42 Must-Watch Movies for Millennials (Sorry, Boomers)
There are so many things we love about being a millennial. For one, we can speak to experiences like using a floppy disk and renting a Blockbuster movie. And of course, there’s the fact that we navigated a major shift in the world of technology. But the most rewarding part is getting to see all the iconic films that shaped our generation.
From contemporary titles that reflect our culture to coming-of-age classics that define our childhood, here are 42 must-watch millennial films.
1. Clueless (1995)
Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, Stacey Dash
Rating: PG-13
Cher and her BFF embark on a mission to transform the new girl, Tai, into a beauty queen. But things take a turn for the worse when Tai becomes popular.
2. Mean Girls (2004)
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert, Lindsay Lohan
Rating: PG-13
From Karen’s psychic abilities to Gretchen’s determination to make “fetch” happen, this brilliant coming-of-age comedy is a cultural masterpiece—one that’s sure to resonate with anyone who has stepped foot inside of a high school.
3. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt
Rating: PG-13
There’s one major reason to watch this movie: Meryl Streep. Her role as Andy Sachs’s demanding boss, Miranda Priestly (also a fictionalized version of Vogue editor, Anna Wintour), is basically the highlight of the entire movie, which also offers a valuable lesson on persistence.
4. Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Cast: Mira Sorvino, Lisa Kudrow
Rating: R
BFFs Romy and Michele create a huge web of lies in an attempt to impress their old classmates at a high school reunion. Even with its silly tone, this movie brilliantly touches on the common struggle of feeling inadequate in comparison to your successful peers.
5. Bring It On (2000)
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union
Rating: PG-13
The iconic film follows rival cheerleading squads as they strive to beat each other at nationals, all while addressing relevant issues like white privilege and cultural appropriation.
6. Never Been Kissed (1999)
Cast: Drew Barrymore, David Arquette Michael Vartan Molly Shannon
Rating: PG-13
First kisses can be so nerve-wracking, and budding journalist Josie Geller knows the feeling all too well. After agreeing to go undercover as a high school student for a story, Josie falls for her dreamy teacher. But will she get her first kiss? (We know, it sounds creepy, but just roll with it).
7. Love and Basketball (2000)
Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert
Rating: PG-13
Childhood BFFs Monica and Quincy are both eager to become professional basketball players. But as they grow older, they’re forced to choose between their careers and their friendship.
8. Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Cast: Nicole Beharie, Kendrick Sampson, Alexis Chikaeze, Channing Godfrey Peoples
Rating: 16+
If you’re drawn to mother-daughter relationships and Black womanhood, you have to add this one to your queue. Miss Juneteenth centers around a single mom and former beauty pageant winner, who wants her 15-year-old daughter to follow in her footsteps, even though her daughter isn’t too thrilled about the idea.
9. Reality Bites (1994)
Cast: Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller
Rating: PG-13
Navigating the real world is no easy feat, as demonstrated by college grad Lelaina and her group of friends. The aspiring filmmaker documents her post-university life as she struggles to find her place in the world.
10. Legally Blonde (2001)
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair
Rating: PG-13
In this feminist masterpiece, Elle Woods attends Harvard for the sole purpose of winning back her ex-boyfriend. But when she starts to excel, she learns that there’s far more to her than her fabulous looks.
11. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Rating: PG-13
Robin Williams shines as divorced Daniel Hillard, who hatches an over-the-top plan to spend more quality time with his children. This includes adopting a new persona and fooling his ex-wife into hiring him as a nanny—but it only lasts for so long.
12. The Parent Trap (1998)
Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson
Rating: PG
When thinking of quintessential millennial movies that defined our childhood, The Parent Trap comes to mind. Because watching Hallie and Annie (Lindsay Lohan) mess with Meredith Blake is pure entertainment.
13. Frances Ha (2013)
Cast: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Adam Driver
Rating: R
Female friendships, sexuality and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood are all themes that get explored in this dramedy, which follows a millennial who’s trying to make it as a dancer in New York.
14. Save Yourselves (2020)
Cast: Sunita Mani, John Reynolds, Ben Sinclair
Rating: R
A couple in their 30s decide to unplug from their busy lives and reconnect with one another by traveling to a remote cabin. There’s just one problem: The rest of the world is under attack, and they haven't the slightest clue.
15. Boyhood (2014)
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Richard Linklater
Rating: R
This poignant coming-of-age film follows the life of Mason Evans Jr. Spanning from ages six through eighteen, it shows how Mason’s experiences are impacted by his divorced parents.
16. Inside Out (2015)
Cast: Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith
Rating: PG
When young Riley moves with her family to a new city, her personified emotions (including Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust) try to guide her through the transition, but it’s more difficult than they thought.
17. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
Rating: PG-13
Harry, Ron and Hermione essentially grew up right along with us, and it certainly didn’t hurt that they live in a magical world. Anyone else still waiting on their acceptance letter from Hogwarts?
18. The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
Rating: PG-13
It's the franchise that made us fantasize about speeding along an open road in a Ford Mustang. In the film, Dominic takes Brian, a newbie racer, under his wing with zero knowledge that he’s actually an undercover cop.
19. Scream (1996)
Cast: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox Arquette, Matthew Lillard
Rating: R
This star-studded satirical slasher follows a teenager and her friends as they get terrorized by a mysterious killer in a ghost mask. The balance of smart humor and suspense practically makes this one required viewing.
20. Spider-Man (2002)
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe
Rating: PG-13
Seeing Peter Parker (Maguire) try to navigate his newfound superpowers (and of course, that iconic upside-down kiss) never gets old.
21. The Social Network (2010)
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
Rating: PG-13
If you've ever been curious about the origin story of Facebook—the social platform that helped shape the millennial generation—then you'll want to check out this spicy drama. Both Eisenberg and Garfield deliver strong performances.
22. Anchorman (2004)
Cast: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Adam McKay
Rating: PG-13
Arguably Will Ferrell’s best movie to date, this comedy follows Ron Burgundy, a successful anchorman who starts a bitter feud with the new female anchor. Expect silly humor and countless quotable one-liners.
23. She’s All That (1999)
Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, Paul Walker
Rating: PG-13
Yes, the storyline is seriously problematic (more on that here), but this rom-com is a pop culture phenomenon. A popular jock named Zack agrees to a risky bet after his ex-girlfriend dumps him for a reality star.
24. Forrest Gump (1994)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Sally Field
Rating: PG-13
A series of historical events are seen through the eyes of a kind-hearted, yet dim-witted, Alabama man named Forrest Gump. Although he gains recognition for his hard work and enthusiasm, he only cares about one thing: his childhood crush, Jenny.
25. Lady Bird (2017)
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet
Rating: R
High school senior Christine McPherson, who goes by "Lady Bird," has dreams of going away to college, and she’s determined to make this happen—despite her strong-willed mom and her family’s limited funds.
26. Juno (2007)
Cast: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner
Rating: PG-13
When 16-year-old Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page) discovers that she’s pregnant by her best friend, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera), she’s forced to make a series of life-changing decisions. While it tackles serious subject matters, this Oscar-winning title is incredibly witty and lighthearted.
27. Pretty Woman (1990)
Cast: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Jason Alexander, J.F. Lawton
Rating: R
Starring Julia Roberts, AKA the queen of ’90s rom-coms, Pretty Woman follows a businessman (Richard Gere), who falls in love with a young prostitute (Roberts).
28. How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days (2003)
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson
Rating: PG-13
Hudson plays Andie, a writer who’s tasked with penning a how-to story about what not to do in a relationship. Her plan turns to utter chaos when she meets a cocky ladies’ man, who’s determined to win her heart.
29. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Cast: Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Regina King, Whoopi Goldberg
Rating: R
While vacationing with her friend in Jamaica, 40-year-old Stella (Angela Bassett) starts a casual fling with a gorgeous young man in his 20s. But when she prepares to return home, she realizes that she’s actually falling in love with him.
30. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Cast: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Spike Lee
Rating: R
When the Black community confronts a pizzeria owner about the lack of diversity on his "Wall of Fame," racial tensions run very high. It's been more than three decades since the film was made, but the themes of police brutality, racial division and gentrification make it feel even more relevant today.
31. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Cast: Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy
Rating: R
This follows six teens from different cliques as they spend their Saturday in detention. Fortunately for them, their day of punishment eventually takes a turn for the better. *Cue “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds*
32. The Craft (1996)
Cast: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True, Andrew Fleming
Rating: R
Loved Mean Girls? Well, meet the movie’s edgier big sister, The Craft. High schooler and new girl Sarah (Robin Tunney) joins a group of outsiders and pursues witchcraft. As a result, she has to deal with the unfortunate consequences.
33. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Cast: Larisa Oleynik, Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger
Rating: PG-13
Bianca, aka the most popular girl in school, wants go out with a boy that she likes. The only problem? She can’t date until her tightly-wound big sister, Kat, finds someone. Feeling desperate, she hires bad boy Patrick to win Kat's heart. What could go wrong?
34. Brown Sugar (2002)
Cast: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan
Rating: PG-13
Meet Andre and Sidney, two longtime friends who realize they have feelings for each other. FYI: Hip-hop lovers are in for a treat with the film’s soundtrack.
35. Set It Off (1996)
Cast: Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise and Queen Latifah
Rating: R
This classic follows four Black women who rob banks to counteract their financial struggles. While the heist film is action-packed, it also speaks to multiple relevant issues, including police violence and misogynoir.
36. Drumline (2002)
Cast: Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldana
Rating: PG-13
Movies that focus on Black colleges and universities are few and far between. But Drumline stands out for its depiction of college life and, of course, Cannon’s standout performance.
37. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Cast: Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel
Rating: PG
Ann Brashares’s novel comes to life in this brilliant, lighthearted dramedy about four best friends, who maintain their tight-knit bond through a stylish pair of jeans that fits them all perfectly.
38. Friday (1995)
Cast: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Regina King
Rating: R
Set in South-Central L.A., Craig and his best friend Smokey decide to spend their day hanging out on his front porch. From drive-by shootings to run-ins with talkative neighbors, Craig and Smokey get a whole lot more than they bargained for.
39. Booksmart (2019)
Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein
Rating: R
Overachieving best friends Amy and Molly realize that while they have the perfect grades, they’ve missed out on all the fun parties that make high school so special. Determined to have some fun before graduation, they decide to let loose for one night (and naturally, chaos ensues).
40. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway
Rating: R
Set in Wyoming during the ’60s, a one-night stand between cowboys Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist turns into a passionate love affair that spans for two decades—even after they marry other people.
41. The Revolution Generation (2021)
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Corbin Bleu, Michelle Rodriguez
Rating: NR
Proud millennials will have an even greater appreciation for their generation after watching this doc, which explores how millennials navigated the world they grew up in and how they're changing the future.
42. The Matrix (1999)
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne
Rating: R
Reeves is Neo, a computer programmer and hacker who's stunned to learn that the world is not what it seems. After meeting the mysterious Morpheus, he's forced to confront a harsh new reality that involves battling secret agents.
THE ONE SHOW THAT UNITES MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z (WHEN THEY'RE NOT ARGUING ABOUT SIDE PARTS)
