Check out these heartwarming, family friendly films that Guideposts readers love.
With the pandemic causing more people to spend free time at home, there’s never been a better opportunity to discover feel-good movies with uplifting messages that will make you laugh, sing and dance in the midst of uncertain times. We asked Guideposts readers to share which movies lift their spirits and their suggestions are sure to lift yours, too. Here are a few of their favorites:
Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family singers, this musical tells the story of Maria, a young nun who becomes a nanny to a large family of children. Her new role as a governess allows her to bring music as well as a new, positive outlook into the family’s lives. Donna Jean Thomas recommended the movie because “the scenery and the music is beautiful!” This heartwarming film is recognized as one of the most popular movie musicals of all time.
2 of 9 Mary Poppins & Mary Poppins Returns
Where to watch: Disney+ & Netflix
The classic 1964 musical Mary Poppins, strongly recommended by Beth Fisher, follows the lives of two young children of a wealthy family, whose lives are upended when a new nanny, played by Julie Andrews, arrives. She uses her magical abilities, along with her nurturing yet authoritative character, to teach them valuable life lessons. The 2018 sequel to the fantasy film, Mary Poppins Returns, follows her journey back to the now-grown Banks kids, 25 years later, for another magical adventure.
A homeless teen is offered a second chance at life when he’s taken in by a suburban family who give him a sense of purpose and help him grow into a talented athlete. Based on the true story of football player Michael Oher, The Blind Side, recommended by Deb Majors, is an uplifting drama that displays the importance of family, kindness, hard work and inclusion.
A Civil War soldier named John J. Dunbar leaves his former life behind after befriending a band of Sioux Indians who welcome him into the tribe and give him the name Dances with Wolves. His new peaceful life allows him to find love and develop respect and appreciation for the Sioux culture. This western drama, recommended by Alice Chaffin King, is based on the book by the same name by Michael Blake.
Credit: NIGHT AND DAY PICTURES / Ronald
5 of 9 Waitress
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Beth Fisher also recommends this sweet comedy-drama starring Keri Russell, who plays a pregnant waitress named Jenna, which details the life of a woman who finds herself stuck in an unhappy marriage. Through her love of baking creative pies that are inspired by her life’s trials and tribulations, she gains the confidence she needs to pursue change and happiness.
Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection
6 of 9 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
April Hamrick Charlton recommended this classic musical. She says, “I watched it as a little girl with my mom and still love it to this day!” Six bad-mannered brothers decide they want to get married after their brother, Adam, brings home his new bride, Milly, who is appalled by their lack of manners and turns them into gentlemen. In an effort to help his brothers find wives, Adam offers a solution that leads to laughter and a series of extravagant musical numbers.
An aspiring young inventor named Lewis who grew up in an orphanage, sets off on a time traveling journey into the future where he meets an eccentric but loving family who have the power to change his fate. This Disney animation is based on the children’s book A Day with Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce. “It is about being adopted, and I am adopted,” Jessica Reed commented. “The theme is, keep moving forward. Make peace with your past. So hopeful, so symbolic.”
Set in 1951, a rising Hollywood screenwriter named Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) gets into a car accident, loses his memory and finds himself in a small town in Northern California, where he’s mistaken for one of the town’s missing World War II heroes. Over time, Peter finds himself living up to a new set of values thanks to his new tight-knit community. Marianna Mason Wilson said she enjoyed the movie “for the strength and kindness of those who lost so much.”
Credit: Everett Collection / Everett Col
9 of 9 Wizard of Oz
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
This 1939 classic musical stars legendary Judy Garland as Dorothy, a young girl who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz, where she meets Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), Tin Woodman (Jack Haley), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr)—each on quests of their own. They embark on a magical journey filled with music and dancing in hopes of meeting the Wizard of Oz.
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