Movies have an incredible ability to transport us through time, evoking emotions that linger long after the credits roll. Whether it’s the fashion, the music, or the unforgettable moments, certain films have a way of making us feel nostalgic, pulling us back to a time when life seemed a little simpler.

These cinematic gems are more than just stories on screen—they’re reminders of our own journeys, our friendships, our dreams, and the way we once viewed the world.

From the 90s to the early 2000s, these films capture the essence of an era, making us yearn for the days of mixtapes, flip phones, and the thrill of growing up.

1. Lady Bird (2017)

Barbie director, Greta Gerwig gave us Lady Bird in 2017. As senior year wraps up, Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) navigates rocky relationships while chasing college dreams and popularity. The outfits, the badly dyed hair, 2002 New Years sunglasses and the small-town feel, what’s not to love? 

2. Aftersun (2022)

At a fading vacation resort, 11-year-old Sophie cherishes rare moments with her idealistic father, Calum, unaware of his hidden struggles. Twenty years later, her memories of that final holiday paint a poignant portrait of a father she knew and a man she didn’t, in Charlotte Wells’ deeply emotional debut film. The concept of it being a look back at Sophie’s holiday with her dad makes it such an excellent employment of nostalgia.

3. Clueless (1995)

Cher (Alicia Silverstone), a wealthy high schooler, navigates the challenges of adolescence while helping a new student become popular, only to discover her own feelings along the way. This film’s throwback to ’90s fashion, slang, and high school drama is sure to stir up a sense of nostalgia for anyone who lived through the era.

4. Chungking Express (1994)

Wong Kar-wai’s arthouse romantic comedy is such an authentic glimpse into the lives of three people. You will adore the dialogue in the film, the use of payphones and letters throughout will evoke a sense of yearning in you! The film follows Two Hong Kong policemen face personal challenges as one falls for a mysterious woman, while the other becomes smitten with a server at his favourite restaurant.

5. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Personally, no one does quirky socially awkward teen better than Napoleon Dynamite himself. This is peak 2000s comedy that will never not be hilarious! Watch Napoleon try to help his new friend win the class presidency, all while dealing with his quirky family’s misadventures.

6. Boyhood (2014)

One of the best coming of age films of all time! Boyhood was shot over the course of 12 years with just 45 days of filming. Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a groundbreaking film that captures the journey of growing up through the eyes of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who literally matures on screen. With Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as his parents and Lorelei Linklater as his sister, Boyhood navigates the ups and downs of childhood like no other, serving as both a nostalgic time capsule and a heartfelt tribute to growing up and parenting.

7. Jumanji (1995)

Greatest family movie night film of all time – two children discover a magical board game and, while playing, encounter Alan (Robin Williams), a man trapped inside. Together, they must navigate various dangers to free him. Jumanji has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts. The presence of Robin Williams just elevates the nostalgia by tenfold. 

8. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Contrary to its name – this is a tragicomedy road film. Without giving too much away about this gem it is about a family embarking on a cross-country trip for their daughter’s beauty pageant, unaware of the unexpected twists the journey will bring. Your heart will definitely feel full after watching this

9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

“We accept the love we think we deserve” shaped an entire generation. This film single handedly made me feel nostalgic for the era where people made mixtapes for one another. 15 year-old introvert Charlie (Logan Lerman) enters high school with anxiety. As he befriends older students, he learns to navigate his friend’s suicide and confront his troubled past.

10. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) 

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) return to Hogwarts and discover that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) is supposedly after Harry. But when Harry finally confronts him, he realises the truth is much different than what they believed. I couldn’t not include Harry Potter in this list, it is the ultimate fuel of nostalgia. Hermione punching Malfoy was one of the greatest moments of the entire franchise!