Sometimes there's nothing better than a tried-and-true recipe for a good mood: likeable characters, a little humor, and a heartwarming story. These three films are among the best Netflix has produced in the "feel-good" genre. They all share a common denominator: they believe in human goodness and the ability to find happiness in the little things and the big changes in life.
1. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Sasha and Marcus were childhood best friends, but after a brief teenage romance, their paths diverged for fifteen years. When they meet again in San Francisco, Sasha is a famous chef and Marcus is a failed musician still living with his father. Despite their different worlds, the old spark between them still burns.
Why it feels good: The film relies on the incredible charisma of the central couple (Ali Wong and Randall Park) and on the theme of reunion after years, which evokes pleasant nostalgia in us. It is a celebration of friendship that overcomes time and social differences. The film is full of funny situations (including the legendary cameo of Keanu Reeves) and shows that home is not a place, but the person who knows us best.
2. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Ben, a former writer grappling with personal tragedy, becomes the caregiver for a sarcastic teenager with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Trevor. Together, they embark on an impromptu road trip through the sights of the United States, joined by runaway girl Dot and expectant mother Peaches.
Why it feels good: Even though the film deals with serious topics, it does so with immense lightness and dark humor. The beauty of the film lies in the gradual building of the relationship between Ben and Trevor, who find their way through initial barriers through irony and mutual teasing. It's a classic road movie about finding hope in unexpected places, and how caring for another can be the best medicine for our own aching souls.
3. Set It Up (2018)
Two ambitious but exhausted assistants in New York City decide that their lives will be more bearable if they get their unbearable bosses together. But their "matchmaking" plan starts to get out of hand when they realize that they're starting to look into each other's eyes in the process.
Why it feels good: This film is a modern love letter to the classic romantic comedies of the 90s. It feels fresh, has a fast pace and intelligent dialogue. The feeling of happiness is especially evoked by watching how a purely pragmatic alliance between two tired people turns into a sincere bond. It is an energetic, colorful and optimistic film that will convince you that even in the chaos of modern working life, there is room for love and joy.
