nostalgic backdrop

Movies with nostalgic vibe

181. Prom

Prom
Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy
5.4
20111h 44minUnited States
Director: Joe Nussbaum

Overview

At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. As the big dance approaches for Nova Prescott, it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei and Tyler harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events.

Themes

Friendship under pressure, Social expectations in adolescence, Identity through social ritual, Romantic competition and ambiguity, Parental influence and protection, Peer relationship dynamics

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

182. One Day

One Day
Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Relationship Drama
7.0
20111h 47minUnited Kingdom, United States
Director: Lone Scherfig

Overview

A romantic comedy centered on Dexter and Emma, who first meet during their graduation in 1988 and proceed to keep in touch regularly. The film follows what they do on July 15 annually, usually doing something together.

Themes

Class inequality, Timing of connection, Friends to lovers, Career vs relationship, Writing life, Missed opportunities

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

183. Avalon High

Avalon High
Fantasy Family Drama TV Movie Epic Fantasy
5.6
20111h 31minUnited States, New Zealand
Director: Stuart Gillard

Overview

Elaine "Ellie" Harrison has just moved from Minnesota to Annapolis, Maryland while her parents take a year-long sabbatical to continue their medieval studies in nearby Washington D.C. Her new high school, Avalon High, seems like a typical high school with the stereotypical students: Lance the jock, Jennifer the cheerleader, Marco, the bad boy/desperado, and Will, the senior class president, quarterback, and all around good guy. But not everyone at Avalon High is who they appear to be, not even Ellie herself. Eventually, it becomes apparent that Avalon High is a situation where the ancient Arthurian legend is repeating itself.

Themes

High school dynamics, Prophecy shaping choices, Based on young adult novel, Nostalgic teen movie, Camelot legacy in modern life, Reincarnation of king arthur

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

184. Toast

Toast
Drama Comedy History Family Family Drama
6.5
20101h 36minUnited Kingdom
Director: S.J. Clarkson

Overview

Young Nigel Slater has big culinary aspirations, even though all his mother knows how to make is toast. When his mother dies, relations grow strained between Nigel and his father, especially when he remarries a woman who wins his heart with a lemon meringue pie. Nigel enters culinary school, starts working in a pub, and finds himself competing with his stepmother - both in the kitchen and for his father's attention.

Themes

Sexual awakening, Ambition and loyalty, Family dynamics under strain, Maternal influence through cooking, Remarriage and adjustment, Nostalgia and craft

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Hoopla
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

185. Chico & Rita

Chico & Rita
Animation Music Romance Narrative Musical Passionate Romance
7.2
20101h 33minSpain, United Kingdom
Director: Fernando Trueba

Overview

Chico is a young piano player with big dreams. Rita is a beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unites them, but their journey - in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero - brings heartache and torment.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Racial prejudice, Jazz influence, Artistic ambition, Romantic desire, Adult animation

Available on

Apple TV
Kanopy
Hoopla
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

186. Flipped

Flipped
Romance Drama Passionate Romance Coming-of-Age Drama
7.7
20101h 29minUnited States
Director: Rob Reiner

Overview

When Juli meets Bryce in the second grade, she knows it's true love. After spending six years trying to convince Bryce the same, she's ready to give up - until he starts to reconsider.

Themes

Family obligation, Multiple perspectives, Coming of age, Unrequited love, Pride and belonging, Miscommunication and misunderstandings

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

187. The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty
Fantasy Animation Family Supernatural Fantasy Anime
7.6
20101h 34minFrance, Japan
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Overview

14-year-old Arrietty and the rest of the Clock family live in peaceful anonymity as they make their own home from items "borrowed" from the house's human inhabitants. However, life changes for the Clocks when a human boy discovers Arrietty.

Themes

Secrecy drives adaptation, Coexistence with humans, Displacement and relocation, Protecting a hidden home, Fragile domestic boundaries, Human curiosity threatens life

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

188. The Illusionist

The Illusionist
Animation Drama Family Animation Family Drama
7.4
20101h 20minFrance, United Kingdom
Director: Sylvain Chomet

Overview

A French illusionist travels to Scotland to work. He meets a young woman in a small village. Their ensuing adventure in Edinburgh changes both their lives forever.

Themes

Economic precarity, Romantic tension, Deception and appearances, Stage life constraints, Disillusionment with performance, Adult child friendship

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

189. My Afternoons with Margueritte

My Afternoons with Margueritte
Drama Comedy Relationship Drama
7.2
20101h 22minFrance
Director: Jean Becker

Overview

An illiterate and lonely man bonds with an older and well-read woman.

Themes

Intergenerational mentorship, Literacy as empowerment, Education as social bridge, Reading as connection, Companionship across generations, Resilience through learning

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

190. Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine
Science Fiction Comedy Adventure Time Travel Sci-Fi Parody
6.4
20101h 41minUnited States
Director: Steve Pink

Overview

Four pals are stuck in a rut in adulthood: Adam has just been dumped, Lou is a hopeless party animal, Nick is a henpecked husband, and Jacob does nothing but play video games in his basement. But they get a chance to brighten their future by changing their past after a night of heavy drinking in a ski-resort hot tub results in their waking up in 1986.

Themes

Loyalty under strain, Authenticity vs performance, Time travel consequences, Midlife reinvention pressure, Seeking second chances, Changing family dynamics

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.