There are hundreds — perhaps thousands — of great movies and shows to fill your free time while we isolate and stay home during the days of COVID-19. From reality shows about blind love to an intense docuseries about cheerleading to even the craziness of a backyard tiger zoo, there is no shortage of new content on Netflix to hold your interest for weeks.
However, I have found myself not necessarily wanting to fill my time with new shows and movies. In a time of uncertainty, I have craved familiarity and nostalgia. By giving in, I’ve rediscovered some true gems from childhood. Even the movies I haven’t seen in years feel like a comforting hug from an old friend.
If you’re also feeling the ache of uncertainty, I highly recommend watching an old childhood favorite. If you’re unsure where to start, read on. I present my top 10 nostalgic movies on Netflix.
- “Space Jam” (1996)
Some have called it the most ambitious crossover event of all time. “Space Jam” is a classic, and it’s especially perfect for those of us feeling particularly sad about professional sports being on pause (or paws) right now.
- “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” (1998)
All things Scooby-Doo have always been favorites of mine, and there are several options worth checking out on Netflix. “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” provides the perfect balance of a kids’ movie and a spooky film, especially if you’re not particularly interested in watching a traditional scary movie right now.
- “Stuart Little” (1999)
This one immediately reminds me of elementary recess periods spent in the gymnasium when rain unfortunately kept us all indoors. What better film to watch as we face the 2020 equivalent? Be warned, though: Re-watching the film as an adult may raise some questions you never considered as a child. Why couldn’t they adopt both a human child and the mouse? It seems plausible to me.
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
I know recommending people watch a Christmas movie in April is controversial, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If you’re looking for a laugh and a wholesome message, try Jim Carrey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” It may be just the morale booster you need.
- “Spy Kids” (2001)
The action. The drama. The sibling camaraderie and the thumb people. “Spy Kids” has everything you could possibly ask for in a 2001 children’s action film. Grab your siblings and watch this one for lots of laughs.
- “A Cinderella Story” (2004)
Before there was “To All the Boys I Loved Before,” there was “A Cinderella Story” starring Hillary Duff. For many of us, it was our first rom-com, and the heart of the movie remains just as sweet as ever. Call up some girlfriends and have a watch party via Zoom if you’re missing girl nights with your friends.
- “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl” (2005)
Prepare for the same amount of cringes as laughs if you rewatch this one. “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl” brings some questionable visuals, but young Taylor Lautner and George Lopez as the villain is definitely something worth revisiting.
- “Yours, Mine and Ours” (2005)
Two single parents marry and find themselves suddenly under one roof with 18 kids, and mayhem reigns from beginning to end. If you’re feeling a little stir-crazy being back home, this 2005 family comedy is the perfect one to rewatch to lift your spirits and maybe remind you that things could definitely be worse.
- “Monster House” (2006)
I remember this movie being a bit creepy when I was a kid, and it still is. What I had forgotten was how hilarious the dialogue is — or perhaps I didn’t understand all the jokes when I was younger. Either way, this movie is sure to keep you laughing throughout.
- “Nacho Libre” (2006)
To finish out the list, we have the Jack Black classic “Nacho Libre.” This one has only gotten better through the years, and it’s sure to leave you quoting it for days on end. If you have younger siblings, now may be the perfect time to show them this classic from back in your day. Who knows? They may have some new ones to show you as well.
These are all available on Netflix. Do you have other nostalgic movies that would have made your list? Tweet us @HUStuPubs to let us know what’s bringing you a sense of familiarity right now!
