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5 Feel-Good Movies to Cheer You Up

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bryn Mawr chapter.

When you’ve been working nonstop, it’s always nice to treat yourself to a light-hearted movie night with friends. School can be stressful, but not every moment needs to be spent studying. Fun movies are a great way to relax and give your brain a break. To help you do this, I’m sharing my favorite wholesome movies that always make me happy.

 

Clueless

Clueless is one of my all-time favorite movies. From Cher’s countless quotable lines to pioneering fashion choices, this movie has it all. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and it never fails to make me smile. Even my 51-year-old father admits it’s good, and he doesn’t say that lightly. However, I truly believe it would be more realistic and less questionable of an ending if Cher ended up a lesbian. Alas, some things are not meant to be—especially if they were made in the 90s.

 

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

If you’re not a hopeless romantic like me, then maybe you won’t love Pride & Prejudice (2005) as much as I do. But I adore this movie. I also adore looking at Keira Knightley. P&P never fails to make me happy and renew my faith in love. It’s not the most exciting movie ever though, so if you’re not into period dramas I’d advise you skip this one.

 

Ghostbusters (2016)

The 2016 remake of Ghostbusters had a rough start as the most disliked movie trailer ever on YouTube, but I’m here to tell you that it’s completely worth the watch. It’s hilarious and amazingly feminist, and I’ve seen it upwards of ten times (not an exaggeration). Between Kate McKinnon’s gyrating hips and ghost-hunting with a side of healthy and complex female friendship, there’s almost nothing in this movie that I don’t enjoy (except for the way they did not discuss Holtzmann’s clear lesbianism. But that’s why we have fanfiction).

 

Bridesmaids

Another women-led comedy—maybe I’m kind of predictable. What can I say, I love Kristen Wiig and movies directed by Paul Feig. Bridesmaids is laugh-out-loud hilarious, but I also find myself invested in the storyline whenever I watch it. I can’t help but sympathize with Annie and her misguided attempts to retain her best friendship.

 

10 Things I Hate About You

10 Things I Hate About You is a classic. Maybe it’s not the most feminist movie ever made, but it’s cute and fun. The cheesy heterosexual romance brings me joy, and I’m not ashamed to admit that!

Hannah Gruen

Bryn Mawr '22

Hannah is a senior at Bryn Mawr College majoring in Literatures in English. She is passionate about the color yellow, dogs of all kinds, and filling her playlists with sad indie women. She can often be found with an oat milk latte and a book.
Diana Beninati

Bryn Mawr '21

Bryn Mawr College 2021