In a world that frequently feels overwhelming and uncertain, the new Internet cultural movement, popularized on platforms like TikTok and centered on the celebration of kindness, community, and joy in everyday life, encourages us to find meaning and comfort in both small acts of kindness and greater personal resilience. And what better way to dive into these themes than by sitting through films that celebrate everyday magic?
As such, we look back at some of the most uplifting films that embody the warm, optimistic essence of “hopecore.” From timeless classics like The Shawshank Redemption to modern masterpieces like Everything Everywhere All at Once, these movies remind us that amid life’s challenges, hope remains a quiet yet revolutionary force.
10
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
A wildly imaginative ride — and arguably one of the most exciting and original films of recent memory — Everything Everywhere All at Once blends absurdity with profound heart, telling the story of an exhausted woman (played by Michelle Yeoh in a groundbreaking Oscar-winning performance) who discovers she must connect with countless versions of herself across parallel universes to save existence.
Amid its frenetic pace and chaos, Everything Everywhere offers a visually daring and emotionally raw story that tenderly explores themes of family, identity, and forgiveness, revealing that even in challenging circumstances, love and hope remain powerful anchors. In this A24 “hopecore” coded feature, the message is crystal clear: hope thrives when we accept ourselves fully, even when that means sitting through the discomfort of generational trauma, and reach out to others with compassion.
9
‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ (2013)
Taking audiences into the transformative journey of courage, imagination, and rediscovery, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a vibrant watch that follows the titular daydreamer (wonderfully played by Ben Stiller) as he is caught in the monotony of everyday life. Walter breaks free from his routine through a series of daring real-world adventures that open his eyes to the beauty and possibility all around him.
Set against the backdrop of incredible landscapes, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty contrasts the richness of imagined worlds with lived experiences; beyond its sweeping landscapes and heartfelt scenes, the movie celebrates the power of stepping beyond fear to embrace life’s unknowns. At its core, it’s an undeniable ode to hope — it reminds us that even the most ordinary lives can harbor extraordinary dreams waiting to be lived.
8
‘Cinema Paradiso’ (1988)
If you’re into European masterpieces and absolute must-sees, Cinema Paradiso is a celebrated nostalgic pick. This heartfelt Italian classic beautifully captures the magic of cinema itself as a beacon of hope, memory, and connection. The story is told through the eyes of a young boy growing up in a small Sicilian town, unfolding a journey of friendship, first love, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Cinema Paradiso is the kind of movie that celebrates how simple joys, such as the glow of a movie screen or even shared laughter, can nurture hope across generations; in a way, it’s a poignant reminder that even amidst change and loss, the stories we cherish keep our hearts alive. On the other hand, Giuseppe Tornatore‘s film is a love letter to cinema, highlighting how, over the years, it has been proven to both heal and inspire.
7
‘WALL-E’ (2008)
For those who aren’t yet familiar with it, this charming animated feature tells the quiet story of a small waste-collecting robot left to clean a dirty, abandoned Earth, only to discover the enduring power of love and hope. Through WALL-E’s curious eyes, the Pixar picture delves into loneliness, themes of environmentalism, and the simple yet profound desire for connection that transcends all boundaries.
Not only is WALL-E an animated achievement with captivating world-building that paints a thought-provoking scenario of a desolate future, but it also engulfs audiences of all ages with its kindness and curiosity. Its gentle narrative makes you believe that even one small caring heart can spark change. Naturally, that makes it a radiant beacon of hope for anyone who dreams of a better tomorrow.
6
‘Perfect Days’ (2023)
Wim Wenders‘ latest effort, the incredible, Tokyo-set Perfect Days, invites viewers into the simple yet deeply meaningful daily routines of its protagonist: a man (played with quiet yet powerful precision by Kōji Yakusho) who finds contentment and purpose in the small pleasures that often go unnoticed. Perfect Days unfolds like a meditation, showcasing how moments of solitude and connection can build a resilient hope even in the most ordinary settings.
Apart from taking audiences to the understated but beautiful cityscapes, capturing everyday life with a warmth and sincerity that lingers with audiences after the screen turns black, Perfect Days works as a gentle reminder that hope doesn’t always shout, but rather softly hums in a thoughtful, mindful presence. The film is a beautiful watch throughout, particularly for anyone who believes in finding joy and kindness in life’s quietness.
5
‘Amélie’ (2001)
For those who love whimsical adventures and find beauty in the smallest acts of kindness, Amélie is certainly not a stranger. The story follows a shy Parisian waitress with a vivid imagination and a lonely childhood who resolves to secretly help others find happiness. Amélie’s quiet missions include returning treasured objects, matchmaking, and orchestrating little acts of kindness for neighbors and café regulars, all while navigating her own anxieties and longing for love, of course.
If you’re into picturesque Parisian landscapes and films that stick, this contemporary classic is a hopecore must-see that celebrates how small and anonymous acts of kindness can change lives and bring color to a gray world. With a visual style that charms and bursts with warmth, it invites audiences to find magic in the mundane and see hope as something that can be quietly and gently revolutionary.
4
‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)
This quirky road trip comedy about the dysfunctional Hoover family invites audiences on a chaotic journey from Albuquerque to California so 7-year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin) can compete in a beauty pageant. With them are her optimistic father Richard (Gerg Kinnear), patient mother Sheryl (Toni Collette), and brooding half-brother Dwayne (Paul Dano), among other loving family members.
If there ever was a vehicle that symbolizes hope, it’s the yellow VW bus from Little Miss Sunshine and the people in it. Even as their plans unravel and grief and disappointment pile up, the Hoovers refuse to give in to cynicism, choosing to look at the power of perseverance and authentic self-expression instead. At its core, this endearing Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris film declares that hope isn’t about perfection or winning the pageant, but rather about showing up and dancing awkwardly in life’s unexpected chaos.
3
‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro is one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films, and understandably so. It follows sisters Noriko Hidaka’s Satsukoi (Noriko Hidaka) and Mei (Chika Sakamoto), who move with their father (Shigesato Itoi) to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother. There, they encounter gentle forest spirits, including the iconic Totoro (Hitoshi Takagi), and embark on magical adventures that help them navigate uncertainty and anxiety about their mother’s health.
In many ways, My Neighbor Totoro feels like a comfort blanket, glowing with hope even as the two protagonists worry about their mother’s future. Instead of denying hardship or turning their heads the other way, the two lovely girls embrace community, laughter, and wonder, with their magical encounters with Totoro and the Catbus helping them cope and let go of fear. The Ghibli film showcases how hope often walks hand in hand with kindness, everyday resilience, and in the way families and neighbors support one another. Even when the future is uncertain, joy and connection are always close if you dare to look.
2
‘Paddington 2’ (2017)
If optimism put on a duffle coat and served you a sandwich, Paddington 2 would be the perfect illustration. This delightful adventure follows the lovable — and frankly iconic — bear Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw, now settled with the Brown family in London, as he takes on odd jobs to buy a special pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. When the book is stolen by actor Phoenix Buchanan (GrantrantI), Paddington is wrongly accused and imprisoned. But with the help of his friends and even some unlikely allies, he sets out to prove his innocence.
The 2018 movie radiates positivity even when things look bleak, delighting in small acts of kindness, forgiveness, and the belief that even the grumpiest neighbor or gruffest inmate can change for the better. Its central message? Why, of course, goodness and trust aren’t just naive but actually transformative. In true hopecore fashion, it turns adversity and misunderstanding into opportunities for connection.
1
‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)
Set in the confines of Shawshank Prison, The Shawshank Redemption follows banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sent to prison for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite claiming innocence. Over many years, he befriends longtime inmate Red (Morgan Freeman), and the two navigate the harsh realities of life in prison, including corruption.
When it comes to hopecore films, Frank Darabont’s movie is quintessential. Sure, it might not be your typical flowery picture, but the core themes it tackles are more than clearly part of this niche genre, elevating hope, persistence, and transformation above despair even in the face of adversity. Shawshank, with its famous life, “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies,” pretty much defines this time. Throughout Andy’s journey, hope becomes infectious, and the film’s heartwarming friendship, optimism, and refusal to let bitterness win shine through.
