It was so simple back then. No bills, no pandemic, and the only responsibilities you had were to clean your room and eat your vegetables. Too bad we all had to grow up. However, just because you’re now twenty-something doesn’t mean you have to leave your childhood movies behind. Sometimes, and especially in the time we are living in today, we just need to feel like little kids again. So here at the Showcase, we have put together a list of some movies on Disney+ to help you feel like it’s 2009 again. All that’s missing is some footy pajamas and your cardboard cutout of Justin Bieber that you swear to your friends you never had. Enjoy!
1. The Lion King
Here is a tip. Watch this with your friends and/or your significant other. If they do not sing “The Circle of Life” at the beginning of this movie, they are not people that you need in your life. This Disney classic features an iconic soundtrack, incredible visuals, and lessons that all people, no matter how young or old can apply to their life (I personally say Hakuna Matata to myself whenever somebody cuts me off in traffic).
2. The Avengers
Few movie franchises have had more of an impact on Generation Z than the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The franchise has grossed over $22 billion worldwide, and the Avengers is the first movie showing all of the Marvel heroes teaming up. This movie features an ensemble cast with masterful performances from Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Scarlett Johansson to name a few. This movie takes me back to my early teenage years when the only thing there was to do is to go to the movies. I miss those days, but maybe not the $10 popcorn.
3. Old Yeller
Ok, you might have to grab your tissues for this one. Old Yeller is a straight-up American classic. Disney’s 1957 masterpiece is the reason why so many kids beg their parents for a canine companion of their own every year. Animal lovers everywhere adore this tale of a fiercely loyal Labrador retriever who saves a midwestern American family time and time again. Enjoy each little bit of warmth this movie gives you; you’ll need it to get through the ending. So much pain.
4. Toy Story
You’ll always have a friend in this Disney-Pixar gem. Nothing speaks to our childhood more than a movie about toys having feelings. These toys want nothing more than to hang out and play all day, then their whole life suddenly gets turned upside down and they have to work on overcoming existential dread. Sounds like high school to me.
5. Star Wars
Remember when I said few movie franchises have had more of an impact on Generation Z than the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Yeah, this is one of those few. I feel like I don’t even need to explain why you need to watch Star Wars. It’s a pop culture phenomenon. It was so influential, that when the US government created an initiative to protect the USA from Russian nukes using lasers to blow up the nukes, the project was called “the Star Wars” project. Now, who says all we aren’t educational?
6. Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo follows the tried-and-true Disney-Pixar formula of giving things that don’t have feelings, feelings. It tells the story of a single father whose cute son gets kidnapped by divers. He then embarks on an epic quest, receiving help from a fish with serious memory issues. A heartwarming tale of family, this is a must-watch.
7. The Simpsons
The Simpsons have been a staple in American comedy animation since 1989. For context, TV shows have an average lifespan of around 7 years. As of October 2020, The Simpsons is still going strong. For me, The Simpsons was the first “adult” show I was allowed to watch, so this movie will always hold a special place in my heart. So if you need a light-hearted pick-me-up laugh-out-loud film (like if you just watched Old Yeller) it is hard to beat this one.
8. Hercules
The relatable main character? Check. Lovable supporting characters? Also, check. An incredible soundtrack that I still sing to this day? Check and check. Disney’s 1997 classic reimagines the classic Greek mythology figure in a story about finding your place in the world, and everybody can relate to that. Combine this story with some of Disney’s best soundtracks and you have a smash hit.
9. Monsters Inc.
If you have ever been afraid of the monsters in the closet or under the bed, this movie will make you wish they were there. The monsters in Monsters Inc will have you rooting for the monsters from beginning to end. You will get a peek into what the monsters’ lives might be when they are not hiding in the closet. Sully and Mike are best-friends-goals and will teach you a lot about the meaning of friendship and compassion. The movie was released in 2001 but this movie is timeless.
10. Parent Trap
Imagine growing up not knowing you had an identical twin sister. Now, what are the odds that your divorced parents who haven’t talked in years send you to the same summer camp? I’d say slim to none, but for Annie and Callie, the odds were in their favor. These twins switch places to do the impossible and get their parents back together. Come on, you know times were good when Lindsay Lohan was still sporting red hair and freckles.
Tell us your favorite Disney movie from your childhood in the comments below!
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