Time flies when you’re having fun watching movies. As the blockbuster hits keep on coming, let’s not forget those that came before.
This list may make you feel a hint of nostalgia, maybe even make you feel a tiny bit older, but here are 10 movies that turn 10 years old this year.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Release date: September 26, 2012
Based on Stephen Chbosky’s novel of the same name, it was also Chbosky who adapted the novel for the screen and directed the film. Guided by his tender and caring hands, follow along as he tells the story of Charlie. Charlie is a quiet and observant teen. Used to living life on the sidelines, everything changes when he is taken under the wing of two enigmatic upperclassmen: stepsiblings, Sam and Patrick. With their help, Charlie uncovers the secrets of friendship, happiness, and love. But as his friends prepare to go their separate ways for college, will Charlie be able to survive on his own?
The Avengers
Release date: April 25, 2012
The first major cross-over episode whose legacy continues to affect the world of Marvel, its fans, and its movie and series franchises. Heroes across the Marvel Cinematic Universe are summoned by Nick Fury, Head of S.H.I.E.L.D as Earth is threatened by Thor’s trickster brother, Loki. The Avengers consists of the Earth’s mightiest heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, and Hawkeye.
Brave
Release date: August 1, 2012
If you had the chance to change your fate, would you? Armed with her bow and arrow and an endearing accent, Merida is another Disney princess that is hard to forget. In her journey of shaping her own life, Merida goes against ancient traditions and fights with her mother, Queen Elinor. Enlisting the help of a witch, Merida unwittingly places an overbearing (pun intended) curse on her family which she must find the courage to break before things go terribly wrong.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
Release date: November 15, 2012
The fierce finale of the unforgettable Twilight series, based on Stephanie Meyers’ novels. The end is only the beginning as Bella is reborn as a vampire after giving birth. Bella and Edward’s daughter proves to be just as special as they are. While Bella learns the ropes of being a vampire, Renesmee grows at an above-average pace. The existence of Renesmee is questioned by the Volturi and declared a crime. Before the Volturi reach the Cullen family, the clan scours the globe in search of allies and prepares for an epic battle.
21 Jump Street
Release date: May 9, 2012
Back in high school, Schmidt and Jenko were from two different worlds. Jenko was a popular jock while Schmidt lived in the world of the geeks. Despite their differences, the two bonded when they both joined the police force. Now partners, the duo is chosen to go undercover. Tasked to infiltrate a drug ring supplying drugs to teenagers, Jenko and Schmidt need to go back to high school. As their mission goes on, the two learn that high school is completely different from how they remember it. The movie also contains cameos of original cast members of the 1987 TV series of the same name on which the movie was based on.
Magic Mike
Release date: July 11, 2012
Another film starring Channing Tatum, it seems like 2012 was quite a busy year for the athletic actor. Handyman by day, Mike lives a very different type of life once the sun sets. At night, Mike transforms into Magic Mike, a famous and successful headliner in an all-male strip club. Mike uncovers hidden potential in a 19-year-old they refer to as The Kid. He decides to teach The Kid everything he knows but Mike learns some new things about the industry along the way hidden under what might seem like a glamorous lifestyle.
Pitch Perfect
Release date: October 10, 2012
Beca is a college freshman and the only thing she wants out of college is to get out of it. An aspiring music producer, her dad urges her to just give college life a shot and join at least one group on campus before she leaves. Recruited into the Barden Bellas, Beca is plunged into the world of acapella performances and competitions. Starting to get into the groove of things and wanting to help with arrangements to make them more fierce competitors, Beca then bumps heads with their traditional group leader, Aubrey. With a quirky ensemble cast, watch as they navigate aca-awkward situations in the competitive world of collegiate acapella.
Moonrise Kingdom
Release date: May 25, 2012
Speaking of quirky, one of the kings of quirkiness, Wes Anderson, released his endearing and aesthetically pleasing youth romance story 10 years ago. In 1965, two 12-year-olds fall in love. Both Sam and Suzy are seen as “troubled” children. As their love blossoms, the two decide to run away together. A ragtag team of adults and kids now band together to find the star-crossed lovers as a destructive storm makes its way closer to their small and quiet island.
Rise of the Guardians
Release date: November 28, 2012
Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy are all real, and they need our help—they need us to believe. This iconic band of immortals is the Guardians of all children of the world. They are threatened when Pitch Black arises to spread fear into the hearts of children and make them stop believing in the Guardians. As the Guardians are endangered, it is up to winter sprite Jack Frost to help the children believe again.
The Hunger Games
Release date: March 22, 2012
Based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, this is the first installment of the iconic Hunger Games film series. In a dystopian future, there are 12 districts separating the citizens of Panem. And every year, there is the Hunger Games: a battle to the death where each district must send out representatives to participate. This year, district 12—the poorest of them all—is surprised to have a volunteer. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute when her younger sister is called on as their district’s chosen representative. At a disadvantage in every way, Katniss is pitted against people who have been training their whole lives for the games, but her underdog story is only beginning as the odds start turning toward her favor.
And that’s 10 that are turning 10! Why not take some time out of your busy schedule binging new releases to binge on these decade-old classics? Do they still hold up? Are they just as good as you remember them to be?
… Do you feel old yet?
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