I don’t know about you, but with everything going on in the world, I have been craving sweet, feel good movies. My go-to is usually of the more murdery variety (I’m so happy that Truth Be Told is back, for example – probably my favorite current favorite new show). But sometimes you just want something feel good and happy… the good kind of tear jerker. Here are three that I watched recently, plus an old favorite.
4 Heartwarming Films to Watch Right Now
Uncle Frank
One of my girlfriends suggested this to me (telling me it made her sob in a good way – that seems to be a theme with this list). I watched it on Friday night and felt the same way. Growing up in the rural South in the sixties and seventies, Beth’s beloved Uncle Frank (a literature professor in New York) is the only adult who truly understands her. When she moves to New York in 1973, she soon realizes that Frank is gay, living with his partner Wally – keeping their relationship a secret from the whole family. When Frank’s very homophobic father (Beth’s grandfather) passes away Beth, Wally, and Frank take a road trip down to the south for the funeral. Frank must face his family and his biggest fears and past traumas. I loved this one.
Where to watch it: Currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
August Rush
This is an old favorite, one of my comfort movies. I was so excited to see that it is currently streaming on HBO Max as it is just so sweet and magical (and has the best soundtrack). I rewatched it last night and fell in love with it all over again. A young Freddie Highmore (you might remember him from Bates Motel where he plays a verrrry different character) is orphaned but convinced that his parents are alive and sets out to find them. Meanwhile, his parents (estranged, due to extenuating circumstances beyond their control) are searching for him as well. The plot is their magical, musical journey back to each other. It will make you cry, it makes you believe in the good in humanity and the magic of the universe.
Where to watch it: Currently streaming on HBO Max.
Maiden
This came recommended to me by my boyfriend. He is an avid sailor (I am not, the one time we tried sailing together, I threw up!) so was not particularly enthusiastic about watching a documentary about sailing. But he insisted that I would love it, and he was right. My friend Molly and I watched it on Saturday afternoon (as it poured here in Charleston) and neither one of us can stop talking about it.
It is the true story of Tracy Edwards and the first all-female crew to sail around the world in the prestigious and grueling Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race in 1989. You do not have to love sailing (or even know anything about sailing) to love this! Watching their struggles (and the condescension they experienced from the world/the media) and the way that they supported each other was incredible… as was watching them succeed. This documentary did not make me want to sail around the world BUT it did make me feel like I could achieve absolutely anything if I put my mind to it.
Where to watch it: Not streaming anywhere, I bought this on Apple TV.
CODA
This was the most heartwarming new movie I’ve watched recently. I absolutely LOVED it and have been telling everyone I know to make it the next thing they watch. Ruby is the child of deaf adults (CODA) and her brother is deaf as well. As the only person in their home that is able to hear, her tightly knit family really leans on her for translating and helping to run their family’s fishing business. But her secret passion is singing. She signs up for school choir to find out if she’s any good and it turns out she is. Not just good… great. But as she becomes more and more enamored with singing (and slowly begins to realize how talented she is), she’s torn between nurturing her gift and being there for her family.
I loved it so much and I REALLY loved the family dynamics. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film where the main character(s) are deaf. And I liked how the deaf family members were portrayed. I found them really charming, the parents especially: the mom and dad really cracked me up. There were so many wonderfully sweet moments throughout the film… I full on sobbed at the end!
Where to watch it: Currently streaming on Apple TV.
How about you? Seen anything really great lately?
photo by Clay Austin.
I am in a 100% show rut and rewatching comforting favorites. I actually did just start to watch from the beginning, Mad About You. I had no idea you could stream it on Prime and it’s such a throwback.
xo Jessica
an indigo day
I love that and do the same!
My go-to’s there are Gossip Girl and Sex and the City for TV rewatching.
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED CODA!!!
YAYYYYYY so glad. Truly the best movie I’ve seen in so long.
If you haven’t already watch A Beautiful Thing about the first all black rowing team from Chicago it’s an amazing and beautiful documentary
Thank you for the tip! I just downloaded the audiobook. I love books like this so much — Boys in the Boat was one of my favorites of all time and I can’t wait to read this and then watch the documentary.
I haven’t!!! I need to watch it, thanks for the rec.
Ooooh! I grew up sailing and will definitely have to check Maiden out.
xoxo – Kelly
http://www.dreaminlace.com
Hope you love!
“On Pointe” on Disney Plus gave me all the good feels. It’s a six-part documentary about the audition and rehearsal process for the kids in the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker. It follows their hard work, hopes and fears with some fun behind-the-scenes looks at this beloved holiday tradition. Highly recommend!
Oh, that sounds wonderful!!!!
This is the opposite of what I’m watching right now, finally watching Mare of Easttown only finished 1 ep so far but of course Kate Winslet is amazinggg
That was one of my favorite shows from this year!
We loved CODA – so sweet and funny! I’ve seen August Rush before, but adding the other two to my list.
The sweetest! Hope you love the other two.
I started season 1 of Truth Be Told this weekend on your recommendation; Octavia Spencer is amazing in this role! And the supporting cast is great too. Loving it so far.
Yay I am so glad you’re loving it!
I completely binged the first season of “Truth be Told”! The whole cast is great. I’m going to start season 2 tonight, can’t wait. It’s so well done. I know I’m late to the game, but Schitt’s Creek is cheering me up right now and helping through my life in limbo. My sister and I started “The Chair” on Netflix with Sandra Oh ( love her! And Killing Eve!) and it’s both endearing and funny. I think you will really like it. I can’t wait to check out the picks in your post. Thanks!
It is SO GOOD!!!! I can’t wait for episode 2 of the new one.
Curious about your sea-sickness Grace.
You fly frequently, are you ok on planes?
Totally fine on planes! Even teeny tiny ones. I find flying vs. boats to be totally different sensations.
I just discovered a drama series from a few years ago called The Affair. I found it on Prime, but it was originally on Showtime. I am only a few episodes in and am totally obsessed! Every single character has a secret; Joshua Jackson and Maura Tierney are so good!