I volunteer for a meal for the unhoused and before the meal our guests have an option to watch a movie- just to give them some time off the streets. I need recs for movies that are not violent or sexy and no drugs or alcohol abuse but also not children’s movies. Also must be available on DVD. I know, so niche.

Question

Eric · Answer

I love “The Pursuit of Happyness”: So uplifting, emotional & shows anyone can become anything.

Alex · Answer

Sheep detectives was good and not just children movie: On Amazon prime

lazygirlpantry · Answer

Project Hail Mary: I'm really not a fan of space movies but something about Anthony Weir speaks to me - loved The Martian too!

Funny, kind of sad - TW (and kind of SPOILER ALERT) there is a part where he's chased and pinned down and it's not exactly violent but it could be triggering? but all in all such a heart-warming movie love love love

lauren o · Answer

Perfect Days (Wim Wenders): I couldn't explain to you how the stillness of a methodically near-plotless movie about an almost-silent man cleaning beautiful public toilets in Tokyo fixed something in me that I didn't know was broken and broke something else in me I hadn't known was fragile, but here we are. If one day I am hoisted from the ocean like a tiger shark and marine biologists of the spirit rummage around among my license plates and tires, they'll find PERFECT DAYS intact, carried with me whole ever since I saw it, in here always.

Gail · Answer

The Princess Bride (1987): I meannnn. This never fails to put a smile on my face and I’m hopeful it can do the same to them. Only concern might be the dueling.

Sam · Answer

My Cousin Vinny: Highly entertaining, quotable, with terrific performances!

Sam · Answer

Cool Runnings: Feel good, family movie

Alex · Answer

Bridget Jones’s Baby: sweet, silly, very mildly sexy but not really

Nicole Anderson · Answer

One Fine Day: A sweet rom com about single parents whose day goes unexpectedly awry, mayhem incurs and then romance — all set with backdrop of NYC. Of course with charm and chemistry between George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Clara · Answer

Last Chance Harvey (2008): Maybe it’s a weird take — but I absolutely love this movie. Especially Emma Thompson in it; she’s brilliant in so many things, but I think about her character here a lot.

MRP · Answer

The Terminal: Comforting movie that takes place entirely in an airport.

Javi.Wavi · Answer

Fantastic Mr. Fox: An urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.

D · Answer

Birds Of Paradise: Maybe anything by David Attenborough would be nice for the crew? I'm obsessed with Birds of Paradise (feathered fashions! dancing! drama!). And it could be paired with Radiolab's older episode on beauty or Prum's book, if anyone gets really into it. The Secret World of Sound is a unique "nature doc" in the genre. Attenborough's films are all soothing (except for some climate change grief), exciting, and visually stunning.

Hallie · Answer

Sneakers: GOD I love this movie, as does this NYTimes writer and my family and my favorite friends. An all-star cast, solid dialogue incl. some great one-liners, a great score, and an engaging plot that’s complex enough to not be boring but still easy to follow (and somehow feels relevant despite how much technology has changed since it came out).

It’s wholesome, it’s thrilling, it’s clever, it’s — tbh I may watch it right now. Enjoy!

Kelly P · Answer

a knight’s tale: Man, this movie is so fun! The soundtrack, the medieval/y2k costumes and make-up, jousting, and dreamy Heath Ledger and that mega-watt smile of his. What’s not to love??

jmd · Answer

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): Includes military scenes but no actual violence, and definitely no drinking/drugs/sex.

jmd · Answer

Arrival (2016): Thoughtful and compassionate, a fair amount of military stuff going on but no actual violence.

jmd · Answer

Once (2007): A gentle, low-key indie music film. Has social drinking but I don't think abuse.

jmd · Answer

The Straight Story (1999): David Lynch's G-rated movie about a man traveling on a lawnmower from Iowa to Wisconsin to visit his brother. According to Common Sense Media, it does include "reference to past alcohol abuse," but nothing actually depicted on screen.

jmd · Answer

First Man (2018): Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong in the decade leading up to the Apollo 11 mission. Some minor social drinking, no sex/violence.

jmd · Answer

The Martian (2015): Thoroughly entertaining, only violence is from a storm near the beginning, no sex/drugs/alcohol whatsoever.

B. A. Griffin · Answer

The Italian Job (2003): This is a fun one! Action, comedy, minimal violence.

Emily Teague · Answer

School of Rock: School of Rock is a funny and slightly chaotic masterclass in rediscovering your passion. Jack Black is a total force of nature, delivering a genuinely sharp, high-energy comedy that proves finding your rhythm can be deeply satisfying

Emily Teague · Answer

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Often a big hit with mixed audiences, just not the film critic’s ;)

Amanda · Answer

One Fine Day (1996)

Amanda · Answer

23 Clean Movies: Here’s a list of clean movies on IMDB. There is one kids movie on the list but the others might be in the niche you’re looking for.

Daniela · Answer

Paper Moon (1973) | Peter Bogdanovich: So charming and disarming from beginning to end.

E Noll · Answer

Tommy Boy: Farley and Spade are so dumb funny in this!

Spines, Flicks, and Wax · Answer

Ferris Bueller's Day Off DVDs and Blu-rays: A fun summer movie that may fit the bill.

Chevy🇻🇦 · Answer

Uncle Buck: Love this movie for its charm.  John Candy is super funny, but at the same time the movie is super sweet.  Great for kids and adults!

Amy · Answer

Rushmore (1998): Many of Wes Anderson might also work!

Amy · Answer

Chef Official Trailer (2014): This might work!