1. The Wizard of Oz 

“The Wizard of Oz” was released on Aug. 25, 1939 and has made around 29 million dollars since its release. This movie is still a popular movie after almost 100 years. It is also well known for its popular song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by Judy Garland. Many kids often use a famous quote from the movie: “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” It is clear that the reality of the movie, Kansas, is just black and white and colorless. The Land of Oz, however, is full of color. The true message of the story ends up being that imagination is far more interesting than reality.

Children should watch this movie at least once in their lives. Each character in the movie has different characteristics, and kids will be able to relate to at least one. It is comforting for those kids to know that those characters ended up having a good outcome- except for the Wicked Witch of The West of course.

2. Mary Poppins

“Mary Poppins” was released on June 18, 1965 and has made over 100 million dollars since its release. This is still a popular movie among children, and adults may watch it if they want to have a laugh. Children often take away the fun song, “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” because although it is very hard to sing, it is fun trying to say the long word.

The story of “Mary Poppins” fits a child’s perception of life perfectly. The film also incorporated a mix of live acting and animation which is truly impressive.

3. The Breakfast Club

“The Breakfast Club” was released on Feb. 15, 1985 and has made over 50 million dollars since its release. This movie is mostly popular among teenagers. Teens find this movie relatable as they can often relate to at least one character.

“The Breakfast Club” shows the anxieties, confusion and joys of teenage existence. The ending of the movie is one of the most iconic endings in movie history.

4. Forrest Gump

“Forrest Gump” was released on July 6, 1994 and has made almost 900 million dollars since its release. A big reason for this movie’s popularity is America’s love for actor Tom Hanks, who plays Forrest in the movie. “Forrest Gump” isn’t about politics, it is more about respect, humanity and love.

Forrest is such a popular character because he shows how you can do anything, even if you don’t have a high IQ. He leaves an impact on the world in the movie and in real life by showing that he is lovable and an important person. 

5. Titanic

“Titanic” was released on Dec. 19, 1997 and made over two billion dollars since its release. This movie was and still is insanely popular for many reasons, the biggest being that it is a tragic love story. Teenage girls fell in love with actor Leonardo DiCaprio and his role as Jack. “Titanic” is still one of the highest grossing movies to this day. Some of the scenes of this movie are so iconic that someone could immediately tell if it was this movie or not. Not to mention the iconic song “My Heart Will Go On” sung by Celine Dion.

A popular movie like “Titanic” normally wouldn’t have any controversies, but this one does, if one would consider it a controversy. Many people argue whether Jack could have fit on the door with Rose at the end or not. He definitely could have, but it wouldn’t be a tragic love story if he actually got on the door.

6. Mean Girls

   

“Mean Girls” was released on April 30, 2004 and has made 130 million dollars since its release. Since “Mean Girls” is set in high school, teens can  find it very relatable. People often watch this movie for the humor, and can take away the phrase “on Wednesdays we wear pink” anytime they wear pink.

The actors in this movie played their parts extremely well. People couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Cady besides Lindsay Lohan or anyone else playing Regina besides Rachel McAdams.

7. The Notebook

“The Notebook” was released on June 25, 2004 and has made over 100 million dollars since its release. This has to be one of the most iconic love stories of all time. But warning: have tissues at hand. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams played their roles of Noah and Allie so well that it is hard to see anyone else play them. Some people might also be able to relate to Noah and Allie’s relationship, which is why it is so popular.

When someone thinks about “The Notebook,” it is hard not to think about the iconic kissing in the rain scene. Many people have a desire to have a relationship like Noah and Allie’s so they can last forever with their significant other just like they did.