10 movies that will make you feel good and lift your spirits

There are certain jobs that do good. Reading, music, drawing… and cinema, of course. In honor of Mental Health Week, AlloCiné’s editors recommend ten feature films full of subjectivity that might make you smile, smile again, and see things (a little) less black. Comedies, musicals, feel-good movies… here’s our pick!

Our happy days

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on Disney+ and Netflix

Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache are clearly the duo behind the phenomenon of The Untouchables (and The Next Difficult Year , in theaters October 18). But it is to them that we owe the irresistible comedy of our happy days, immersed in the hectic everyday life of summer camp. Led by Jean-Paul Rouvi, Omar Sy, Marilou Berry and the amazing kids (including the brilliant revelations Arthur Mazetti and Jeremy Dennis) who paradoxically raise the “adults”, the film is pure and good film, the quality of which. The first is its authenticity. Because anyone who has ever had a “campaign” experience will definitely relate to it! Shall we make a bet? Clement Couire

Green tomato fritters

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on UniversCiné

There are those everyday heroes who have so much courage, positive energy and passion for life that they magically (re)give us a taste of life. This is the case of the beautiful and sassy women of Green Tomato Fritters (the title alone, it evokes feelings, admit it), all of different eras and ages, but all with strong characters and in search of emancipation, all determined to fight the tragedies of their lives, armed with their humor and philosophy. No, you won’t laugh out loud at this bittersweet humanist chronicle, this little-known jewel of the sun, where solidarity confronts racism and friendship blocks violence against women. But you’ll leave with an ecstatic smile, unbridled optimism, renewed confidence, increased zest for life, and of course… a rabid desire to prolong that sense of well-being by trying to cook.. their famous donuts. ! It’s over! Laetitia Ratane

Life is beautiful

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on Paramount+

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if you didn’t exist? This dizzying question is at the heart of It’s a Beautiful Life, Frank Capra’s absolute masterpiece, in which James Stewart plays a desperate man (to the point of suicidal thoughts) who crosses paths with an angel on a mission to Earth. And this is the return. Into the life that this stainless classic invites us to, which behind the comedy and the amazing hides a powerful reflection on the meaning of life. Perfect for Christmas with the family, but just as perfect alone for a soul-stirring day. Vincent Garnier

working girl

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on Disney+

Working Girl is the antidote movie that gives me a boost when I lack confidence. Imagine the jungle of Wall Street and its hordes of yuppies, an environment that will certainly not surprise you. And yet… Melanie Griffith’s irrepressible sincerity in her quest for social advancement, the brutality she displays to outwit her superior – Sigourney Weaver, who deliciously masters the art of snobbery and pettiness – and this budding romance with the terribly human Harrison Ford. All the sunshine that makes this work a good film that is well anchored in its time. The decade of the eighties, which was marked by carelessness, broke out here “Let the river go” by Carly Simon, the Oscar for the best song in 1989 and where business and feelings could finally go hand in hand. William Martin

Oh my god!

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on Prime Video

“Oh, look at that girl, look at that scene, dig the dancing queen”… If this tune is on your mind right now, it’s because you’re ready for a fabulous trip to Greece with prom queens Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. In 2008, Mamma Mia! landed in cinemas. Phyllida Lloyd’s film, adapted from the hit musical, follows young Sophie to the fictional Greek island of Kalokair. A few days before the wedding, she secretly invites the three men her mother talks about in her diary. One of them is his father, but which one? With its sublime scenery (filmed on the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos) and rhythmic ABBA songs performed by the film’s cast, this dazzling musical comedy will take you on a journey and is sure to delight. We want to sing, dance and have fun just like the characters watching this thrilling movie. Laetitia Forhan

Ferris Bueller’s Crazy Day

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on Paramount+

When you’re a student who doesn’t make much noise in class, you feel a little jealous of the dukes and wonder what it means to skip class. With Ferris Buhler our wish comes true, for one “crazy day”. We make fun of the director, we tell a series of lies, we bring friends to do 400 tricks… A pure product of the 80s, John Hughes’ film never gets old and can be watched over and over when we have a little slack. Trust us, the Twist and Shout scene alone will do you good! Chaima is Tunsi-Chaibdraa

My best friends

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on Filmo

Here’s an irresistible group of friends that will instantly lift your spirits! This delightful film follows a young woman, played by the fun and charming Kristen Wiig, who never seems to have any luck in her life… obviously, we love her. Very quickly, during the bachelor party, we discover her “best friends” (Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph…). All these hilariously drawn characters, comical pacing, scenes that go far, far, with humor, make My Best Friends one of the most essential comedies and an ode to friendship and brotherhood. Bridget Baronet

Let’s sing in the rain

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD

in rainy weather? It suits. when is it hot It is refreshing. In winter ? His good humor, his colors and his humor warm our hearts. Any excuse is a good one to (re)watch Let’s Sing in the Rain with a happiness that, like the energy of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor, never fades. Few films achieve this level of perfection and touch moviegoers as well, evoking a key moment in 7th art history like no other. With a story that talks about reinventing yourself and shows us that just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, a good heel kick (or shoe tap) lets you rise to the surface. song. Maximilien Pierret

Mask

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD

In The Mask, Jim Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, a man who feels bad, a little self-confident, with an everyday life that is not really cool and hides in the imagination that cartoons provide. Thanks to the mask, he becomes a creature in the form of a green skeleton that can transform into anything. What I like is the visual deliriums of “The Mask”, which are crazy and delirious! And there’s a bit of a moral, because the freedom with the mask allowed Stanley to discover himself, take responsibility, and finally be himself. Corentin Palanchini

Full Monty – Great Game

Available on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD and streaming on Disney+

Then, of course, there’s the ultimate striptease. The apotheosis that made The Full Monty a worldwide success and cult film. But behind this memorable stripping of leaves, we must not forget the heart of the feature film: characters broken by life and economic crisis, reduced to going back and forth between the local employment office and the local pub, which will be revealed. through this incredible project. There is this father who will shine in his son’s eyes, this (slightly) tanned husband who will reignite the spark in his relationship, this licensed executive, crushed by his lies, this self-confident young man who will accept his homosexuality, this old man. A man with a worn-out hip about to experience a new youth… Every journey finds its place, even a reasonable one, in this bittersweet, funny and deeply human film that brings laughter and tears with every viewing. After the show, life will, of course, return to its usual rhythm. And our anti-heroes will still find the hardships of everyday life. But they won’t be quite the same… and neither will we. John Sardet

And you, what is the feature film that makes you feel good, your work, your “soft” film? Share your recommendations and tips in the comments below. And most importantly, be well!