25 Movies That Will Make Women Over 50 Instantly Nostalgic

Laura Beck
·6 min read
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Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in 'Dirty Dancing.'

Movies are like old friends: They can bring back memories and feelings we long thought we'd forgotten. For women over 50, they're also portals to a bygone era when a trip to the local theater or a cozy movie-night at home was an event steeped in anticipation.

With that in mind, here are 25 movies that make women over 50 instantly nostalgic.

Movies That Will Make Women Over 50 Instantly Nostalgic

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>Not only does this <strong>Susan Sarandon</strong> and <strong>Geena Davis</strong>'s road-trip adventure remain a feminist classic, reminding women of their strength and independence, it’s also just a good time. (Plus, it showcases a young <strong><a href="https://parade.com/tag/brad-pitt/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brad Pitt;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Brad Pitt</a></strong>, looking mighty fine, indeed.)</p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>A sweeping, heart-breaking, wildly romantic drama set in North Africa during World War II, this Academy-Award-winning film is celebrated for its breathtaking cinematography, intricate storytelling and powerful performances, particularly by <strong>Ralph Fiennes</strong> and <strong>Juliette Binoche</strong>.</p>

IMAGO / United Archives

A sweeping, heart-breaking, wildly romantic drama set in North Africa during World War II, this Academy-Award-winning film is celebrated for its breathtaking cinematography, intricate storytelling and powerful performances, particularly by Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche.

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p><strong>Patrick Swayze</strong> and <strong>Demi Moore</strong> have chemistry out the wazoo in this romantic fantasy-drama exploring love, loss and the afterlife. (What woman over 50 doesn't know the pottery scene by heart?) Plus, Swayze and <strong><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/were-taking-closer-view-whoopi-193649667.html" data-ylk="slk:Whoopi Goldberg;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Whoopi Goldberg</a> </strong>make for a delightful comedic pairing. </p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/why-demi-moore-thought-ghost-205137945.html" data-ylk="slk:Why Demi Moore Thought 'Ghost' Might Be a Disaster;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Why Demi Moore Thought 'Ghost' Might Be a Disaster</a></strong></p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>Of course there are two Patrick Swayze vehicles on this list—he was an instant crush for almost every woman over 50. This dance-filled coming-of-age story set in the 1960s is not only a blast to watch, but it also delivers a side of powerful class commentary. </p>

IMAGO / United Archives

Of course there are two Patrick Swayze vehicles on this list—he was an instant crush for almost every woman over 50. This dance-filled coming-of-age story set in the 1960s is not only a blast to watch, but it also delivers a side of powerful class commentary.

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>Has there ever been a more iconic duo than <strong>Meg Ryan</strong> and <strong><a href="https://parade.com/1396552/samuelmurrian/tom-hanks-movies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tom Hanks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tom Hanks</a></strong>? Nope! This hilarious, romantic tale set against the backdrop of radio waves and the Empire State Building remains a forever fave.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/watch-trailer-meg-ryans-rom-120000414.html" data-ylk="slk:Meg Ryan, Queen of the Rom-Com, Returns With 'What Happens Later';elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Meg Ryan, Queen of the Rom-Com, Returns With 'What Happens Later'</a></p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>“I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.” Sing it, <strong>Jane Austen</strong>! This timeless story, brought to life by <strong>Emma Thompson</strong> and <strong>Kate Winslet</strong>, appeals to fans of classic literature—and anyone with a heart.</p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/kate-winslets-daughter-looks-exactly-195424690.html" data-ylk="slk:Kate Winslet's Daughter Looks Exactly Like Her in Footage From Upcoming Series;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Kate Winslet's Daughter Looks Exactly Like Her in Footage From Upcoming Series</a></strong></p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p><strong>Sally Field</strong>, <strong>Julia Roberts</strong> <em>and</em> Dolly Parton!? Say no more. This heartwarming story of friendship and resilience among a group of Southern women is absolutely perfect.</p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/tried-dolly-partons-famous-biscuit-113000099.html" data-ylk="slk:I Made Dolly Parton's Famous Biscuits and They Taste Just Like My Grandma's;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">I Made Dolly Parton's Famous Biscuits and They Taste Just Like My Grandma's</a></strong></p>
<p>IMAGO / Album</p><p>This beloved musical transports viewers to the Austrian Alps, with timeless songs and <strong>Julie Andrews</strong>' memorable—nay, perfect—performance. The hills are alive, and so are the memories!</p>

IMAGO / Album

This beloved musical transports viewers to the Austrian Alps, with timeless songs and Julie Andrews' memorable—nay, perfect—performance. The hills are alive, and so are the memories!

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>A beautiful, hilarious and touching exploration of the relationships between Chinese-American mothers and daughters. The first chords of the soundtrack will bring instant nostalgia to any woman over 50. </p>

IMAGO / United Archives

A beautiful, hilarious and touching exploration of the relationships between Chinese-American mothers and daughters. The first chords of the soundtrack will bring instant nostalgia to any woman over 50.

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>This iconic film weaves together two stories, both of which explore themes of friendship, love and self-discovery, across multiple generations. <strong>Mary Stuart Masterson </strong>and <strong>Mary-Louise Parker </strong>star as young women in the 1920s South, Kathy Bates turns up as an unhappy 1980s housewife, and <strong>Jessica Tandy </strong>plays the elderly woman who ties both tales together (with the help of some fried green tomatoes).</p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>This adaptation of <strong>Alice Walker</strong>'s novel is a powerful exploration of Black women's lives, from trauma to triumph. The performances of the cast, especially Whoopi Goldberg and <strong><a href="https://parade.com/1351986/jessicasager/oprah-net-worth/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Oprah Winfrey;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Oprah Winfrey</a></strong>, are simply beautiful.</p>
<p>IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p><p>A charming romantic comedy set in New York City, starring <strong>Cher</strong> and <strong><a href="https://parade.com/celebrities/nicolas-cage-children" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Nicolas Cage;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Nicolas Cage</a></strong>, who both give performances of a lifetime. </p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/chers-net-worth-2023-believe-133300676.html" data-ylk="slk:Cher's Net Worth in 2023 Will Make You Believe (In Big Bucks);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Cher's Net Worth in 2023 Will Make You Believe (In Big Bucks)</a></strong></p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p><strong>Bette Midler </strong>and <strong>Barbara Hershey</strong> shine in this tearjerker about the enduring friendship between two women. Plus, a young <strong><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/why-mayim-bialik-exiting-season-163910106.html" data-ylk="slk:Mayim Bialik;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Mayim Bialik</a></strong> plays the kid version of Midler’s character and it’s iconic. </p>
<p>This story of a woman's determination to succeed in the corporate world has it all—power suits, <strong>Alec Baldwin</strong> as a bad boyfriend and a hit song by <strong>Carly Simon</strong>. Yes, please!</p>

This story of a woman's determination to succeed in the corporate world has it all—power suits, Alec Baldwin as a bad boyfriend and a hit song by Carly Simon. Yes, please!

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!” A timeless fairy-tale adventure that combines romance, humor and swashbuckling action. </p>

IMAGO / United Archives

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!” A timeless fairy-tale adventure that combines romance, humor and swashbuckling action.

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>Based on a novel of the same name by <strong>Terry McMillan</strong>, <em>Waiting to Exhale</em> focuses on the lives, friendships and romantic relationships of four Black women (played by <strong>Angela Bassett</strong>, <strong>Whitney Houston</strong>, <strong>Loretta Devine</strong> and <strong>Lela Rochon</strong>). Come for the story, stay for the incredible acting (and soundtrack!). </p>
<p>This enduring mother-daughter drama explores the complexities of relationships—and is guaranteed to keep you crying start-to-finish. Bring Kleenex!</p><p><strong>>>> </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/newsletters/daily" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sign up for Parade's Daily newsletter and get the scoop on the latest TV news and celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sign up for Parade's Daily newsletter and get the scoop on the latest TV news and celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox</a></strong><strong> <<<</strong></p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>A heartwarming sports film about women's baseball during World War II, this movie stars <strong>Geena Davis</strong> and <strong>Lori Petty</strong> as sisters—perfection!—as well as <strong>Tom Hanks</strong>, <strong>Madonna</strong>, <strong>Rosie O'Donnell</strong> and more. </p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/897929/samuelmurrian/best-madonna-songs-ranked/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The 100 Best Madonna Songs of All Time;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The 100 Best Madonna Songs of All Time</a></strong></p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>This comedy about three women seeking revenge on their ex-husbands is an absolute party. The movie stars <strong>Bette Midler</strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/why-goldie-hawn-kurt-russell-153548320.html" data-ylk="slk:Goldie Hawn;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Goldie Hawn</a> </strong>and <strong>Diane Keaton</strong> as three divorced ladies who seek revenge after their ex-husbands leave them for younger women. Watch out, boys!</p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>Set in the charming coastal town of Mystic, Connecticut, this film follows the lives and adventures of three young waitresses: Kat (<strong>Annabeth Gish</strong>), Daisy (<strong>Julia Roberts</strong>) and Jojo (<strong>Lili Taylor</strong>). Their stories revolve around love, friendship and dreams of finally getting ahead as they navigate the complexities of relationships and adulthood while working at a local pizza parlor. </p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>Sorry to everyone else, but this is <em>the</em> timeless adaptation of <strong>Louisa May Alcott</strong>'s novel about the March sisters. Set during the American Civil War, the movie revolves around the lives of Meg (<strong>Trini Alvarado</strong>), Jo (<strong>Winona Ryder</strong>), Beth (<strong>Claire Danes</strong>) and Amy (<strong>Kirsten Dunst</strong> and <strong>Samantha Mathis</strong>). I mean, the cast alone is worth the price of admission!</p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>This Whitney Houston vehicle co-stars your favorite cowboy, <strong><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/kevin-costners-children-meet-yellowstone-033913368.html" data-ylk="slk:Kevin Costner;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Kevin Costner</a></strong>, and features one of the best soundtracks of all time (seriously, which songs on there are <em>not </em>a hit?). </p>
<p>Julie Andrews charms as the magical nanny who brings joy and wonder into the lives of the Banks family. Plus, she delivers absolute bops, from “A Spoonful of Sugar” to “Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)."</p>

Julie Andrews charms as the magical nanny who brings joy and wonder into the lives of the Banks family. Plus, she delivers absolute bops, from “A Spoonful of Sugar” to “Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)."

<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p><strong>Janet Jackson</strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/62-tupac-shakur-quotes-inspire-085904229.html" data-ylk="slk:Tupac Shakur;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Tupac Shakur</a></strong> star in this eye-opening, complex romantic drama, which weaves together themes of love, loss and healing. </p>
<p>IMAGO / United Archives</p><p>A bittersweet love story starring <strong>Meryl Streep</strong> and <strong>Clint Eastwood</strong>, this movie explores themes of love, sacrifice and the choices people make in the face of passion and duty. And it’s just so dang romantic!</p>

IMAGO / United Archives

A bittersweet love story starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, this movie explores themes of love, sacrifice and the choices people make in the face of passion and duty. And it’s just so dang romantic!

Next, 37 Best Movies About Female Friendship