“Movies That Make Me Truly, Deeply Smile”: Mike Flanagan Shares Recommendations For Movies That Are Healing (But Still Might Make You Cry)

Writer/director Mike Flanagan shares several recommendations for uplifting movies. Flanagan is best known for his work in the horror genre with films such as Hush, Oculus, and Ouija: Origin of Evil. He saw success with Netflix series, including The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and Fall of the House of Usher. He also adapted the Stephen King novels Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game. He has three more King adaptations in the works with The Life of Chuck, Carrie, and the genre-crossing epic The Dark Tower. In addition to those, Flanagan is busy with a new Exorcist movie.

Although Flanagan’s career largely focuses on horror, the director has said his future work will end on a hopeful note, despite some previous bleak endings. Flanagan stated that when his children eventually watch his work he does not want to leave them with a sense of hopelessness and that “no matter how dark a story gets, there’s always hope and forgiveness and empathy at the end.” This sensibility is likely tied into why he wants to share movies that uplift viewers.

Flanagan Has A List That Ranges From Different Periods

He Even Includes One Of His Own

Flanagan reflects that “life is tough. The older I get, the more I value finding the rare movie that just lifts me up, and gives me a few hours of pure, unadulterated happiness.” With this in mind, he shares a list of movies that have a wide range of genres and periods of release. He even acknowledges that he includes his own upcoming movie The Life of Chuck as one of the recommendations, saying “deal with it.” While the movie is a King adaptation, the novella’s story is ultimately life-affirming and uplifting.

Flanagan‘s list includes several Rob Reiner movies, including Stand By Me and The Princess Bride. It also has family movies like Babe, Toy Story, and Paddington 2. Flanagan notes that some or all of these picks could make viewers cry with Field of Dreams and Waitress making the cut. Check out his full commentary below:

Life is tough. The older I get, the more I value finding the rare movie that just lifts me up, and gives me a few hours of pure, unadulterated happiness.

Here is a list of movies that are, above everything else, uncynical. These are movies that make me truly, deeply smile. That doesn’t mean that won’t make you cry – most of these get me every single time – but ultimately, they create a pure kind of joy. I’m so glad they exist.

And yes, I’m putting my own film on this list, deal with it.

Our Take On Flanagan’s List

It’s As Important As Ever

These recommendations range from classic Hollywood to a movie that hasn’t been widely released yet. I personally like that Flanagan is using his platform to share positivity. Online culture can often be toxic along with a tumultuous time across the world. The selections he makes are joyous and uplifting, and yes, have a very good chance of making you glassy-eyed. It’s a charming list of movies that are worth checking out and should put a smile on your face.

Source: Flanagan