with an iconic wardrobe- from leopard print cardigans and sports jerseys to cowgirl jackets and sunglasses galore.
Available at: NOW TV
UK Certificate: 15
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Our Rating: 5/5
Trailer
Good Will Hunting follows Will Hunting (Matt Damon), an unpredictable genius with a poor background and issues with the law. His abusive upbringing caused him a psychological disorder with the film focusing on him overcoming his illness with the help of psychiatrist, Dr Sean Maguireto (Robin Williams), who won’t give up on Will no matter how difficult a case he may be. Alongside all of this, Will meets the girl of his dreams and must try and juggle his genius, his psychological issues, and his love for this girl all at once.
Robin Williams perfectly portrays the role of a psychiatrist who genuinely cares for Will, he wants to help him, even if Will doesn’t want his help. A beautiful relationship is built, showing how fragile the human mind can be, and how even the most broken can be fixed by genuine love and care. The film was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, winning 2 of them- with Best Actor in a Supporting Role being awarded to Robin Williams and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, being Award to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
8. Soul (2020)
Available at: Disney+
UK Certificate: PG
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Our Rating: 5/5
Trailer
Soul is a Disney Pixar animated film following the life of jazz musician, Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) who is stuck in small venues trying to make a name for himself. Once he finally gets his big break, he trips down the stairs and is destined for the afterlife, known as the ‘Great Beyond’. However, his strong desire to live leads him to finding a way to escape and he then ends up in the ‘Great Before’ the place before birth. Once here, he learns he must try and help an infant soul in order to have his old life returned and avoid the ‘Great Beyond’.
The film makes you appreciate all the small things in life that you take for granted, exploring the beauty in the everyday. After watching you will feel grateful for everything, the beauty in grass and trees, the rain and sun. For what may initially be perceived as a children’s film, a beautiful, deeper meaning lies hidden beneath.
The film was nominated for 3 Academy Awards as well as 3 BAFTAs, winning 2 of each.
Available at: Netflix
UK Certificate: 12A
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Trailer
tick, tick… Boom! Is a musical film adapted from an autobiographical musical of the same name by infamous playwright Jonathan Larson. The film focuses on the life of Larson (Andrew Garfield) and how he wants to create a musical that will make him recognised as a great playwright. However, his tunnel vision means he loses friends along the way as he has no time for anything, or anyone else. Ultimately, this leads to him losing all hope but just before he gives up, his best friend drops a bombshell which changes the course of Larson’s life and reignites his dream.
The film explores the beauty of friendship and love. It showcases the difficulties experienced when trying to achieve your goals whilst also making sure not forget and neglect those around you who have helped you on the way.
Tick, Tick… Boom! Was nominated for an astounding 111 awards in total, winning 34.
10. Ed Wood (1994)
Available at: Disney+
UK Certificate: 15
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Our Rating: 5/5
Trailer
Based on a true story, Ed Wood follows the life of Edward Wood (Johnny Depp), a filmmaker who is universally criticised by the media and film-critics alike. Despite this, and his obvious lack of talent for filmmaking, he continues making films driven by his intense love for cinema. His films are continuously bizarre and seemingly make no sense, yet he loves the films he makes and that is all he needs to feel content. Unexpectedly, he slowly gains a cult-like following who find his films so bad, that they’re actually good. They see the charm behind the low-budget sets and uncountable film mistakes appreciating the fact that the films were made by Wood as a means to publicly showcase his sheer love for cinema rather than being visual, high-end productions to be enjoyed by the mainstream.
The film makes you appreciate how a hobby and love for something is all you need to truly enjoy it, no matter how good or bad you may be at whatever it is. A hidden gem from Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, this is a film not often discussed yet creates all the feel-good vibes you could ask for, warming you inside.
Ed Wood was nominated for 34 awards winning 27 of them, including 2 Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Makeup – something the real Edward Wood deserves just for his pure love of film.
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