15 Feel-Good Movies that are Actually Kind of Depressing When You Think About It

1. Forrest Gump (1994)

oh yeah Who wouldn’t love Forrest’s lovable, naive story as it whizzes through 20th-century historical events like a feather on the wind? This is a heartwarming story – until you realize the undercurrent of sadness that runs through it. From Forrest’s unrequited love for Jenny, who died young after a lifelong abusive relationship, to her mother’s untimely death, to the tragic end of best friend Baba in Vietnam. Needless to say, Forrest’s entire life seems to be defined by a chain of events that he has no control over.

2. “Big” (1988)

On the surface, “Big” is a magical story of wish-fulfillment. A boy named Josh wants to grow up, but he wakes up in the body of Tom Hanks. Fun, quirky, and who wouldn’t want to play on a life-size piano? but please wait a moment. Josh, still a 12-year-old trapped in an adult body, is thrown into a world he can’t handle emotionally, taking on a job, forming a romantic relationship with a grown woman (seriously). The story takes a darker turn when he realizes he has lost his childhood and lives a life of turmoil and loneliness.

3. Pursuit of Happiness (2006)

Will Smith and his son Jaden touch our heartstrings with a touching tale of overcoming adversity. But don’t ignore the fact that their characters are homeless for much of the film. His father, Chris Gardner, bets everything on a slim chance for a better future and takes an unpaid internship. A “happy” ending comes only after constant torment of poverty, despair and stress. It’s more like “stress makes me go crazy” than “feels good”. especially in today’s economy.

4. Wally (2008)

Yes, we have cute little robots that diligently clean the earth and find love in the process. Attractive, right? But let’s not forget that Wall-E is the last robot to function on a completely desolate, trash-filled planet. Mankind abandoned Earth after recklessly depleting its resources and transformed into obese, screen-obsessed beings aboard the Axiom. This is a nice wrap-up of a post-apocalyptic nightmare with a love story between his two robots. Adorable, but also a sad alarm bell.

5. “Up” (2009)

This is a bit too forceful, but I couldn’t resist. Up is a colorful and adventurous story about a grumpy old man, a cheerful boy scout and a talking dog. The heart-wrenching montage of Carl Fredriksen’s life and his relationship with his late wife, Ellie, is fascinating until you pause for a second. The film deals with themes of grief, regret and loneliness. Needless to say, the main plot revolves around Carl’s desperate attempts to fulfill a promise he made to his late wife, dragging the metaphorical baggage of his past, the house, all the way to Paradise Falls. There is adventure, but there is also a melancholy world.

6. “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)

Who can resist the hilarity of Robin Williams dressed as a Scottish nanny? But beneath the cross-dressing and comedic antics hides a story of a broken family, a desperate father, and a controversial divorce. Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) resorts to this extreme behavior to spend time with his children, highlighting the pain of parental separation. The film ends on a positive note, with the parents separating amicably and the children adjusting, but it’s impossible to ignore the underlying heartache that permeates the film.

7. Toy Story 3 (2010)

Yes, eventually Woody and the gang escape the incinerator and find a new love home. But let’s rewind a little, shall we? The story is basically about a toy facing an existential crisis of death, abandonment, and irrelevance. The incinerator scene alone is more chilling than hilarious. Even the “happy ending” is tinged with grief as she is forced to part ways with her beloved owner Andy. If you don’t sob while eating popcorn at the end, then you’re made of stronger people than I am.

8. Finding Nemo (2003)

On the surface, this Pixar hit is a fun adventure, but it begins with the massacre of Merlin the Clownfish, who left behind his wife and 399 unhatched children. The only surviving son, Nemo, is overprotected and captured. The film then turns into an epic, unsettling journey across dangerous waters. The question remains, “Is this an animated children’s movie or a psychological thriller?”

9. Inside Out (2015)

This colorful and clever Pixar movie helps kids (and adults) better understand their emotions. But at its core, it’s about Riley, a young girl who goes through a severe mental crisis after moving to a new city. The film tackles themes of depression, change and loss. Joy’s journey to realizing that grief is an important part of her life has been heartbreaking for her. Watching a little girl’s mental resilience crumble before her eyes isn’t exactly like a walk in the park, Pixar.

10. The Truman Show (1998)

Playing Truman Burbank in an entirely reality TV world, Jim Carrey is inventive and often funny. But he gets incredibly depressing given that whole premise. Truman’s life is manipulated for entertainment, he is constantly lied to, and his privacy is completely violated. The “feel good” moment of his escape comes after his lifelong deception and manipulation. Probably the most hilarious concept to watch the night of the lights, isn’t it?

11. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)

This is the story of a charming, rebellious teenager who just wants to skip school. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that there’s a dark story beneath the comedy’s surface. The entire film is a cry for help from Ferris’ best friend, Cameron Frye. He lives in an abusive and neglected household, has serious mental health problems, and his cries for attention are mostly ignored. Through Cameron’s lens, Ferris’ whimsical truant parade looks more like a perilous journey across teenage angst than fun.

12. “Groundhog Day” (1993)

On the surface, ‘Groundhog Day’ is a witty and creative romantic comedy. But let’s admit that Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is stuck in a time loop, living the same day over and over again. It’s an existential nightmare with a touch of comedy. Phil goes through stages of confusion, hedonism, depression, and even attempts suicide multiple times, but always wakes up to Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe.” He is free only when he begins to live selflessly. interesting? yes. But it’s also an incredibly dark look at human existence.

13. Shrek (2001)

“Shrek” is a delightful fairy tale parody featuring an adorable ogre, a talking donkey, and the romance of a dragon and a donkey. But let’s talk about the demons in the room. Shrek is a social outcast who is constantly criticized, feared, and ostracized because of his appearance. Fiona is the victim of a curse that makes her think she’s only beautiful as a human being. The film conveys a strong message of acceptance and self-love, but beneath its comedic façade hides a poignant commentary on society’s expectations and prejudices.

14. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

This classic movie is full of songs, dances, and charming characters. But come to think of it, Dorothy is a girl who is transported by a tornado to a strange land, and upon arrival she kills a witch and is soon pursued by another vengeful witch. She is then forced on a dangerous quest by a manipulative sorcerer. The entire adventure turns out to be a dream, suggesting that Dorothy may be dealing with serious psychological issues. Munchkin and ruby ​​slippers aside, this is a messy story.

15. “Click” (2006)

Adam Sandler brings lots of laughs in “Click,” playing a man who can control his life with a universal remote control. Sounds like fun, right? error. He fast-forwards through his life, missing key moments with his family, personal growth, and basically his life itself. The film is a solemn reminder of the ephemeral nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment. You might laugh, but it has a bad aftertaste.