30 positive films to cheer you up

30. Savages

• Russia, 2006
• Comedy, drama.
• Duration: 100 minutes.
• IMDb: 6.6.

A group of friends of different ages and occupations organizes a camp on the coast of the warm sea. Throughout the summer season, they try only to relax and in no case talk about work and serious topics. But conflicts still happen.

"Savages" became the debut of theater director Viktor Shamirov in a big movie. Although in fact the film consists of small short stories that combine characters and scenes. But the most important thing in this work is the atmosphere of carelessness and hot summer.

29. Yesterday

Yesterday

• UK, USA, 2019.
• Musical, melodrama, fantasy, comedy.
• Duration: 116 minutes.
• IMDb: 6.8.

The mediocre musician Jack Malik, who never managed to achieve fame, gets hit by a bus. When he wakes up, he discovers that the world around him has changed slightly. For example, everyone around forgot about the existence of The Beatles. Then Jack passes off the songs of the Liverpool Four as his own and quickly gains popularity.

Director Danny Boyle ("Trainspotting") and screenwriter Richard Curtis ("Four Weddings and a Funeral") filmed a kind musical, in which the dreams of many ordinary people were embodied: who did not want to write some hit in the style of the Beatles? But more importantly, there are simply no negative characters in the film: it pleases with songs and talks about the choice between fame and honesty.

Watch on iTunes →

28. Peter FM

• Russia, 2006
• Melodrama, comedy.
• Duration: 86 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.0.

Petersburg radio DJ Masha is going to get married. And the janitor Maxim plans to go to Germany and become an architect. But one day these two collide in the crowd: Maxim finds Masha's dropped phone, and they start talking. It's just that the characters can't meet.

Almost the whole picture, the main characters are just trying to find each other on the streets of St. Petersburg. For the viewer, by the way, this is a good opportunity to admire the beauty of the city. And in parallel, a sweet and bright story unfolds. about love by phone.

27. Three in the boat, not counting the dog

• USSR, 1979.
• Comedy, musical.
• Duration: 127 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.0.

Writer Jerome K. Jerome sets out with his friends George and Harris on a boat trip down the Thames. Heroes regularly find themselves in difficult situations, from which they always witty extricate themselves, and meet many interesting people.

The Soviet film by Naum Birman is based on the book of the same name by Jerome K. Jerome. And although the plot of the picture often departs from the original, the author film adaptations the main thing turned out: to amuse the audience with a story about the journey of three friends. But most of all, the film is loved for the leading roles: the famous Andrey Mironov, Alexander Shirvindt and Mikhail Derzhavin played the characters.

26. school of rock

The School of Rock

• USA, Germany, 2003.
• Comedy, musical.
• Duration: 109 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.2.

Unsuccessful guitarist Dewey Finn is kicked out of his own band and left destitute. Almost by accident, having got a job as a substitute teacher at school, he begins to teach children the only thing he knows himself - rock music.

Five-time nomination for "Oscar» Richard Linklater knows how to shoot not only philosophical dramas and science fiction. His "School of Rock" is the simplest film that even representatives of different generations can easily find a common language. The main thing is to be on the same wavelength.

Watch on iTunes →

25. The Incredible Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

• USA, UK, 2013.
• Adventure, comedy, drama.
• Duration: 114 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.3.

Walter Mitty has been working in the negatives department of Life magazine for many years, although in his dreams he travels and accomplishes feats. But one day it turns out that the photographer did not send an important shot that should be placed on the cover of the latest issue. Walter has to go looking. And this journey will change the life of the hero.

famous comedian Ben Stiller made a film based on the short story of the same name by James Thurber. Moreover, the story has already been transferred to the screen once - in 1947. But the new version turned out to be much more elegant. The picture strikes with the beauty of the landscapes of Greenland and Iceland, and at the same time reminds that it is never too late to try to fulfill your dream.

Watch on iTunes →

24. licorice pizza

Licorice Pizza

• USA, Canada, 2021.
• Drama, comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 133 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.4.

Young Gary in the USA of the 1970s easily makes business acquaintances and has amazing business sense. In parallel, he falls in love with Alana, who is much older than him. Friendship gradually develops between the characters, but perhaps they have too different views on the future.

The director of "Oil" and "Phantom Thread" Paul Thomas Anderson shot the most easy and nostalgic film in his career. It's just a story of first love and memories of the culture of the 70s. Moreover, the author invited novice actors to the main roles, but in the episodes in the film many stars of the first magnitude appear.

Watch on iTunes →

23. For once in your life

Begin again

• USA, 2013.
• Drama, comedy, musical.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.4.

It seems that the career of once-successful producer Dan Mulligan has collapsed. But he meets a young singer Gretta in a bar and realizes that the girl has great creative potential. An aging master and future star needs to team up and record an album.

This film by John Carney is literally saturated with love for music and creativity in general. And a separate plus is that the relationship of the characters is not tied to romance: this is a wonderful friendship of two talented people.

Watch on iTunes →

22. three plus two

• USSR, 1963.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 99 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.4.

Three friends from Moscow go as savages on a summer vacation. But it turns out that their traditional place was taken by two girls. At first, the characters are negatively disposed towards strangers. But gradually two of them fall in love with their neighbors.

It was with this film that the mass popularity of Andrei Mironov began. So the audience has the opportunity to see the actor at the dawn of his career. But first of all, as in the case of "The Savages", the film is reminiscent of a pleasant summer vacation.

21. Camon Camon

C'mon C'mon

• USA, 2021.
• Drama.
• Duration: 109 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.5.

Radio journalist Johnny looks after his nine-year-old nephew while the baby's mother is away. But the work does not wait, so the hero takes a young relative with him and goes on a trip to the United States.

black and white picture pleases with stunning footage of American cities. But in the center is still the relationship of two characters of different ages. And it is interesting that the adult Johnny has a lot to learn from his companion.

20. Hello I'm your aunt!

• USSR, 1975.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 98 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.5.

Unemployed Babs, hiding from the police, climbs into a rich house and changes into a woman's dress. The owners mistake him for an aunt who came from Brazil. Now the hero has to play the role of helping two young men find their love.

The two-part film based on Brandon Thomas's play "Charley's Aunt" has long been a classic. Soviet cinema. The picture is quoted even by those who have never seen it, for example, they repeat the phrase about Brazil, "Where there are many, many wild monkeys." But even those who have watched it more than once, the tape amuses with timeless humor and plot twists.

Watch on iTunes →

19. What Men Talk About

• Russia, 2010
• Comedy.
• Duration: 93 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.5.

Four friends go on a trip. They travel from Moscow to Odessa, where they are waiting for a concert of the Bi-2 group and a friend celebrating a birthday. The trip almost breaks down at the very beginning, and along the way, the heroes have difficulties. But still they move towards the goal, discussing various topics along the way.

Uncharacteristic for Russian cinema genre road movie in the hands of the comic "Quartet I" was supplemented by a colloquial genre. The characters constantly discuss relationships, but sometimes they argue about art or food. In general, about everything that is close to almost every viewer. The film has two sequels, but still the first part is considered the most successful.

18. Rushmore Academy

Rushmore

• USA, 1998.
• Comedy, drama.
• Duration: 93 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.6.

Teenager Max Fischer devotes all his time to extracurricular activities, and therefore he has almost no time to study. The hero must urgently improve his academic performance, but he is prevented by falling in love with the pretty widowed teacher Rosemary Cross.

This is the second directorial work of the future star author's cinema Wes Anderson. And we can say that it was from this film that the style of the director began to take shape: funny, but dramatic plots, many excellent actors, even in minor roles, and a bright picture.

Watch on iTunes →

17. Man from the Boulevard des Capucines

• USSR, 1987.
• Comedy, western, melodrama.
• Duration: 98 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.7.

Intelligent Mr. First arrives in one of the towns in the Wild West. He demonstrates to the local cowboys the latest achievement of mankind - "cinema" (that is, cinema). After the first fright, regular visitors to the saloons are delighted, and the local beauty falls in love with Fest. But not everyone is happy with progress.

Of course, Soviet comedy does not even try to match the real history of the spread of cinema. But on the other hand, she pleases with excellent songs, jokes and bright roles of Andrei Mironov, Nikolai Karachentsev and other favorite artists. And at the same time talks about selfless devotion to his work.

Watch on iTunes →

16. Uwe's second life

En man som heter Ove

• Sweden, 2015
• Drama, melodrama, comedy.
• Duration: 116 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.7.

After the death of his wife, the old man Uwe Lindahl lost the meaning of existence. He locks himself in his house and comes out only to grumble at other residents of the village. Uwe even tries to commit suicide, but the family who has settled in the neighborhood changes his attitude to life. It turns out that the old man can and wants to help others.

Despite the dramatic plot, this film is still inspiring. He shows that you can always find the bright side in life and try to start from scratch. In addition, the authors do a good job of diluting the action with comedic elements.

Watch on iTunes →

15. Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris

• USA, Spain, 2011.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 94 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.7.

Screenwriter Gil Pender arrives with his girlfriend in Paris. In the evening, he goes for a walk alone and unexpectedly finds himself in the 1920s. Gil meets Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Luis Buñuel and his other idols. Gradually, the hero realizes that he does not want to return to his time.

One of the brightest works Woody Allen in the XXI century is filled with an atmosphere of romance and magic. After all, who hasn't dreamed of talking to the great writers and directors of the past?

Watch on iTunes →

14. Little Miss Happy

Little Miss Sunshine

• USA, 2006
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.8.

Young Olive dreams of winning the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. And although her relatives are immersed in their worries, the family gathers and goes on a trip across the country to help the child.

A bright film about a girl who unites loved ones with her positive and openness became a hit in the year of release. And at the same time, the picture received two awards "Oscarwith four nominations.

Watch on iTunes →

13. Paddington Adventures - 2

Paddington 2

• UK, France, USA, 2017.
• Comedy, fantasy.
• Duration: 103 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.8.

Well-bred Paddington Bear has been living in London for a long time. One day, he finds an antique book in a shop and decides he should buy it as a present for his aunt. But while Paddington is saving money, the tome is stolen, and suspicion falls on the bear cub.

Sequels are rarely rated higher than the first parts. Paddington Adventures 2 is a happy exception. And this is well-deserved, because the continuation turned out to be even more fabulous and sweet.

Watch on iTunes →

12. full moon kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom

• USA, 2012.
• Comedy, drama.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.8.

Because of the complex nature of the boy scout Sam Shikaski, even adopted parents refused. But he meets the silent Susie Bishop and immediately falls in love. The couple decides to run away and spend time only together. Meanwhile, the police, the girl's parents and even scouts have to look for the children.

Like Rushmore Academy, this picture was taken by Wes Anderson. And those who liked these two tapes should pay attention to the rest of the director's filmography.

11. Rock 'n' Rollers

Sing Street

• Ireland, UK, 2015.
• Drama, comedy, musical.
• Duration: 106 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.9.

Due to money problems, parents transfer teenager Conor from an elite school to a public one. At first, the young man is not met in the best way. But soon Conor falls in love with a beautiful girl and decides to form a rock band for her sake.

The work of John Carney is filled with nostalgia for the music and style of the 80s. And besides, this is a story about the path to fame and, of course, the first romantic feelings.

Watch on iTunes →

10. Alien

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

• USA, 1982.
• Fantasy, drama, adventure.
• Duration: 115 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.9.

aliens secretly explore the Earth, collecting plant samples. Suddenly, they are attacked by government agents, and as they flee, the aliens forget one of their own. He has to be saved by ordinary earthly children.

Classic picture of the great Steven Spielberg could look completely different: initially the director saw it as a darker continuation of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But then the plans changed - and the result was a story of friendship that both children and adults like equally.

Watch on iTunes →

9. Roman holiday

Roman Holiday

• USA, 1953.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 118 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.0.

A young Princess Anne escapes while on a diplomatic tour. She's just tired of royal duties and wants to walk around Rome. When the girl falls asleep, she is discovered by local reporter Joe Bradley, who does not even immediately realize that he has stumbled upon a real sensation.

The light-hearted romantic comedy about a summer walk instantly made actress Audrey Hepburn famous. And even on the Roman street of Via Margutta, tourists and celebrities soon began to settle. After all, everyone wants to feel like in a popular fairy tale.

Watch on iTunes →

8. groundhog day

Groundhog Day

• USA, 1993.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.1.

TV commentator Phil Connors is filming a report on Groundhog Day celebrations in the town of Punxsutawney. After working on February 2, he routinely spends the day and goes to bed. But the next morning, the hero realizes that he woke up again on February 2. Now Phil needs to figure out how to get out of this day.

in the famous comedy time loop Seems like a fantastic base. But in fact, this picture is about how not to get bogged down in endless gray everyday life and learn to notice the small joys of life.

Watch on iTunes →

7. Before dawn

Before Sunrise

• USA, Austria, Switzerland, 1995.
• Drama, melodrama.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.1.

American Jesse meets Frenchwoman Celine on the train. He persuades a new acquaintance to get off with him at the railway station in Vienna and walk through the streets of the city until morning. The couple talks about everything in the world and gradually gets closer.

For those who like this beautiful and a quiet film, two sequels are worth watching: "Before Sunset" and "Before Midnight". Interestingly, the action of each next part takes place nine years after the previous one. And they were really filmed with a difference during this period.

Watch on iTunes →

6. Only girls in jazz

Some Like It Hot

• USA, 1959
• Comedy.
• Duration: 119 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.2.

Loser musicians Joe and Jerry witness a showdown mafia. To hide from bandits, they change into dresses and go on tour with a women's orchestra. It's just that it's hard for the heroes to resist the temptations, because now there are a lot of beautiful girls around them.

The legendary comedy couple Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon once again captivated the audience in the film by Billy Wilder, and they were accompanied by the main beauty of her time, Marilyn Monroe. Surely everyone knows at least a few jokes from this movie. And the final phrase “Everyone has their flaws” has become one of the most quoted in the history of cinema.

Watch on iTunes →

5. Amelie

Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain

• France, Germany, 2001.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 122 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.3.

Amelie with childhood was a little strange: she lived in a fictional world and communicated with an imaginary friend. When the girl grew up, she managed to maintain optimism, and therefore decided to help others. But soon Amelie fell in love.

From the author of the gloomy "Delicatessen" and "City of Lost Children" Jean-Pierre Jeunet, it was strange to expect one of the most optimistic films. But his "Amelie", obviously inheriting the spirit of the old French comedies, has been delighting generations of viewers with its fabulous plot for two decades.

Watch on iTunes →

4. Gentlemen of Fortune

• USSR, 1971.
• Drama, comedy, crime.
• Duration: 84 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.4.

The kind and intelligent head of the kindergarten, Yevgeny Ivanovich Troshkin, turns out to be very similar to the famous bandit named Associate Professor. Therefore, the police turn to the hero for help: he must ingratiate himself with the accomplices of the criminal and find out where he hid the stolen golden helmet of Alexander the Great.

The picture with the charming Yevgeny Leonov became the leader of the Soviet film distribution in 1972. And after that, the film quickly dispersed into quotes. Surely everyone at least once said or heard the legendary phrase "Who will plant him, he's a monument."

Watch on iTunes →

3. three idiots

3 Idiots

• India, 2009
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 170 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.5.

Farhan and Raju learn that their close friend Rancho has been found, who disappeared several years ago. They go on a trip to meet him again, and along the way they remember the tricks that the three of them once did. Men do not yet know that at the end of the journey an unexpected discovery awaits them.

The picture became a real hit in the native India and received more than 30 nominations for various national awards. But in any other country, the film "Three Idiots" will be a pleasure to watch. After all, this is a tape that the desire for development and knowledge always leads to success.

2. 1+1

Intouchables

• France, 2011
• Drama, comedy, biography.
• Duration: 112 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.5.

After the accident, the aristocrat Philip was paralyzed, and now he constantly needs a nurse. However, from the many candidates, the rich man chooses the bully Driss, who is completely unsuited for such work. But it is with him that Philip begins to enjoy life again.

An amazing picture about the friendship of two completely different people is based based on real events. The life-affirming plot captivated the audience not only in his native France, but also in many other countries. And later there were even several remakes of this film. But the original still looks the most interesting.

1. Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump

• USA, 1994.
• Drama, melodrama.
• Duration: 142 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.8.

The feeble-minded but kind Forrest Gump tells the story of his life to random acquaintances. From childhood he overcame many difficulties. But in a surprising way, Forrest always succeeded in his endeavors: he became a war hero and a ping-pong champion.

The film by Robert Zemeckis is based on the novel of the same name, but in this case, the adaptation turned out to be even more interesting than the original. The director turned a rather harsh original into an inspiring story that teaches kindness.

Watch on iTunes →

What films cheer you up? to you?