Thrillers are easily the most popular genre on Netflix, and it’s the type of content the streamer often produces the most. But every now and then, instead of tension and drama, you just want something light and uplifting. Especially as the season of joy approaches, when life can feel a little more hectic and the days are shorter, a feel-good movie is exactly what we need to hit pause and recharge.
Of course, with Netflix being the biggest streaming service out there, its library is so packed that it can be hard to know what’s actually worth watching and which titles have those genuinely charming vibes.
In this list, we’ve rounded up five of the best feel-good movies currently streaming on Netflix. And because I’m fully embracing the holiday spirit already (no shame), I’ve also included a Christmas pick for anyone else who starts celebrating early.
‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
Few movies have the kind of timeless charm that “Back to the Future” delivers. It’s a perfect mix of humor, heart and adventure, with iconic performances and moments that still hold up even decades after its 1985 release. It’s a feel-good classic that never fails to lift your spirits, and a movie that my dad and I always revisit around this time of year.
Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), a typical high-school teenager, accidentally travels back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Stranded in the past, Marty quickly discovers that he has disrupted his parents’ first meeting, putting his own existence at risk. Racing against the clock, he must find a way to bring his parents together while avoiding the suspicion of a younger Doc Brown, who is initially skeptical of time travel.
Stream it on Netflix
‘Nonnas’ (2025)
“Nonnas” might not be remembered as one of the year’s greatest Netflix movies, but it’s exactly the kind of movie that’s perfect for a cozy holiday watch with loved ones. Its talented cast and heartfelt moments carry the story, and it’s the kind of experience that the moms and grandmothers in your family are sure to adore.
Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn), reeling from the loss of his mother, decides to honor her memory in an unexpected way: he uses her insurance payout to open a new Italian restaurant in Staten Island. With no experience in the food business, Joe recruits a unique team of four grandmothers from different parts of Italy, each bringing their own family recipes to the kitchen. These “nonnas” share stories, traditions, and a deep passion for food that’s cooked with love.
Stream it on Netflix
‘Paddington’ (2014)
Honestly, who could resist a bear in a duffle coat with a love of marmalade and a knack for getting into delightful hijinks? Whether you grew up with him or are meeting him for the first time, “Paddington” is a delightful treat, and it’s a movie brimming with a childlike sense of wonder that’s impossible not to catch.
Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw), a polite bear from Peru, arrives in London in search of a new home. Lost and alone at the train station, he is discovered by the Brown family, who quickly take him in despite the chaos he brings with him. From the start, Paddington’s curiosity and good intentions lead to a series of hilarious misadventures. Meanwhile, the sinister taxidermist Millicent (Nicole Kidman) is determined to capture Paddington, believing him to be a rare and valuable specimen.
Stream it on Netflix
‘Let It Snow’ (2019)
I’ll always have a soft spot for rewatching the same Christmas movies each year, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. These are the movies that bring me the most comfort and joy during the holiday season. While timeless favorites like “Love Actually” and “Home Alone” never disappoint, there are a few lesser-known gems I find myself returning to even more, with “Let It Snow” being one of them.
A sudden snowstorm strikes a small Midwestern town on Christmas Eve, sending a group of high‑school seniors into unexpected turns. Julie (Isabela Merced) meets pop star Stuart (Shameik Moore) when their train is halted by the snow. At the same time, friends Dorrie (Liv Hewson) and Kerry (Anna Akana) navigate a fresh crush, while Tobin (Mitchell Hope) realises his feelings for longtime friend Angie (Kiernan Shipka) amid the late‑night party plans, a stolen keg and tangled teen drama.
Stream it on Netflix
‘The Half of It’ (2020)
“The Half of It” cleverly leans into the charm of a feel-good romcom while twisting the usual tropes, creating a movie that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. It’s a clever and refreshing addition to the romantic comedy genre, which has long been weighed down by uninspired and forgettable stories over the years.
Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) is a bright but quiet high‑school senior living in a small town, working after school to help her family by ghost‑writing essays and letters for classmates. When the affable but awkward football player Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) asks her to write a love letter to Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire) — the girl Paul has a crush on — Ellie reluctantly agrees. To everyone else, the letters come from Paul, but Ellie becomes the real architect of his attempts at romance. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Paul, Ellie herself is drawn toward Aster.
Stream it on Netflix
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