Therapists Say These 15 Shows & Movies On Netflix & Amazon Prime Can Boost People’s Moods

Grace and Frankie meets Slater's criteria, as it shows characters being their authentic selves, while also overcoming challenges.

"This is a tale of opposites attracting and discovering a deep friendship," she says. "An important message here is never judge a book by its cover. The story inspires hope and possibility even in our darkest moments."

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel inspires hope, shows a character overcoming challenges. And, of course, it's super funny.

"As the central character’s perfect and [idealized] life dismantles she is challenged to reveal her true self," Slater says. "An inspiring message to live your truth as your authentic self. You are enough just as you are."

Good Will Hunting is a moving demonstration of a relationship built on love and trust, Slater says, and also provides a great example of characters transforming and healing. It meets pretty much all of her criteria for a good movie to watch when you're down.

Another one that ticks every box is the film About A Boy. As Slater says, it's "a tale of an individual who transforms his own life through acts of kindness towards a boy struggling to cope and searching for a safe-haven. Our relationships with others affect our relationship with ourselves." And this movie can serve as a great reminder of that.

Friends is a great show to watch if you're struggling with SAD symptoms, for a variety of reasons. "This diverse group of individuals demonstrate the value of relationships by coming together to form an urban family," Slater says, "supporting and comforting one another through life’s challenges." Watch it with your own friends, and reap all sorts of benefits.

"Living up to expectations of who we 'should' be causes suffering and sadness when we inevitably fail to be perfect," Slater says. But Dumplin' serves as a reminder that it's more important to be true to yourself.

Legally Blonde is not only a fun, lighthearted movie to watch when you're down, but also one that's surprisingly inspiring. "Never judge a book by its cover," Slater says. "Despite a life of privilege, Elle Woods experiences, and overcomes, a lack of meaning because she isn’t seen for who she truly is."

This movie shows the importance of being authentic, real, and vulnerable. And who couldn't use a little reminder like that?

"We don’t need to hide our flaws, imperfections, or illness — we are good enough and deserving of love just as we are," Slater says.

The show Catastrophe is "an acute observation of what intimacy, trust, and loyalty mean in a relationship," Slater says. "We aren’t perfect and don’t always get it right." And that's OK. Watching this one may provide the boost you need.

This show is funny, and is an "entertaining example of reflecting on our relationship with ourselves," Slater says. "A group of vastly different characters who are limited in their social groups because they are considered outsiders and misfits, join together to make themselves better people."

Queer Eye is so much fun. But at its core "is a big-hearted approach towards those who feel lost and low in confidence," Slater says. "It demonstrates a fundamental truth — we all live more productively when we feel seen, valued, and deserving of spending time on ourselves." If you need a reminder of that, give it a watch.

Funny, inspiring, and uplifting, Sex Education is a depiction of the messiness that is life, in the form of a Netflix series. "It demonstrates our capacity for heartfelt empathy in moments of excruciating vulnerability," Slater says.

As Slater says, Modern Family is a celebration of diverse family life and overcoming the trials and tribulations of modern living. It challenges stereotypes and offers us all a chance to normalize our own experiences, which can be quite uplifting.

As if a snazzy acapella group wouldn't lift your mood all on its own, Pitch Perfect also checks other boxes, as it shows folks being true to themselves, conquering challenges, sticking together, "and ultimately belonging," Slater says.

If you're looking for a lighthearted show to boost your mood, The Big Bang Theory might be a good choice, as Slater says it's about a group of talented outsiders who are struggling to fit in. It can be relatable in that way, and even inspiring if you're feeling isolated, or as if you don't belong.

Because these shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime are funny, inspiring, and show characters overcoming obstacles, watching them can prove to be quite uplifting, if you're feeling down. While they won't cure SAD all on their own, including them as part of your daily or weekly routine can be a fun and comforting way to get through the winter.