Woo’s ultimate guide to feel-good films

Here at Woo, we’re all about feeling good – whether that’s through meditation, exercise, finding (or dumping) a therapist, pleasure, or adding joy to your space. Although, TBH, sometimes all you really need is to curl up with a classic, mood-boosting film to get lost in, spark some joy, or to jumpstart your creativity.

If that happens to be the case, you’re in luck: we’ve rounded up a list of the best feel-good films to stream online – from 90s classic Clueless to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, British rom-com About Time, and coming-of-age comedy Dazed and Confused. While it’s likely you’ve seen one (or a few) of the films on the list, there’s something about their joyful nature that we just can’t get enough of, whether it’s Paul Rudd’s kind, incapable-of-ageing face as he plays Cher Horwitz step brother Josh, Wes Anderson’s nostalgic wilderness adventures, or Matthew McConaughey’s weed-infused “Dazed” one-liners. With that in mind, scroll through the full list below.

Rich 90s-era fashion and young Paul Rudd… it really can’t get better than this. The 1995 comedy stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz: a stylish, popular, and slightly spoiled Beverly Hills teenager who falls for her socially-conscious ex-step-brother (emphasis on the ex!), Josh. Come for unforgettable one-liners (see: “You’re a virgin who can’t drive”) and stay for the cute, light-hearted storyline.

Clueless is available to stream on Now

DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993)

Dazed and Confused takes viewers back to the late 70s, providing a glimpse into different groups of teens on the last day of school – the seniors attending a keg party, the freshman trying to avoid (or survive) getting hazed, and lots of stoners cruising around town. With a cast including Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Mila Jovovich, Parker Posey, and Joey Lauren Adams and plenty of quotable lines, the film will keep you laughing the entire way through.

Dazed and Confused is available to stream on MUBI

ABOUT TIME (2013)

Okay, sure… there’s some sad moments in this one, but we like to think that main character Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) discovering the secret to a happy life in the end makes all the mid-movie tears worth it. Alongside, the funny moments from Tim’s awkward friend Rory (Joshua McGuire), housemate Rupert (Harry Hadden-Paton), and his iconic dad (Bill Nighy) keep the film upbeat as Tim navigates life and love while travelling back in time. We know it sounds cringey, but we promise, somehow it works.

About Time is available to stream on Netflix

MOONRISE KINGDOM (2012)

Meanwhile, Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom sparks joy in a more subtle way. Following two young pen pals – an orphan boy-scout and a young girl with an aggressive temper – on their adventure running away from home to an isolated beach, the film blends fantasy and nature to create a nostalgic story of childhood and young love. Meanwhile, as with all Wes Anderson films, the visuals are perfumed with warm, muted colour palettes and pristine symmetry – perfect to get lost in for a few hours.

Moonrise Kingdom is available to stream on Amazon Prime

LITTLE WOMEN (2019)

A remake of the 1994 film, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women sees an iconic cast of Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Emma Watson, and Meryl Streep tell the story of the March sisters – Jo, Amy, Meg, and Beth – living in Massachusetts in the 19th century. Between the sisters’ quirky antics, Jo’s writing ambitions, Amy’s continuous chaos, and love triangles, the film creates a silly and sincere narrative of growing up without being too cringey.

Little Women is available to stream on Netflix

DIRTY DANCING (1987)

It wouldn’t be a feel-good film list without at least one cult 80s film. Here, Patrick Swayze (Johnny) and Jennifer Grey (Baby) star in the coming-of-age film which sees the unlikely plair fall in love as they train for the end-of-summer performance at a holiday resort. Basically, watch two hot people dance and have fun behind an Oscar-winning soundtrack – it’s a win-win.

Dirty Dancing is available to stream on Netflix

13 GOING ON 30 (2004)

This classic Y2K rom-com sees 13-year-old Jennifer Garner transform into a “flirty and thriving” 30-year-old after making a wish to fast-forward through life. Keeping the mind of her teenage self, the wish results in hilarious, awkward moments and a sweet reminder to stay true to who you are. To top it all off, the soundtrack is totally banging.

13 Going on 30 is available to stream on Amazon Prime