10 Happy Movie Tunes Guaranteed To Cheer You Up

If you're happy, or if you need to be, check the list below. If you are and you already know it, clap your hands.

Some of my choices are pure nostalgia. Others are downright random. But these are the 10 songs that can cheer me up instantaneously. (Plus, one bonus apology pick.)

I made a playlist on Spotify for just such a purpose, and many of these songs made the cut. Some of them have been with me my whole life. I remember listening to Angela Lansbury's Step in the Right Direction as I drove myself to college orientation. And Life's a Happy Song on my way to audition for Titanic. (I got the role.)

If you don't have your own playlist, I highly encourage you to make one. It can really come in handy. Until then, borrow mine.


1. All Over the World - ELO/Xanadu

I heard this yesterday in a preview for an Adam Sandler movie. But all it makes me think of is Xanadu. I double dog dare you not to smile when you watch this.

2. Step in Time - Dick Van Dyke/Mary Poppins

Get up and DANCE if you're happy. Who cares if you don't know the steps? Just kick willy nilly. That oughta do it. (Plus, it's great cardio.)

3. Portobello Road - Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Who knew antiquing could be so much fun? This is for everyone who wishes that life would create a musical number just for you. (I always wanted the New York backlot at Disney World to have street performers come out and do Portobello Road a couple of times a day. Wouldn't that be the best?)

4. Can You Picture That - The Electric Mayhem/The Muppet Movie 

The happiest, most positive rock from a movie. Ever. "Even Santa Claus believes in you." 

5. Anything Goes - Kate Capshaw/Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom

If more adventure movies opened with musical numbers, the world would be a better place. 

6. Get Happy - Judy Garland/Summer Stock
Enough of my yammering, let's just appreciate the rest of the songs in this list...

7. Happy Working Song - Amy Adams/Enchanted

8. Almost There - Anika Noni Rose/The Princess and the Frog

9. Life's A Happy Song - Walter the Muppet and Jason Segel - The Muppets
"I've got everything that I need, right in front of me."

10. True To Your Heart - Stevie Wonder and *puts head down in shame and says this next part very quietly* 98 degrees...

...but, BUT it's STEVIE WONDER and the lyrics are so joyful and it's from the best movie and...just go with it. I know I went Disney crazy and this is an obscure choice. I'll make up for it with a bonus.

BONUS: Another Day of Sun - La La Land

Ah, what the heck? ONE MORE!