It’s that time of year when we are tired of big summer blockbusters but we aren’t ready for spooky Halloween movies yet. So let’s fill the gap with some wholesome movies!
10. Sister Act 2
You must be wondering, “why did you put the sequel in this list and not the original movie?” Well, that’s because the first film features murder and mob hits and that’s not wholesome. The sequel is more of a feel-good film. Whoopi Goldberg’s character, Deloris a.k.a Sister Mary Clarence is entertaining and charitable. She is also pretty indiscreet… but like, in a wholesome way.
9. Friends with Benefits
I know what you’re thinking. “Should a sex comedy be on a wholesome movie list?” Yes, it should because sexy people can be wholesome too. This film tells the story of two good friends who make an arrangement to participate in a little “physical activity” without any emotional involvement. Viewers will love the hilarious and sexy scenes, and they will also love all the flash mobs!
8. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Lovers of the outdoors will love this film about a young boy who finds a home with his kind foster family and sets out on an adventure with his foster father. This movie has excellent acting, gorgeous scenery, and that trademark sentimental humor that we have come to expect from Taika Waititi films.
Spoilers: I do want to warn you. A dog dies in the film. Please skip the 1:06-1:10 hour mark if you don’t want to see it.
7. Fried Green Tomatoes
This film is all about family, friends, and food. Fried Green Tomatoes tells the story of a woman who learns to love and empower herself by listening to stories about the amazing lives of two remarkable women named Idgie and Ruth. Also, Idgie and Ruth are a couple. This is not up for debate or speculation. There are contextual clues in the book that they are in a relationship.
One more warning for you all. This movie contains scenes of implied cannibalism. But I promise the movie is still wholesome.
6. Second-Hand Lions
This movie has everything. Lions, old men flying planes upside down through barns, sword fights, a young Haley Joel Osment, and Michael Caine speaking in a rather convincing southern accent. This film is about a young boy getting sent to live with his uncles whose lives are shrouded in mystery. Viewers will appreciate the irreverent humor, the sentimentality, and the epic sword fighting scenes.
5. Akeelah and The Bee
This film tells the story of an incredibly smart girl who competes in a spelling bee. Keke Palmer plays the titular character, who under the tutelage of Morpheus himself, a.k.a. Lawrence Fishburn, hones her talent for spelling and learns a thing or two about self-confidence along the way.
4. 9 to 5
This film is the quintessential feminist classic and I think we could all use a little more feminism, wouldn’t you say? Viewers will adore this film about three women who (because of hilarious misunderstandings) end up kidnapping their boss and enacting real and proper change in their workplace environment.
3. Practical Magic
The movie gets slightly dark in certain parts, but is mainly a wholesome story of two sisters reconnecting. Witchy viewers will enjoy watching the magical Owens family perform their spells and rituals. And they will also appreciate the sweet sisterly bond between the two main characters.
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2. The Birdcage
We are schmecken for schnecken! Lovers of musical theater will adore this film based on the musical La Cage aux Folles. This film tells the story of a young man trying to impress his fiancée’s stuffy, conservative family by hiding the fact that he was raised by two dads. But thankfully, he learns that a loving family is nothing to be ashamed of. Viewers will enjoy Nathan Lane’s bombastic and theatrical character and they will also love the warm-hearted message of the film.
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1. Harvey
Harvey is a heartwarming movie based on a play of the same name by Mary Chase. The film tells the story of a sweet-natured man named Elwood, who spends his days in the company of a 6-foot tall rabbit named Harvey whom only he can see. Viewers will relate to Elwood’s courteous and diplomatic nature. They will also wish that they had a giant invisible rabbit following them around.
Read More: 10 Reasons to Watch the Cinematic Classic ‘Harvey’
