21 Classic Movies and TV Shows to Revisit This Weekend

      Revisiting my favorite childhood movies continues to resonate with me time and again. My hopelessly romantic side delights in watching Annie and Hallie execute the ultimate twin switch in The Parent Trap on loop, and yes, October 3 will forever be a national holiday, thanks to Aaron Samuels. Experiencing these iconic cinematic moments is akin to indulging in my favorite comfort foods. Instead of grilled cheese sandwiches, however, it's all about breathtaking dance sequences, heart-wrenching love declarations, and daydreaming about dating a pop star.

      From whimsical adventures to heartwarming love stories, this compilation is packed with nostalgic films and shows that almost raised us. They make for the ideal companions on nights when you seek that cozy, comforting watch. Continue reading for 21 nostalgic movies and series that we will always cherish.

      Nostalgic Movies to Rewatch:

      1. Another Cinderella Story

      Rent on Amazon Prime

      First, a shoutout to Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley for delivering one of the most memorable dance-offs ever. This nostalgic treasure reimagines Cinderella’s tale in a contemporary setting. It centers on Mary Santiago (Gomez), who trades glass slippers for dance shoes. At the school’s masked ball, she dances with newcomer Joey (my childhood crush), but before they can meet, she rushes home by midnight, leaving behind her very 2000s Zune player.

      2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

      Stream on Disney+

      This film taught me countless lessons, the most significant being that Turkish delight was the most exotic dessert, thanks to Edmund Pevensie. It follows four siblings who discover a secret wardrobe that transports them to the enchanting realm of Narnia. This fantastical adventure is brimming with mythical beings, unlikely heroes, and an unforgettable portrayal by Tilda Swinton as the White Witch. With Greta Gerwig set to reimagine this world in 2026, I find joy in revisiting the early 2000s adaptations of the story.

      3. Lemonade Mouth

      Stream on Disney+

      This film made me regret giving up piano—I always wondered if my classmates and I would form a band in a fictional high school detention scenario. I recall belting "Determinate" endlessly after watching it, and it’s one of those catchy tunes that creeps back into my mind now and then. This Disney classic follows five students who find their musical identity during detention, forming a band daring enough to compete against a local rock group in a battle of the bands.

      4. Easy A

      Stream on Hulu

      I credit my sassy, sarcastic streak to Emma Stone’s clever character, Olive Penderghast, who embodies the spirit I carried into adulthood. This is one of those films I can watch repeatedly without losing interest. The comedic timing is impeccable, and the casting includes favorites like Penn Badgley, Lisa Kudrow, and Stanley Tucci. The plot revolves around Olive (Stone) fabricating a story about losing her virginity, which spirals into chaos, testing her friendships and reputation.

      5. The Princess Diaries

      Stream on Disney+

      “Me… a princess? Shut! Up!” I find myself reciting this iconic line whenever I indulge my inner diva. Featuring the beloved Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway, The Princess Diaries is a nostalgic comfort film I return to again and again. Watching Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway) navigate her awkward and endearing journey to becoming a princess—mentored by our literal queen Andrews—is perfect for a cozy night in.

      6. Almost Famous

      Stream on Paramount+

      Following a teenage journalist on the road with a rising rock band in the ‘70s, Almost Famous is the coming-of-age story that inspired me to dream of my own band adventures (if only I could quickly learn to play an instrument). A bit embarrassingly, this film introduced me to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” and Penny Lane (Hudson) singing it on a bus remains one of my favorite scenes. It also instilled in me the idea that a fur-collared coat is a must-have.

      7. The Princess Protection Program

      Stream on Disney+

      I can’t resist including another Selena Gomez classic. This film tells the story of a troubled princess (Demi Lovato) who needs protection after an attack on her kingdom. Relocated to a small town, she is taught by Carter Mason (Selena Gomez) how to live “normally.” It’s filled with best friend moments, dress-up scenes, and a dramatic ice cream shop encounter that left a lasting impression on me as a kid. Like any good Disney-era Selena Gomez film, it radiates that feel-good energy I would stay up for.

      8. The Fault in Our Stars

      Stream on Prime Video

      Augustus Waters’ “It’s a metaphor” speech is my Roman Empire—and the moment I fell completely for his character. The film delivers heartbreak in such