32 Things To Watch On Netflix That'll Actually Make You Feel Good

    We can all use some feel-good entertainment right now.

    Samantha Wieder
    by Samantha Wieder

    BuzzFeed Staff

    We asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us their favorite feel-good television shows and movies to watch on Netflix, because these are unprecedented times we're living in right now, and we can all use some recommendations of things to make us smile.

    1. The Good Place (2016–2020)

    NBC

    "It’s such a funny show that actually tends to really make me think and therefore takes my mind off of my problems. It’s definitely my go-to show when I need something lighthearted and fun." —ashlynnwinchester

    "There is a great story arc and the characters all bring something different to the show. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and fun. I could watch it over and over again." —sierra_m907

    2. The Great British Bake Off (2010–present)

    BBC

    "Everyone on the show is so kind, and even when things go wrong, it's never all that bad. I find it soothing." —mirandap

    3. Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)

    ABC

    "It’s one of my favorites! A great twist on the classic fairy tales. So good!!" —andir4eac190dd

    4. Laggies (2014)

    A24

    "It’s a movie about a 28-year-old who can’t figure out what she wants to do with her life and is sick of her friends and family not understanding her and all their opinions on her livelihood! She ditches her real life for a week and ends up crashing with this 16-year-old and learns a lot more about herself." —abbys4dc557ae5

    5. Grace and Frankie (2015–present)

    Netflix

    "This is a show I find myself CONSTANTLY recommending to my friends who are looking for a good show to watch on Netflix. Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda have an on-screen chemistry like no other. This show is hilarious and Grace and Frankie's clashing personalities are what truly make them such a perfect duo." —Samantha Wieder, BuzzFeed Staff (aka me)

    6. The Office (2005–2013)

    NBC

    "Cannot go wrong with a binge of The Office. Never fails to put a smile on my face, even if it's the 17th time I'm rewatching it." —angelav45d8cf1a3

    "The humor can be mature, but there are still jokes that younger audiences can understand. The characters are great. I don’t really know how else to explain it. It's just one of my favorites." —queer_little_human

    7. The Little Prince (2015)

    Paramount Pictures

    "Yes, it’s a kids movie, but it’s such an uplifting story of imagination and creativity! It’s such a good reminder of what childhood is!" —strangerthanitseems

    8. New Girl (2011–2018)

    Fox

    "I like to rewatch New Girl. Every episode is hilarious, and the characters all go through so much growth while still remaining themselves. I love it so much." —strangerthanitseems

    9. Schitt's Creek (2015–present)

    CBC Television

    "It's such a wonderful show. It’s edgy and funny, but wholesome at the same time." —PHM8

    10. Nailed It! (2018–present)

    Netflix

    "It’s a reality show with amateur bakers trying to make Cake Boss–level desserts!!" —ilove2eat

    11. Queer Eye (2018–present)

    Netflix

    "When I think of a feel-good show, Queer Eye is truly the first show that comes to mind for me. You can just tell the Fab Five are as genuine on-screen as they are off-screen and are passionate about helping others. Unlike other 'makeover' shows I've seen in the past, rather than try to fix people or make them something they're not, they seek to bring out the best in people. They highlight the strengths in each of the heroes that they work with, rather than dwell on their flaws. At the end of each episode, I always feel really moved and inspired." —Samantha Wieder, BuzzFeed Staff (aka me)

    12. Glee (2009–2015)

    Fox

    "Always lifts up my mood with the songs and drama — not to mention the comedy." —happy_feet_12

    13. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

    Columbia Pictures

    "It's amazing and always puts me in a good mood. Though it can be sad and intense at times, the movie has an overall feel of hope and salvation. Right now in this time, we need those feelings more than ever. I highly recommend watching it." —graciepoo1335

    14. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

    NBC

    "The episodes are hilarious and the characters are amazing. I’ve seen every episode and will go through and watch my favorite ones whenever I need a mental break." —ecalloway

    15. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

    Netflix

    "This is my go-to movie." —patiencebatey7

    16. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019)

    The CW

    "The show is breezy, side-splittingly funny, and smart as a whip, while giving great representation to folks with mental illness. Basically every character on the show gets a character development arc — even the grocery clerk you see, like, twice. Holy grail show." —mariellagrl234

    17. One Day at a Time (2017–present)

    Netflix

    "It is such a great show. There is amazing LGBTQ+ representation. Though there are sad and emotional episodes, most are very happy." —queer_little_human

    18. The Hook Up Plan (2018–present)

    Netflix

    "It's a French series set in Paris and follows Elsa and her group of friends navigating through love, friendship, and adulthood. The basic premise is that Elsa's friends pay a high-end escort to date Elsa in order to help her get over an ex that she's still hung up on. Obviously, shenanigans ensue in classic French humor. It's two seasons and totally worth a watch!" —feralrabbit

    19. Night on Earth (2020)

    Netflix

    "It has some particularly heartwarming scenes and is a good pick for animal lovers (it's not heart-wrenching like our planet, LOL)." —Emma McAnaw, BuzzFeed Staff

    20. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

    The WB / The CW

    "Confession time: I just recently started watching Gilmore Girls about two months ago. I had always heard about how great it is, and I'm not sure why it took so long, but I absolutely ADORE this show. I'm currently on Season 3, so here's what I love about it so far — Lorelai and Rory have my favorite on-screen mother/daughter relationship ever, all of the characters in Stars Hollow have such distinct personalities and the small town vibe makes you feel like you're part of it, and Lorelai's quick wit has me in TEARS at times. Turning this show on, especially at a time like this, just feels like a warm, comforting hug." —Samantha Wieder, BuzzFeed Staff (aka me)

    21. The Chef Show (2019–present)

    Netflix

    "I just love this show. I love watching Jon and how into cooking he is. How excited Roy is to teach him. I have been so inspired to cook after watching this show. I've made the crust from the pie episode three times. It's a great show." —hannahcma1

    22. Jane the Virgin (2014–2019)

    The CW

    "I could write an essay explaining why this is my only choice. Started following in November and finished it a couple of days ago. It's such a perfect show with a mix of drama, comedy, romance, suspense, thrill, etc. It makes you laugh, cry, and smile all in 40 minutes. It's super relatable too, as I've been brought up with my maternal grandmother and I am also from a minority background (British Pakistani Muslim). From religion to issues such as immigration, it felt so real to me. My grandmother is also a very hands-on great grandma to my girls, just like Alba is to Mateo. I love, love, love the show and wish it could carry on forever!" —pwincessrasia

    23. One Day (2011)

    Random House Films

    "OMG, it is so amazing and it's great because it really shows how true love (if you believe in true love) can take time and that's okay. Sometimes you'll mess up, and fail, and fall down, and make horrible decisions, but it's never truly too late to turn your life around for the better. It also shows that sometimes bad things happen to good people for no reason, and though that sucks, it's okay and it's part of life. It makes me feel better. My go-to movie. I love it." —helen1blakee

    24. Terrace House (2015–present)

    Netflix

    "It’s a Japanese reality show and it is so calming. You can’t go wrong watching it." —lootgrim

    25. Ugly Delicious (2018–present)

    Netflix

    "Everything makes me so hungry, but they include really interesting food history and the overarching lesson that we should all be more accepting of each other's cultures and how food can bring people together, (it is cheesy, I know), but it always leaves me with a good feeling." —Emma McAnaw, BuzzFeed Staff

    26. Sex Education (2019–present)

    Netflix

    "It's a heartfelt, kind drama with well-humanized characters and deals with big-picture issues in a sensitive way." —sarahs4b6b11299

    27. About Time (2013)

    Universal Pictures

    "One of the best movies ever and it makes me cry so hard every time I watch. It's a super cute rom-com about a guy who can time travel, but it not only focuses on his love life and this girl he likes, but it also focuses on his relationship with his father as well. I love every minute of it and it makes me so happy." —helen1blakee

    28. Atypical (2017–present)

    Netflix

    "It’s funny, heartwarming, and cute. Also, kind of educational since I’ve never seen an autistic teenager as a main character on TV. I’d recommend giving it a try!" —ilovethewordhello

    29. Pokémon: Indigo League (1997–1999)

    TV Tokyo

    "The Indigo League episodes are a fun '90s throwback. A lot of the humor is silly and out there enough that it still can make me laugh as an adult, and Pikachu remains cute as heck." —claudiab4ee0a6926

    30. The Untamed (2019)

    Tencent Video

    "It's a Chinese drama and it is amazingly good. This story takes you through so many emotions, and the characters are so engaging, you only want them to be happy and to have everything they want. I was completely hooked by the end of the second episode, and I have already watched it five times." —shellezbellez

    31. Hook (1991)

    TriStar Pictures

    "I haven't seen this in years and I forgot how happy it makes me. I didn’t know how much I needed to see it again until I watched it. I did cry at the end, but I do that with all of Robin Williams' movies. I really miss him." —amazinganne90

    32. And Charlie's Angels (2000)

    Columbia Pictures

    "This movie always makes me feel good! Three esteemed best friends kicking butt and have a fun time doing it! Their different personalities and ways of living make them bond even stronger. They always keep me guessing and laughing." —nataliizavalaafloress

    Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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