Nostalgic movies that take you back to childhood

By Claire McConnell

This is your features editor, Claire McConnell, and these are some of my favorite childhood movies! If you’re a senior this year, consider revisiting those old favorites because, for me at least, they hit even closer to home.

The Land Before Time

I still remember sliding this movie into our old VHS player and bawling my eyes out 10 minutes in. 

Nanny McPhee

Nanny McPhee is the nanny we don’t all want, but we do need. 

Song of the Sea

The younger sister literally almost drowns because her twelve-year-old brother got annoyed that she was breathing too loud. 

Ponyo

This movie made me romanticize putting honey in my tea and eggs on my ramen. 

Nacho Libre

If you liked Jack Black in School of Rock, just imagine Jack Black in his Super Saiyan form and that’s what this movie is. 

The Prince of Egypt

You don’t need to be religious to enjoy this film, just a human with ears who can fully absorb the glory of Hans Zimmer’s genius. 

The Parent Trap

As a kid I thought they hired actual twins for this movie. I’m still not 100% sure they didn’t. 

The Iron Giant

“I am Superman!”

White Chicks

Please don’t cancel this movie because I’ve genuinely never laughed harder than when Terry Crews farts and says, “Bask in the ambience.” 

Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue

This one is especially nostalgic for me because as a kid I made a one-to-one replica of the tiny fairy house Tinkerbell finds in the beginning of the movie. 

Ella Enchanted

Anne Hathaway’s best performance. Prove me wrong. I still get nervous just thinking about that stabbing scene. 

Princess Bride

The reason we quote things we don’t even remember the origin of. 

Tokyo Godfathers

I make sure to watch these next three movies every Christmas. If you like a heartfelt Christmas mystery that’s beautifully hand-drawn, please watch this! Also, this movie must hold the record for making you fall in love with three hobos in a 5-minute opening scene. 

It’s a Wonderful Life

“Please, God, let me live again.” 

Anastasia

This movie convinced us we may all be royalty.