The 10 Best Movies To Make You Feel Happy During Lockdown

Here in 2021, Australia as a country has had to adopt lockdown laws to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities from COVID-19. We have been subjected to lockdowns now over the last 12 months, which has left many of us indoors awaiting for this awful pandemic to end. During this time, we have taken up many hobbies, read many books, completed many puzzles and binged many movies and tv series. Today, I am here to talk about the top 10 films to watch during this lockdown, that will make you happy. These are 10 films that I like to watch to keep my spirits high and to pass the time, so without further ado let’s get stuck in.

10. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Whilst a Christmas film, 1946’s ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ always puts a big smile on my face. The film shows the best in human spirit, with Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of George Bailey, who remains positive throughout his life even when life is getting him down. The films sense of realism and its characters has allowed it to stand the test of time. It is whimsical without being overly fluffy. It has a great sense of triumph and really puts life into perspective, that even when we land on tough times, we still find out feet and courage. I adore this one and think it is the perfect film to get you cheering for life.

Buy It's A Wonderful Life on DVD Here

9. The Harry Potter Series (2001 – 2010) – Whilst I might be cheating  a little here, the 8 film ‘Harry Potter’ series always manages to put me in a good mood. Harry’s journey through Hogwarts from his first year until his last, is one of the most memorable sagas in film history. Seeing these characters bond over the course of 8 years is truly remarkable and the films still to this day, manage to surprise me. Harry’s goodwill and kind nature again shows the best that we can be, through adversity and tough times, harry always manages to withstand what life throws at him to make it through. Whether it be the way Dersleys treat him or Harry doing battle with the Dark Lord, he always manages to put on a brave face and overcome his demons, and to me that is the definition of perseverance and triumph of the human spirit. 

Buy The Harry Potter Movies Here

8. La La Land (2016) – I had to put a musical on there, and whilst there may be better ones out there, none of them make me smile like Damien Chazells uplifting 2016 tale of perseverance and love, with ‘La La Land’. The film is bursting with colour and great upbeat song and dance numbers and populated with likeable characters in Sebastian (played by the wonderful Ryan Gosling) and Mia (played terrifically by the gorgeous Emma Stone). The film again deals with the human spirit and how we chase and chase our dreams, even when they seem far out of reach, we still go for them in the face adversity. The first I saw this film in the cinemas, a smile did not leave my face, not even for a second and that is the definition of a film that makes me happy.

Buy La La Land on DVD & Blu-ray Here

7. School of Rock (2003) – Another film musical in nature, is Richard Linklaters offbeat comedy ‘School of Rock’. A forgotten film for sure, but one that I think still holds up to this day. Jack Blacks turn as unemployed, teaching imposter Dewey Finn is one of my favourites in a comedy film from the 2000s. Whilst his intentions are initially selfish, Dewey transcends into a likable albeit slobbish hero. His passion, encouragement and love for what he is doing is truly inspiring and I dare any of you to watch the film without smiling and rocking along with the ‘School of Rock’ during their battle of the bands performance. It is awesome.

Buy School of Rock on DVD Here

6. Space Jam (1996) – a trip right up memory lane for you all and one of my favourite nostalgic picks ‘Space Jam’. If you want a dose of the 1990s mixed with goofy, ‘Looney Tunes’ fun then look no further than ‘Space Jam’. The film is oozing with popular culture references and is drenched in 1990s nostalgia. I watched this VHS tape on repeat when I was a kid and I thank my parents for introducing me to this film. Its fun, its inspiring and it will sure as hell make you happy when watching it. Still my favourite blend of animation and live action to this day. 

Buy Space Jam Here

5. Monsters Inc. (2001) – ‘We scare, because we care’. Its in the motto, pure joy. Disney/Pixar’s ‘Monsters Inc.’ is still my favourite film in their entire filmography. Sure animation has improved, but Pixar were really on top of their game here. The film is hilarious with the pairing of Billy Crystal’s Mike and John Goodman’s Sully, proving to be a stroke of genius. The two are electric together giving some of the best comedic performances ever put to screen. They are just dynamic. The films colourful animation and emotionally poignant story also add to the films comedy, to make it a well rounded and enjoyable family pick. If you had to choose one Pixar film to watch during lockdown, make sure it is ‘Monsters Inc’.

Buy Monsters Inc & Monsters University Here

4. Avengers: Endgame (2019) – I could cheat again and tell you to watch all 24 Marvel films, but like I said that would be cheating. Instead I am going to tell you to go and watch Marvels 3 hour epic, ‘Avengers: Endgame’. This film captures the spirit of Marvel, as it wraps up a 23 film arc near seamlessly. The film has loveable characters, great action and a fun time-heist premise that was unexpected and quite unique. Whilst I could go an pick many other Marvel films, I don’t think any of the others are nearly as satisfying as the epic conclusion to the ‘Infinity Saga’. Our heroes get appropriate send offs in an emotionally satisfying way. This film still makes me smile even though I have seen it well over 10 times now.

Buy The Avengers Endgame on DVD, Blu-ray & 4K UHD Here

3. The Lego Movie (2014) – another animated film that is the definition of joy. I expect in the near future if you were to look up happy in the dictionary, you would see a picture of Emmitt (voiced by Chris Pratt) smiling back at you. Chris Miller and Phil Lords 2014 animated epic ‘The Lego Movie’ is still one of the most enjoyable film going experiences of the 2010s. Its vibrant, energetic and an absolute blast to watch. The film establishes a wonderful world, and Emmitt’s enthusiasm for life is nothing short of contagious. I still sit back and watch this film with just a stupid, gleeful smile.

Buy The Lego Movie on DVD, Blu-ray & 4K UHD Here

2. Bridesmaids (2011) – Director Paul Fieg’s 2011 comedy film ‘Bridesmaids’ is still one of the funniest and most entertaining films of the 2010s. The ensemble comedic cast led by Kristin Wiig and including Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy (who mind you was nominated for an Oscar for her work here), Rose Byrne and Ellie Kemper. The cast are wonderful, the comedy is rapid-fire and the film is just downright fun. Its nothing spectacular but it does exactly what it sets out to do and that is to makes it audience laugh. I love bridesmaids and do find myself watching it quite regularly.

Buy Bridesmaids on DVD Here

1.Ghostbusters (1984) – My last pick for films that will make you happy during lockdown is 1984s ‘Ghostbusters’. The film still might just be my favourite comedy of all time. Its smart, well-written, superbly acted and the comedy still holds up today, even though some of its visual effects are a little dated. Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Ernie Hudson and the late, great Harold Raimis are all terrific together on screen. They are funny, likeable and just plain whacky. This is one you need to watch if you’re looking to put a smile on your face. 

Buy Ghostbusters on DVD Here

Lockdowns can be scary & they can be worrying, so it is important to get some fresh air and switch off for a little bit. Sanity have you covered with all these films being available on Blu-Ray, DVD and even 4K UHD. Hopefully these films provide you with some entertainment during a difficult time. Stay safe. 

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here