After four weeks of social distancing and staying at home you’ve probably cleared out your To Watch list…so what now?
These stressful times are a perfect opportunity to dive back into some of your favourite films from your youth. Classic ‘90s movies have such a sense of comforting nostalgia to them – they’re easy and simple and take your mind back to an easier time.
Here are some of our absolute faves to curl up with if you need a little comfort-watching.
Now and Then
This might be the quintessential nostalgic film. The lineup is pure ‘90s: Rosie O’Donnell, Thora Birch, Christina Ricci and Devon Sawa. A group of friends who were super close growing up reunite as adults when one of them has a baby. It’s a classic coming-of-age sleepover film that’ll take you right back to your childhood.
Jumanji
Speaking of childhood, it’s high time that you give Jumanji a rewatch, don’t you think. No remake will ever match up to the iconic ‘90s movie, starring Robin Williams and a young Kirsten Dunst. Watching kids movies can be such a great escape, especially when its one as high-energy as Jumanji.
You’ve Got Mail
Is there any better classic rom-com than this one? Now is the perfect time to dive into a movie set back when the internet was just a cute way to keep in contact with people. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan fall in love via email, without realising that they’re actually nemeses in real life. If you’ve seen this film before, rewatching it is like slipping on a comfy old jumper – if it’s your first time it doesn’t take much brain power to follow the story.
First Wives Club
It’s impossible to watch this film without smiling. It’s fun all the way through, and there’s even a spot of singing. It’s about three divorced wives who try to scam their ex-husbands out of everything they’ve got. Starring Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler, it pairs perfectly with a bottle of red wine and a cosy blanket on the couch.
Sleepless in Seattle
Honestly, any Tom Hanks or Meg Ryan rom-com from the ‘90s is automatically worth watching. This has got to be one of the best, along with You’ve Got Mail. Sure, the storyline is a bit cliched: a young boy whose mother has recently passed away tries to find a new girlfriend for his dad. But it’s an easy watch, with cute and simple moments that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Cool Runnings
Chances are you watched this movie a ton as a kid, but haven’t seen it in ages. It’s such a fun film, following a Jamaican bobsled team who qualify for the Olympics despite not having any snow in their country. It’s based on a true story and it’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
The Babysitters Club Movie
Now this is a throwback. Sure, it’s a kids movie through and through, but if you loved it as a kid then you’re 100% going to enjoy a rewatch. It’ll bring back so many memories, mainly arguing with your friends over who of you was more of a Kristy and who was a Claudia. Plus, there’s a new BSC series coming later this year so it’s a perfect time to dive back in.
Beethoven
There are so many ‘90s kids films with animals as the starring role – Paulie, Dunstan Checks In, Air Bud, Napoleon. But Beethoven has gotta be the best. It’s about a slobbery St Bernard dog who gets up to all sorts of antics. There are actually a staggering EIGHT films in the Beethoven cinematic universe, but the first is certainly superior.
Mr Deeds
For a fun throwback night, just queue up as many Adam Sandler ‘90s films as possible. Mr Deeds might be one of the best – an average Joe inherits millions from his dead uncle, but then everything goes a little haywire. It’s maybe not the best film ever made, but it gives a good two-hour window where you can shut your brain off and lose yourself in the laughs. Special mentions for other Adam Sandler flicks to rewatch include Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison.
Sister Act
I don’t think there’s a person on earth who doesn’t love Sister Act. Truly nothing can compare to this level of excellence. It’s got everything: murder, singing, drama, great acting, comedy, and Maggie Smith! Whoopi Goldberg stars as a lounge singer who is placed under witness protection in a convent. She finds it hard to get used to life as a nun, with hilarious and musical results. You’ll finish it feeling uplifted and cheerful, and ready to watch the sequel.
The Wedding Singer
You wouldn’t think that Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore would make a good match, but in The Wedding Singer, they’re a perfect couple. It’s a cheesy film for sure, but so good-natured and fun and wholesome. It’s set in the ‘80s so it’s got that double hit of nostalgia for you.
Kindergarten Cop
In the same vein as Mr Deeds, another trashy-but-fun classic is Kindergarten Cop starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a cop who has to go undercover as a kindy teacher. Of course, hilarity ensues. It’s a pretty ridiculous film, with predictable storylines and jokes. But somehow it’s still so funny and such a fun time to rewatch.