Dittoes for Lars and Raising Hope.
I’d like to add the miniseries of Case Histories. There’s violence and chicanery, of course, but Jackson Brodie really cares about the people he tries to help. And his relationship with his daughter is affecting and real. Those actors have excellent chemistry.
Our Idiot Brother
Oops, forgot to mention That Thing You Do. It’s as nice as apple pie with caramel on top. There are bad guys, but they’re just small bumps on a carnival ride.
The whole point of Amelie is a woman who one day just decides to start performing random acts of kindness for strangers. Yeah, it sounds sappy to put it that way, but it’s not at all. It’s the only “feel-good” movie I’ve seen that really does actually make you feel good.
This idea is the premise of My Name is Earl.
The movie Enchanted April wins this thread, hands down. I personally don’t find it sappy at all, but it’s what I watch when I want to restore my faith in humanity, it’s just so warm and loving. Plus it has many awesome actors and was filmed in the unutterably gorgeous Portofino, Italy.
The Waltons
I think Love, Actually applies. Even when characters are having their hearts broken, they’re still nice.
The Bernie Mac Show where an unusually successful standup comedian takes in the kids of his sister, who’s in perpetual rehab.
Oh god yes. Do you know how many movies have, upon my watching them for the very first time, inspired me to get up and literally dance for joy? Exactly one. That movie was Amelie.
The Dish, in that film all of the characters are admirable and good natured.
The TV show Friday Night Lights is almost Mozartean in the way it can hit just the right emotional note. I strongly recommend it.
I loved this movie so much. It doesn’t appear on many “Best Films” lists, but it’s sweet and funny all the way through. Of the hundreds of movies I’ve seen in my life, it’s probably, believe it or not, in my top twenty. The other nineteen might be “better” films, but Bill & Ted makes me feel good.
Genghis Khan in the sporting goods store is such a blast.
Pleasantville?
I love that movie, soppy old bugger that I am.
The Addams Family. A truly loving family, making their way through a bizarre (to them) world with style and grace.
Once - a tale of love and music on the streets of Dublin. Gentle, sweet, sad, lovely.
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My all-time favorite movie is Harvey, with Jimmy Stewart, and it is very much about kindness.
Truly, Madly, Deeply also has warm-hearted characters who are kind and loving.
Seconded. Heartachingly sweet. Modern Family is inclusive and nearly every episode ends with a moral.
The TV shows Providence and Ed are (or rather were) sweet and folksy.
Which reminds me: The Waltons
Due South. An early 90’ police series, lasted two seasons. An honest, kind, polite Canadian Mountie is paired with a cynical foul mouthed Chicaco cop in the slums of Chicago. The Mounties’ grace and integrity saves the day every time.