Clueless, 1995
Cher Horowitz, a privileged high school student from Beverly Hills, and her friend Dion tackle teenage life – friendship, boys, sex and how to accessorise a plaid skirt – while trying to makeover new girl at school Tai, before realising they might need a lifestyle makeover themselves.
Lena De Casparis, Culture & Special Projects Director, says: 'From the pure optimism of Cher, laugh out line one liners, and that happy making wardrobe - everything about clueless will make you feel good.'
La La Land, 2016
Damien Chazelle's romantic musical comedy-drama sees coffee shop girl/aspiring actress Mia and die-hard jazz pianist Seb struggle to make their dreams a reality in Hollywood. Cue tap dancing, singing, musical numbers and Los Angeles shot at magic hour. The most beautiful film, ever.
Up!, 2009
Right, let's get it out of the way. Yes, you will be weeping buckets after that scene early on in the Pixar film but you'll soon feel inspired by Carl, a septuagenarian balloon salesman, who has always dreamed of traveling South America. Little does he know his life is about to be changed by an eight-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell. Oh, and a talking dog. This film is sure to turn that frown upside down.
Mamma Mia!, 2008
Call us cheesy but the cast alone of the romcom-cum-musical has us smiling. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Julie Walters steal the show in this adapted-from-Broadway story. Non-stop ABBA tunes, the glorious sights of a Greek island and Colin Firth in platform boots. Enough said.
Breakfast At Tiffany's, 1961
Avoid the mean reds with a step back in time to this 1960s classic; a story that tells the life of eccentric socialite Holly Golightly who reluctantly falls for her neighbour, struggling writer Paul Varjak. The music alone will have leave you feeling nostalgic and with the urge to throw on a black dress and fetch a croissant. Pure perfection.
Pitch Perfect, 2012
Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp and Brittany Snow are but a handful of stellar comedic actresses that star in this musical comedy film. The plot follows all-girl a cappella group, The Barden Bellas, as they compete to win Nationals. Sarcasm, self-deprecation and music at its finest.
Toy Story, 1995
While you might need to grab the tissues at the end of this one, this comedy adventure film will have you reminiscing about your childhood and toys as you watch Woody and Buzz defeat the odds to become firm friends and devoted toys for Andy. As Woody says: 'Reach for the sky'. Has there ever been a more inspirational phrase?
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986
The high school boy who bunked off school for the day to hang out with his best friends Cameron and Sloane before graduation is one of the most inspiring and touching films of the century, teaching us all that there's more to life than rules and conformity.
It's a Wonderful Life, 1946
Many make the mistake of reserving this film for Christmas and New Year but we think it's a timeless classic, perfect for all occasions. A story that explores the like of George Bailey as he learns how different his town would've been if he wasn't there, it warms the coldest of hearts and encourages us all to appreciate life that bit more.
Four Weddings and a Funeral, 1994
'A funeral doesn't sound the cheeriest of scenes', you cry. However, Richard Curtis perfectly straddles the reality of humour and tragedy in life, depicting a group of friends who appear to be unlucky in love, until their luck changes.
Katie O'Malley, Digital Writer, says: 'Rowan Atkinson's part as Father Gerald alone will have you chuckling along with the cast. Genius.'
Little Miss Sunshine, 2006
A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus. Starring Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Toni Collette and Steve Carell, this film is about dreams and illusions and the beauty of a dysfunctional family. Pure joy.
De Casparis says: 'Abigail Breslin literally brings sun in to the rainiest cold days in this heart walking family drama.'
Annie Hall, 1977
Starring Diane Keaton – whose role was specifically written for her – Annie Hall tells the story of a neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) who tries to work out why his relationship with Annie Hall (Keaton) ultimately ended and the nature of love.
De Casparis: 'Woody Allen's hilarious nervous pessimism will have you gunning for happier vibes. The lobster scene alone should make you feel better.'
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 2001
One line of that iconic music and you'll be in your pyjamas, sat down on the sofa gorging on a Terry's Chocolate orange and wondering what life would've been like if you'd attended Hogwarts.
Take a journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione and relive your childhood once more. And no, we don't care if you prefer the books. It's essential viewing for improved happiness. Don't blame us, it's science.
Matilda, 1996
Danny DeVito, Roald Dahl, Mara Wilson – can you really get a better combination. This fantasy comedy is sure to cheer you up, with genius girl Matilda beating the odds (her horrid parents and Miss Trunchball) to find happiness with Miss Honey. The chocolate cake scene alone will make you feel inspired. 'Bruce, Bruce, Bruce…'
One Fine Day, 1996
Warning: After viewing this film you'll immediately be in search of a partner willing to pick you up and carry you through a puddle so not to damage your heels. It's inevitable.
Single Melanie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and (Jack) George Clooney are forced to take care of their children on the most important days of their careers and juggle looking after each other's sprogs amid deadlines and pressures from their bosses. Proof that work isn't your top priority.
Mary Poppins, 1964
A spoonful of sugar really does help the medicine (a hangover, a temperature or the grumps) go down, and is perfect if you're feeling a bit under the weather. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke are an essential pairing for a mood lifter.
Forrest Gump, 1994
Overly sentimental? Perhaps. Heart-warming to the level it will make you want to hug a puppy? Definitely. This Award-winning film sees the astonishing life of Forrest Gump, a man who lives charmed life of success and love. A stunning film about overcoming adversity and the cards you were dealt with. 'Stupid is as stupid does,' says Forrest. Don't be stupid, watch the film.
Legally Blonde, 2001
'Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands,' says Elle Woods. Well, happy people also watch Legally Blonde, the story of an innocent Beverly Hills sorority girl who defies judgement and heartbreak to become Harvard's top lawyer. She's a one girl revolution, after all.
Pride, 2014
Based on a true story, this LGBT-related comedy-drama depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised funds to help those affected by the British miners' strike in 1984. Tackling subjects of prejudice, homophobia and community spirit, this is essential viewing to restore your faith in humanity.
Bridget Jones' Diary, 2001
This wanton sex goddess is a woman's life-long friend and confident who makes sense of life, love and London with a group of mismatched friends in the Big Smoke. Big knickers aside, this film will have you cheering for the underdog and debating who is hotter, Daniele Cleaver or Mark Darcy.
Sing Street, 2016
The film that will make you wish you'd formed a music band as a teenager, Sing Street is about a boy called Conor growing up in Dublin during the 1980s and starts a band to distract himself from his troubled schooling and strained family life, in order to get the girl. The fashion and music references to Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet are enough to get you dancing. Available now on Netflix.
Rush Hour, 1998
Mismatched cops are on a mission to rescue the Chinese consul's kidnapped daughter. The perfect police pairing. Unsah Malik, Social Media Manager says: 'There's no better classic comedy duo than Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Broken up with the boyfriend? Bad grade at school? Crippling anxiety? Disconnect yourself from the world and switch this on.'
The Blues Brothers, 1980
In the mood for a pick-me up? Look no further than The Blues Brothers.
Aretha Franklin, Carrie Fisher, Twiggy, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi star in this hilarious musical crime comedy. Jake and his brother Elwood are on a 'mission from God' to reunite their old band to play at a fundraiser to save their childhood orphanage.
Junior Writer Daisy Murray says: 'There are 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses...hit it.' This line makes it the coolest musical of all time. Full stop.
Despicable Me, 2010
Nothing defines happiness like a minion. Fact. With the help of Gru, the world's most evil/adorable super villain/father and a group of yellow, denim dungaree-clad friends, you'll find it hard not to smile at this heartwarming animated comedy.
Happy viewing!
Source: Katie O'Malley
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