There are so many feel-good films in the entertainment industry that can easily immerse you and cut you off from the world as you watch. However, films that explore the power of community and giving back can empower us, move us, and inspire us to be better people, look after others, and build a sense of community. People can have a massive impact when they come together and films can reflect this, reminding you about the importance of being in a community and giving back.
So, if you’re looking for a feel-good film that will inspire you and motivate you to be a part of your community and help others, then these best feel-good films that promote community and giving back are worth a try.
Bend it like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham demonstrates how people can come together through the friendship of two young women with different backgrounds and upbringings. They both love football and bring a community together through it. These two young women form an unbreakable bond that encourages them to follow their dreams despite cultural misunderstandings and conflicting expectations. They face discrimination which the community helps with and gives them courage. This film showcases that a common interest or goal can unite people from different backgrounds and allow them to accomplish more together.
The Pursuit of Happiness
This film faces real-world and overwhelming issues. The main character is faced with a lack of money, homelessness, and competition for his dream internship. An unexpected group of people come together to support him which demonstrates the strength of community and people coming together to help those in need. Acts of compassion and human decency help the main character to succeed, giving him a better life. This film highlights that overcoming challenges needs a village of people to support you and help as together, people can overcome great adversity. The film is even more feel-good and inspiring as it’s based on a true story.
Pay it Forward
Pay It Forward highlights how good deeds and deeds of kindness can spread through communities and inspire hope. It follows one boy’s dream to change the world by helping others. This initiative includes social, racial, and economic boundaries to conquer through a scheme to assist three individuals in exchange for them helping three others. The film inspires watchers and reminds us of the importance of being kind and helping others. It reminds us of the importance of charity and doing deeds that keep on giving. This film reflects deeds that keep on giving which also compares to Sadaqah donations as Muslims are encouraged to give a gift that keeps on giving.
It also showcases how kindness binds strangers together and demonstrates the power of small deeds to bring change and hope in communities.
Lady Bird
Even though this film focuses on the conflicts between a mother and her teenage daughter, it is a very inspiring film. The main character, Lady Bird, discovers her own identity and goals by taking creative risks, testing friendships, and exploring herself as a person. The conflict occurs as her mother finds it hard to support her choices which leads to constant arguments. However, after everything they are able to forgive and seek forgiveness no matter what. This film highlights the importance of forgiving others and seeking forgiveness for your mistakes or offenses and the benefits this can bring.
Coco
Coco is a wonderful feel-good film to watch with your family. Miguel loves singing and this passion takes him on an extraordinary journey that reunites him with his ancestors and the strength of following passions. His family prohibited music for generations and he wasn’t allowed to enjoy his passion. However, Miguel finds that music creates an unseen community that supports him through difficult family dynamics and death. This film shows us how cultural ties foster our identities and how generations can be united through a sense of shared identity.
Shawshank Redemption
This film highlights how togetherness can overcome difficult times. The story is set within the lonely walls of Shawshank Prison where the main character learns that human connection can uplift spirits, even in the darkest of times. A community that transcends their circumstances forms as the main character befriends and helps his fellow prisoners. This film shows how honesty, kindness, and friendship can boost our mood no matter the circumstances. It also reminds us that even though we can’t always control what happens to us, the support of our loved ones can get us through it.
To Kill a Mockingbird
A united community can make the impossible possible and when members of the community stand by you even if they don’t like you, it can impact your life and others. To Kill a Mockingbird portrays this in a realistic, hard-hitting and honest way. Maycomb, a black man, is on trial falsely accused of awful crimes in a time when racism is prevalent. Many white people are against Maycomb due to the colour of his skin, but his lawyer (Atticus Finch) stands by him and showcases morality. The children of Atticus learn about community, unity and the power of this to defeat racism and free innocent people. A small community band together to uphold their convictions that everyone, regardless of skin colour, deserves respect and equality under the law.
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is a fantastic, culture-rich film that highlights how communities can help the poor become rich. The main character has grown up in poverty and he changes this and builds a community by appearing on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? He has flashbacks of memories that showcase how interactions with the residents of his impoverished neighbourhood provided him with the information needed to win the show. He realises that the past community that he grew up in shaped his outlook on life and gave him a sense of family and love. This film showcases how resilience bonds people who have very little together and the importance of having each other.
Have a feel-good movie night and immerse yourself in the power of community and giving back with these best feel-good films. Watch on your own or with your loved ones to have a cosy night in with some snacks while being positively influenced by the actions of the film.
