These 2025 Movie Anniversaries Will Make You Feel Old

2025 promises a year filled with extraordinary new releases, but it’s equally fascinating to reflect on timeless films reaching significant milestones. As we eagerly anticipate the future, let’s not forget to honor the classics. For instance, this year marks the 100th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera, the 90th anniversary for Bride of Frankenstein, and The Lady and the Tramp turning 70. Additionally, notable films such as Sunset Boulevard (1950), Pinocchio (1940), Psycho (1960), and The Sound of Music (1965) are also celebrating significant anniversaries.

Here are ten movies from the 80s and early 90s, which hold a special place in the hearts of many millennials. These films have either turned 35 or 30 this year, giving you a bit of a shock if you’re part of Generation Y. Check out these classic titles that have stood the test of time:

1. Jaws (1975) – The film that made us fear the ocean.
2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) – Introducing a galaxy far, far away.
3. Superman (1978) – Leaping tall buildings in a single bound!
4. Alien (1979) – In space, no one can hear you scream.
5. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – A New Hope’s sequel that upped the stakes.
6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Archaeology is a dangerous business.
7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – Friends are aliens, and aliens are friends.
8. Blade Runner (1982) – A dystopian future filled with replicants and flying cars.
9. Back to the Future (1985) – Marty McFly travels through time in a DeLorean!
10. The Princess Bride (1987) – As you wish!

As you can see, these films were released between 1975 and 1987, and now they’re all celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2025. It feels like just yesterday when we first watched them, but time truly does fly!

10
‘Home Alone’ (1990) – 35 Years

Release Date: November 16, 1990

To any Gen Y member, they would confidently affirm that “Home Alone” is undeniably one of the best Christmas films ever made. The film saw Macaulay Culkin shine in his debut role as Kevin McCallister. At just 8 years old, he experiences every child’s dream when his large and boisterous family accidentally leaves him behind during their holiday trip to Paris. However, this seemingly innocent situation soon turns into a nightmare with the arrival of two burglars. Yet, it doesn’t take long for Kevin to realize that these bungling crooks are no match for his wit, ingenious traps, and cunning schemes.

Yuletide Nostalgia and Sentimentality

The film captivated numerous ’90s children by offering the dream of being alone in a vast mansion to indulge freely — devouring snacks, enjoying late-night hours, and watching action-packed films without any household responsibilities or having to share with siblings. Known as the ultimate millennial Christmas movie, “Home Alone” will celebrate its impressive 35th anniversary in 2025.

9
‘Clueless’ (1995) – 30 Years

Release Date: July 19, 1995

In the realm of teen movies, Alicia Silverstone’s character, Cher Horowitz, left an indelible mark on many, much like Regina George did in ‘Mean Girls’. Instead of a cut-out boob tank, it was her unforgettable 90s style that captivated an entire generation. To this very day, she continues to be a fashion icon, with her influence extending beyond Halloween costumes to everyday wardrobes of the stylish. It wasn’t just Cher’s fabulous closet that won over audiences, but also her self-assured demeanor, irresistible charm, deep empathy, genuine compassion, and relentless pursuit of personal growth.

The Most Iconic Teenage Cult Classic

In a fresh, contemporary take on Jane Austen’s “Emma,” the humorous adaptation known as “Clueless” initially gained popularity as a sleeper hit before ultimately becoming a timeless cult favorite. Over the years, it has managed to appeal to fans spanning both ends of the millennial spectrum and even Generation Z. The reason for its enduring success lies in its exceptional portrayal of teenage life, encompassing the challenges and hardships that come with those formative years, such as heartbreaks and falling outs. With a plot revolving around matchmaking, a step-sibling romance motif, and iconic catchphrases and quotable lines, “Clueless” has solidified its place in history as one of the greatest teenage films ever made.

8
‘Toy Story’ (1995) – 30 Years

Release Date: November 22, 1995

In 1995, Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story was the talk of the town for millennials at the perfect age to watch it. The brilliantly animated movie brought us unforgettable characters such as Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Slinky Dog (Jim Varney), and Bo Peep (Annie Potts). It’s the rich, multi-layered personalities of these vibrant characters that have kept the film relevant over time and made it a beloved classic for children and adults alike.

An Enduring Classic

Among all the films in the series, none surpasses the original for its unique charm and sentimental worth. The debut movie captivated audiences by presenting an extraordinary concept: toys possess life, emotion, and attachment to their owners that mirrors the bond between children and their playthings. For many millennials, Andy’s world felt like a cherished part of our own childhood. Returning to Toy Story offers us a journey back to a more innocent and joyful era.

7
‘Jumanji’ (1995) – 30 Years

Release Date: December 15, 1995

1969 sees the enigmatic jungle-themed board game swallowing a youthful Alan Parrish (Adam Hann-Byrd). Leaping forward 26 years, siblings Judy and Peter Shepherd (Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce) inhabit his old dwelling, rediscover the game, thereby invoking back an adult Alan (Robin Williams), a multitude of creatures from the jungle, and various perils. The return of Alan stirs up emotions in his childhood sweetheart Sarah Whittle (Bonnie Hunt), leaving them no choice but to complete the game they initiated as children with the newcomers.

An Adventure Film With Depth

1995’s “Jumanji” has produced a spin-off and some sequels, yet it remains incomparable. The imaginative movie has grown into a nostalgic favorite among many Gen Y viewers – one that is equally touching and melancholic. As we grow older, the film takes on a fresh perspective. Indeed, it’s an adventure, but beyond that, it’s a narrative brimming with emotional metaphors that convey much about sorrow and letting go.

6
‘High Fidelity’ (2000) – 25 Years

Release Date: March 31, 2000

This year marks the 25th anniversary of “High Fidelity,” a movie that delves into heartache in the early 2000s. John Cusack plays Rob, a troubled record store owner in Chicago who’s struggling with love and maturity after his girlfriend of two years ends their relationship. The split prompts him to explore his past romantic entanglements more closely. Often addressing the audience directly, he recounts his five most disastrous breakups.

An Endearing Classic

Despite the potential for this film to slip into obscurity, it continues to captivate audiences, particularly those from the millennial generation and late Gen X. A significant factor contributing to its appeal is its exceptional soundtrack, but there’s much more that makes it endearing – such as its authentic portrayal of relationships, the development of Rob’s character, its exploration of self-awareness struggles, and its recognition of the female point of view.

5
‘Scary Movie’ (2000) – 25 Years

Release Date: July 7, 2000

Wes Craven’s 1996 masterpiece, “Scream”, cleverly dismantled the horror genre using humor, all the while keeping its chilling edge to unnerve viewers. In contrast, “Scary Movie” primarily aimed to elicit gut-busting laughter from its audience. The movie predominantly replicates the storylines of “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, while also lampooning various other films and television shows.

A Wildly Outrageous Time

Although Scary Movie may not have held up perfectly over time, it certainly excels in numerous aspects. There’s no doubting its influence on millennial horror enthusiasts, as it has cemented itself as a pop culture icon. The film has given birth to an entire franchise spanning five movies, with a sixth installment set for release in 2026. It’s an ideal choice for evenings when you’re seeking a relaxed night filled with absurd amusement and a big bowl of popcorn.

4
‘Bring It On’ (2000) – 25 Years

Release Date: August 25, 2000

During the 2000s, many iconic teen movies became popular among millennials, such as Juno, Mean Girls, She’s The Man, Jennifer’s Body, and Bring It On. Although it received a mixed response initially, Bring It On has since gained cult status. This film, starring Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku, and Jesse Bradford, presents the highly competitive world of high school cheerleading by following two rival teams as they battle for the national championship.

More Than Campy, Cheesy Fun

At first glance, “Bring It On” might appear to be a typical teenage movie filled with campiness, but it offers much more depth than that. This coming-of-age film serves as an excellent representation of the Y2K era, stirring feelings of nostalgia among Gen Yers who graduated in the 2000s. Beyond its superficial charm, it delves into significant topics such as cultural appropriation, personal identity, and the stresses associated with growing up.

3
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000) – 25 Years

Release Date: November 17, 2000

In the 2000s, I found myself witnessing some truly remarkable adaptations that left an indelible mark on me. Among them were “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, and “American Psycho”. Not to forget, Dr. Seuss’ timeless tale “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was brought to life as a live-action movie during that decade. Starring the brilliant Jim Carrey as the iconic green, furry character, this film is celebrating its 25th anniversary this November.

A Christmas Classic

Upon debut, the movie encountered unfavorable responses and varied critiques. Some found its somber atmosphere problematic, while others accused it of being excessively polished. Despite this criticism from critics, it eventually ranked as the sixth highest-earning film that year. Similar to Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas has since solidified its place among the top holiday films ever made.

2
‘Corpse Bride’ (2005) – 20 Years

Release Date: September 23, 2005

Corpse Bride marks Tim Burton’s first venture into directing stop-motion animation after earlier projects like The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach. Collaborating with Mike Johnson, Burton brought this film to life. Notably recognized as one of his most distinctive works, Corpse Bride is often cited as a pinnacle in Burton’s career. One might expect a lighter tone given its PG rating, but the movie maintains the dark undertones characteristic of Burton’s previous productions.

A Haunting But Heartwarming Love Story

To younger millennials, it may have been Corpse Bride that introduced them to the theme of a heartrending romance on the silver screen. Delving into the realms of death, sorrow, and affection, this movie cultivated a legion of fans with a taste for the macabre who could later embrace more somber content. This unique film stands out with its dark visuals, enchanting voice acting, and brooding ambiance.

1
‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ (2005) – 20 Years

Release Date: December 9, 2005

The Chronicles of Narnia derives from C.S. Lewis’ 1950 novel The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Although it may not have left as deep an imprint on popular culture as its peers such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, it remains one of the greatest high fantasy movies ever made. In this tale, a band of children find themselves whisked away to the enchanting realm of Narnia, where they encounter breathtaking vistas, legendary creatures, and oppressive rulers with ambitions for power.

A Captivating Fantasy Adventure

Individuals who have seen the movie will recognize the enduring charm of its narrative. Similar to other films on this list, The Chronicles of Narnia is a timeless piece. It boasts powerful acting, captivating storytelling, and stunning visual effects. Those who’ve read the book can confirm it’s an accurate portrayal. Notably, Greta Gerwig has been tapped to adapt the saga for Netflix, with Meryl Streep reportedly considering a role in the cast.

2025-04-05 18:03

10 ‘Home Alone’ (1990) – 35 Years