5 Underrated Feel-Good Movies You Should Watch

Are you in need of instant pick-me-uppers and some feel-good fix? Watching hilarious or simply lighthearted movies on lazy Sundays is the easiest way to kiss away stress and feel fantastic about life again. Your watch list though does not always have to be made of widely successful blockbuster hits. I’ve gathered here some titles that are deemed had underperformed in the box office, but you should actually not miss:

1.Morning Glory (2010)

“You had a dream, you know? Great. When you were eight, it was adorable. When you were 18, it was inspiring. At 28, it’s officially embarrassing. And I just want you to stop before we get to heartbreaking.”  

This is what Becky Fuller’s mother tells her when she gets fired from a morning TV show she dedicated her years to. Still, TV producer Becky (who’s played by Rachel McAdams) accepts the challenge of reviving a struggling morning program in another network with warring co-hosts.

While Morning Glory boasted an all-star cast, the movie’s success was underwhelming during its release. But if you’re not easily influenced by a movie’s box office performance, this film is actually a gem. Harrison Ford plays award-winning veteran news anchor Mike Pomeroy who’s seemingly old and reluctant about hosting a morning show. While Diane Keaton plays co-host Colleen Peck, who’s sick of Pomeroy’s insulting wisecracks and indifference, and DayBreak’s poor ratings that she’s been “pulling the train up the hill with her teeth.” The wide-eyed optimism and admirable work ethic of McAdams’ character make for a good source of inspiring comedy.

The sitcom style of the film is perfectly combined with its warm, emotional scenes that come in display unexpectedly — particularly between Ford and McAdams. Although the message of ‘never give up on your dreams’ is such a cliché overall, you can’t help but embrace the heartwarming story, and remember why the actors in this movie are revered in their field in the first place.

2.Ingrid Goes West (2017)

Known for being a deadpan comedian, Aubrey Plaza is particularly refreshing in the dark comedy film Ingrid Goes West as she displays her wider acting range.

She plays the character of Ingrid Thorburn, a mentally unstable woman who has the tendency to be an overly obsessed stalker on Instagram. After being released from a psychiatric facility following her pepper spray attack on a girl she’s previously fixated on, Thorburn starts a new life in California. She’s been inspired to move to the state by famous influencer Taylor Sloane, whom she’d read about in a magazine.

Taylor Sloane, played by Elizabeth Olsen, seemingly lives a perfect Cali life she plays up so well on Instagram. A hot artist of a husband, wellness-oriented meals, sponsored haircuts and fashion swags– she’s got it all. These perks get Ingrid hooked, and so she tries to do everything in her power to insert herself into the amazing Insta-life of mega-influencer Taylor.

Although this movie generally received positive reviews from the critics during its release, it does not hold mainstream attention…just yet. A thought-provoking satire on today’s social media addiction, Ingrid Goes West can make you dive into self-introspection, and see for yourself if one’s flawless Instagram feed can actually equate to a quality inner life.

3.Bachelorette (2012)

It’s kinda unfair how this movie flopped during its release just because it was instantly compared to hit movie “Bridesmaids.” Some critics noted that the star-studded cast can easily make anyone expect so much more, and so the movie kinda underperformed during its launch.

The cast is indeed stellar as high school pals Regan, Gena, Katie and Becky are played by Kirsten Dunst, Lizzy Caplan (my girl crush!), Isla Fisher and Rebel Wilson. The honest humor and cattiness of the movie characters turn out to be hilariously charming, which is weird because these female friends in the movie are both sweet and mean towards each other.

The three more popular and skinnier girls of the clique are upset to learn that their fat friend Becky (Wilson) is the first in the group to get engaged– and with a handsome, perfect guy at that. Still, overly jealous maid of honor Regan (Dunst) does everything to make her friend’s wedding perfect, while Gena (Caplan) and Katie (Fisher) unintentionally ruin everything with their coked-out, drunk, self-destructive ways.

Amidst a wasted night, Gena’s second chance at her high school flame Clyde (played by Adam Scott), provides that feel-good twist and cute romance in the movie. Dubbed as ‘Bridesmaids’ meets ‘The Hangover’, this comedy focuses on the complicated yet overall tight bond of the girls, which can remind you how your high school friends indeed have always gotten your back no matter what.

4.Long Shot (2019)   

Okay, so this is another movie that deserves way more attention.

Charlize Theron is U.S. Secretary of State Charlotte Field, an aspiring first female president of America. After learning from a survey that she needs to up her humor in her speeches, she hires goofy yet smart journalist Fred Flarsky (played by Seth Rogen) after reconnecting at a fundraising event. Charlotte used to babysit Fred, recalling that he’s a pretty odd yet intelligent kid.

Although idealistic Flarsky is hesitant to accept the job at first, he eventually joins the team and gets to know Charlotte more, and recalls why he had a huge crush on her when they were kids. The conflict unfolds as Charlotte’s team discourages her from falling in love with a man who’s not on her level in any way.

Seth and Charlize’s pairing may seem weird on the onset, but the chemistry between the two is so cute and electric. Rogen’s comedic flair into his character is of course genius, while Theron’s serious yet soft portrayal of the determined politician with a sincere heart is seriously riveting. Actress June Diane Raphael is also brilliant in her supporting role.

5. The To-Do List (2013)

You know how you wanna taste, see and feel the simple pleasures and summer magic of the ’90s again? The To-Do List can give you that gift.

Aubrey Plaza is Brandy Klark, a virgin high school valedictorian who wants to gain an A-plus grade in the subject of sex right before she starts college. After being rejected by her crush Rusty (played by Scott Porter) in an accidental make out session, Brandy asks advice from her older sister Amber (played by Rachel Bilson) on how to get some. She then makes a to-do list in an effort to have a crash course on everything she missed out on when it comes to sex, like dry humping, oral pleasure and more– en route to the much awaited cherry pop finale. Her BFFs Wendy (played by Sarah Steele), and Fiona (played by Alia Shawkat) offer their humor and support on her personal sex education.

Set in the summer of 1993, the movie is filled with fashion nostalgia– from crop tops, overalls, flirty floral dresses paired with Keds, skorts (a pair of shorts that looks like a skirt lol), scrunchies, denim miniskirts, 7-day panty packs (undies with literal Monday-Sunday text prints haha), to oversized shirts in bright colors. Aubrey’s cute portrayal of an innocent teen trying to be a woman overnight is a delight to watch even in vulgar, humiliating, funny scenes. Rachel Bilson also shines in her feisty and quick-witted character and envy-inducing outfits. While Bill Hader, who plays the lazy yet kindhearted boss of Brandy at her summer job in the community swimming pool, brings his distinct comedy into the film, which just notches up everything.

The To-Do List feels like that summer ’90s soundtrack you keep returning to to feel good. It’s nostalgic, light and touching, yet it gives you exciting endorphins. But more than anything, the movie gives a whole new meaning to the term femme fatale, because she could be that nerdy girl who decides she can learn everything she wants to know about sex on her own terms. And oh, in the end she totally gets into the pants of her crush Rusty! Quite an ending!