20 Optimistic TV Shows & Movies to Brighten Your Day

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

An award-winning cynical journalist, Lloyd Vogel, begrudgingly accepts an assignment to write an Esquire profile piece on the beloved television icon Fred Rogers. After his encounter with Rogers, Vogel's perspective on life is transformed. Released on September 7, 2019, this uplifting movie has an average rating of 3.8. Watch now.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

A timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams embarks on a true-life adventure when a negative goes missing. Premiered on December 18, 2013, this feel-good film has an average rating of 3.9. Watch now.

Little Miss Sunshine

A family loaded with quirky, colorful characters piles into an old van and road trips to California for little Olive to compete in a beauty pageant. Released on July 26, 2006, this charming movie has an average rating of 4.0. Watch now.

Paddington 2

Paddington, now happily settled with the Browns, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy, but it is stolen. Released on November 9, 2017, this delightful film has an average rating of 3.7. Watch now.

Yes Man

Carl Allen has stumbled across a way to shake free of post-divorce blues and a dead-end job: embrace life and say yes to everything. Released on December 9, 2008, this movie has an average rating of 3.5. Watch now.

The Pursuit of Happyness

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career. Released on December 14, 2006, this inspiring film has an average rating of 4.2. Watch now.

Sing Street

A boy growing up in Dublin during the 1980s escapes his strained family life by starting a band to impress the mysterious girl he likes. Released on March 11, 2016, this heartfelt film has an average rating of 4.0. Watch now.

La La Land

Mia, an aspiring actress, serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and Sebastian, a jazz musician, scrapes by playing cocktail party gigs in dingy bars. Their love story intertwines with their dreams in this beautiful film. Released on November 29, 2016, it has an average rating of 3.9. Watch now.

Chef

When Chef Carl Casper suddenly quits his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant, he launches a food truck with his ex-wife, friend, and son to reignite his passion for cooking. Released on May 8, 2014, this inspiring film has an average rating of 3.5. Watch now.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

A single-camera ensemble comedy following the lives of an eclectic group of detectives in a New York precinct. This hilarious series debuted on September 17, 2013, and has an average rating of 4.1. Watch now.

Parks and Recreation

In an attempt to beautify her town and advance her career, Leslie Knope takes on bureaucrats and cranky neighbors, all while navigating the democratic process she adores. This beloved show began on April 9, 2009, and boasts an average rating of 4.2. Watch now.

Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso, an American football coach, moves to England to manage a soccer team despite having no experience. His optimistic outlook transforms the lives of cynical players and a doubtful town. Premiered on August 14, 2020, this heartwarming series has an average rating of 4.5. Watch now.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

In 1958 Manhattan, Miriam "Midge" Maisel must start over after her life suddenly changes. She discovers a talent for stand-up comedy, leading her to the spotlight. Premiered on March 16, 2017, the show has an average rating of 4.3. Watch now.

Queer Eye

The modern reboot of the Emmy Award-winning reality series features an all-new "Fab Five" advising men on fashion, grooming, food, culture, and design. Premiered on February 7, 2018, the series has an average rating of 4.0. Watch now.

The Good Place

Eleanor Shellstrop, through an extraordinary string of events, enters the afterlife and realizes she hasn't been a good person. With the help of her wise mentor, she strives to become better. This show started on September 19, 2016, and holds an average rating of 4.0. Watch now.

Wonder

The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he enters fifth grade and attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Released on November 13, 2017, this inspiring movie has an average rating of 3.9. Watch now.

Kim's Convenience

The funny, heartfelt story of The Kims, a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in downtown Toronto. The series began on October 11, 2016, and has an average rating of 3.9. Watch now.

Schitt's Creek

Formerly filthy rich video store magnate Johnny Rose, his soap star wife Moira, and their two kids find themselves broke and forced to live in a small, depressing town they once bought as a joke. This beloved series launched on January 13, 2015, and has an average rating of 4.0. Watch now.

Steven Universe

A young boy takes his mother's place in a group of gemstone-based beings and must learn to control his powers. Premiered on November 4, 2013, this animated series has an average rating of 4.3. Watch now.

Heartstopper

Teens Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age series. Premiered on April 22, 2022, the show has an average rating of 4.2. Watch now.

Closing

These 20 movies and TV shows exemplify the power of optimism and positivity. Whether you're looking for heartwarming narratives, comedic relief, or inspiring tales of perseverance, these selections are sure to brighten your day. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and let these stories bring a smile to your face!