Big Screen Birthdays

Timeless Classics that Shaped Cinema
Byline photo of Rania Adil
Rania Adil, Reporter
December 19, 2024
Anniversaries of various classics coming this December.
Anniversaries of various classics coming this December.
Rania Adil

Grab your popcorn, because some of the best movies celebrate major anniversaries this December. As the years pass, some movies leave an indelible mark on our hearts and continue captivating audiences across generations. Several beloved films are celebrating significant anniversaries this year, offering us a chance to reflect on their enduring impact. From heartfelt dramas to light-hearted comedies, here’s a walk down memory lane for some timeless classics.

Three-time Oscar-nominated Little Women is a must-watch, or rewatch as it approaches its 30th anniversary. Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel Little Women turns five this year.
“Little Women” (1994) – 30 years  (2019) – 5 Years 

Three-time Oscar-nominated “Little Women” is a must-watch, or rewatch as it approaches its 30th anniversary. The 1994 adaptation captures everything the book is about, all about lessons that still matter—following your dreams, appreciating your family, and learning to grow through heartbreak. It’s one of those movies you can watch with your friends, your mom, or even your younger siblings. Trust us, it never gets old!

Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel “Little Women” turns five this year. This modern retelling of the March sisters’ journey of love, loss, and self-discovery was praised for its emotional depth and stellar performances from stars like Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh. The film remains a testament to sisterhood and resilience, themes that resonate deeply even today.

Three-time Oscar-nominated Little Women is a must-watch, or rewatch as it approaches its 30th anniversary. Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel Little Women turns five this year. (Rania Adil)
This year marks a quarter-century since The Green Mile premiered.
“The Green Mile” (1999) – 25 Years

This year marks a quarter-century since “The Green Mile” premiered. Based on Stephen King’s novel, this powerful drama, starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, tells the story of life on death row and explores themes of justice, redemption, and compassion. Its moving performances and haunting storyline have ensured its place as one of the most memorable films of all time.

This year marks a quarter-century since The Green Mile premiered. (Rania Adil)
This charming film, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, follows the unlikely love story between a Hollywood actress and a humble bookstore owner.
“Notting Hill” (1999) – 25 Years

Also celebrating its 25th anniversary is the romantic comedy “Notting Hill.” This charming film, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, follows the unlikely love story between a Hollywood actress and a humble bookstore owner. Its witty dialogue and iconic scenes (who can forget “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy…”?) continue to delight audiences today.

This charming film, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, follows the unlikely love story between a Hollywood actress and a humble bookstore owner. (Rania Adil)
Using groundbreaking motion-capture animation, this holiday classic captures the spirit of Christmas and the power of believing in the extraordinary.
“The Polar Express” (2004) – 20 Years

All aboard! The magical journey to the North Pole in “The Polar Express” has been warming hearts for two decades. Using groundbreaking motion-capture animation, this holiday classic captures the spirit of Christmas and the power of believing in the extraordinary. It’s a perfect film to revisit during the holiday season.

Using groundbreaking motion-capture animation, this holiday classic captures the spirit of Christmas and the power of believing in the extraordinary. (Rania Adil)
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels brought hilarity to new heights with "Dumb and Dumber," celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
“Dumb and Dumber” (1994) – 30 Years

Ready to laugh until you cry? Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels brought hilarity to new heights with “Dumb and Dumber,” celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. This slapstick comedy about two clueless friends on a cross-country road trip remains a cult favorite. Its over-the-top humor and quotable lines ensure it’s still a crowd-pleaser for comedy lovers.

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels brought hilarity to new heights with “Dumb and Dumber,” celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. (Rania Adil)
The animated classic, with its unforgettable characters like Tinker Bell and Captain Hook, continues to enchant audiences young and old.
“Peter Pan” (1924) – 100 Years

Let’s fly to Neverland! Disney’s Peter Pan turns 100 this year, reminding us of the magic of Neverland. The animated classic, with its unforgettable characters like Tinker Bell and Captain Hook, continues to enchant audiences young and old. Its timeless message about the wonder of childhood and the power of imagination remains as relevant as ever.

The animated classic, with its unforgettable characters like Tinker Bell and Captain Hook, continues to enchant audiences young and old. (Rania Adil)

These anniversaries offer a wonderful excuse to revisit these films, whether it’s to relive the laughter of “Dumb and Dumber,” the romance of “Notting Hill,” or the adventure of “Peter Pan.” As we celebrate these milestones, we’re reminded that great storytelling truly stands the test of time. These movies aren’t just old—they’re iconic. They’ve inspired generations and made us laugh, cry, and believe in the impossible. So whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, take some time to celebrate their big milestones. After all, great movies never go out of style!

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About the Contributor
Rania Adil
Rania Adil, Reporter
Rania is a senior and first-year reporter. While she's a member of various honor societies, Rania is also the PALS President, Architecture Club's Social Media Manager and Senior Representative in PTSA. Working part-time at the Enclave Senior Residency, she always advocates to better the lives of others, even if it's by simple conversation. Born in Iraq, she is fluent in Arabic and is learning Turkish to feed her obsession with the culture and the shows. After graduating, she hopes to go to the University of Texas at Austin to major in architecture. Rania loves photography, "La La Land," Finneas, reading and spending time with friends and family.