Mood-Changing Movies

By Paula Robinson, registered psychologist and co-founder of the Positive Psychology Institute in Sydney.

Cinema has such potential to change the way we think, feel and deal with life’s ups and downs. In a simple way, movies can show us we’re not alone—that others experience tough times and still triumph. Psychologists Ryan M Niemiec and Danny Wedding, authors of Positive Psychology at the Movies ($84.99; Hogrefe & Huber), argue that the language of film is universal: it transcends barriers and differences and unveils new solutions to stale problems.

Try these mood-lifting film fixes when you need them next.

1. If You’re Feeling sad

Film fix: Choose a comedy. Stanford University researchers found that laughing triggers the release of dopamine, a natural opiate that makes you feel happier and less wound-up in your own thoughts. See Burn After Reading or Kenny.

2. If You’re Feeling hopeless

Film fix: Look for a tale of hope rising out of adversity. Optimistic thoughts improve your level of wellbeing. Choose Sideways, Patch Adams or The Power of One. Afterwards, make a list of activities you’ve always wanted to try, then book one in. Simply having something to look forward to lifts your spirits.

3. If You’re Feeling angry

Film fix: When you manage anger in a controlled way, you get more from your relationships. This doesn’t mean suppressing angry feelings—just dealing with them assertively. Milk and Forrest Gump illustrate how logical thought and emotional control can conquer angry outbursts.

4. If You’re Feeling anxious

Film fix: If you’re frightened about the future, consider how you could ‘borrow’ a little inner courage. Likely suspects are The Pursuit of Happyness, Departures and Erin Brockovich. When you’re in a bad headspace, stories such as these remind us that you never know what might happen tomorrow.

Why we cry at the movies

When you watch a film, your body releases the ‘bonding chemical’ oxytocin, which creates an emotional connection between you, the story and its characters. This occurs because your brain may not realise it’s ‘just’ a movie, suggests research from Claremont University in the US. So, when devastating events or happy endings unfold so that emotions run high for the characters, you’re right there with them.