You may have chosen your favorite movie based on a drool-worthy actor, bangin’ soundtrack or a dreamy wardrobe, but did you ever stop to think that one of your go-to flicks might’ve influenced you more than you thought? I recently watched a few of my favorite childhood movies that and am finally realizing how many important messages they convey. Check it out:
1. Clueless– You do you: When Cher and Di try to give Tai a complete makeover, she only ends up back in her own ways with a skater boy who Cher and Di did not originally approve of. They could change her clothes, dye her hair and push her to be with a guy like Elton, but Tai just does her own thing and that’s why we love her so much.
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2. A League of Their Own– Sibling bonds are the strongest: Through thick and thin, even being pitted against each other on opposing teams, Dottie and Kit get through it all and are as close as ever. We all fight with our siblings, but when it comes down to it, we’re homies.
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3. Mrs. Doubtfire– Family comes first: Robin Williams’ hysterical performance as an old, overweight British housekeeper is what makes this classic one of my all-time favorites. When you get past all the silly moments, goofy voices and drama (e.g. Pierce Brosnan choking on shrimp), you can appreciate the beauty of just how far this father is willing to go to spend time with his children and to try to bring his family back together.
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4. Matilda– Never underestimate the power of teachers: One of my most memorable film-related childhood memories is wishing that Miss Honey could be my teacher. Not only is she the cutest and sweetest, yet she intrigues her students and believes in Matilda. She stands her ground and protects everyone from the evil Trunchbull, who still gives me nightmares. Most importantly, she ends up adopting Matila. Best teacher ever? I think yes. Side note: when my brother and I were bad, my parents used to tell us the Trunchbull was going to come babysit us.
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5. Cool Runnings– Say “bye haters”: Shun the misbelievers and go for it, no matter what you’re pursuing. There are always going to be people who think you will fail, or worse, want you to fail, but just keep on truckin’ and ignore all the naysayers.
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6. Never Been Kissed– Being “popular” isn’t everything: At 25 years old, Josie Geller goes back to high school as an undercover journalist to get the inside scoop. A series of flashbacks reveal her miserable past as an awkward, nerdy outcast. The second time around, all she wants is to be popular, but it isn’t as great as she thought it would be. While being “cool” may seem like the most important part of high school (or college), it means nothing in the real world. Your awkward years should only be remembered via TBTs.
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So, next time you plop down on the couch to watch one of your beloved films on Netflix, take a deeper look. You never know what you might find.
Article cover photo via marzandsuz.blogspot.com