Introduction

Everyone has a movie that makes them smile. It’s that feel-good film that we turn to when we need a break from the stresses of life. Whether it’s a romantic comedy, an animated adventure, or a heartwarming drama, these movies have the power to lift our spirits and brighten our day.

In this article, we will explore what makes a “What Makes You Smile” movie, why these movies are important, and provide five different ways to approach writing about them, including creating a ranked list, analyzing a specific genre, sharing a personal essay, spotlighting a favorite director or actor, and taking a historical perspective.

Ranked List

If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to what makes you smile movies, creating a ranked list is an excellent way to begin. Here are the top 10 movies that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face:

1. The Princess Bride – This classic romantic fairy tale adventure is a timeless feel-good movie that you can enjoy over and over again.
2. The LEGO Movie – With its heartwarming message about the power of creativity and coming together, this animated adventure will make you laugh and feel inspired.
3. Love, Simon – This coming-of-age romantic comedy is not only charming and relatable but also an important representation of the LGBTQ+ community in mainstream media.
4. Juno – With its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and heartwarming themes of love and family, this indie comedy-drama is a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good movie.
5. The Proposal – Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds’s charming chemistry and hilarious antics in this romantic comedy will have you laughing out loud and feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
6. The Greatest Showman – With its dazzling musical numbers, inspiring message of inclusivity and acceptance, and an incredible performance by Hugh Jackman, this film is a true masterpiece.
7. Crazy Rich Asians – This groundbreaking film not only defies stereotypes and celebrates Asian culture but also tells an enchanting and romantic story that will warm your heart.
8. Forrest Gump – This classic film is not only a cinematic masterpiece but also an inspiring and heartwarming story of resilience, love, and destiny.
9. Silver Linings Playbook – With its outstanding performances by Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, this romantic comedy-drama explores mental health, family, and second chances in a deeply moving and uplifting way.
10. Up – This animated adventure not only packs an emotional punch with its touching storyline but also features some of the most lovable and memorable characters in animation history.

As you can see from this list, what makes a “What Makes You Smile” movie varies greatly. Some films may be heartwarming and romantic, while others may be silly and lighthearted. Nevertheless, they all share one thing in common: they make us feel good and give us a reason to smile.

Genre Analysis

Another way to approach writing about “What Makes You Smile” movies is to analyze a specific genre. Let’s take a look at the romantic comedy genre, for example.

What sets romantic comedies apart from other genres is their emphasis on love and humor. These movies generally focus on the ups and downs of relationships and feature many humorous moments and witty dialogue. They are often criticized for being formulaic and predictable, but that’s precisely what makes them comforting and enjoyable to watch.

One common technique used in romantic comedies is the use of the “meet-cute.” This is a scene in which the two main characters meet for the first time in an unusual or memorable way. For example, in the movie “When Harry Met Sally,” the two characters meet on a road trip and argue about whether men and women can be friends without sex getting in the way.

Another common element is the use of misunderstandings and miscommunications. These often lead to humorous or awkward situations, which can be central to the plot. For example, in the movie “The Proposal,” the main characters pretend to be engaged to avoid deportation, leading to many misunderstandings and hilarious situations.

There are many great romantic comedies to choose from, but some of the best include “You’ve Got Mail,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”

Personal Essay

A personal essay is another way to write about “What Makes You Smile” movies. Here’s an example:

My all-time favorite feel-good movie is “The Intouchables.” This French film is based on a true story and tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between an aristocrat, Philippe, and his caregiver, Driss.

What I love about this movie is how it uses humor and honest emotion to explore themes of friendship, acceptance, and the power of true human connection. The bond that develops between Philippe and Driss is truly inspirational and a testament to the fact that we are all more alike than we are different.

Watching “The Intouchables” always makes me smile because it reminds me that no matter what challenges we might face, there is always hope for a brighter future. It’s a movie that has touched my heart and is a reminder to never give up on the pursuit of happiness.

Director/Actor Spotlight

Another way to approach writing about “What Makes You Smile” movies is to spotlight a favorite director or actor. For me, that’s none other than the great Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks is one of the most talented and beloved actors in Hollywood, with an incredible range and versatility that has made him a household name. He has starred in countless feel-good movies over the years, including “Big,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Toy Story.”

What sets Tom Hanks apart is his ability to bring authenticity and warmth to every role he plays. His characters are relatable, funny, and inspiring, and he has brought joy and entertainment to millions of people around the world.

Tom Hanks’s impact on the film industry cannot be overstated. He has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including two Academy Awards, and has been a role model for other actors and filmmakers to follow.

Historical Perspective

Finally, you can also take a historical perspective on what makes you smile movies. Feel-good movies have been around for decades, and their popularity has only continued to grow over time.

In the early days of cinema, musicals were a popular form of entertainment that brought joy and happiness to audiences during the difficult times of the Great Depression. Musicals such as “Singin’ in the Rain,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Hello, Dolly!” remain beloved classics to this day.

In the 1980s and 1990s, romantic comedies became the go-to feel-good movies, with films such as “Pretty Woman,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Sleepless in Seattle” capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. These movies were often criticized for perpetuating unrealistic and idealized notions of love and relationships, but they were also a source of comfort and inspiration for many people.

Today, feel-good movies come in all shapes, sizes, and genres. From uplifting dramas to inspiring documentaries to animated adventures, there is no shortage of options for those looking for a reason to smile.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different ways to approach writing about “What Makes You Smile” movies. Whether you create a ranked list, analyze a specific genre, share a personal essay, spotlight a favorite director or actor, or take a historical perspective, the one thing that all feel-good movies have in common is their ability to make us feel happy and hopeful.

So the next time you need a break from the stresses of life, why not put on a movie that makes you smile? Whether it’s an old favorite or a new discovery, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of watching a movie that warms your heart and puts a smile on your face.