I recently watched The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and it reminded me how much I still love the same feel good, coming-of-age chick flicks and comedies as my eight year old self. I don't know if it's nostalgia or having watched them all a million times but they never get old or feel "too kiddy" to watch! One of my favorite childhood memories was going to the movies. My parents took my sister and I almost every single Sunday and we always shared a large tub of popcorn and peanut m&ms! FYI-- THE BEST popcorn combo!! Don't even try me with your buncha crunch! 😜👌🏻🍿
With the way the world has changed, I'm grateful that we were able to go as often as we did. Fun fact-- I think I saw all but one of these movies in the theaters when they came out! Now it's super easy to stream at home-- I love that you can find both new movies and old. I rounded up a list of ten favorite throwbacks that are currently on Netflix or Disney+! These are all of my favorite childhood feel good ones, let me know which ones you've seen!
10 THROWBACK MOVIES ON NETFLIX AND DISNEY+
The Parent Trap (1998)
Little LiLo! I think can all agree that this is her greatest movie. Since I was four when this came out, I remember thinking she was one half of a Mary Kate & Ashley duo, haha. Can you imagine going to summer camp and finding out you have a long lost twin though?? I always loved Annie's London life and the fabulous Elizabeth James!! Has anyone out there not seen this? Please comment if so!! Such a classic, I need to watch again soon.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Ugh, this one. I don't think it became a favorite until maybe high school-- probably because it was more relatable then. It's a great romantic comedy about two high-school sisters that are complete opposites. It's humorous, a little quirky and has all the feels (Heath Ledger!!) and the romance.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods paved the way for us, ladies! Is there anyone who hasn't seen this one either? I feel silly summarizing them because I feel like most people have? The moral of the story is you can go from sorority girl to Harvard Law and prove all those b*tches wrong! Super cute, inspiring and funny.
The Princess Diaries (2001) & The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Two of the best Disney movies, IMO. Somehow turning Mia, a normal fifteen year old high schooler into the Princess of an unknown country totally works and made me want to be one too. You have to watch both but the first is my favorite!
Bend it Like Beckham (2002)
To say I was obsessed with this one is an understatement. I played soccer from elementary through high school so I loved this movie for years. Totally being real-- I have this one next on my list to watch, I've been anticipating it for weeks! There really weren't a ton of soccer movies out when I was younger and none that were like this. I love that it focuses on the sport as well as friendship, a lil' romance and family. It's a feel good for sure!
Freaky Friday (2003)
Another LiLo but Jamie Lee Curtis is everything! She plays LiLo's mom and they can't see eye to eye on anything. After a freak accident (it's gotta be a little cheesy!), they end up switching bodies and becoming each other. Since they have contrasting personalities and their own lives, it's hilarious and very cute. I believe this one and The Parent trap are both remakes of older films!
What a Girl Wants (2003)
Honestly any Amanda Bynes movie is a win. Right now, this and Sydney White on Amazon video are the only ones I could find that you don't have to rent. I love them all but What A Girl Wants is definitely in my top two. Having never known her dad, she takes off to London to find him. Coming from a simple life in NYC with her mom, she's thrown into his perfect, "high society" life.
Ice Princess (2005)
I think everyone is sleeping on this one. I never hear anyone talk about it but it's always been one of my favorites. Another coming of age that's so cute-- I always wanted to figure skate when I was little (probably from this movie, hah!) so I still love this. Very feel good and cute.
Accepted (2006)
Watch this if you need some laughs! When you don't get accepted into college, why not start your own? A comedy with lots of shenanigans and goofy humor.
17 Again (2009)
I'll be honest-- totally forgot about this one until it was added to Netflix a few months ago. First off, hi Zac Efron. Second, it has a lot of quirky, makes you cringe but laugh funny moments. Chandler Bing makes an appearance too as Mike. He hates his life and after a freak accident (another cheesy moment), gets his younger sexy Zac Efron body back. He's still a forty-something dad which makes for all the awkward moments!
If you're a movie lover like me, how many of these have you seen? I don't keep up with as many new releases but I love all the throwbacks! We all need a little feel-good comedy and romance, right? Cheese included! If you have any oldie recs-- let me know!!
