These 1990s & Early 2000s Movies Will Have You Feeling Nostalgic
Movies from the 90s and early 2000s had a certain kick to them. Maybe it was the finicky VHS tapes you had to rent or buy to watch them. Or, perhaps, it was the simple joy of wandering the aisles of BlockBuster on a Friday night with the smell of popcorn penetrating the air. Today’s streaming platforms could never replicate such a niche experience, but we can still relive the joy that 90s and early 2000s movies have brought us over the years.
Please Don’t Spoil the Movie is a podcast about movies that discusses these classic movies at length. Here are some top 90s and early 2000s movies to stream for your next movie night.
1. A Cinderella Story (2004)
A Cinderella Story is a time capsule for all things early 2000s, casting some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time, like Hillary Duff, Jennifer Coolidge, and Chad Michael Murray. In this modern spin on the classic tale, Hillary Duff plays Sam, a janitor and dishwasher, at her stepmom’s (Jennifer Coolidge) diner. After beginning an anonymous relationship over text with Austin (Chad Michael Murray), the cutest boy in school, Sam realizes she needs to make a perfect impression on him at the upcoming school dance.
2. Mean Girls (2004)
There’s no debating that Mean Girls is one of the most quotable movies of the early 2000s (does “She doesn’t even go here!” ring a bell?) Starring Lindsay Lohan, Mean Girls plays on the classic tropes of petty high school drama while inserting a grain of truth. The plot follows the main character, Katy Heron, a new and formerly homeschooled student, as she navigates becoming a part of the most popular clique in school, “The Plastics,” played by Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chalbert.
3. The Parent Trap (1998)
Many may not realize The Parent Trap is a remake of 1961’s film of the same name. In this version, we see Lindsay Lohan playing both starring roles of twins Hallie and Annie with the help of clever CGI technology (not to mention Lindsay Lohan’s superior acting chops). The movie follows the twins as they first learn of each other’s existence at summer camp, eventually forming a bond. From there, they devise a brilliant plot to bring their parents (Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid) back together before their dad remarries.
4. 50 First Dates (2004)
50 First Dates is an Adam Sandler classic we won’t soon forget (no pun intended). The main character, Henry (Adam Sandler), plays a marine veterinarian in Hawaii who falls for Lucy, a stunning woman he meets at a beachside cafe. There’s just one little problem, however. Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss following an accident, and each day, Henry must make her fall in love with him all over again.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
As one of the most well-known late 90’s movies, 10 Things I Hate About You features classic teen angst with a romantic twist. The plot revolves around the main lead, Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles), who has no interest in dating. Her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), who is forbidden from dating until Kat begins dating, is forced to come up with a solution when she meets her perfect match, Cameron (Joseph Gordan-Levitt). This is when we see Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) enter the picture - a mysterious bad boy who had been paid off to steal Kat’s heart.
Follow the Please Don’t Spoil the Movie Podcast for More Recommendations
The Please Don’t Spoil the Movie podcast dives into all these movies and many more 90s and early 2000s classics. In each episode, we break down a classic film, reminiscing while re-telling (spoiling) the plot.
