5 Netflix movies guaranteed to brighten your day after a long week

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THE WEEKEND — The weekend is nearly here, which means there’s a good chance you’re utterly exhausted.

Whether it’s work, kids, school or too much lounging by the pool — we envy you — we could all use a pick-me-up to kick off the weekend.

Here are five movies streaming on Netflix guaranteed to brighten your day after a long week.

Penelope

The 2006 film “Penelope” isn’t super well known, but it’s for sure a little hidden gem.

Penelope
Penelope (Photo: Summit Entertainment)

The film stars Christina Ricci as Penelope, a young heiress born with a curse that causes her to lock herself away from the outside world.

James McAvoy and Reese Witherspoon are great in the film, but it’s Ricci who really steals the show.

Why it will brighten your day

The movie is a fairy tale told in a modern-day setting and will have you smiling. Sure it’s a bit corny, but even the guys will find some joy in this romantic comedy.

“Penelope” is rated at an 83 percent worth-your-time on OK.com with an age appropriateness of 7+.

Charade

The 1963 classic “Charade” stars Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn and features one of the greatest scripts of all time.

Charade
Charade (Photo: Universal Pictures)

The movie follows Hepburn who is pursued by several men trying to get their hands on the fortune of her murdered husband.

Why it will brighten your day

Even though “Charade” is over 50 years old it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, and Cary Grant is just so stinking cool. Seriously, every woman wants to be with him and every guy wants to be him.

The movie is funny, intriguing, suspenseful and truly one of the greatest movies that Grant or Hepburn ever made. If you haven’t seen it, watch it.

“Charade” is at a 100 percent worth-your-time on OK.com with an 8+ age rating.

The Way

There’s a film from 2010 called “The Way,” and it’s a crime more people haven’t seen it or even heard of it.

The film was written and directed by Emilio Estevez and stars his father, Martin Sheen.

The Way
The Way (Photo: Filmax Entertainment)

The movie follows Sheen as he travels overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while walking “El camino de Santiago.” While on his trip, Sheen decides to take the pilgrimage himself.

Why it will brighten your day

Sure, it sounds like the exact opposite of “brightening” your day, but trust me, this movie will do it.

The strong messages of family, love, forgiveness, growth and friendship will give you a much-needed shot in the arm.

“The Way” will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings on occasion, but it will also inspire and get you thinking.

“The Way” has a 60 percent worth-your-time rating on OK.com with a 14+ age rating.

The World’s Fastest Indian

Have you seen the 2005 film “The World’s Fastest Indian”? If you haven’t, go watch it, you’re going to love it.

The World's Fastest Indian
The World's Fastest Indian (Photo: Magnolia Pictures)

The movie tells the true story of New Zealander Burt Munro who traveled to America to race his custom-built 1920 Indian Motorcycle on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

The movie is gorgeous and contains an unforgettable performance from Anthony Hopkins as Munro.

Why it will brighten your day

It’s hard to find a film that will inspire you to chase your dreams more than “The World’s Fastest Indian.”

The movie is entertaining, moving, funny and will have you jumping out of your chair and cheering at times.

“The World’s Fastest Indian” is at an 80 percent worth-your-time rating and an age rating of 12+.

Sneakers

Remember the 1992 flick “Sneakers”? Well, I hope so, because it’s one of the greatest heist films ever made.

The film stars Robert Redford as the leader of an eccentric group of thieves trying to get their hands on government secrets.

Sneakers
Sneakers (Photo: Universal Pictures)

The film has a phenomenal cast including Sidney Poitier, Dan Akyroyd, David Stratharin and River Phoenix.

Why it will brighten your day

This movie is joy wrapped up in a pretty little box and left on your doorstep. It’s clever, funny and a literal blast to watch. Yes, I dared to use literal.

You won’t be able to help but smile as you watch and get entrenched in the story and intrigue. I’m actually just going to go watch this right now.

“Sneakers” is at a 100 percent on OK.com with an 11+ age rating.

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John Clyde for OK.com

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