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Top 10 Disney Films That Cheer Me Up On A Bad Day

A person dressed as a penguin with a red bow tie stands next to a woman in a white Victorian-style dress and hat, smiling and posing for a photo on a street with buildings in the background.
Credit: Disney Tips

If you’re a Walt Disney fan, there’s probably nothing better to lift your spirits than curling up with one of your favorite Disney films. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming adventures, laugh-out-loud moments, or enchanting stories that transport you to a magical world, Disney movies never fail to make a bad day better. With decades of timeless classics and modern favorites, there’s always something to cheer you up!

Here are 10 of the best Disney films guaranteed to brighten your day, each one offering its own unique charm and magic.

1. Mary Poppins

Few things are as comforting as watching Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke dance with animated penguins in this 1964 classic, Mary Poppins. With its unforgettable songs, whimsical scenes, and heartwarming lessons about family, this movie has made audiences smile for over 50 years. Whether it’s the catchy tunes of “A Spoonful of Sugar” or the magical scenes of Mary Poppins soaring through the sky with her umbrella, this movie will transport you straight into a world of wonder.

Fun Fact: This beloved classic was so iconic that it inspired a recent Disney film, Saving Mr. Banks, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mary Poppins and a charming sequel, Mary Poppins Returns. If you’re feeling blue, this film is practically perfect in every way!

2. Zootopia

Where a bunny cop and a sly fox solve mysteries, and a sloth steals the show.

This 2016 animated hit is packed with humor, heart, and one of the best surprise characters in recent Disney history—Flash Slothmore, the DMV worker who moves at a hilariously slow pace. If you haven’t seen Zootopia yet, Flash’s scene alone is worth the watch! But there’s so much more to love, from Judy Hopps’s determination to prove herself as Zootopia’s first bunny cop to the colorful, creative world that the movie brings to life.

A smiling sloth in a green shirt sits behind a desk, holding a tablet. A fox and a rabbit, both looking happy, are on the other side of the counter. A mug with writing is near the sloth.

Credit: Disney

Why Watch It: Zootopia is a perfect movie to cheer you up, reminding us that with hard work and a little bit of cleverness, you can overcome any obstacle!

3. Beauty and the Beast

The tale as old as time that never gets old.

If you’re in the mood for romance, adventure, and a sprinkle of enchantment, you can’t go wrong with Beauty and the Beast. From its timeless songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Tale As Old As Time” to its lovable cast of characters, this 1991 classic is as magical today as when it was first released. With a headstrong heroine in Belle, talking teapots, and an unforgettable ballroom scene, this movie is sure to sweep you away.

Bonus: Whether you prefer the original animated version or the 2017 live-action remake starring Emma Watson, this story is a perfect escape from a bad day.

4. Monsters, Inc.

Who knew monsters could be so funny—and so heartwarming?

Few Disney films deliver as much heart and humor as Monsters, Inc., which follows lovable monsters Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan as they discover that making kids laugh is far more powerful than scaring them. Throw in an adorable toddler named Boo, and you’ve got one of the most feel-good movies ever made. With the dynamic voice duo of Billy Crystal and John Goodman, this 2001 film is sure to leave you smiling.

Watch For: The sweet bond between Boo and Sulley, as well as the laugh-out-loud antics that show laughter is the best medicine for a bad day.

5. Meet the Robinsons

Time travel, dinosaurs, and a dash of Disney magic.

Meet the Robinsons may not be as well-known as other Disney films, but it’s packed with creativity and an inspiring message. Following the adventures of a young inventor named Lewis who time-travels to the future, this movie is full of fun twists, wild characters, and heartfelt moments. Plus, it features the iconic Walt Disney quote, “Keep moving forward,” which serves as the perfect reminder to stay positive no matter what.

Promotional image for Disney's "Meet the Robinsons" featuring animated characters in futuristic attire, including a boy with blonde hair, a man in a blue uniform, and a dinosaur, set against a bright, dynamic background.

Credit: Disney

Underrated Gem: If you haven’t seen this film, now is the perfect time to discover its charm. You’ll walk away feeling encouraged and uplifted.

6. Big Hero 6

Superheroes, friendship, and an inflatable healthcare robot.

Baymax, the loveable inflatable robot from Big Hero 6, is one of Disney’s most endearing characters. Set in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, this film follows the bond between Baymax and Hiro as they form an unlikely superhero team. Filled with action, humor, and heartfelt moments, Big Hero 6 is a feel-good adventure that will lift your spirits and remind you of the power of friendship.

Must-See Moment: Baymax’s hilarious and caring nature as he helps Hiro with everything from physical injuries to emotional healing is sure to bring a smile to your face.

A large, white, inflatable robot gently holds a young boy with dark hair wearing a blue jacket and brown pants. They are against a bright red background. The robot’s expression is simple, with two dots for eyes and a line for a mouth.

Credit: Disney

7. Robin Hood

Disney’s take on the classic hero, with a retro twist.

This 1973 Disney classic is a nostalgic favorite, telling the story of Robin Hood and his merry band of outlaws—portrayed as talking, singing animals. With catchy tunes, fun adventure, and plenty of lighthearted moments, Robin Hood is perfect for a laid-back movie day. The film’s retro animation style adds a dose of old-school Disney charm that will make you feel like a kid again.

Throwback Fun: If you love a mix of adventure and nostalgia, this is the Disney movie to watch when you need a pick-me-up.

8. Inside Out

Embrace your emotions with this colorful journey through the mind.

Sometimes, we just need to embrace our feelings, and Inside Out reminds us that it’s okay to experience all of our emotions. With an all-star voice cast including Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith, this clever film takes viewers inside the mind of Riley, where emotions like Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust work together to help her navigate life. It’s a touching, thoughtful reminder that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes and that happiness is always just around the corner.

Why It’s a Must-Watch: It’s a wonderful reminder that we need all of our emotions to feel whole—and that there’s always room for joy, even on tough days.

Animated characters from "Inside Out" represent different emotions. Sadness is blue and gloomy, Fear is purple and nervous, Joy is glowing and cheerful, Disgust is green and unimpressed, and Anger is red and fiery, standing together in a console room.

Credit: Disney

9. Aladdin

Soar to new heights on a magic carpet ride.

Whether it’s Robin Williams’ unforgettable performance as the Genie or the catchy tunes of “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me,” Aladdin is one of Disney’s most magical films. From its vibrant animation to its adventurous love story, this movie is full of joy, heart, and excitement. Aladdin’s journey teaches us that being true to yourself is always the best path.

Cheer Up With: The Genie’s comedic brilliance—Robin Williams’ performance is a standout, and it’s guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.

10. WALL-E

An adorable robot that saves the world—and our hearts.

WALL-E is the little robot with a big heart who sees the beauty in everything. Set in a future where Earth is abandoned, WALL-E’s journey of love and hope is both touching and inspiring. This film’s message about environmentalism and humanity is delivered in a way that feels hopeful, reminding us that small actions can lead to big changes. Plus, WALL-E’s adorable antics will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

End on a High Note: No matter how rough your day has been, WALL-E’s message of hope is sure to brighten it.


Conclusion:

Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, or simply escape into a magical world, these Disney movies are guaranteed to lift your mood on a bad day. From the enchanting worlds of Mary Poppins and Aladdin to the heartwarming tales of WALL-E and Big Hero 6, Disney films remind us of the magic in every moment and the power of positivity.

So, grab your favorite snack, curl up on the couch, and let the magic of Disney movies make your day a little brighter!

About Jason Dick

Jason is a Disney addict. Walt Disney World trips are an annual occurrence that his partner has had to come to terms with. In between Disney trips, he spends his time running the theatre company he started in 2007. As Artistic Director, he picks musicals to bring to his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario Canada that have never been produced in the area. Traveling is definitely a passion and in addition to his trips to the happiest place on earth, he and his partner also travel the world, most recently to India and Nepal. A carnivore by nature, Jason loves the incredible amount of steakhouses Walt Disney World has to offer - they are always at the top of his list for each and every visit.