Best Nice Positive Life Affirming Movies 2017

If youre looking for films from 2017 that leave you feeling lighter, kinder, and quietly hopeful, youre in the right place. 2017 gave us a lovely mix of family-friendly warmth, tender human stories, and big-hearted musicals. Below Ive picked films that tend to stick with you for the right reasons theyre optimistic without being saccharine, human without being unrealistic, and they remind us that kindness, creativity, and courage matter.

• Paddington 2 (2017)

  One of the purest pleasures of the year. Charming, funny, and endlessly warm, this sequel doubles down on kindness as strength. Its a gentle reminder that compassion and good humor can change peoples lives and its genuinely delightful for all ages.

• Coco (2017)

  Pixar at its most heartwarming. A beautiful celebration of family, memory, and creativity, Coco blends color, music, and emotion to tell a story about honoring loved ones and following your passions. Its uplifting in a way that stays with you.

• The Big Sick (2017)

  Smart, funny, and unexpectedly tender. Based on a real-life relationship, this romantic dramedy balances humor and humanity, showing how love and empathy can guide us through confusing, heartbreaking moments without losing laughter along the way.

• Wonder (2017)

  A straightforward, earnest story about empathy and acceptance. Centered on a young boy navigating school with a facial difference, Wonder leans into the best parts of human decency and will probably make you reach for tissues in a good way.

• The Greatest Showman (2017)

  Big-hearted and breezy, this musical celebrates imagination, inclusivity, and the belief that everyone has a place. Its a feel-good spectacle about embracing difference and chasing dreams watch it when you want to feel energized and inspired.

• Lady Bird (2017)

  Bittersweet and wonderfully honest, Lady Bird captures the messy warmth of coming-of-age and family love. Its not relentlessly upbeat, but it leaves you with a sincere sense of hope and the comforting idea that ordinary life is full of meaning.

• Gifted (2017)

  A gentle, character-driven drama about family, trust, and what it means to support someones gifts without losing sight of their childhood. Its quietly uplifting and full of sincere moments that celebrate love over ambition.

• The Post (2017)

  More inspirational than sentimental. This newsroom drama is a reminder of civic courage and the importance of standing up for truth. Its energizing in a thoughtful way and affirms the value of principle-driven action.

• Ferdinand (2017)

  This animated film about a gentle bull who prefers flowers to fighting is sweet, funny, and surprisingly moving. Its a story about being true to yourself and choosing peace great for families and anyone who likes warm-hearted animation.

• Call Me by Your Name (2017)

  Soft, luminous, and deeply human. While its wistful and emotional, this film honors first love and self-discovery in a way that ultimately affirms the beauty of feeling and remembering. Its contemplative and quietly uplifting.

Why these films lift the spirit

They put people not spectacle at the center. Whether its a childrens animated adventure or a grounded adult drama, these movies celebrate connection, creativity, and courage. They let characters be flawed and kind, and they remind us that small acts of generosity or honest bravery often matter most.

How to watch if you want the most uplifting experience

1. Choose based on mood: go family-friendly for warmth (Paddington 2, Coco, Ferdinand), musical for energy (The Greatest Showman), or intimate dramas for reflection (The Big Sick, Lady Bird).
2. Watch with people you enjoy shared laughter and quiet tears make these films land even better.
3. Give yourself a little downtime afterward to sit with the feelings the film raises. A walk or a cup of tea helps the good parts sink in.

2017 had a lovely variety of films that remind us why we love movies: to feel less alone, to be inspired, and to walk away ready to be a little kinder. Pick one from this list tonight and let it nudge you toward a softer, more hopeful view of the world.

Quick affirmation: "I choose small acts of kindness and the courage to follow what brings me joy."