10 most wholesome movies on Netflix that will brighten your day

Netflix offers a treasure trove of movies that can uplift your spirits and put a smile on your face. If you’re in need of a dose of positivity and heartwarming stories, look no further. 

We have curated ten films that will brighten your day in our ongoing essential binges series. Make sure to check out our other suggestions and add what you like to your ever-growing watchlist!

Whether you’re in the mood for time travel, magical adventures, or tales of self-discovery, there’s something on this list for everyone.

So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these wholesome flicks fill your heart with joie de vivre.

The 10 most wholesome movies on Netflix:

Back to the Future (1985)

Robert Zemeckis’s Back to the Future is a timeless classic that combines science fiction with humour and adventure. Follow the journey of Marty McFly as he travels through time in a DeLorean with the eccentric Doc Brown.

This film is a delightful blend of nostalgia and feel-good entertainment.

Uncle Buck (1989)

Starring the incomparable John Candy, John Hughes’s Uncle Buck is a heartwarming comedy about a bachelor who becomes an unlikely guardian to his nieces and nephew. The film’s charm lies in the transformation of a man who initially seems ill-suited for parenthood into a loving and protective uncle.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

You can always enter (or re-enter) the magical world of Hogwarts with the first instalment of the Harry Potter series directed by Chris Columbus. Of all the eight films, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the brightest and most hopeful of them all.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful stop-motion animated film that follows the adventures of a wily fox who outwits three mean-spirited farmers. With its charming characters and dry humour, this movie is a visual treat for all ages.

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

This heartwarming road trip movie, directed by Rob Burnett, follows the journey of Ben, a retired writer who becomes a caregiver for Trevor, a teenager with muscular dystrophy. The film stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, and Selena Gomez. Together, they embark on a transformative adventure, forming an unlikely but profound friendship along the way.

Dumplin’ (2018)

Directed by Anne Fletcher, Dumplin’ is a coming-of-age film that celebrates self-acceptance with heart and humour. Follow Willowdean, the plus-size daughter of a former beauty queen, as she enters a beauty pageant, challenging societal norms and redefining beauty in the process. The film features stars Danielle Macdonald as Willowdean “Dumplin” Dickson, Jennifer Aniston as her mother, Rosie.

Blinded by the Light (2019)

Set in the 1980s, Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by the Light tells the story of a British-Pakistani teenager, Javed Khan, who discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen. The film, based on the life of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor, beautifully captures the transformative power of music and the universal themes of dreams and aspirations.

The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)

This indie gem, directed by Radha Blank, follows the journey of a struggling playwright in her forties who decides to reinvent herself as a rapper. The Forty-Year-Old Version is a heartwarming exploration of creativity, identity, and the pursuit of one’s passion, no matter the age.

Over the Moon (2020)

Directed by Glen Keane and John Kahrs, Over the Moon is an animated musical that takes you on a magical adventure to the moon. Follow Fei Fei, a young girl who builds a rocket to prove the existence of a legendary moon goddess. This film is a delightful tale of family, love, and the importance of believing in the impossible.

Love at First Sight (2023)

Vanessa Caswill’s Love at First Sight stars Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy as star-crossed lovers who meet each other at the airport and form an instant connection. This rare romcom gem is all about the whimsy of love, fate, and missed connections that turn into lifelong bonds.