1997 and 2012 were both incredible years for film, yielding classics and cult favourites [1]. It's a treat to look back and realise that some of our most beloved films are now hitting their 10- and 25-year anniversary milestones in 2022, especially considering how well they've held up. From The Hunger Games [2] to Titanic [3], let's take a walk down nostalgia lane and peep these movies that were everything from stand-alone hits to initial instalments of successful franchises. And warning, it may be a good idea to clear your schedule this weekend, because this list will make you want to cuddle up and rewatch these iconic films!
Turning 10: Project X
Project X — the film featuring a wildly out-of-control party — made huge waves when it debuted a decade ago. Partially based on a true story, a couple of high school friends hatch a plan to boost their cool status by planning a wild house party that goes way beyond their expectations. In a very documentary-meets-Superbad feel, Project X brings a punch of comedy mixed with dramatic chaos.
Turning 10: The Lorax
This whimsical family film brought the Dr. Seuss book of the same name to life! The animated movie features the voices of Taylor Swift [4], Zac Efron [5], and Ed Helms [6], and follows a young boy's quest for love, and his friendship with the grumpy Lorax. It's a cute story, and definitely one worth recognising on it's 10th anniversary.
Turning 10: The Hunger Games
Based on the popular dystopian novel by the same name, The Hunger Games was released in 2012 as the first film in the YA series. Not only was this standout movie enjoyed by teens everywhere, it helped launch Jennifer Lawrence [7] to superstardom!
Turning 10: What to Expect When You're Expecting
This romantic comedy is wildly entertaining and packed with laughs from start to finish! Featuring some of the most noteworthy women in film such as Jennifer Lopez [8], Anna Kendrick [9], and Cameron Diaz [10], What to Expect When You're Expecting follows the stories of five couples as they prepare and deal with parenthood. It's hard to believe this was released a decade ago!
Turning 10: The Amazing Spider-Man
Starring Andrew Garfield [11] and Emma Stone [12], The Amazing Spider-Man came onto the scene as a hot new Marvel action film in 2012. Based on the original Marvel comic, The Amazing Spider-Man follows the story of quiet Peter Parker who gets infected by a radioactive spider bite that gives him superpowers. If you were a fan of this 2012 iteration, or any of the previous or future instalments, definitely give the latest Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home [13], a watch!
Turning 10: Ted
When Ted debuted in 2012, it was a huge box office success [14], grossing over $500 million worldwide. Ted was written and directed by Seth MacFarlane, and stars the likes of comedic geniuses Mark Wahlberg [15], Joel McHale [16], and Mila Kunis [17]. With a stacked cast like that, it's no surprise this movie was so well-received!
Turning 10: The Campaign
Talk about an iconic comedy trio! Zach Galifianakis [18], Will Ferrell [19], and Jason Sudeikis [20] come together to star in The Campaign, a 2012 political satire. The film pokes fun at lobbyists and corporate influence in elections and politics, and even incorporates some hilariously dirty tricks that the congressional candidates play on one another. It's a full two hours of laughs!
Turning 10: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This sweet romantic drama starring Logan Lerman [21] and Emma Watson [22] was a teen hit in 2012. Adapted from a novel by the same name, The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells the story of Charlie (Lerman), a shy high schooler who faces past trauma while exploring relationships with new friends. It's authentic and deep and will make you tear up (even a decade later!).
Turning 10: Silver Linings Playbook
Between The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook, 2012 was a huge year for Jennifer Lawrence [23]! Lawrence stars alongside Bradley Cooper [24] in this film that follows Pat (Cooper), a former mental-health-facility patient who tries to win back his ex-wife. Lawrence plays Tiffany, a young widow who assists Pat in his endeavour.
Turning 10: Skyfall
Talk about a sultry, action-packed thriller! You may remember Skyfall as Daniel Craig [25]'s third James Bond movie, or even as the film that features an incredible track by Adele [26]. Skyfall delivers on all the usual Bond tropes, and follows Bond as he tries to stop an ex-MI6 agent from harming M. Released in 2012, Skyfall is the 23rd Bond movie in the popular 007 franchise [27].
Turning 10: This Is 40
There's nothing more hilarious than a Judd Apatow [28] film! This Is 40 follows married couple Debbie and Pete who are dealing with debt, wrangling crazy kids, and facing all of the harsh realities that come with turning 40 years old. It's a fun and light romcom from 2012, packed with many laughs from your favourite stars, including Leslie Mann [29] and Paul Rudd [30].
Turning 25: Liar Liar
Talk about someone who can make anything funny! Liar Liar stars Jim Carrey [31] as Fletcher Reede, a slick and shady lawyer who has a penchant for lying. This all comes to a halting stop when his son makes a birthday wish that forces Fletcher to stop lying for 24 hours. Steeped in hilarity, the humour in this 1997 film still holds up today.
Turning 25: Selena
This 1997 biographical musical drama is about Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla [32], following her life, rise to fame, and tragic 1995 death. Although Selena has never been forgotten, her legacy had a resurgence in attention with the Netflix TV drama, Selena: The Series [33].
Turning 25: Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion,
You may have watched Romy and Michele's High School Reunion at a sleepover or a girl's night-in sometime in the last 25 years. Starring Lisa Kudrow [34] and Mira Sorvino, this comedy follows Romy and Michele, two friends who attend their high school reunion and make up lies about their lives in order to fit in with their successful peers.
Turning 25: My Best Friend’s Wedding
My Best Friend's Wedding holds up as a romcom staple, even 25 years later! Starring Julia Roberts [35], Cameron Diaz [36], and Dermot Mulroney, the film tells the story of a girl who's surprised (and a little jealous!) to learn that her male friend is getting married. It's packed with sweet moments and laced with hilarity, making for an excellent feel-good comedy.
Turning 25: Men In Black
Starring Will Smith [37] and Tommy Lee Jones, this iconic 1997 sci-fi comedy film follows two special agents who make a splash during their mission to save the world. Since it's initial release, Men In Black has been renowned as a classic, and was even made into a franchise with three additional subsequent films.
Turning 25: The Rainmaker
This legal drama stars Rudy (Matt Damon [38]), a newly graduated lawyer who takes on a case to fight against an insurance company who refuses to pay for a young boy's cancer-induced surgery. Released in 1997, The Rainmaker was stacked with recognisable and celebrated actors including, Danny DeVito and Claire Danes [39]. It also starred Jon Voight, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.
Turning 25: Good Will Hunting
Written by Ben Affleck [40] and Matt Damon [41], the critically acclaimed Good Will Hunting is a story about Will (Matt Damon [42]), a maths whiz and janitor at M.I.T., who undergoes an emotional hardship that has him turning to a trusted psychiatrist for help. It's no surprise that the film is still celebrated and watched today, 25 years later, given it won both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Screenplay in 1998.
Turning 25: Titanic
The ultimate classic, Titanic [43], turns 25 in 2022! This three hour romantic drama isn't just arguably one of the most referenced films to date ("I'll never let go, Jack" and "You jump, I jump"), but it also goes down in history for it's incredible box office success (which was beaten by the release of Black Panther [44]). Titanic [45] grossed millions from the box office in 1997, and made even more cash when it was re-released 10 years later.