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.
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.
You might also be interested in:
Best Comedy Series On Netflix | Sports Documentaries On Netflix | Documentaries On Netflix
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
Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) has spent his life avoiding responsibility, coasting through his days without a plan. But when a young boy, Julian (Cole and Dylan Sprouse), unexpectedly enters his life, Sonny takes on the challenge of raising him – despite having no idea what he’s doing. As their bond grows, Sonny’s unconventional approach to parenting leads to both hilarious and heartfelt moments, pushing him to confront his own immaturity. With a mix of comedy and emotional depth, Big Daddy explores the unexpected ways life forces us to change.
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.
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
Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) were inseparable growing up in San Francisco – until an awkward teenage fling drove them apart. Years later, Sasha is a celebrity chef, returning home to open a new restaurant, while Marcus is still living with his dad and playing in a local band. Their reunion is filled with old tensions, hilarious misunderstandings, and unexpected moments that challenge their assumptions about love and ambition.
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
Paddington Bear (Ben Whishaw) has settled into life with the Browns, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. But when he finds a beautiful pop-up book for Aunt Lucy’s birthday, he sets out to earn enough money to buy it – only for the book to be stolen. Wrongly accused and sent to prison, Paddington must rely on his kindness and optimism to navigate his new surroundings while the Browns race to clear his name.
Tim’s Take: Paddington 2 is universally loved it seems. Sending him to prison is a genius storyline.
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
Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), the worst student at the postal academy, is sent to the remote town of Smeerensburg, where the feuding locals barely speak – let alone send letters. Desperate to meet his quota, Jesper teams up with Klaus (J.K. Simmons), a mysterious toymaker, to secretly deliver gifts to children. As word spreads, the town begins to change, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can spark something greater.
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.
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
Media mogul William Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) is preparing for his 65th birthday when he is visited by a mysterious young man, Joe Black (Brad Pitt), who has an unusual request. As Joe integrates himself into William’s world, he begins to experience life in a way he never has before – leading to unexpected emotions, deep conversations, and a romance that defies logic.
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.
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
Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) is a comedian and musician who can’t seem to catch a break—until he transforms himself into Dolemite, a flamboyant, foul-mouthed alter ego. With his outrageous storytelling and larger-than-life presence, he builds a cult following, leading him to take an even bigger risk: making his own movie. As he gathers a ragtag team and navigates the chaos of independent filmmaking, Rudy proves that determination and self-belief can turn even the wildest dreams into reality.
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.
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
Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside with their father, adjusting to life in a quiet village while their mother recovers in a nearby hospital. As they explore their new surroundings, they encounter mysterious creatures – including the gentle, towering Totoro, a spirit of the forest. With breathtaking animation and a story filled with warmth, My Neighbour Totoro captures the wonder of childhood, the beauty of nature, and the quiet magic that exists just beyond the ordinary.
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.
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
Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler) has spent years searching for the next basketball star, but his career is at a standstill – until he discovers Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangómez), a raw but talented player in Spain. Determined to prove Bo’s potential, Stanley takes him under his wing, pushing him through intense training and navigating the politics of professional basketball. As they fight for a shot at the NBA, both men must overcome personal obstacles, proving that talent alone isn’t enough – it takes heart, resilience, and the right mentor.
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.
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
Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves to California, only to find himself targeted by a group of karate-trained bullies. With no way to defend himself, he turns to Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), a wise and unconventional mentor who teaches him that karate is about more than just combat – it’s about patience, control, and inner strength. As Daniel trains for a high-stakes tournament, he discovers that true victory comes not just from winning, but from understanding the lessons behind every move.
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.
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
Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson) is a gifted child stuck in a family that doesn’t appreciate her. While her parents ignore her, she finds solace in books and her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz). But when she’s sent to a school ruled by the terrifying Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), Matilda realises she has a secret power – one that might just help her change her world.
Tim’s Take: One of the best Roald Dahl stories is hilariously brought to life via special effects and a terrific cast.
You might be interested in my other best comedy lists: