If you loved the heartwarming comedy-drama The Intern, starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a list of 15 delightful movies that capture the same spirit of unlikely friendships, personal growth, and finding joy in life’s unexpected moments. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel inspired by these must-watch films.
1. Julie & Julia (2009)
This charming film intertwines the stories of two remarkable women: the legendary chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and a young blogger named Julie Powell (Amy Adams). Julie sets out on a quest to cook all 524 recipes from Child’s cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” in just one year. As Julie documents her culinary journey, we also see flashbacks of Julia’s own path to becoming a culinary icon.
Julie & Julia is a heartwarming tale about passion, perseverance, and the power of food to bring people together. Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Julia Child is spot-on, capturing her infectious enthusiasm and zest for life. Amy Adams is equally delightful as the determined Julie, who finds purpose and joy through her cooking adventures. This film will leave you hungry for more and inspired to follow your own dreams.
2. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Fresh out of college, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) lands a job as an assistant to the ruthless and demanding editor-in-chief of a prestigious fashion magazine, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). As Andy navigates the cutthroat world of fashion, she learns valuable lessons about staying true to herself and the importance of work-life balance.
The Devil Wears Prada is a witty and stylish film that showcases the talents of its incredible cast. Meryl Streep delivers an iconic performance as the icy Miranda Priestly, while Anne Hathaway shines as the plucky and determined Andy. The film’s sharp dialogue, gorgeous costumes, and exploration of the high-stakes fashion industry make it a must-see for anyone who loves a good workplace comedy with heart.
3. Morning Glory (2010)
Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) is a young and ambitious television producer who takes on the challenge of reviving a struggling morning show. She recruits a legendary news anchor (Harrison Ford) and a seasoned co-host (Diane Keaton) to help boost ratings, but their clashing personalities and the show’s behind-the-scenes drama threaten to derail her efforts.
Morning Glory is a delightful and uplifting film that celebrates the power of hard work, determination, and the importance of pursuing your passions. Rachel McAdams is a joy to watch as the plucky and resourceful Becky, while Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton bring their A-game as the bickering co-hosts. This film will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your own challenges with a smile.
4. Chef (2014)
After a public meltdown, a once-celebrated chef, Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), quits his job at a prestigious Los Angeles restaurant. Determined to rediscover his culinary passion, he starts a food truck business and embarks on a cross-country journey with his young son and loyal sous chef.
Chef is a heartwarming and mouthwatering film that celebrates the joys of food, family, and following your dreams. Jon Favreau, who also wrote and directed the film, delivers a charming performance as the passionate and talented Carl, while the supporting cast, including Sofia Vergara and John Leguizamo, bring warmth and humor to their roles. This film will leave you craving Cuban sandwiches and inspired to pursue your own passions.
5. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
When an Indian family opens a restaurant in a small French village, they find themselves in a culinary battle with the Michelin-starred eatery across the street, run by the haughty Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). As the rivalry heats up, the family’s talented young chef, Hassan (Manish Dayal), discovers a passion for French cuisine and begins to bridge the gap between the two cultures.
The Hundred-Foot Journey is a delightful and heartwarming film that celebrates the power of food to bring people together and break down cultural barriers. Helen Mirren is superb as the initially frosty Madame Mallory, while Manish Dayal brings charm and depth to his role as the talented and determined Hassan. This film will transport you to the picturesque French countryside and leave you hungry for more.
6. The Intern (2015)
Of course, we can’t forget the film that inspired this list! In The Intern, 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site run by the ambitious Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). As Ben navigates the unfamiliar world of technology and millennial culture, he forms an unlikely friendship with Jules and becomes a valued mentor to the young employees.
The Intern is a heartwarming and humorous film that celebrates the value of intergenerational friendships and the wisdom that comes with age. Robert De Niro is utterly charming as the kind-hearted and wise Ben, while Anne Hathaway brings depth and vulnerability to her role as the driven but overwhelmed Jules. This film will leave you feeling uplifted and appreciative of the people in your life who offer guidance and support.
7. The Intouchables (2011)
This French comedy-drama tells the true story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic, Philippe (François Cluzet), and his caregiver, Driss (Omar Sy), a young man from the projects. As Driss helps Philippe rediscover the joys of life, the two form a deep bond that transcends their differences.
The Intouchables is a moving and uplifting film that celebrates the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. François Cluzet and Omar Sy have incredible chemistry, bringing warmth, humor, and depth to their roles. This film will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the transformative power of human connection.
8. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
A group of British retirees decides to “outsource” their retirement to the seemingly luxurious Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in India. As they adjust to their new surroundings and the colorful cast of characters they meet, they discover that life’s adventures are far from over.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a charming and heartwarming film that celebrates the joys and challenges of starting anew in the later years of life. The all-star cast, including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy, brings warmth, humor, and depth to their roles, making this a must-see for anyone who believes that it’s never too late to embrace change and find happiness.
9. The Bucket List (2007)
When two terminally ill men, the wealthy and cultured Edward (Jack Nicholson) and the working-class mechanic Carter (Morgan Freeman), share a hospital room, they decide to embark on a series of adventures before they “kick the bucket.” As they travel the world and check items off their bucket list, they form a deep friendship and learn valuable lessons about life and love.
The Bucket List is a poignant and uplifting film that reminds us to live life to the fullest and cherish the people we hold dear. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman have incredible chemistry, bringing humor, heart, and gravitas to their roles. This film will inspire you to create your own bucket list and embrace every moment with joy and gratitude.
10. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Ben (Paul Rudd), a retired writer turned caregiver, takes a job looking after Trevor (Craig Roberts), a teenager with muscular dystrophy. As the two embark on a road trip to see the world’s deepest pit, they learn valuable lessons about life, friendship, and the importance of taking risks.
The Fundamentals of Caring is a heartwarming and humorous film that celebrates the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts have wonderful chemistry, bringing depth and nuance to their roles. This film will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired to embrace life’s challenges with courage and compassion.
11. The Terminal (2004)
When Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a traveler from the fictional country of Krakozhia, finds himself stranded at JFK airport due to a military coup in his homeland, he must navigate the unfamiliar world of the terminal while waiting for his situation to be resolved. As he befriends the airport staff and other travelers, Viktor learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the kindness of strangers.
The Terminal is a charming and heartwarming film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of human connection. Tom Hanks delivers a masterful performance as the kind-hearted and resourceful Viktor, while the supporting cast, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Stanley Tucci, bring warmth and humor to their roles. This film will leave you feeling uplifted and appreciative of the small moments of kindness that can make a big difference in someone’s life.
12. Secondhand Lions (2003)
When shy 14-year-old Walter (Haley Joel Osment) is sent to spend the summer with his eccentric great-uncles, Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine), he discovers a world of adventure, courage, and love. As the uncles share stories of their exotic past, Walter learns valuable lessons about what it means to be a man and the importance of family.
Secondhand Lions is a heartwarming and nostalgic film that celebrates the power of storytelling and the bonds of family. Robert Duvall and Michael Caine are superb as the gruff but lovable uncles, while Haley Joel Osment brings innocence and wonder to his role as the young Walter. This film will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired to embrace life’s adventures with courage and an open heart.
13. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)
In this sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the residents of the hotel find themselves facing new challenges and opportunities as they continue to navigate life in India. When the hotel’s owner, Sonny (Dev Patel), decides to expand the business, he must balance his ambitions with his personal life and the needs of his beloved guests.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a delightful and heartwarming film that continues the story of the beloved characters from the first film. The all-star cast, including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy, brings warmth, humor, and depth to their roles, while new additions Richard Gere and Tamsin Greig add fresh energy to the ensemble. This film will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired to embrace life’s challenges with grace and humor.
14. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness follows the struggles of a single father (Will Smith) who finds himself homeless while trying to build a better life for himself and his young son (Jaden Smith). As Chris navigates the challenges of poverty, discrimination, and the cutthroat world of finance, he learns valuable lessons about perseverance, love, and the true meaning of happiness.
The Pursuit of Happyness is a powerful and inspiring film that celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between father and son. Will Smith delivers a masterful performance as the determined and loving Chris, while Jaden Smith brings innocence and vulnerability to his role as the young Christopher. This film will leave you feeling moved and inspired to pursue your dreams with unwavering determination.
15. Up (2009)
In this heartwarming Pixar classic, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream of visiting the wilds of South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house. Unbeknownst to Carl, a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai) becomes an accidental stowaway on the journey. As the unlikely duo navigates the challenges of the wilderness and learns to work together, they form a deep bond and discover the true meaning of adventure and friendship.
Up is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that celebrates the power of dreams, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of human connection. The stunning animation, memorable characters, and poignant storytelling make this a must-see for viewers of all ages. This film will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and grateful for the people who bring joy and meaning to your life.
These 15 feel-good movies like The Intern offer a delightful mix of heartwarming stories, unlikely friendships, and personal growth. Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a cry, or a dose of inspiration, these films are sure to leave you feeling uplifted and appreciative of life’s little moments. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be charmed by these must-watch movies that celebrate the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.
