The start of the national lockdown has begun.
What most would’ve considered an unthinkable situation mere weeks ago – or even days ago – is now our reality.
There are going to be some tough moments ahead, but there is also a lot of opportunity for learning, for growth, but – most importantly – for movie watching.
But this is no time to start with the doomsday-type films – we need to get in the right head space for the lockdown; rather it’s time to get out the feelgood movies to remember why we love humanity so much.
So, get your TV remotes ready and start searching for these titles:
10. Pitch Perfect (2012)
The movie that made acapella singing something mainstream, and not just reserved for old men on cruise liners, is a beat-bopping must-watch film during the lockdown. Following the storyline traditionally reserved for sports’ films – the underdogs go on to beat the odds and impress the world – there are lots of funny and heart-warming moments throughout.
9. Babe (1995)
Hold the bacon when you put on this film as you’re never going to look at pigs the same way again. Adapting Dick King-Smith’s famous novel, The Sheep Pig, Babe is the story of a rule-breaking piglet who avoids the dinner table by showing off his skills for herding sheep. A myriad of talking animals and a competition culminate in a wonderfully uplifting movie.
8. Big (1988)
Not only has Tom Hanks overcome Covid-19, he also starred in this fantastic film about a young boy who wishes to be older, and miraculously gets his wish! An incredible performance by Hanks (obviously) as a child, now trapped in a grown man’s body, who gets to live out every child’s dream, only to realise there really is no need to rush growing up.
7. The Lego Movie (2014)
Although the ‘Lego Movie’ genre has spurned quite a few of its kind now, the original is really something to behold. A mesmerising step into the surreal world with incredible characters and a storyline that jumps into the real world to highlight the important father-son bond… and the need to always share your Lego.
6. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Tom Cruise has his moments, and when it comes to feelgood films, this is his best yet. Coining some iconic phrases – ‘You had me at hello’ and ‘Show me the money!’ among them – this is a charming romantic comedy that shows the importance of following your career dreams and taking a chance on life.
5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
For something really light-hearted and fun, Ferris Bueller is your guy. A mischievous high school student, his nervous best bud, and his high school sweetheart, all bunk school and take it to the max with a parade, car cruises and general tomfoolery. A definite classic to be watched in lockdown.
4. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Nobody does feelgood quite like Nora Ephron, and this is undoubtedly one of her best romantic comedies yet. Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in the title roles, the story is about two friends who bicker their way into realising they’re actually in love. So many great scenes and speeches culminating in the iconic New Year’s Eve meet-up.
3. Groundhog Day (1993)
Bill Murray is just an industry unto himself and this classic 90s film is essentially Murray at his best. A cynical weather reporter is sent to a small town to cover a story about a groundhog who predicts how long winter will last, and he somehow gets stuck in the same day on repeat. After trying everything he can – medical advice, bank robbery, trickery – he eventually finds being a better person is the only way out.
2. Love Actually (2003)
Sure, there are some sad moments in this one, but ultimately this is the feelgood film of the century. Following the lives of eight main characters, the story reveals different types of love and the incredible journeys people must take to find their significant other. Starring a host of top-notch British actors, this is both a great lockdown film and the ultimate Christmas movie.
1. Back to the Future (1985)
The great thing about this film is that there are two more to watch when you’ve finished it! Starring the fresh-faced Michael J Fox as Marty McFly, and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown, this science fiction story accidentally transports Marty back in time using the time-travelling DeLorean and its flux capacitor. There is so much that is wonderful about this movie, which is why it’s topping the list!
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