25 kindest Western movies worth watching

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

First love stories, musicals, pictures about children and animals and other works that can charge you with optimism for a long time.

25. Babe: Four-legged kid

• Australia, USA, 1995.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 91 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 8.

Arthur Hoggett wins an orphan pig named Babe at the fair and takes him to his farm. There the Shepherd Fly becomes the adoptive mother of the baby. Soon Babe is helping herd the sheep with might and main. But not all the inhabitants of the farm are friendly to the pig.

Director Chris Noonen and George Miller, who everyone knows from Mad Max, came up with this film based on the book by Dick King-Smith. The picture combines great for its time special effects and an easy kind plot. And it is simply impossible not to laugh at some of the characters. For example, over the drake Ferdinand, who wants to be a rooster.

24. Clueless

• USA, 1995.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 97 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 8.

The young beauty Cher is rich and not too smart. But she has a kind heart, and the girl wants to help people - for example, arranges an affair between teachers. Then Cher decides to help the new girl adapt to school and even tries to find her a boyfriend. But things are not going according to plan.

This film is perfect for those who want to see a classic plot, but are not ready for retro entourage and historical costumes. The Clueless's plot is based on Jane Austen's novel Emma. But the authors transferred the action to modern times, simplified the presentation and changed many details. The result is a lighter and more relevant version of the great classic.

23. Mrs. Doubtfire

• USA, 1993.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 125 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 0.

After the divorce, Daniel Hillard misses his children left with their mother. Formally, he can only meet with them once a week. But Daniel comes up with a clever way out: he disguises himself as the charming lady Mrs. Doubtfire and hires his ex-wife as a housekeeper.

The main advantage of this film is the incredible performance of Robin Williams. He was made up for four hours daily, but more importantly, the actor himself completely reincarnated into his character. Once he even went shopping in the image of Mrs. Doubtfire, and no one recognized the woman as a celebrity. The director of the film, Chris Columbus, could only give Williams complete freedom on the set and shoot his improvisations.

22. Angel-A

• France, 2005.
• Fantasy, drama, melodrama, comedy.
• Duration: 91 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 1.

The fraudster Andre was mired in debt to the bandits and therefore decided to commit suicide. He is about to jump off the bridge, but sees a beautiful girl throwing herself into the river. Andre saves a stranger, and she promises to help him solve all the problems.

Versatile director Luc Besson has shot a black and white film that balances on the edge of drama, fantasy and comedy. A contrasting couple of main characters embark on an adventure, and all this - in a sweet romantic atmosphere.

21. School of Rock

• USA, 2003.
• Comedy, musical.
• Duration: 109 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 1.

The talented but unlucky guitarist Dewey Finn is kicked out of his own band and left without a livelihood. He almost accidentally gets a job as a substitute teacher in the school. Only Dewey understands absolutely nothing about teaching. Therefore, he continues to do what he can: gathers a group of children and teaches them to express themselves.

Richard Linklater is equally good at filming complex dramas, fiction and witty comedies. In the tape with Jack Black in the title role, he simply shows that the ability to be on the same wavelength with the students can give the teacher much more than knowledge of the manuals.

20. Jerry Maguire

• USA, 1996.
• Sports drama, comedy.
• Duration: 139 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Successful sports agent Jerry Maguire loses his job due to criticism from his superiors. But he decides not to leave the profession and opens his own company. True, only his girlfriend and a talented football player with a complex character support him.

Cameron Crowe's film, in which Tom Cruise played one of his best roles, recalls the eternal truths: success largely depends on the support of loved ones and self-confidence.

19. Large

• USA, 1988.
• Comedy, drama, family.
• Duration: 104 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

The very young Josh Baskin dreams of becoming an adult. And suddenly his wish comes true. Suddenly waking up at 30, Josh is forced to live on his own and look for work. And adult life is very difficult.

A selection of kind and positive films would be incomplete without films with Tom Hanks - one of the most charming actors in Hollywood. The film "Bolshoi", which made the artist famous, reminds us that in the adult world there is a place for childish openness and optimism.

18. Chef on Wheels

• USA, 2014.
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 114 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Talented chef Karl Kasper loses his job at the restaurant due to several scandals. Then he decides to open his own diner on wheels. An eccentric act allows Kasper to get close to his son again, and at the same time to feel a passion for cooking.

This simple film was invented and shot by the famous director and producer Jon Favreau, who himself played the main role. By that time, the author had already become famous thanks to his work on "Iron Man". And he came up with a small personal story just "for the soul", because he himself loves to cook. Later, Favreau, along with Roy Choi, who advised him during filming, even released The Chef Show on Netflix.

17. The incredible life of Walter Mitty

• USA, UK, 2013.
• Adventure, comedy, drama.
• Duration: 114 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Walter Mitty all his life only dreamed of being a real hero. In reality, he quietly works in the negatives department of Life magazine. But one day it turns out that the photographer did not send an important shot, which should go on the cover of the last issue. Walter has to embark on a journey that will change his life.

A very calm and beautiful film directed by Ben Stiller, it allows the viewer to take a look at the incredible landscapes of Greenland and Iceland and watch the reincarnation of the protagonist. And at the same time, and most dream about adventure.

16. At least once in my life

• USA, 2013.
• Musical tragicomedy.
• Duration: 104 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

Once-successful producer Dan Mulligan's career is going downhill. But he meets a young singer, Gretta, with great creativity at the bar. The girl only needs help with the recording and arrangements.

Irishman John Carney makes great musical films, each of which deserves to be included in this selection. “At least once in my life” pleases with the atmosphere of real friendship and creativity, without going into romantic clichés. A pleasant soundtrack only complements the feeling.

15. When Harry Met Sally

• USA, 1989.
• Drama, melodrama, comedy.
• Duration: 95 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 6.

Sally moves to New York and runs into Harry on the way. Since then, the heroes will meet again and again. Harry and Sally become friends, but for too long they cannot understand that this is, in fact, true love.

Director Rob Reiner and stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan remind us that the best foundation for a romantic relationship is a strong friendship. You just need to learn to notice those who are around.

14. Real love

• UK, USA, 2003.
• Melodrama, comedy.
• Duration: 129 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 6.

The action takes place on the eve of Christmas. Nine very different stories are dedicated to an aging rock musician and his manager, a couple of newlyweds and their friend, a writer and even a couple of stunt doubles in erotic scenes. All these plots are united by the main feeling - love.

Director Richard Curtis had many ideas for romantic films, but he hesitated to allocate 3-4 years for each of them to shoot a full-length story. So he mixed them together and turned them into a set of small, but very touching novellas.

13. Strange couple

• USA, 1968.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 105 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

The overly pedantic Felix Unger, obsessed with cleanliness, is kicked out by his wife. Then he decides to live with his friend Oscar Madison. The trouble is only one thing: the landlord loves a riotous lifestyle, and the guest cannot stand any dirt and violation of the schedule.

In this film, Gene Sax was played by the famous Jack Lemmon, whom everyone knows from the movie "There are only girls in jazz", and another great comedian - Walter Mattau. The energetic and positive picture has become a true legend. The story was repeatedly continued, restarted and even female versions were filmed. Indeed, the plot is based on a simple, but important moral: completely opposite people can be real friends.

12. Little Miss Joy

• USA, 2006.
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 8.

Young Olive dreams of winning the Little Miss Happiness contest. Her father and mother and other relatives seem to want to help the girl, but each of them is too immersed in their own worries. And yet they are going on a trip across the country for the Olives.

The picture about a girl who, with her positive and openness, managed to unite not the most friendly family, became a real hit in the year of its release. Even at the premiere at the Sundance festival, the film received a standing ovation from the audience, at the box office it collected a huge box office. And then Little Miss Happiness received four Oscar nominations and two statuettes.

11. The Adventures of Paddington - 2

• UK, France, USA, 2017.
• Comedy, fantasy.
• Duration: 103 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 8.

The naive, but very well-mannered Paddington bear has already settled in London. Once in an antique shop, he sees an old book and sets out to save money for it. But soon the tome is kidnapped, and suspicion falls on Paddington.

This film is a rare example where many rated the sequel even higher than the original. And for good reason: The Adventures of Paddington II is an even more fabulous and lovable story that will appeal to audiences of all ages.

10. Kingdom of the full moon

• USA, 2012.
• Tragicomedy.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 8.

Boy Scout Sam Shikaski has a complex personality, which is why even his adoptive parents abandoned him. But he meets the withdrawn Susie Bishop and immediately falls in love. The teenagers decide to run away from everyone and be happy together. Meanwhile, the police, the girl's parents and even the scouts have to look for children.

Many of Wes Anderson's works deserve to be included in the selection of good films. His tapes are distinguished by a vivid picture and almost fabulous stories. "Moonrise Kingdom" adds to this the atmosphere of childhood, which came from the past of the author himself.

9. La-La Land

• USA, 2016.
• Musical, melodrama.
• Duration: 128 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

The aspiring actress Mia accidentally meets the talented pianist Sebastian. Soon the heroes fall in love and together try to build a career. But the better things go on the professional front, the more problems they have in their personal lives.

A film by Damien Chazelle with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone has brought back the popularity of the half-forgotten genre of musicals. The film combines a typical melodrama and dozens of classic references. And a certain theatricality of the production makes the story even easier and more magical.

8. Groundhog Day

• USA, 1993.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

Television commentator Phil Connors arrives in Punxsutawney to film Groundhog Day celebrations. On February 2, he works out the broadcast, spends the day on a daily basis and goes to bed. But the next morning it turns out that February 2 is on the calendar again. Phil is stuck in this day and can't figure out how to get out.

The most famous film about the time loop combines melodramatic comedy and almost philosophical overtones. After all, many people are stuck in exactly the same "Groundhog Day", mired in endless everyday life. But there is always an opportunity to look at the world in a new way.

7. Roman holidays

• USA, 1953.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 118 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

The young princess Anne, tired of the tedious royal duties, escapes during a diplomatic tour and goes for a walk in Rome. When the girl falls asleep, she is found by local reporter Joe Bradley. He does not immediately recognize a celebrity in a stranger. But then he realizes that he has a real sensation in his hands.

This comedy glorified the performer of the leading role Audrey Hepburn, and even the Roman Via Margutta, where many celebrities later began to settle. Roman Holidays combine the warm atmosphere of a summer walk with a romantic history.

6. There are only girls in jazz

• USA, 1959.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 119 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 2.

Loser musicians Joe and Jerry are constantly looking for a place to earn extra money. But a more serious problem falls on them: the partners become witnesses to the showdown of the mafia. To hide from the bandits, they get a job in a women's orchestra. Only now they have to reincarnate as Josephine and Daphne.

Great comedians Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon played the leading roles in Billy Wilder's witty comedy. But Marilyn Monroe attracted no less attention from the audience. The film was instantly sold for quotes, and the final phrase "everyone has their shortcomings" (or "no one is perfect") is considered one of the most quoted in the history of cinema.

5. Singing in the rain

• USA, 1952.
• Musical, comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 103 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

Musician and silent film star Don Lockwood finds himself in a difficult situation. The era of sound films has come, and he needs to learn to work in new conditions. Don is helped by his new acquaintance - dancer Katie Seldon.

It's amazing that this romantic musical was born out of songs. The writers of Metro ‑ Goldwyn ‑ Mayer simply put together compositions that were left unclaimed in previous films. And then the authors realized that many of them were written at the dawn of sound films. This is how a story about new times and the problems of actors appeared.

4. Amelie

• France, Germany, 2001.
• Comedy, melodrama.
• Duration: 122 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

Since childhood, Amelie preferred to live in her fictional world and communicate with an imaginary friend. The girl grew up, but did not lose an open and optimistic outlook on the world, and therefore decided to help others. But love burst into her life.

Prior to Amelie, director Jean-Pierre Jeunet shot dark films: the post-apocalyptic Delicacies, the fourth installment of the Alien franchise, and the surreal City of Lost Children. And it is all the more surprising that he released a very romantic and optimistic film in the spirit of old French comedies.

3. 1+1

• France, 2011.
• Drama, comedy, biography.
• Duration: 112 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 5.

After the accident, the aristocrat Philip was paralyzed, and now he constantly needs an assistant. From all the variety of caregivers, the rich man chooses the dark-skinned bully Driss, although it seems that he is completely unsuitable for such a job. But it is he who helps Philip to feel alive again.

An emotional and life-affirming film based on real events. And this story fell in love with the audience of many countries. In its native country, "1 + 1" was the second in the list of the highest grossing works, and in the world the picture held the championship as the most popular French film for several years.

2. This wonderful life

• USA, 1946.
• Drama, family.
• Duration: 130 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 6.

George Bailey is a caring husband and father and a great worker. But too many adversities fall on him, and the hero decides to commit suicide. However, the guardian angel shows George what the world would look like without him.

Despite the sad beginning, this Christmas film can be considered one of the most life-affirming. After all, being mired in problems, we really often do not notice how important they are to a huge number of people.

1. Forrest Gump

• USA, 1994.
• Drama, melodrama.
• Duration: 142 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 8.

The feeble-minded but noble and open Forrest Gump tells the story of his life. Since childhood, he had to overcome many difficulties. But Forrest managed to become the best in everything he undertook. He played football, became a war hero and ping-pong champion. And at the same time he always remained honest and disinterested.

This is one of those cases where the adaptation turned out to be significantly stronger than the original book. Director Robert Zemeckis smoothed out all the roughness of the work, and Tom Hanks turned the idiot character into a symbol of kindness and openness. The picture is still on the list of the best films of all time, and literally everyone knows the quotes from it.