By Lydia Browne
The year of 2023 has come to a close and 2024 has begun. A new year is like a new chapter in which new and unexpected stories will form. However, as we look ahead, it is always a pleasure and a comfort to be able to look back at stories that we already know and love. We have the opportunity to do so as a new batch of movies approach monumental anniversaries. Here are some of these movies that ought to be revisited as well as admired for their wonderful stories in honor of their important milestones.
Ten Years Ago: The Lego Movie (February 7, 2014)
This movie was a dream come true for many who watched it, especially those who already loved LEGOs. It tells the story of Emmet, a seemingly ordinary lego figure who is sucked into an adventure to save the universe from the evil Lord Business after he discovers “the Piece of Resistance” and a wizard proclaims him to be “the Special.” The 3D animated film was very successful when it was released, making $468.1 million at the box office worldwide. The Lego Movie still is beloved for its humor and an inspiring story that tells its audience that even the most ordinary people can do something extraordinary.
Fifteen Years Ago: Up (May 29, 2009)
True to form, this Pixar movie offers both a fun adventure for the kids and tear-inducing depth for the adults. The story follows a rather grumpy 78-year-old man named Carl Fredricksen, who decides to fulfill his dream of traveling to Paradise Falls in South America. Using thousands of balloons, he lifts his house off the ground, unknowingly taking Boy Scout Russell standing on his front porch along for the journey. Along the way, the duo makes friends with a talking dog named Dug, and discovers an evil plot. The movie made a worldwide total of $735.1 million when it came out. This heart-warming movie should definitely be revisited and enjoyed in honor of its fifteenth anniversary.
Fifteen Years Ago: Avatar (December 18, 2009)
Avatar was an unbelievably huge success when it came out fifteen years ago. It was a turning point in cinema because of its amazing imagery and the technology used to create it. The audience finds themselves immersed in the vibrant world of Pandora as they experience the life and trials of the native Na’vi along with Jake Sully, a paralyzed former marine part of a program in which he remotely controls a human-Na’vi hybrid in order to explore the planet. While there, he develops a true appreciation for the world and its people and falls in love with a Na’vi named Neytiri. He decides to fight in their favor against those who sent him so that they could not do harm to Pandora. The movie was a huge hit, making almost $3 billion at the worldwide box office. The beauty of Avatar should absolutely be revisited and appreciated in honor of its fifteenth anniversary.
Twenty Years Ago: The Incredibles (October 24, 2004)
True to its name, this movie was a hit of incredible proportions when it came out in 2004, and it remains a hit today. Entertaining for kids and adults alike, the well-animated movie tells an intriguing story of a family of superheroes living among normal civilians and struggling to hide their powers. Tired of his dull suburban life, Bob Parr, the father of the family, accepts a secret assignment. Soon, the whole family is needed to save the world from disaster. The movie made $631.6 million worldwide, and was the fourth-highest-grossing movie of that year.
Twenty-Five Years Ago: Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace (May 19, 1999)
The first of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, this movie introduced audiences to both new characters and the younger versions of already beloved characters from the original trilogy. The movie shows Anakin Skywalker, the future Darth Vader, as a little boy on Tatooine. He is discovered to be strong with the force by the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn while he and his apprentice—Obi Wan Kenobi—are stranded on the planet in the midst of a political mission gone wrong. The movie grossed $1.027 billion at the box office.
Thirty Years Ago: The Lion King (June 15, 1994)
Ever since its release thirty years ago, The Lion King has been a classic family movie that has earned widespread adoration and appreciation for its beautiful animation, excellent story, and catchy songs. When Simba—a young lion who is heir to the throne—is banished from his pride by a plotting uncle, he must grow up far from home. During this time, he and his companions live with the intent to leave their worries behind. However, a now adult Simba must face his problems and return to defeat evil and become the king that he was meant to be. The movie made $968.5 million at the box office, and was followed by multiple sequels and a more recent live-action adaptation. This is a wonderful classic film that is well worth celebrating for its thirtieth birthday.
Thirty Years Ago: Forrest Gump (July 6, 1994)
“My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.'” Thirty years ago, Forrest Gump made hearing quotes like this one a frequent experience. The movie is a good depiction of America across the decades, spanning from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Forrest does everything from meeting JFK and fighting in the Vietnam War in the -60’s, to becoming a national ping-pong champion, starting a shrimping company, and embarking on a three-year run in the -70’s. Through the years, Forrest never gives up on those he loves, particularly Jenny, his “girl.” Forrest Gump is a worthwhile and captivating look into what it meant to be an American, both its joys and deepest sorrows. The movie made $678 million worldwide, and remains a monumental film thirty years later. Be sure to once again enjoy the privilege of looking at the ever-changing world through the unique perspective of Forrest Gump.
Thirty-Five Years Ago: The Little Mermaid (November 17, 1989)
This animated Disney classic tells the story of Ariel: a mermaid princess who is fascinated by the goings-on of the outside world beyond the sea. Though forbidden by her father, she makes a dangerous deal with a sea witch in order to experience life on land and be with the human prince with whom she had fallen in love. In total, the movie has made $235 million worldwide, and in 2023, a live action adaptation of The Little Mermaid was released.
Fifty-Five Years Ago: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (September 23, 1969)
In an instance of perfect alignment, this movie, set at the end of the time of the “wild west,” came near the end of the western film era. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—played by the ever-amazing duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford—are outlaws and leaders of a gang who rob one train too many. They soon have to flee to Bolivia along with Sundance’s girlfriend to escape a posse that is out to get them and put an end to their crimes. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was the top-grossing movie of 1969, making $102.3 million.
Sixty Years Ago: Mary Poppins (August 26, 1964)
From the first moment of its release sixty years ago to the present day, Mary Poppins has been a cheerful masterpiece of music and magic. Wonder and adventures come to the Banks family in the form of a new nanny. Along with her friend Bert—a man of many careers—Mary Poppins takes Jane and Michael Banks on fantastical adventures, all while teaching the childrens’ busy parents the great value of a strong family. The movie made $103 million worldwide, and was the highest-grossing Disney movie when it was released, as well as the highest-grossing film of 1964. This Disney live action classic absolutely ought to be celebrated on this monumental anniversary.
Seventy Years Ago: White Christmas (October 14, 1954)
For many, the holiday season is not complete without watching White Christmas. The title is the same as Irving Berlin’s popular Christmas song. Though sung by many artists, the version of the song by Bing Crosby—who plays former army captain and performer Bob Wallace in the movie—is the best-selling single worldwide. This song—as well as lots of other memorable songs and dances—is a big part of what makes the movie such a classic. Two former World War II soldiers and two sisters, both duos part of song-and-dance acts, end up in a struggling lodge in Vermont for Christmas. When they discover that the owner of the lodge is the former commander of the two men, they put into motion a plan to help bring business to the lodge. Just like the song, the movie was incredibly successful as the highest-grossing film of the year, and made $30 million.
Eighty Years Ago: Meet Me in St. Louis (November 28, 1944)
Meet Me in St. Louis is a wonderful look into the everyday enjoyments and problems of a family in St. Louis leading up to the World’s Fair in the early years of the 20th century. While Esther Smith and her siblings are going through the experiences of growing up—such as falling in love with the boy next door—all are surprised to learn that the father of the family will be moving to a new job in New York. Everyone is dismayed at the thought of leaving their home in St. Louis and it’s a struggle to come to terms with the idea. The movie was a success, and made $6.6 million upon its release.
Eighty-Five Years Ago: The Wizard of Oz (August 25, 1939)
This absolute classic tells the story of Dorothy Gale—played by the iconic Judy Garland—when she and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from Kansas to a strange and magical world. As she makes her way to see the renowned Wizard in the Emerald City, Dorothy meets her companions for the journey: a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion. Each hope to be granted their wish by the Wizard. While Dorothy needs a way to get home, the Scarecrow desires a brain, the Tin Man wants a heart, and the Cowardly Lion longs for courage. When they arrive, they are told that they need to bring the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West for their requests to be granted. The movie was a critical success, and won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score. It has made around $35 million at the box office.
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