Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or foster carer, when kids are feeling under the weather, sometimes the best remedy is a cosy blanket, a warm drink, and a comforting film to lift their spirits.
Whether it’s a light-hearted comedy, an animated adventure, or a classic musical, the right movie can provide a much-needed escape and turn a dreary sick day into a chance for some heart-warming entertainment.
Below is a carefully curated list of the best feel-good movies for children, categorised by genre, with age suitability, emotional content notes, and where to watch in the UK.
Animated Favourites
Animated films are a great choice for sick days—bright colours, fun characters, and heartening stories make them perfect for keeping little ones entertained without overwhelming them.
Toy Story I-IV (1995-2019) – Age 3+
- Why it’s great: A timeless Pixar classic that sparks the imagination, following Woody and Buzz and the gang on their many adventures.
- Emotional Content: Light-hearted with a few touching moments.
- Where to Watch: Disney+ (plus all the shorts are there too)
Finding Nemo (2003) – Age 4+
- Why it’s great: A visually stunning undersea adventure about family and friendship, with plenty of laughs.
- Emotional Content: Contains a few emotional scenes, but the uplifting ending makes up for it.
- Where to Watch: Disney+ (plus Finding Dory is on there too)
Despicable Me (2010) – Age 5+
- Why it’s great: A hilarious story about a villain-turned-dad, packed with slapstick humour (and Minions!).
- Emotional Content: Light-hearted with feel-good family moments.
- Where to Watch: Sky | Now TV
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) – Age 5+
- Why it’s great: A brand-new hilarious adventure featuring Feathers McGraw.
Emotional Content: Classic Aardman humour with fun action sequences. - Where to Watch: BBC iPlayer
Up (2009) – Age 6+
- Why it’s great: An uplifting tale of adventure and friendship, with stunning animation.
- Emotional Content: The opening scene is quite emotional, but the rest is adventurous and uplifting.
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Live-Action Feel-Good Films
For older children who prefer real-life characters, these classic live-action films bring adventure, laughter, and touching moments.
Matilda (1996) – Age 6+
- Why it’s great: Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda’s magical journey is both empowering and hilarious.
- Emotional Content: Some darker themes but ultimately uplifting. The 2022 Musical version is great too, but I currently can’t find that on any streaming channels, perhaps as was on BBC at Christmas as was previously on Netflix.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) – Age 7+
- Why it’s great: A whimsical, golden-ticket adventure filled with imagination and wonder.
- Emotional Content: A few mischievous moments, but overall cheerful.
- Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV
Mary Poppins (1964) – Age 5+
- Why it’s great: A classic British musical full of magic, music, and mischief.
- Emotional Content: Mostly cheerful with a few touching moments.
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Nanny McPhee (2005) – Age 6+
- Why it’s great: A magical British family film featuring an unconventional but lovable nanny who teaches life lessons in unexpected ways.
- Emotional Content: Wholesome family themes with a touch of mischief.
- Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime
Family-Friendly Comedies
Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. These family-friendly comedies guarantee smiles and chuckles.
The Parent Trap (1998) – Age 6+
- Why it’s great: A satisfying tale of twins trying to reunite their parents, filled with fun pranks and adventure.
- Emotional Content: Some mild emotional moments but lots of humour.
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Home Alone (1990) – Age 7+
- Why it’s great: Full of slapstick comedy as Kevin outsmarts two burglars in this Christmas classic.
- Emotional Content: Mostly light-hearted but some family-related themes.
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) – Age 8+
- Why it’s great: Robin Williams’ performance as a disguised nanny is pure comedy gold.
- Emotional Content: Some family separation themes, but rewarding overall.
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Paddington (2014) – Age 5+
- Why it’s great: A charming British family film featuring the lovable bear from Peru.
- Emotional Content: Overall touching with mild peril.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Classic Musicals & Fantasies
Musicals and fantasy films transport kids into magical worlds, making them great choices when they need cheering up.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) – Age 6+
- Why it’s great: A classic adventure filled with memorable songs and magical storytelling.
- Emotional Content: Some dramatic moments but ultimately uplifting.
- Where to Watch: Sky Cinema | Now TV
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) – Age 5+
- Why it’s great: A delightful, musical-filled adventure about a flying car.
- Emotional Content: Mostly light-hearted with a few tense scenes.
- Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) – Age 6+
- Why it’s great: A fantastic blend of live-action and animation with a magical storyline.
- Emotional Content: Light-hearted fun.
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Feel-Good Films and Foster Families
Fostering People advise foster parents or carers that the right movie can provide a comforting, safe, and joyful experience. Some children in care may find familiar animated films reassuring, while others may enjoy stories about friendship, belonging, and resilience.
Movies like Paddington and Matilda can be particularly uplifting and recommended, as they feature strong, independent young characters finding love and support in new families.
Where to Watch These Films in the UK
| Movie | Streaming Services |
|---|---|
| Toy Story | Disney+ |
| Finding Nemo | Disney+ |
| Despicable Me | Sky, Now TV |
| Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl | BBC iPlayer |
| Up | Disney+ |
| Matilda | Netflix |
| Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory | Rent on Amazon Prime |
| Mary Poppins | Disney+ |
| Nanny McPhee | Rent on Amazon Prime |
| The Parent Trap | Disney+ |
| Home Alone | Disney+ |
| Mrs. Doubtfire | Disney+ |
| Paddington | Netflix |
| The Wizard of Oz | Sky, Now TV |
| Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | Rent on Amazon Prime |
| Bedknobs and Broomsticks | Disney+ |
Final Thoughts
When kids are feeling poorly, a good movie can provide comfort, distraction, and a much-needed smile.
- Choose a gentle, uplifting film that won’t overstimulate them, especially important for young children or those in a foster care setting.
- Consider emotional content, some films have mild sad moments, but they usually end happily.
- Pair the movie with a cosy set-up, blankets, warm drinks, and maybe even some popcorn.
Whatever you pick, the right film can turn a sick day into a memorable moment of comfort and joy!
