A great way to boost your happiness is to watch a happy or funny movie. Researchers found that when people watched a funny video, for example, anger and sorrow dropped 98%, and the improvement persisted for more than twelve hours. 
, 
, 
, and several others. But as I was making the list, and thinking about movies that made me laugh, I realized that movies can also help us do something a little more complicated -- to think more deeply on the nature of love and happiness. 
(perhaps my all-time favorite movie about the nature of love and happiness)
(yes, Fight Club) 
(because this movie is set in the porn industry, it took me a while to realize that it’s really about love and happiness)
, but I can’t stand anything that revolves around unjust accusation, so I’ve never been able to make myself watch it. What other movies would you suggest?
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I started making a list of funny movies, and I quickly wrote down The Princess Bride In the tumult of daily life, it can be hard to reflect on issues like: what does it mean to be happy, and how do we become happy? what is our responsibility for other people’s happiness? how can you love someone and hate someone, too? what are proper expressions of love, and what limits must we observe? Many of my favorite movies manage to raise these issues -- and although this description may make them sound preachy and heavy, these are all TERRIFIC. They don’t give a feeling of merriment, but rather of elevation. If you feel like prompting yourself to have a happiness meditation, try one of these: Junebug Fight Club Boogie Nights I could keep going… Which ones have I missed? People keep recommending The Shawshank Redemption The days are long, but the years are short.
Posted by: Tracey| January 29, 2009 at 06:59 AM Gardenstate (Zach Braff & Natalie Portman) - happiest movie I can think of, even if other people would beg to differ because of the ending. It offers hope and second chances, something that can't help but make most of us happy Ferris Bueller's Day Off, hands down. 13 going on 30 it reminds me of when I was 13 and thought things were possible and I didn't have to be mean to get them. I also really like the Cutting Edge, and Casablanca, and Meet the Robinsons is absolutely the best and that one works for both my husband and myself. Try Mike Leigh's new film, "Happy Go Lucky". It hasn't gotten much press in the U.S., but it's essential watching for anyone interested in happiness, how to be optimistic without being unrealistic, and how to avoid chronic unhappiness. I can't sum it up...it speaks volumes for itself! In spite of the ending, Steel Magnolias - even when you're cying, you're laughing! And any Disney moview makes me happy because it reminds me of when the kids were little. Please don't miss seeing "On Golden Pond" with Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. Two old pros at their best and lots of laughs. And I know I can always count on reruns of "The Golden Girls" when I need a really good chuckle! Definately Shawshank Redemption! It's a beautiful story about the bond of everlasting friendship! Also I recommend Planes, Trains and Automobiles! Not only is this movie timeless....but it's hilarious and the friendship between the two guys is priceless at the end of the movie. John Candy's sweet smile at the end is the total epitome of happiness!!!!!! I can watch Bird Cage and 50 First Dates over and over again because they always bring a smile to my face. Other movies that do this are In Her Shoes and The Holiday. I recently saw Mamma Mia and felt it was also a movie that put me in a happy mood. The Wizard of Oz. The whole movie is about finding your happiness. And realizing that it was right in front of you the entire time... And somebody mentioned the Princess Bride.... Mamma Mia! I have watched that movie everyday this week and it never fails to make me happy. I always spend the rest of the day singing ABBA songs with my toddler! Win a date with Tad Hamilton, Just friends, The holiday,Turner and Hooch, Guess who, Bridget Jone's diary, Notting hill, about a boy, The lake house, ps I love you, seventeen again, eurotrip, and millions more these films make me laugh even when Im in a really bad mood and make me feel better these are just a few of the films that I love to watch again and again but I think serials contribute alot as well like Friends, Gilmore girls, Men in trees, two and a half men , how I met your mother and many more. Ms. Rubin, While there is an unjust accusation, the movie is ultimately about redemption from an unjust accusation; I'm not sure you could get happier than that. Besides, Shawshank Redemption is the #1 film on IMDB's Top 250, and it's based on a novella by Stephen King. It's a MUST SEE. BWell, J.Dash Here are a few for your list... The Pursuit of Happyness I would have to add: Forrest Gump |
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I totally agree with you about Fight Club...it's all about happiness. And it has Ed Norton which makes ME happy!
Pride and Prejudice
Aladdin
Ratattouille
Love, Actually
Little Miss Sunshine
Lars and the Real Girl
Run Fat Boy Run
Most movies are about happiness on some level, it just depends on how you watch them. All characters are always trying to get what they think will make them happy...whether its an inspirational suggestion or a cautionary tale depends on the movie!