Need something with a guaranteed happy ending? I’ve gathered all the wholesome, heartwarming movies I’ve watched on Netflix – everything from rom coms to inspiring sports stories to family movies. I’ve ordered them by highest WYALAN rating.
WYALAN star rating explained:
- 5 stars – Highly enjoyed and would highly recommend as a must watch
- 4 stars – Enjoyed and would watch again in the future
- 3 stars – Glad I watched it once, but I’ll probably never watch it again
- 2 stars – Watched to the end, but I wouldn’t watch it again
- 1 star – DNF (did not finish)
Click the three dots on the left hand side to open the table of contents and quickly jump to a series or movie you haven’t seen.
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Big Daddy
A carefree slacker suddenly finds himself responsible for a child – forcing him to grow up in ways he never expected.
Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Perfect for fans of: Happy Gilmore, Liar Liar, lighthearted comedies with heart
IMDb Rating: 6.4 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 39% WYALAN Rating: 5/5
What happens when a 32-year-old man refuses to grow up? Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) is a law school graduate who works one day a week and lives off a personal injury settlement. To win back his girlfriend, he adopts a 5-year-old boy who unexpectedly shows up on his doorstep. The film is a surprisingly heartwarming comedy that finds its humor in the bizarre and hilarious ways Sonny teaches the boy about life, from throwing a tantrum to peeing in public. It’s a slapstick comedy that’s a perfect showcase for Sandler’s unique comedic style.
Tim’s Take: Much like other greats like Robin Williams, Sandler can use his mould comedy for heartfelt storylines and scenes when needed. Big Daddy is in my top three Sandler movies. If you’re not a fan of his over the top erratic characters, I think Big Daddy will convince you their is more to Sandler’s physical comedies.
Klaus
A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker form an unlikely friendship – delivering joy to a town that desperately needs it.
Directed by: Sergio Pablos
Awards Won: Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film
Perfect for fans of: The Polar Express, Arthur Christmas, heartwarming holiday films
IMDb Rating: 8.2 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95% WYALAN Rating: 5/5
Step into a magical world where the legend of Santa Claus is born. In this beautifully animated film, a spoiled, selfish postman is exiled to a frozen island above the Arctic Circle. There, he befriends a reclusive toymaker named Klaus and discovers the true meaning of giving. With a hand-drawn, 2D art style that feels like a classic storybook, the film delivers a fresh take on a familiar tale, and its heartwarming message about the power of kindness will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Tim’s Take: One of my favourite Christmas movies, Klaus has several great character arcs making the ending pay off enormously. Despite it’s 8.2/10 IMBd rating and 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems like many people haven’t watched it yet.
My Neighbour Totoro
Two sisters discover a hidden world – where magic and nature intertwine.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Awards Won: Animage Anime Grand Prix, Kinema Junpo Award for Best Film
Perfect for fans of: Spirited Away, Ponyo, whimsical animated adventures
IMDb Rating: 8.1 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94% WYALAN Rating: 5/5
What if the spirits of the forest were real? In this whimsical and enchanting film from legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, two young sisters move to a new house in the countryside and discover a magical world of forest spirits, including a giant, furry creature named Totoro. With a gentle pace and a timeless quality, the film is a celebration of childhood, nature, and the power of imagination.
Tim’s Take: I could have picked any Studio Ghibli movie and while Spirited Away is my favourite, I think My Neighbour Totoro is the most feel-good of them all.
Always Be My Maybe
Childhood friends reconnect after years apart – only to realise their feelings never really faded.
Directed by: Nahnatchka Khan
Perfect for fans of: Crazy Rich Asians, When Harry Met Sally, charming romantic comedies
IMDb Rating: 6.7 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89% WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Can two best friends who haven’t seen each other in 15 years reconnect and fall in love? In this funny and heartfelt romantic comedy, celebrity chef Sasha (Ali Wong) returns to her hometown to open a restaurant and reconnects with her childhood best friend, Marcus (Randall Park). The film’s humour comes from the hilarious and relatable awkwardness of their reunion and features a now-iconic, brilliantly bonkers cameo from Keanu Reeves.
Tim’s Take: One of the best rom coms on Netflix, Wong and Park bring so many laughs through their dry comedic delivery and teasing of each other.
Paddington 2
A lovable bear finds himself in the middle of a mystery – while trying to buy the perfect gift.
Directed by: Paul King
Awards Won: BAFTA nominations for Best British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay
Perfect for fans of: The Grand Budapest Hotel, Stuart Little, charming family films
IMDb Rating: 7.8 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99% WYALAN Rating: 4/5
Meet the most lovable bear in the world, Paddington. When his beloved Aunt Lucy’s birthday is approaching, he goes on a mission to buy her a special pop-up book. But when the book is stolen, Paddington is framed for the crime and must find a way to clear his name from behind bars. The film is a pure delight, filled with whimsical charm, laugh-out-loud humour, and an overwhelmingly positive message about the power of kindness.
Tim’s Take: Paddington 2 is universally loved it seems. Sending him to prison is a genius storyline.
Dolemite Is My Name
A struggling artist reinvents himself – creating a persona that takes the world by storm.
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Perfect for fans of: The Disaster Artist, Blaxploitation films, inspiring underdog stories
IMDb Rating: 7.2 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97% WYALAN Rating: 4/5
What if a struggling artist refused to give up on his dream? In this hilarious and heartfelt biopic, Eddie Murphy stars as Rudy Ray Moore, a comedian who creates a profane and flamboyant alter ego, Dolemite, and becomes an underground sensation in the 1970s. When no one will distribute his film, he decides to make it himself. The film is a love letter to the power of passion and perseverance, and a triumphant return to form for Murphy, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role.
Tim’s Take: Another film which deserves more recognition, Dolemite Is My Name is one of the best Netflix original comedies released and one of Murphy’s best movies in a long time. It also has an unbelievable comedic cast. This one is for the dreamers.
The Karate Kid
A teenager learns that strength isn’t just about fighting – it’s about discipline, respect, and belief in oneself.
Directed by: John G. Avildsen
Awards Won: Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Pat Morita)
Perfect for fans of: Rocky, Cobra Kai, classic underdog stories
IMDb Rating: 7.3 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81% WYALAN Rating: 4/5
A bullied teenager (Ralph Macchio) finds a mentor in an eccentric martial arts master, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), who teaches him karate through a series of unconventional training methods like “wax on, wax off.” The film is a timeless underdog story about overcoming adversity and finding your inner strength. A true 80s classic that’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys an inspiring and emotional sports drama.
Tim’s Take: Another underdog story, The Karate Kid is just as much as coming of age story as it is about succeeding in sport. LaRusso’s relationship with Miyagi is ultimately one of the greatest in sports movies.
Meet Joe Black
A powerful businessman receives an unexpected visitor – one who changes his life forever.
Directed by: Martin Brest
Perfect for fans of: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Age of Adaline, thought-provoking fantasy dramas
IMDb Rating: 7.2 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 47% WYALAN Rating: 3.5/5
What would you do if Death came to visit? A powerful and influential media tycoon (Anthony Hopkins) is visited by Death, who has taken the form of a young man (Brad Pitt) to experience life on Earth. As the two get to know each other, Death falls in love with the tycoon’s daughter. This film is a beautiful and moving romantic fantasy-drama that explores the meaning of love and mortality, with a powerful and emotional ending.
Tim’s Take: I’m not sure why, but I though Meet Joe Black was a rom com. It is kind of I guess, maybe a dark rom com? Either way, it’s fun watching Black integrate himself into the world (I don’t want to give too much away) and his personal growth will make you feel happy.
Hustle
A down-on-his-luck scout finds a player who could change everything – but only if they both rise to the challenge. Directed by: Jeremiah Zagar
Perfect for fans of: Rocky, Coach Carter, inspiring sports dramas
IMDb Rating: 7.3 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81% WYALAN Rating: 3.5/5
Adam Sandler delivers one of his best performances in this gritty and inspiring sports drama. A down-on-his-luck basketball scout discovers a once-in-a-lifetime talent playing street ball in Spain and brings him to America to prove they both deserve a shot at the NBA. The film is a gripping, high-stakes story about mentorship and perseverance.
Tim’s Take: No feel-good movie list is complete without an inspiring underdog story, right? Another Sandler recommendation, Hustle may seem like a stereotypical plot line of hard work equals success, but the personal growth of both leads makes this even heartwarming.
Matilda
A brilliant young girl discovers she has extraordinary abilities – and uses them to stand up for herself.
Directed by: Danny DeVito
Perfect for fans of: Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, whimsical childhood adventures
IMDb Rating: 7.0 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92% WYALAN Rating: 3.5/5
In this whimsical and heartwarming adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book, a brilliant and kind-hearted girl (Mara Wilson) with psychokinetic powers is tormented by her cruel and neglectful family. She uses her special abilities to stand up for herself and her kind teacher against the evil headmistress of her school. Directed by Danny DeVito, the film is a celebration of the underdog and the power of a little bit of magic.
Tim’s Take: One of the best Roald Dahl stories is hilariously brought to life via special effects and a terrific cast.
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