close
close
Mike Flanagan Recommends Movies That Are Healing (But Might Still Make You Cry)

Writer/Director Mike Flanagan gives several recommendations for uplifting films. Flanagan is best known for his work in the horror genre with films such as silence, OculusAnd Ouija: Origin of Evil. Among other things, he had success with Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight massAnd Fall of the House of Usher. He also adapted Stephen King’s novels Doctor Sleep And Gerald’s game. He has three more King adaptations in the works The Life of Chuck, Carrieand the genre-bending epic The Dark Tower. Additionally, Flanagan is busy with something new Exorcist Film.




Although Flanagan’s career has largely focused on horror, the director has said that his future work will end on a hopeful note despite some previous dark endings. Flanagan explained that when his children eventually see his work, he doesn’t want to leave them with a feeling of hopelessness “No matter how dark a story gets, there is always hope, forgiveness and empathy at the end.” This sensitivity probably has to do with why he wants to share films that delight viewers.


Flanagan has a list that spans various eras

He even includes one of his own


Flanagan reflects that “Life is hard. The older I get, the more I appreciate finding that rare film that lifts me up and gives me a few hours of pure, unadulterated happiness.” In this sense he shares a List of films covering a wide range of genres and release periods. He even admits to including his own upcoming film The Life of Chuck as one of the recommendations, proverb “Deal with it.” Although the film is a King adaptation, the story of the novella is ultimately life-affirming and uplifting.

Flanagan recommendation

Letterboxd Score

Sing Street

4.0

Ikiru

4.5

Rudy

3.5

Looking for Bobby Fischer

3.6

Stand by Me

4.2

It’s a wonderful life

4.4

Flora and son

3.4

The Life of Chuck

3.7

The Princess Bride

4.1

Singing in the rain

4.3

What you do

3.6

baby

3.4

Field of dreams

3.6

Paddington 2

4.2

Wake up Ned Devine

3.7

Toy story

4.1

Almost famous

4.1

waitress

3.6

Local hero

3.9


Flanagan’s list includes several Rob Reiner films, including Stand by Me And The Princess Bride. There are also family films like Babe, Toy Story and Paddington 2. Flanagan points out that some or all of these tips could make viewers cry with Field of dreams And waitress make the cut. Check out his full comment below:

Life is hard. The older I get, the more I appreciate finding that rare film that lifts me up and gives me a few hours of pure, unadulterated happiness.

Here is a list of films that are, above all, uncynical. These are films that really make me smile. That’s not to say they won’t make you cry – most of them make me cry every single time – but ultimately they produce 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 version of Flanagan’s list

It is as important as ever

Tom Hiddleston in The Life of Chuck.

These recommendations range from classic Hollywood to a film that hasn’t yet been widely released. I personally like that Flanagan uses his platform to share positivity. Online culture can often be toxic, along with a turbulent time around the world. The choices he makes are joyful and uplifting, and yes, there’s a very good chance that your eyes will glaze over. It’s a charming list of films that are worth checking out and should put a smile on your face.

Source: Flanagan

Headshot by Mike Flanagan

Mike Flanagan

Discover the latest news and filmography from Mike Flanagan, known for Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House.

birth date
May 20, 1978

Place of birth
Salem, Massachusetts, United States

Professions
Filmmaker, director, screenwriter, producer, editor

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *