There’s no other way to put it. This coronavirus outbreak stinks.
Sports, including March favorites like NCAA basketball tournaments and spring training baseball, have been suspended until further notice. Schools are closing. Grocery stores are overrun. And people are getting sick, and in rare cases, dying.
It’s a serious issue that needs to be dealt with in serious ways, but that doesn’t mean it has to be doom and gloom all the time. It’s important to keep morale up, too. With that in mind, here are 30 films you can watch while in self-quarantine that are sure to draw out some laughs or bring a smile to your face.
Lets start with some oldies and move forward to films released more recently.
A collection of feel-good films. Photo by Brandon Champion | bchampio@mlive.com
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The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Victor Fleming’s classic masterpiece features groundbreaking visuals and heartwarming story with a colorful cast of characters. The film made a star out of Judy Garland and reminded us all that “there’s no place like home.”
Rotten Tomatoes: “An absolute masterpiece whose groundbreaking visuals and deft storytelling are still every bit as resonant, The Wizard of Oz is a must-see film for young and old.”
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Mary Poppins (1964)
It’s 2018 sequel is also charming, but this musical original starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke is fun, colorful and “Practically Perfect In Every Way.”
Rotten Tomatoes: “A lavish modern fairy tale celebrated for its amazing special effects, catchy songs, and Julie Andrews’s legendary performance in the title role.”
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American Graffiti (1973)
One of George Lucas’ first major films, this coming-of-age tale set in the Crusin’ days of early rock-n-role features numerous soon-to-be stars like Richard Dreyfuss, Ron HowardandHarrison Ford.
Rotten Tomatoes: “One of the most influential of all teen films, American Graffiti is a funny, nostalgic, and bittersweet look at a group of recent high school grads’ last days of innocence.”
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Young Frankenstein (1974)
Directed by the legendary Mel Brooks and starring an eccentric Gene Wilder, this spoof on the classic Mary Shelley story is full of good, clean humor.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Made with obvious affection for the original, Young Frankenstein is a riotously silly spoof featuring a fantastic performance by Gene Wilder.”
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Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Based on the Arthurian legend, this film written and performed by the Monty Python comedy group is filled with laughs, classic bits and one-liners that are still repeated today.
Rotten Tomatoes: ” A cult classic as gut-bustingly hilarious as it is blithely ridiculous, Monty Python and the Holy Grail has lost none of its exceedingly silly charm.”
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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Any number of Disney films could be put on this list, but this faithful adaptation of the classic stories featuring lovable woodland characters is the ultimate feel good film. Unless you’re scared of Heffalumps and Woozles.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Perhaps the most faithful of Disney’s literary adaptations, this cute, charming collection of episodes captures the spirit of A.A. Milne’s classic stories.”
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Grease (1978)
Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John as mismatched lovers, the film features a legendary soundtrack and impressive dance numbers that remain favorites to this day.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Grease is a pleasing, energetic musical with infectiously catchy songs and an ode to young love that never gets old.”
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Back to the Future (1985)
The sequels are OK, but this original directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as “Doc” Brown doesn’t need to get to 88 mph to make magic happen.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Inventive, funny, and breathlessly constructed, Back to the Future is a rousing time-travel adventure with an unforgettable spirit.”
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The Goonies (1985)
The ultimate adventure story, this early Steven Spielberg story features a fun cast of misfits looking for buried treasure. And Sloth!
Rotten Tomatoes: “An energetic, sometimes noisy mix of Speilbergian sentiment and funhouse tricks that will appeal to kids and nostalgic adults alike.”
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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Matthew Broderick plays slacker Ferris Bueller who skips school for a fun-filled day around Chicago. He routinely breaks the fourth wall, giving the audience insight into a wacky teenage mind.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Matthew Broderick charms in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a light and irrepressibly fun movie about being young and having fun.”
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Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Steve Martin and John Candy star as two mismatched family men trying to make it home for Thanksgiving.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Thanks to the impeccable chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy, as well as a deft mix of humor and heart, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a hilarious, heartfelt holiday classic.”
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The Princess Bride (1987)
This self-aware fairy tale mixes old tropes with new ideas to create an endlessly fun adventure that gives new life to the genre.
Rotten Tomatoes: “A delightfully postmodern fairy tale, The Princess Bride is a deft, intelligent mix of swashbuckling, romance, and comedy that takes an age-old damsel-in-distress story and makes it fresh.”
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Cool Runnings (1993)
This underrated sports film about the first Jamaican bobsled team has humor, wit and heart, as well as a slew of fantastic performances.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Cool Runnings rises above its formulaic sports-movie themes with charming performances, light humor, and uplifting tone.”
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Hocus Pocus (1993)
Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as three witches back from the undead, the film has become a cult classic around Halloween, despite lukewarm reception from critics.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Harmlessly hokey yet never much more than mediocre, Hocus Pocus is a muddled family-friendly effort that fails to live up to the talents of its impressive cast.”
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The Sandlot (1993)
This coming-of-age classic sets themes of friendship and teamwork against baseball in the summer of 1962. “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”
Rotten Tomatoes: “It may be shamelessly derivative and overly nostalgic, but The Sandlot is nevertheless a genuinely sweet and funny coming-of-age adventure.”
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Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks is irresistible as a slow-witted but kind-hearted man who unwittingly witnesses and influences several defining historical events in the 20th century United States.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Forrest Gump may be an overly sentimental film with a somewhat problematic message, but its sweetness and charm are usually enough to approximate true depth and grace.”
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Matilda (1996)
Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, the film captures the spirit of the novel while plunging the audience into the odd and challenging world of a miraculous young girl.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Danny DeVito-directed version of Matilda is odd, charming, and while the movie diverges from Roald Dahl, it nonetheless captures the book’s spirit.”
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Space Jam (1996)
Michael Jordan joins the Loony Tunes to play basketball against space invaders in this wonderfully-animated slapstick comedy. A sequel starring Lebron James is on the way.
Rotten Tomatoes: “While it’s no slam dunk, Space Jam’s silly, Looney Toons-laden slapstick and vivid animation will leave younger viewers satisfied — though accompanying adults may be more annoyed than entertained.”
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Men in Black (1997)
The sequels are fun too, but the original marries a fun idea, clever animation and Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones to create a safe, exciting adventure.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Thanks to a smart script, spectacular set pieces, and charismatic performances from its leads, Men in Black is an entirely satisfying summer blockbuster hit.”
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Legally Blonde (2001)
Reese Witherspoon is fully invested as a sorority girl out to win back her boyfriend only to discover herself, and her full potential, in the process. Bend and snap. Works every time.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Though the material is predictable and formulaic, Reese Witherspoon’s funny, nuanced performance makes this movie better than it would have been otherwise.
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My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
This small film with mostly unknown actors became a huge hit thanks to its clever script, engaging performances and hilarious glimpse into an outlandish Greek family.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Though it sometimes feels like a television sitcom, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is good-hearted, lovable, and delightfully eccentric, with a sharp script and lead performance from Nia Vardalos.”
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Holes (2003)
Louis Sachar wrote the script for this film based on his novel of the same name. It includes quirky characters, rapidly changing sets and a heartfelt story full of twists and turns.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Faithful to its literary source, this is imaginative, intelligent family entertainment.”
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Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell gives one of his best performances as a human-turned-elf in this PG holiday classic.
Rotten Tomatoes: A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell’s funny and charming performance as one of Santa’s biggest helpers.”
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Secondhand Lions (2003)
Haley Joel Osment plays a shy boy sent to live with his eccentric uncles played by legendary actors Michael Caine and Robert Duvall, who share fascinating stories of their lives and teach him what it means to believe in something.
Rotten Tomatoes: “A wholesome but schmaltzy movie.”
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Love Actually (2003)
The only rated R film on this list, this delightful Christmas rom-com is included for it’s cast, who we follow through eight different stories all exploring different aspects of love.
Rotten Tomatoes: “A sugary tale overstuffed with too many stories. Still, the cast charms.”
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School of Rock (2003)
You don’t have to be a rocker to enjoy this musical comedy starring Jack Black as Dewey Finn, a slacker who inspires students at an uptight elementary private school to let their personality shine.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Black’s exuberant, gleeful performance turns School of Rock into a hilarious, rocking good time.”
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National Treasure (2004)
History buffs will love this exciting treasure hunt starring Nicolas Cage. Even if the plot is a little unbelievable.
Rotten Tomatoes: “National Treasure is no treasure, but it’s a fun ride for those who can forgive its highly improbable plot.”
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La La Land (2016)
Directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, this musical near Best Picture winner is a colorful, expertly choreographed love letter to films from the golden age of Hollywood.
Rotten Tomatoes: “La La Land breathes new life into a bygone genre with thrillingly assured direction, powerful performances, and an irresistible excess of heart.”
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Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
This underrated stop-motion film features vivid animation, wonderful original music and an important message that even though the ones we love may not be with us, their legacy lives on.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Kubo and the Two Strings matches its incredible animation with an absorbing — and bravely melancholy — story that has something to offer audiences of all ages.”
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The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
A sleeper hit from 2019, this modern day tale channels Mark Twain to tell the story of a young man with Down syndrome who learns to follow his dreams with the help of unlikely people.
Rotten Tomatoes: “A feelgood adventure brought to life by outstanding performances, The Peanut Butter Falcon finds rich modern resonance in classic American fiction.”
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